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Find and Repair Hidden Plumbing Leaks in Your Cleveland Home

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Tracing leaks in your home’s plumbing system isn’t easy. However, it has to be done if you want to avoid damage caused by leaky pipes.

Determine what type of leak you have will help you find its source. Just move all of your portable appliances and look for the source. If a dishwasher’s supply line is faulty, moisture will be visible around it. If you don’t find the leak, you should turnFind and Repair Hidden Plumbing Leaks in Your Cleveland Home off all appliances connected to a water source. Once you do this, mark the meter reading. If it goes up, you have a leak.

Every now and then you should check the following areas for leaks:

Crawlspaces and Basements

Look for any exposed pipes. If you notice corrosion or dampness around pipes, you probably have a leak. If you find mold and rotted wood in your basement and crawlspace, you can pinpoint the leak to these areas.

Floors, Ceilings and Walls

How is the flooring around appliances and fixtures that use water? Moisture around bathtubs, toilets and refrigerators may indicate a leak. This because your floor warps and cracks when exposed to water for prolonged periods of time.

Make sure to inspect the ceiling and walls located underneath bathrooms. If you find stains, there’s a leakage in nearby pipes. Peeling paint and wallpaper also indicate leakage. Get in touch with a plumber immediately to prevent any further damage to your property.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

Check beneath the cabinets in your bathroom and kitchen with a flashlight, looking for moisture at the pipe joints. If you find corrosion on any fittings and valves, you may have a leakage. Remove everything from your cabinets and inspect inside for mildew and water stains. Make sure you tighten the fittings to prevent further leaks. If you can’t repair hidden plumbing leaks, enlist the help of an expert.

Please contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to learn more about the leaks in your home. We’ve been serving Greater Cleveland for over 80 years.

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Effective Ways to Detect Carbon Monoxide in Your Oberlin Home

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When inhaled in large amounts, carbon monoxide can be highly noxious. Because it has no smell and can’t be seen, homeowners need to know how to detect leaks in their homes. The longer a person is exposed to this toxic gas, the more damage it can cause on their health.

This gas is produced during incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Common sources of this gas in our homes include water heaters, power generators, stoves and space heaters.Effective Ways to Detect Carbon Monoxide in Your Oberlin Home

What Are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Symptoms vary depending on your home’s level of carbon monoxide, as well as your length of exposure. These include;

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hearing loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Disorientation and confusion
  • Headache and dizziness

How to Detect Carbon Monoxide

A carbon monoxide detector can be helpful in determining the CO levels in your home. Wall socket detectors can protect you from high levels, but they can’t measure the exact concentration of CO in your home.

Additionally, CO detectors don’t set off their alarms when they detect low levels. By the time it builds up, your family might already have been exposed to significant levels of CO. The best instrument to use in detection is a portable CO monitor because it has a digital readout. This device can be tested regularly by exposing it to low CO levels. This way, you’re positive it still works.

You can also check your fireplace for soot accumulation. If combustion is not taking place properly, you’ll find soot on the inside of your fireplace. Routine inspection of your water heater, fireplace and other home appliances is necessary for your health and peace of mind. Yellow flames emanating from gas appliances should also be examined. The flame should ideally be blue in color. Therefore, yellow flames could mean there’s a CO leak.

For more information about carbon monoxide poisoning, you can get in touch with Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We’ve been operating in the Greater Cleveland area since 1935.

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Easy Ways to Winterize Plumbing and Pipes in Your Oberlin Home

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If winter temperatures dip to 20 degrees or below, the water lines in your home are vulnerable to freezing. When plumbing pipes freeze, the water inside expands. The pressure this expansion creates can cause the line to burst, leaving you with water damage and costly repairs when everything thaws out.Easy Ways to Winterize Plumbing and Pipes in Your Oberlin Home

The best way to avoid the headache and expense of frozen, ruptured water lines is to properly winterize plumbing and pipes in and around your home.

Protect Vulnerable Areas

Insulate both hot and cold water pipes situated in unconditioned areas, such as the attic, garage, basement or crawlspace. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive polyethylene insulation sleeves that are easy to install. Wrap pipes located in exterior walls with UL-listed heat trace tape before installing sleeve insulation.

