Get insight into a range of common household problems from our friendly experts at Beltz Home Service Co. Keep reading or call us today!
At Beltz Home Service Co, we want all our clients to have the most convenient experience possible. With that aim in mind, we have compiled a list of the most commonly raised queries among property owners here in Findlay, OH.
Subject
When Should I Replace My Toilet?
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!
How Often Should I Replace My Furnace?
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.
Do You Have Any Plumbing Tips?
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.
Do You Have Any Heating and Cooling Tips?
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.)
How Often Should I Replace My Water Heater?
How to Prevent My Water Heater From Freezing Up?
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.
Why Do Water Heaters Catch Fire or Explode?
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.
Which Electrical Panel Size Is Right for My Home?
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.
What’s Causing My Generator to Surge?
What to Do When an Outlet Is Sparking?
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.