You wouldn’t run the heat in the house with the windows open in the winter, would you? Of course not! Unfortunately, when you have multiple air leaks in the house, this is the exact effect happening within your home. The warm, expensive indoor air is permitted to escape the house, while chilly, winter outdoor air is allowed into the home. These air leaks can be found in many areas of the home. The attic, windows, doors, and basement are prime places for the average homeowner to lose warm air to the outdoors.

If the weather in your area is beginning to get a little chilly, you may want to begin some yearly maintenance tasks to keep the cold air out of your home. If the warm air leaks outdoors, your heating unit will have to work overtime to try to keep the house comfortable. This means more wear and tear on your unit, and possibly costly repairs in the future. Additionally, you will feel chillier in the house and your heating bills will skyrocket if too much cold air is able to penetrate your home. Most of the following ten repairs are fairly inexpensive and simple to do, requiring little more than a screwdriver, a few easily found items, and a sharp pair of eyes. If you can’t afford the big tasks, like new windows or a complete insulation replacement in the attic, do what you can in other areas of the house. Tackle a few of these jobs each weekend, and you’ll be surprised at how much cozier your home is this winter.

1. Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air.

You know what it’s like to stand in front of the door with cold air blowing on your toes from the crack under the door. Seal those door jambs and thresholds with weatherstripping. Also, pass your hand around the window frames and door frames. If you feel cool air, caulk the cracks to keep out the air

2. Install foam gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on the wall.

This is super easy to do, but it does take a little bit of time.  For just a few dollars, you can buy a large packet of foam gaskets to insulate behind your light switches and electrical outlets. Simply remove the center screw that holds in the faceplate, place the foam gasket in place, and replace the faceplate and screw. 

3. Install foam sealants on larger gaps on windows.

If you have larger cracks and gaps in the framing around your windows and doors, you may be better off using expanding foam to seal them up. Use this stuff carefully and always wear gloves while applying it.

4. Inspect insulation for mold and leaks.

When checking out the neglected corners of your house for air leaks, pay attention to the status of your insulation. If you have moldy insulation, you should replace it. Mold can make people very sick, and it’s an indication of dampness that can lead to rotten wood. Make sure there are no gaps or leaks in your insulation .

5. Cover or replace single-pane windows. If you seek replacement, install efficient double-pane windows instead.

While it can be expensive to replace the windows in your home, installing efficient double paned windows can save you big money over the years and keep your home more comfortable. The air space between double paned windows serves as insulation to allow light in, but keep cold air outside. If you can’t afford new windows at this time, using a window insulation kit or heavy insulated drapes can help keep winter drafts at bay.

6. Cover the kitchen exhaust fan when you are not using it.

The kitchen exhaust is like a huge chimney and can vent your indoor air if you don’t pay attention to it. You can cover this opening with a dishtowel using Velcro type attachments. However, it is very important to not forget to remove it before you turn on the fan. Also, don’t make the mistake of shoving an old rag in the opening. If someone doesn’t know about it or forgets to remove it before turning on the fan, the rag can be sucked up into the exhaust fan, completely ruining the appliance.

7. Seal air leaks around furnaces, chimneys, or water heater vents with fire resistant materials.

Be sure that when you insulate and seal around potential fire hazards that you use fire retardant materials. Places like chimneys, furnaces, and hot water heater vents can get very hot. Flammable materials could ignite in these places.

8. Check your dryer vent for any blockage.

While you’re checking around the dryer vent, you may want to make a quick inspection of the dryer vent. If the dryer vent is blocked this is a fire risk.. Also, your dryer will be very inefficient without maximum airflow.

9. Check attics, basements, and crawl spaces for air leaks before the winter begins.

Look around in the frequently overlooked areas of the home for cold air leaks. Attics, basements, and crawl spaces can be places where cool air can enter the home. Close the vents to crawl spaces to keep cool air out. Shine a flashlight in dim corners to ensure that rodents or other critters haven’t chewed holes in unexpected places. Seal up cracks with putty or caulk, and make sure the insulation in the attic hasn’t been disturbed.