Look After the Hose Bib

Put away your garden hose and shut off the indoor valve that feeds the spigot. Next, open the outdoor faucet and let the line drain. Leave it open to prevent a pressure buildup, and cover the hose bib with a Styrofoam insulator for an extra layer of protection.

Drain Outdoor Water Lines

If you have a sprinkler system or swimming pool, drain the water lines but don’t add anti-freeze unless it’s specifically mentioned by your manufacturer.

Take Extra Precautions During Cold Snaps

When the forecast is calling for extremely low temperatures, open the cabinet doors under the bathroom and kitchen sinks so warm air can circulate around the water lines. Open up the faucets just slightly to maintain a trickle of water to help avert frozen pipes. Keep the thermostat set at your usual daytime temperature consistently, rather than dialing it back to reduce energy consumption.

Eliminate Air Leaks

Check around your exterior walls and foundation for gaps, cracks and holes where cold winter air can infiltrate. Seal up any you locate with caulking or an expandable foam product. Repair cracked basement windows, and replace damaged or missing weatherstripping and insulation around basement and garage doors.

For more tips on how to winterize plumbing and pipes in your Greater Cleveland area home, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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5 Simple Ways to Cut Your Home Heating Costs This Winter

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It isn’t difficult or expensive to cut your home heating costs without having to sacrifice your comfort. Not only will these tips increase your wintertime comfort, they’ll lower your energy usage year-round. 

  1. Stop the air infiltration. One of the most reliable ways to find air leaks in your home’s shell is through an energy audit that uses a blower door test, or conduct your own. Turn on all the exhaust fans indoors and light a stick of incense. Walk around the walls and anywhere you see the smoke moving at an angle, note its location. It indicates a leak you can seal later with caulk or expanding foam.5 Simple Ways to Cut Your Home Heating Costs This Winter
  2. Have your heating system serviced. A tuned-up HVAC system runs more efficiently, safely and durably. Make a note to check the air filter for the blower monthly and change it when it’s covered with dust. A dirty filter drives up energy costs because it slows the airflow through the filter, causing the system to run longer.
  3. Use reversible ceiling fans. Heat rises and it’s warmer near the ceiling in the winter. A reversing fan will move the warmer air closer to the floor. You can effectively cut your home heating costs if your ceiling plates exceed eight feet.
  4. Deal with the windows. Aging and inefficient windows lose a good deal of heat through the glass panes, the window frames and the sashes. Replacing old windows with Energy Star or thermal windows requires a financial commitment, but they will pay for themselves in energy savings. Using clear plastic window kits is a viable alternative for stopping drafts and some of the heat transfer through the glass. Applied according to the directions, the plastic won’t obstruct your view.
  5. Install a programmable thermostat. Such a device adjusts the temperature based on home occupancy patterns so that you won’t have to remember to change it. Each degree you keep the temperature cooler inside saves heating costs.

To learn more about how to cut your home heating costs, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, providing top-notch services for greater Cleveland homeowners since 1950.

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Essential Maintenance Tips for Home Heating Boilers

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Home heating boilers should never be repaired by do-it-yourselfers, and even the manufacturer’s recommended annual servicing should be completed by a qualified heating and cooling technician. However, some light maintenance tasks are appropriate for homeowners with moderate DIY skills. Performing these tasks can help you detect early signs of trouble, as well as help you understand repairs or replacements your contractor may suggest.  

Here’s an overview of what’s doable for homeowners when they’re maintaining home heating boilers:

  • First, check the vent pipe leading to your roof for holes, loose joints between segments and debris, such as leaves or bird’s nests that may clog the vent.Essential Maintenance Tips for Home Heating Boilers
  • Look around and under your boiler for dripping or other evidence of water leakage. Any unexplained pooling on the floor should be brought to the attention of a qualified service technician.
  • Locate the pressure relief valve on the side of your boiler, as well as the discharge pipe that leads away from the valve. While your boiler is at operating temperature, see if you can feel the warmth of hot water passing through the discharge pipe. Also, listen for the sound of water spurting out of the valve. Either of these may identify a leaky pressure relief valve or a valve opening due to excess pressure or temperature. Report this problem to your HVAC contractor immediately.
  • Next, inspect your boiler expansion tank for proper air pressure. Your valve reading should be within manufacturer’s specs—usually between 12 to 15 psi. Readings above this range usually indicate excess water in the expansion tank and should be checked by a heating service person immediately. You can often guess the state of your tank by feeling the side. When your boiler is operating, the tank should feel uniformly warm or hot from top to bottom. If the bottom feels cooler than the top, this usually signifies water accumulation that must be drained by a service professional.

