Our FAQ | Beltz Home Service Co

A. Today! All joking aside, if your toilet was made before 1996, the efficiency of a new toilet will use 64% less water per flush. Therefore, saving you money. Did you know that the average person flushes a toilet around 2,500 times a year? That’s a lot of water! If your toilet is the color of Harvest Gold, Avocado green, New Orleans blue, or Pink Champagne …. it’s time to replace that bad boy!

A. The average efficient lifespan of furnaces today is around 12 years. That doesn’t mean you cannot keep it going longer than that, but if the repair and/or upkeep are frequent it is time to look at a repair vs. replace comparison. No one wants their furnace to go bad on the coldest day of the year and be forced to upgrade to a new one without warning. Plan ahead, call us today to find out how we can extend the life of your furnace with our maintenance Service Partner Plan.

A. Here are a few tips we have compiled over the years to help with basic home maintenance:

Pipe Insulation

Insulate those pipes before it gets cold! When temperatures are at or below freezing, running a steady drop of hot and cold water from your faucets may keep your pipes from freezing. If your pipes are not insulated, they can freeze even with a small flow of water. So, insulate those pipes! But beware; insulated pipes can freeze when there is no water movement to keep the pipes warm.

Garbage Disposal

Use cold water when the disposal is operating. You can clean your disposal by grinding ice cubes. When your disposal needs a little freshening, just grind some lemon peels. Of course, you should read your maintenance manual.

Showerheads

Weak or changing water pressure usually points to a mineral buildup in the showerhead. Clean the outlet holes with a pin or unscrew the faceplate and soak it overnight in vinegar. Scrub it clean before replacing it on the showerhead.

Scalding Tap Water

Thousands of people are scalded by tap water every year. The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association recommends that the full-on hot water temperature at the faucet be set between 120° and 125° F.

Preventing Kitchen Drain Clogs

A clogged drain can be so frustrating; and, of course, it happens more often than we care to think about! Usually, kitchen sink drains clog because of a build-up of grease. The grease traps food particles, which eventually clogs the drain. Now, the bathroom drains are a different story.

A. We have compiled a list of relevant and timely articles that focus on helping you do your project yourself. We put these articles on our website in hopes that they would be helpful to other homeowners.

Inspect Ventilation

Inspect your furnace’s combustion area and vent system before each heating season. If you find dirt, soot, or rust, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call Beltz Home Service and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.

Check Level

Make sure your outdoor coil stays in a level position. If the support for your outdoor coil shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it to make sure moisture drains properly out from under the unit.

Brush Exterior

If the exterior of your outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. To clean dirt that is deep in the coil, contact Beltz Home Service to schedule maintenance.

Remove Debris

Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery, and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris to help the unit drain properly.

Check Filter

Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil each month. A dirty filter will cause excessive wear on your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type. (If you have a reusable filter, make sure it’s completely dry before you re-install it.)

A. The average life span of a tank-style water heater in Findlay and Hancock county ranges from 8 to 12 years. This depends greatly upon your water quality coming into the house and how often the water heater is maintained and flushed. Both are included in our Service Partner Plan.

A. If you want to keep your water heater from freezing up during the coldest parts of the year, we recommend:

• Keeping the exhaust and intake vents clear.
• Installing insulation.
• Investing in a specialized electric heater for your unit.

Need more assistance? Reach out to our experts for more specific solutions to your property’s winter problems.

A. Does your water heater run on gas? Certain problems like gas leaks, faulty heating elements, corroded tanks, and broken safety valves can lead to a dangerous explosion. If you stay proactive and keep your water heater regularly maintained, your odds of encountering a fiery accident are slim to none.

A. A red light can mean different things depending on the surge protector model. Some units have a red light when their protective capabilities are active, while others might indicate damage. Check your manual or reach out to our experts for further assistance.

A. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires a minimum 100-amp service panel for residential properties. This panel size can provide enough power for the average household with active HVAC systems and 240-volt appliances. If you plan to renovate your property or install new fixtures and appliances that require a lot of power, give us a call. Our technicians can calculate your total energy usage and recommend the appropriate panel upgrade.

A. A surging generator often stems from poor fueling habits. If you use the wrong type of fuel or keep your unit at low fuel levels, it can lead to many operational issues. Other problems that can cause surges to include poor maintenance, component damage, or excessive wear and tear from old age.

A. If your unit has a fuel valve, turn it off the moment you smell gas and don’t panic. You can rely on our emergency electric services to get help fast. For your safety, keep as far away from the source of the smell as possible until our technicians arrive.

A. If your outlet sparks out of the blue, here are some steps you can take to eliminate any hazards:

• Turn off the outlet’s power source using your circuit breaker. If you don’t know the specific switch, shut down the main supply instead.
• Once the outlet is no longer sparking, unplug any appliances connected to the outlet.
• Contact our team for emergency service.