10. Seal air leaks around any plumbing or electrical fixtures coming from the walls, floor, and ceiling. 

Any time an electrical or plumbing fixture enters the house, there’s a chance that the opening through the wall isn’t sealed well. Double check these areas, and use foam insulation or caulk to close up holes where cold air can invade. Look behind toilets, under sinks, where the refrigerator water line enters the house, and where the dryer vent exhausts to the outdoors.

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By McHales

Your plumbing is something you tend to take for granted – until something goes wrong. When that happens, you realize just how dependent you are upon properly performing plumbing. It is more than a little inconvenient when your toilet won’t flush or you turn on your faucet and only a trickle comes out, but your basement is flooded because a pipe rusted through. Emergencies such as these can be avoided for the most part if you spend time conducting regular plumbing inspections. Just as a car only performs well with regular maintenance, so it is with your plumbing. Neglecting your plumbing can lead to some serious complications over time, complications that can cost you a great deal of money.

The Effects of Neglect

Other than a non-working toilet and flooded basement, neglecting to have regular plumbing check-ups can see you:

• Frequent drain clogs
• Reduced lifespan of plumbing fixtures
• No hot water
• Frequent pipe leaks
• Higher costs on utility bills
• Higher risk of frozen or burst pipes
• Greater in-home discomfort

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

On the other hand, if you take a few minutes on a regular basis to go through and check on the health of your plumbing, you will realize a great many benefits, including:

• Improved plumbing fixture lifespan
• Lower costs on utility bills
• Reduced risk of water damage
• Greater convenience around the house
• Hot water 24/7 for showering, laundry, dishwashing, etc.
• Improved water quality
• Better peace of mind

What to Look For

Now that you know the importance of regular plumbing inspections, you probably want to know exactly what you need to check, and if you will know when something needs to be fixed. A general inspection is easy to do and we will tell you what needs checking and what you are looking for. As for repairs, it is best to leave most plumbing repairs to professionals as one wrong move can end up creating a lot of damage. Taking the time to perform an inspection, however, is something that you will become proficient at over a short period of time.  Include the following in your inspection:

1. Check water heaters for any leaks – Look for signs of damp concrete or puddles beneath the tank.
2. Testing shut-off and pressure relief valve on water heaters – Turn this off and then on and make sure it is operating as it should. Operation should be smooth and without sound and reaction should be immediate.
3. Check electrical or gas valve connections on water heaters – A short in the electrical unit or a leak in the gas valve connections can not only cost money but also create a fire risk.
4. Inspect plumbing fixtures leaks or damages – check for drips on the floor, signs of leaking in walls and any moisture on pipes. All of these can indicate there is a leak somewhere. Small drips become major leaks if not repaired.
5. Be alert of any slow drainage from fixtures – This indicates there is a clog somewhere in the system. Water should flow freely and quickly.
6. Check faucets for leaks. – Washers wear out and seals get broken. The little drip that may appear barely noticeable can add up to hundreds of dollars in wasted water over time. 
7. Test flushing on toilets for leaks. – Your toilet should only run long enough for the tank to refill when you flush the toilet. If your toilet runs continuously or seems to run at odd times between use, it can mean the seal inside needs replaced.
8. Check or install water softening systems – Hard water not only leaves stains but it also causes build-up within your pipes that will slowly rust them from the inside out. Installing a water softening system takes care of both problems.
9. Check or install water filtration  – Chemicals added to water to clean it can cause problems with build-up within pipes. A water filtration system will help eliminate the worst of the damage in the areas around the spigot and in such appliances as dishwashers and washing machines.
10. Ensure piping is insulated and leak free – A frozen pipe can burst as it warms back up. The constant expanding/contracting of repeated freezing/thawing weakens the pipe, and all the pipes connected to it. Install special pipe insulation around all pipes and check regularly to make sure it remains free of tears and holes.

Run through this general inspection twice a year and you should be able to catch any minor problems before they become major ones. It is also recommended that once a year you have a professional come in and inspect the parts of your system you can’t. With regular maintenance, you won’t have to worry about being left high and dry at the worst possible moment.

Call McHale’s for repiping service today!

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By McHales

A dreaded question that few consider the answer to until they find themselves high and dry; literally. There are a few common reasons why people find themselves without, and if you are sure you’re up to date on your bills, most of them have to do with your heater. Here are some common reasons your water heater isn’t working and some quick ways to help resolve your issue. 