For more information on maintaining home heating boilers and how to get professional help in greater Cleveland, contact Geisel Heating & Air Conditioning.

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Why is My Hot Water Discolored & How Do I Fix It?

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Household hot water should be as clear and colorless as cold water. When it’s not, your water heater is the most likely suspect. Hot water heaters have average expected life spans of only around 12 years. Discolored hot water is one sign a water heater may be reaching the end of its service life and may mean you need the services of a professional plumber ASAP.

Mineral deposits dissolved in municipal water sink to the bottom of the heater and eventually solidify. This in turn makes the burner run longer to heat water, as well as triggering tank corrosion and discoloring water. If it hasn’t yet solidified inside the tank, sediment may be cleared by a simple DIY tank draining procedure:Why is My Hot Water Discolored & How Do I Fix It?

  1. Turn off the cold water inlet valve on top of the tank and turn the gas valve selector knob to “Off.”
  2. Attach a garden hose to the drain faucet valve at the base of the tank. Route the hose outdoors to discharge water safely.
  3. Open the tank drain faucet to begin draining. Locate the pressure relief valve near the top of the tank and lift the spring-loaded lever to relieve vacuum in the tank and expedite draining. When the tank is drained allow the pressure relief valve to snap shut and close the drain faucet.
  4. Disconnect the garden hose.  Turn on the cold water inlet valve and follow manufacturer’s instruction to turn on the gas and relight the pilot (if equipped.)
  5. Open a few hot water taps in the home to allow air to bleed out of the system.

Discolored water that isn’t remedied by flushing the tank may indicate permanent sediment accretion. Other meaningful symptoms include popping and boiling sounds, poor performance and increasing operating costs as well as evidence of leakage. Because the sudden failure of a water heater tank could potentially flood your home and cause expensive water damage, contact a professional plumber if tank flushing doesn’t resolve water discoloration.

For professional help to deal with hot water issues, in the greater Cleveland area contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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Got a Clogged Sewer Line? Here Are the Next Steps You Should Take

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It’s disheartening when you realize you’ve got a slow-draining sink, bathtub or toilet, but the main issues are determining how serious the blockage is, and where it is located. The worst case scenario is a clogged sewer line — an event that requires the help of a licensed plumber with the right equipment. 

What Causes a Clogged Sewer?

Sewer lines, which are on average 6 inches in diameter, are generally not blocked by paper or other debris but rather by tree roots. If you were a tree root, you too would find it inviting to invade the tiny crevices and openings in a pipe fuGot a Clogged Sewer Line? Here Are the Next Steps You Should Takell of moisture. The roots also feed on the nutrients in the sewer effluent, and eventually flourish sufficiently to block your plumbing.

Determining the Type of Clog

You will probably want to figure out if you have a simple drain clog before you call a plumber. Simple clogged drains may be fixed by the following methods:

  • Leave a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar in the drain for an hour and flush with hot water.
  • Plunge toilet clogs vigorously. For sink clogs, use a plunger made specially for sinks.
  • Disconnect the sink drain to ensure it’s clear.
  • Try a drain snake, a flexible steel cable. There are different kinds, electric or manual, snakes for toilets or sink drains, and top snakes for showers, tubs, bathroom sinks and washing machine stoppages.
  • Some homeowners swear by chemical solutions to clear simple clogs, but plumbers usually don’t recommend these.

If none of these methods work, call a plumber.

Professional Cleaning Methods

A plumber will probably use an auger, which is longer than the sink or toilet auger or snake described above and is power assisted. Also frequently used is a high-pressure water jet powerful enough to blow roots down the line.

Plumbers may also recommend that homeowners use a chemical root killer periodically to keep roots from invading sewers.

To learn about dealing with a clogged sewer line, call us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. We’ve been serving the Greater Cleveland area for 79 years.

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How to Change and Control a Room’s Humidity Level

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Your home environment’s humidity has a lot of impacts on your health, comfort, and home maintenance, with problems arising if the humidity gets either too high or too low. If you can control a room’s humidity level, you can lower your energy bills as well as feeling better.

Lower a room’s humidity

When humidity is too high, mold, bacteria, and fungus have the chance to form colonies and lower your indoor air qHow to Change and Control a Room's Humidity Leveluality. Condensation on walls and ceilings can also damage your home, and books can become warped. In order to lower your room’s humidity, try these tips:

  • Run an air conditioner in the summer. Cooler air can hold less moisture, so your air conditioner can help keep excess moisture in check.
  • Spread cat litter on a baking pan, and place it in an out-of-the-way space. The litter will absorb moisture from the air.
  • Install a dehumidifier. If this room is a single problem spot like a kitchen or bathroom, a stand-alone unit will do. To control humidity for your entire house, a whole-house humidifier is a wise investment.
  • Improve the room’s ventilation. Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, cycling the air can help stop high humidityg.

Raise a room’s humidity

When your air isn’t humid enough, it can cause irritation in your throat and lungs, and lead to dry and cracking skin. Static electricity builds up more easily, which can damage electronics. Through the winter, it’s more difficult for a dry room to retain heat. If you need to raise your room’s humidity, try these tips:

  • Grow green, leafy plants which can be watered frequently. Not only will the evaporating water raise humidity, but the plants themselves will boost your air quality.
  • Install a vaporizer or a humidifier. If this room is a problem spot in your home, a stand-alone humidifier can help. If it’s a bedroom, vaporizers are good for sinuses and respiratory health. Or, a whole-house humidifier can keep your whole home humid enough for comfort.

Ask the experts

To learn more about how to control a room’s humidity level, contact us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

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How to Prevent Mineral Buildup in Your Home Humidifier

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When trying to relieve your Cleveland area home from excessive dryness, it is likely you use a home humidifier. When using the humidifier to add moisture to the air, you may have noticed a fine white dust on your furniture that is nearby. This dust is a result of minerals that are in the water. Over time, the minerals can build up in your humidifier and reduce the efficiency of the unit, or cause it to stop working at all. Preventing mineral buildup is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your humidifier running properly.

Begin by unplugging the humidifier and removing the tank and the housing. If the filter is washable, place it in hot water and add some undiluted white vinegar. Allow it to soak while you work on the humidifier. Carefully pour vinegar intoHow to Prevent Mineral Buildup in Your Home Humidifier the base where water normally enters to become mist and allow it to sit for about twenty minutes.

Meanwhile, wash the water tank in hot, soapy water. If there are any visible mineral deposits, soften them with vinegar and scrub them away with a cloth or soft brush. If you wish to disinfect the tank while the unit is disassembled, fill it with fresh water and add a quarter cup of bleach. Set the tank aside.

Empty the vinegar from the base and wipe it with a clean cloth. If you can still see mineral deposits, you may want to carefully loosen them with a soft brush and rinse carefully. Rinse the filter and tank with clean water and reassemble your home humidifier. Performing this maintenance weekly will prevent future buildup and extend the life of your humidifier.

Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing can help you with your home’s humidity. Serving Cleveland and surrounding areas for nearly 80 years, we can provide you with the best solution for your needs.

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Tips for Troubleshooting Common Toilet Problems

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Tips for Troubleshooting Common Toilet ProblemsNobody loves a broken toilet. When something goes wrong, our first reaction is to get it fixed right away, but calling a plumber is often unnecessary. Read up on these simple steps for troubleshooting toilet problems before you reach for the phone to call your plumber.

Clogged and Overflowing

This is probably the most common problem, and the scariest! First off, to stop the water from overflowing after an attempted flush, simply reach into the tank and prop up the fill valve. This will stop the flow of water before the nastiness hits your floor and potentially causes damage.

Then it’s time to use the plunger, which most of us have handy, but many don’t know exactly how to use. Place the plunger all the way down in the bowl, making a good seal with the hole at the bottom, and then plunge all the way up and down, keeping the seal intact—you will feel or hear the difference when the toilet has become unclogged. Try flushing again at this point.

Constant Running and “Phantom Flushing”

The flapper valve is probably not sealing properly if your toilet sounds like it’s constantly filling. Make sure there is nothing obvious keeping the valve up,such as a water saving device in the tank, and then clean the valve of mineral deposits. Finally, check the chain to see if it is too short and is holding the flapper valve up. Fixing or replacing the valve can also cure the “phantom flush,” when your toilet flushes itself, seemingly at random.