No Hot Water 

If you have none whatsoever, that’s cause for some alarm. After all, your water heater’s one and only function is to provide you with hot water. Before you call up a professional, the first thing you’ll want to do is check the pilot light. You can typically locate the light at the base of the water heater. If the light is out, your next move should be to call up a professional plumber to get you back on track. 

You Don’t Have Enough Hot Water

Maybe you have some hot water but not enough to suit your needs. We’ve all taken those nice warm showers that turn into frigid nightmares because the hot water fails on you. In cases like these, there are one of two culprits, the first of which is a broken thermometer. This is a very easy fix for any water heater professional can patch up. The other possibility is that your current heater is unable to match your hot water needs. This can be because your household has grown in size, your hot water usage has increased, or the equipment’s effectiveness has been curbed in old age. In this instance, increasing your tank size may be the optimal solution to getting more hot water.

Your Heater is Leaking 

Of all the issues you could have with your heater, this is probably the worst. A leak is a sure fire sign that your water heater is on its way out and you’re due for a replacement, and heaters can be some expensive pieces of equipment. Sadly there’s not much to be done about a heater that’s so far gone that it sprung a serious leak, and you need to act quickly before the leak turns into a burst that floods your home with gallons of water. The team at McHales can walk you through the process of finding a new heater to last you for years to come. Never ask “why don’t I have hot water?” again!

Call McHale’s for water heater service today!

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By McHales

Many people neglect repiping service as a household need. However, there are warning signs to pay attention to that indicate you need repiping.  Repiping services can potentially prevent homeowners from experiencing a terrible disaster while saving them a great deal of time, money, and psychological stress in the long run. Pipes really don’t last forever, and it’s important for homeowners to recognize when their pipes are going to need to be replaced by pipe replacement:

1.  Low Water Pressure

When pipes start to fail, they immediately start taking the water pressure with them. You might notice that the water pressure in your shower isn’t as strong as it used to be, or that you are not getting much pressure from the sinks. This means that the pipes may be in the early stages of failing at that point, or they may have already progressed in that direction. 

2.  Corroded Pipes

In most cases, household pipes are hidden from view. However, some pipes are going to be visible outside of the house or in some other locations like the basement. If any of these pipes appear to be rusty, it’s a sign that some of the interior household pipes are just as rusty and in need of replacement.

3.  Murky Water

Tap water does get murky sometimes, which is why using a filter for drinking water is a good idea. However, when the water is consistently murky and the murkiness does not go away even after letting the water run for several seconds, it’s a sign that there might be something wrong with the pipes and you need to call a plumber right away.  

4.  Rusty Spots

Given that pipes run throughout a person’s house, people are sometimes going to see rust spots in odd places throughout their homes if they have old and rusting pipes that need to be replaced. This is more common in older houses.  

5.  Unexplained Cracks and Holes

Pipes run through an entire house, and failing pipes can cause cracks and holes in odd places. Overall, people should note that old and failing pipes can actually cause a lot of tremendous household damage. It’s important for people to recognize these signs and take measures to fix any cracks or holes with professional help.  

6.  Unexplained Dampness

People who are starting to get random water stains on their walls or floors might have old and leaky pipes. Unexplained household leaks are often caused by failing older pipes and not by water coming in from the outside.  

7.  Multiple Leaks

One household leak could have multiple sources. However, if people have several household leaks, and they seem to occur in areas that are heavy on the plumbing, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the internal piping system.

8.  Outdated Piping

Older piping systems do not last as long as many of the newer pipes that people have today. Of course, most people should want to get their polybutylene and especially lead pipes replaced for the sake of health reasons. One way or another,  replacing these these old piping systems will be beneficial.  

9.  Strange Noises

Sometimes, old pipes that really need to be replaced can make funny noises when water runs through them, owing to the fact that their internal flaws will make the water’s path less smooth. Pipes will usually make some noises, however really pronounced and unsettling noises should not be ignored.

10.  Advanced Household Age

The older the pipes, the more likely they are to fail. People don’t often change their pipes, and when people purchase an older home, they may well be dealing with the original pipes of the property. The older the house gets, the more advanced the damage to the pipes is going to be in almost all cases. Older houses should always be suspect in this regard. Houses that were built in 1960 or earlier are particularly susceptible.