When to Call the Plumber

There comes a time when troubleshooting toilet problems on your own isn’t enough, and it’s time to call in the professionals. These include:

  • When backed up or overflowing water is severe enough that it’s damaging the house’s structure.
  • When raw sewage is entering the home.
  • When you can’t find the source of the leak.

For more expert advice on troubleshooting toilet problems, as well as HVAC and other plumbing services, contact Geisel today. We’ve been faithfully serving greater Cleveland and the surrounding areas for over 75 years.

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Air Conditioner Maintenance Any Cleveland Homeowner Can Handle

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Air Conditioner Maintenance Any Cleveland Homeowner Can HandleIf you expect your cooling system to handle the heat of the greater Cleveland area’s summers, you’ll need to stay on top of your air conditioner maintenance. Annual professional maintenance alone isn’t enough. There are still a few things you as a homeowner need to do to keep your system going strong.

Clear the Way for Good Airflow

When an air conditioner doesn’t receive the airflow it needs, its energy efficiency drops and its components are placed under strain. A dirty air filter alone can cut your system’s efficiency by 5 to 15 percent. Check your filter monthly and replace it if it’s accumulated a layer of dust. Cheaper filters usually need monthly replacement, while higher-efficiency pleated models last longer.

Leaves and other debris around your outdoor condenser unit also impair airflow. As part of your regular air conditioner maintenance, periodically clean the outdoor unit’s exterior fins with a stiff brush. Once a year, shut down your system and use a wet  vac to suck dirt from the fins. Remove the top grill and vacuum inside around the motor and fan.

Look After the Components

Dust on the evaporator coil acts as insulation, impairing the refrigerant’s ability to absorb heat. This lowers your system’s efficiency and strains the evaporator coil and compressor. Once or twice a year, inspect the coil and, if it’s dusty, clean it with foaming coil cleaner or compressed air. A coil with a thick layer of dust or corrosion should be professionally cleaned.

The condensate drain can develop algae blockages that stop water from draining. If this happens, either a safety switch will be triggered to shut down the system or the water will back up, possibly causing damage. To inhibit algae, pour half a cup of white vinegar into the drain once or twice a season. Carefully insert a thin wire into the drain to clear it. Periodically clear the outdoor end of the drain by sucking out debris with a wet vac.

If you could use a little help with your air conditioner maintenance, talk with the pros at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We proudly serve the greater Cleveland area.

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8 Tips for Keeping Cooling Costs Low in Cleveland This Summer

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8 Tips for Keeping Cooling Costs Low in Cleveland This SummerWhen the temperature outside your home rises, chances are your electricity bill may as well. Like most homeowners, you don’t want to swelter inside your own residence, but you also don’t want to shell out more money during the summer months running your air conditioner to stay cool. When the weather heats up, use these simple tips to reduce cooling costs.

How to Reduce Cooling Costs This Summer

  1. Use a programmable thermostat – By increasing your home’s temperature when you’re gone during the day, you can shave up to one percent off of your energy bill for every degree you raise the temperature.
  2. Don’t set the thermostat too low – The highest comfortable setting—ideally 78 degrees or higher—is best, as the closer the indoor and outdoor temperatures are, the lower your cooling bill will be.
  3. Use ceiling fans – Fans are less expensive to run than air conditioners. Turning your ceiling fan on while your air conditioner is running will reduce cooling costs by allowing you to raise the thermostat by up to four degrees without feeling warmer.
  4. Avoid heat buildup – Turn indoor lights off during the day and air dry clothing and dishes to avoid the heat generated from clothes dryers and dishwashers. Use an outdoor grill or microwave for cooking.
  5. Lower the shades – Pulling the shades down or drawing the curtains on hot, sunny days means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep your house cool.
  6. Perform monthly HVAC maintenanceClean or replace the air filters regularly so your system won’t have to work as hard. Keep the exterior coils free of dirt, leaves and debris.
  7. Keep your windows closed – Keeping your windows closed, even at night, will reduce the humidity build up and result in cooler, drier air indoors.
  8. Schedule regular maintenance – Have an HVAC system inspection performed by a professional, certified technician to keep your unit working properly and to avoid costly repairs.

For more information about how to keep your home cool and comfortable when the outdoor temperature soars, contact the greater Cleveland area home comfort experts at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing.