The Benefits of Replacing Pipes

People often waste money on their water bills as a result of bad pipes, and repiping can fix that. Bad pipes can cause a lot of costly and difficult household damage that people can prevent through repiping services. Bad pipes can affect water quality, and replacing pipes can give people cleaner and healthier water.  Furthermore, replacing pipes will prevent a disaster that may require expensive water damage restoration. Today’s household pipes last longer and are more durable than older pipes, giving homeowners peace of mind knowing they are saving money and improving their health with superior water quality.

Call McHale’s for repiping service today!

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By McHales

A safe home is everyone’s dream haven. Ideally, your dwelling is a place where danger isn’t allowed to enter.  However, as a responsible homeowner it is imperative that you safeguard every inch of your abode to the best of your ability. If not harnessed correctly, electricity can be a foe instead of the illuminating friend we rely on. Toward that end, we’ve included a list of what to look for in terms of protecting your home and more importantly when to replace your electrical outlets for maximum safety. 

1. Home is equipped with two-prong outlets

A quick scan of your outlets will answer this question. The National Electrical Code or NEC, made grounded three-prong outlets a requirement in 1965.  NEC though not the federal law is a part of the National Fire Codes series under the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA. The aim of NEC is to ensure a standard of safe electrical practices. Grounding an outlet refers to having a direct circuit path back to the actual earth or ground for extra current. This is what makes the third prong necessary. Two pronged outlets are known as being polarized. If there is a short in the wire, or excessive current due to a faulty appliance or for any reason, the chances of an electrical fire are greater in a two pronged circuit system since the excess or misdirected current has no way to travel to a neutralizing port – the ground.

It is critical to check for two pronged outlets quickly and if any are found schedule an electrician visit immediately to have the outlets updated.   

2. Outlets have significant wear and tear

 This is a point that many people overlook or put at the bottom of their to-do list. Signs of significant wear and tear include worn outlets. If inserted cords do not fit snugly in the receptacle. If the cords slip out easily or are hanging out of the outlet, there is a chance that excess or even the proper voltage current may not have the proper channel in which to flow due to ill-fitted prongs.

Other signs of wear and tear include broken plate covers that expose the electrical outlet mechanism. Paint or other decorative substances inside the outlet pose another risk. To ensure safety, outlets that are exhausted from years of use need to be replaced as soon as possible.  

3. Electrical outlets are not tamper resistant

If you look around your home and find that the outlets are not tamper resistant then it is a good chance you need to replace them.  For over twenty years the NEC mandates require tamper resistant electrical outlets for the pediatric floors of hospital settings. Since 2008 NEC has required tamper resistant outlets on newly constructed residential dwellings.  The tamper resistant outlets are manufactured with a shutter that only allows a two pronged plug into the receptacle to properly create a circuit. If a child attempts to put a foreign object into one of the receptacles the shutter will not open allowing for proper contact to connect the flow of electricity. Since many people do not live in a new construction it is important to speak with your landlord about the outlets in your abode.   

4. Home is equipped with builder’s grade outlets

Builder’s grade or homeowner’s grade outlets are the least expensive outlets that can be purchased. It is a very good chance that if your home has been built by a contractor and you did not specifically request a higher grade outlet you have builder’s grade outlets installed in your home. If you are a renter again you should speak with your landlord regarding the outlets in use in your rented dwelling. Builder’s grade outlets are of an overall poorer quality and are designed to last for 5 to 10 years at most.

Not significantly more expensive are the better choice for residences which is commercial grade outlets. These outlets are built to last for one hundred years. Replace builder’s grade outlets with commercial grade. The third general type of outlet on the market is the hospital grade outlet. These outlets are very expensive and not typically recommended for residential use.

5. Outlets have ungrounded receptacles 

Ungrounded receptacles are receptacles which are two pronged and have no way to channel electrical current to a ground or earth source. Replacing two pronged outlets with three pronged outlets will remedy the problem and provide safe outlets for your home.  In addition to replacing the two-pronged receptacles it is necessary to have an electrician check your panel’s grounding source.

Keeping your home safe can start with a visual sweep and inspection of your electrical outlets. With a little thought and savvy you can quickly ascertain whether or not you need to replace your electrical outlets.   

Call McHale’s today and replace your electrical outlets today!

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By McHales