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Easy Ways to Reduce Household Dust and Improve Indoor Air Quality

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Easy Ways to Reduce Household Dust and Improve Indoor Air QualityDust can be discouraging. Some homes just seem more prone to dust than others, as it penetrates through tiny leaks around windows or enters when the door is opened. If your home seems perennially dusty, take heart. There are ways to improve conditions and reduce household dust. 

First, though, understand that dust is minute particles of dirt, hair, skin flakes and fibers from textiles, carpets and paper. For some, dust is a mere annoyance; for others, it can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks. It’s always smart to keep it under control.

Tips to Reduce Household Dust

  1. Use a good quality air filter in your HVAC system. Choose a pleated filter, with a minimum efficiency reporting value of 8 to 12 to help eliminate dust that may be re-circulating in your home’s air.
  2. Clean your home often. That means vacuuming carpets, rugs and upholstery regularly with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, mopping hard floors with a damp mop and using a damp cloth, or one with an electrostatic charge, to dust furniture. Avoid sweeping with a broom or dusting with a feather duster. Turn on the HVAC system while you vacuum to capture any dust you stir up.
  3. Encase pillows and mattresses in allergen-proof coverings to deter dust mites. Wash linens often in hot water.
  4. Keep windows and doors closed. Search for air leaks around windows and doors with a lit incense stick. Seal up cracks around doors with weatherstripping and caulk leaks around windows.
  5. Minimize figurines and other dust collectors around the home.
  6. Beat area rugs and pillows outdoors.
  7. Consider an air cleaner. Whole-house air cleaners installed into the HVAC system do the best job of controlling dust and other pollutants in a home, while portables clean one room at a time. Air cleaners with an electrostatic or electronic charge attract dust particles to their filters and—while effective—must be cleaned

For more information on how to reduce household dust, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. We’ve served our greater Cleveland customers for more than 75 years.

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How to Reduce Your Water Bill This Summer

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How to Reduce Your Water Bill This SummerIf your household water consumption is comparable to the average American family’s, you’re paying for approximately 3,000 gallons of water a month per person. Implementing the following strategies to reduce your water bill can help you save money and conserve a valuable, exhaustible resource.

Find and Fix Plumbing Leaks

One running toilet can waste roughly 200 gallons of water per day. Factor in leaking water lines, dripping faucets and shower heads, and it’s easy add up the potential savings of fixing all the plumbing leaks around your home. To get water waste issues dealt with promptly, have a qualified professional perform a periodic inspection of the plumbing system and all fixtures in the home.

Reduce Kitchen and Laundry Water Use

Composting food waste instead of using the garbage disposal can save four gallons of water per minute of run time. Always run the dishwasher full on the most economical setting, and scrape dirty dishes instead of rising them to save about 20 gallons a load. Avoid small loads in the clothes washer as well, since they take twice as much water to wash as full loads.

Avoid Water Waste in the Bathroom

Running the water while shaving or brushing your teeth wastes two gallons a minute, so always shut off the faucet. Taking showers instead of baths saves between 10 and 15 gallons of water. You can conserve even more by placing a bucket in the shower to collect “warm up” water and use it in the garden or for houseplants.

Make Conservation-Focused Upgrades

When it’s time to update toilets, faucets and shower heads, invest in WaterSense products that are certified to curb water usage by approximately 20 percent. In the meantime, take steps to control unnecessary water waste by installing inexpensive low-flow aerators on all the faucets and shower heads to cut flow by about 50 percent. When replacing the clothes washer, dishwasher or water heater, choose the most efficient units available within your budget.

To learn more ways to reduce your water bill this summer, contact the greater Cleveland area home comfort pros at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.

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Common Reasons Why Your A/C Is Blowing Hot Air

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Common Reasons Why Your A/C Is Blowing Hot AirOne of the first things you may do when your A/C is blowing hot air is check the thermostat setting while thinking to yourself, “There must be some mistake.” Sometimes we set the thermostat to heating instead of cooling. If that doesn’t solve the problem, there could be something wrong with your system. Try to diagnose and fix the problem these troubleshooting tips.

Ice Buildup on the Evaporator

The evaporator coil is located in the indoor air handler, usually just above the furnace in an upflow system. Cold refrigerant flows through the evaporator and extracts heat from your home. If airflow is obstructed, such as from a clogged air filter, ice begins to form on the coil, further obstructing airflow. The problem snowballs from there, and soon you’ve got an evaporator encased in a block of ice. What can you do?

  • Turn off the A/C and let the ice melt before changing the air filter.
  • Clean the evaporator with a foaming coil cleaner when the ice has completely melted. Debris and grime can also block heat exchange enough to cause ice accumulation.
  • Turn on the air conditioner and keep an eye on the evaporator for the next 48 hours. If the ice returns, call your HVAC professional. There may be a problem with refrigerant charge, compression or the electrical system.

Dirty Condenser and Compressor

If the evaporator and air filter are fine, check the outdoor half of the cooling system where the condenser coil and electric compressor are housed:

  • With a hose, thoroughly spray the sides of the unit. A dirty condenser obstructs heat release, and a dirty compressor can overheat and malfunction.
  • If you hear humming or buzzing coming from the outdoor unit, the compressor is malfunctioning and may not be processing refrigerant correctly. A clicking noise indicates a faulty electrical relay. Call your HVAC technician for either problem.

For more troubleshooting tips when your A/C is blowing hot air in your greater Cleveland home, or to schedule an A/C maintenance appointment, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.

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5 Air Conditioner Sounds Your System Should Never Make

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5 Air Conditioner Sounds Your System Should Never MakeAir conditioners are complex machines. Like any other machine, they make noise, but there are some air conditioner sounds you don’t want to hear. Before you get hot under the collar, try these troubleshooting tips to see if you can find and fix the problem.

Squealing or Screeching

Squealing or screeching noises from the indoor or outdoor blower motor indicate a frayed belt or problems with the motor bearings. If it’s a worn belt, it should be replaced before it breaks and the fan stops rotating. If the sounds are coming from a blower motor, turn off the system and contact your HVAC professional.

Clanking Sounds

The outdoor blower assembly is exposed to the elements. It’s inevitable that debris falls into the unit. Sometimes the debris becomes lodged in the fan blades and makes a clanking or “thwapping” noise. If you can see the obstruction, you can try fishing it out. Make sure power to the air conditioner is turned off at the outdoor disconnect box.

Rattling or Banging

Rattling or banging are sure sounds that something has come loose or broken. The sounds could be caused by loose motor mounts, a misaligned motor or rattling air ducts (though not technically an A/C component). Motor mounts and motors may be tightened and aligned, respectively, if you feel confident. Seal duct leaks with duct mastic and metal tape.

Humming or Buzzing

Humming or buzzing is a sign of a failed capacitor. If you’re handy with do-it-yourself projects and have the correct tools, you may be able to change the capacitor, though it’s not a job for an amateur. Consulting your HVAC tech is the smarter way to go.

Clicking

Rapid or intermittent clicking sounds are indicative of an electrical signal problem, which could originate with the thermostat or with the relay located next to the capacitor. Check the thermostat’s wiring for tight connections. Changing a relay requires the same handy skills and tools as changing the capacitor.

If you need help diagnosing unusual air conditioner sounds in your greater Cleveland home, contact Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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Got a Clogged Sewer Line? Here Are the Next Steps You Should Take

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It’s disheartening when you realize you’ve got a slow-draining sink, bathtub or toilet, but the main issues are determining how serious the blockage is, and where it is located. The worst case scenario is a clogged sewer line — an event that requires the help of a licensed plumber with the right equipment. 

What Causes a Clogged Sewer?

Sewer lines, which are on average 6 inches in diameter, are generally not blocked by paper or other debris but rather by tree roots. If you were a tree root, you too would find it inviting to invade the tiny crevices and openings in a pipe fuGot a Clogged Sewer Line? Here Are the Next Steps You Should Takell of moisture. The roots also feed on the nutrients in the sewer effluent, and eventually flourish sufficiently to block your plumbing.

Determining the Type of Clog

You will probably want to figure out if you have a simple drain clog before you call a plumber. Simple clogged drains may be fixed by the following methods:

  • Leave a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar in the drain for an hour and flush with hot water.
  • Plunge toilet clogs vigorously. For sink clogs, use a plunger made specially for sinks.
  • Disconnect the sink drain to ensure it’s clear.
  • Try a drain snake, a flexible steel cable. There are different kinds, electric or manual, snakes for toilets or sink drains, and top snakes for showers, tubs, bathroom sinks and washing machine stoppages.
  • Some homeowners swear by chemical solutions to clear simple clogs, but plumbers usually don’t recommend these.

If none of these methods work, call a plumber.

Professional Cleaning Methods

A plumber will probably use an auger, which is longer than the sink or toilet auger or snake described above and is power assisted. Also frequently used is a high-pressure water jet powerful enough to blow roots down the line.

Plumbers may also recommend that homeowners use a chemical root killer periodically to keep roots from invading sewers.

To learn about dealing with a clogged sewer line, call us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing. We’ve been serving the Greater Cleveland area for 79 years.

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How to Change and Control a Room’s Humidity Level

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Your home environment’s humidity has a lot of impacts on your health, comfort, and home maintenance, with problems arising if the humidity gets either too high or too low. If you can control a room’s humidity level, you can lower your energy bills as well as feeling better.

Lower a room’s humidity

When humidity is too high, mold, bacteria, and fungus have the chance to form colonies and lower your indoor air qHow to Change and Control a Room's Humidity Leveluality. Condensation on walls and ceilings can also damage your home, and books can become warped. In order to lower your room’s humidity, try these tips:

  • Run an air conditioner in the summer. Cooler air can hold less moisture, so your air conditioner can help keep excess moisture in check.
  • Spread cat litter on a baking pan, and place it in an out-of-the-way space. The litter will absorb moisture from the air.
  • Install a dehumidifier. If this room is a single problem spot like a kitchen or bathroom, a stand-alone unit will do. To control humidity for your entire house, a whole-house humidifier is a wise investment.
  • Improve the room’s ventilation. Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, cycling the air can help stop high humidityg.

Raise a room’s humidity

When your air isn’t humid enough, it can cause irritation in your throat and lungs, and lead to dry and cracking skin. Static electricity builds up more easily, which can damage electronics. Through the winter, it’s more difficult for a dry room to retain heat. If you need to raise your room’s humidity, try these tips:

  • Grow green, leafy plants which can be watered frequently. Not only will the evaporating water raise humidity, but the plants themselves will boost your air quality.
  • Install a vaporizer or a humidifier. If this room is a problem spot in your home, a stand-alone humidifier can help. If it’s a bedroom, vaporizers are good for sinuses and respiratory health. Or, a whole-house humidifier can keep your whole home humid enough for comfort.

Ask the experts

To learn more about how to control a room’s humidity level, contact us at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing!

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How to Prevent Mineral Buildup in Your Home Humidifier

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When trying to relieve your Cleveland area home from excessive dryness, it is likely you use a home humidifier. When using the humidifier to add moisture to the air, you may have noticed a fine white dust on your furniture that is nearby. This dust is a result of minerals that are in the water. Over time, the minerals can build up in your humidifier and reduce the efficiency of the unit, or cause it to stop working at all. Preventing mineral buildup is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your humidifier running properly.

Begin by unplugging the humidifier and removing the tank and the housing. If the filter is washable, place it in hot water and add some undiluted white vinegar. Allow it to soak while you work on the humidifier. Carefully pour vinegar intoHow to Prevent Mineral Buildup in Your Home Humidifier the base where water normally enters to become mist and allow it to sit for about twenty minutes.

Meanwhile, wash the water tank in hot, soapy water. If there are any visible mineral deposits, soften them with vinegar and scrub them away with a cloth or soft brush. If you wish to disinfect the tank while the unit is disassembled, fill it with fresh water and add a quarter cup of bleach. Set the tank aside.

Empty the vinegar from the base and wipe it with a clean cloth. If you can still see mineral deposits, you may want to carefully loosen them with a soft brush and rinse carefully. Rinse the filter and tank with clean water and reassemble your home humidifier. Performing this maintenance weekly will prevent future buildup and extend the life of your humidifier.

Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing can help you with your home’s humidity. Serving Cleveland and surrounding areas for nearly 80 years, we can provide you with the best solution for your needs.

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Tips for Troubleshooting Common Toilet Problems

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Tips for Troubleshooting Common Toilet ProblemsNobody loves a broken toilet. When something goes wrong, our first reaction is to get it fixed right away, but calling a plumber is often unnecessary. Read up on these simple steps for troubleshooting toilet problems before you reach for the phone to call your plumber.

Clogged and Overflowing

This is probably the most common problem, and the scariest! First off, to stop the water from overflowing after an attempted flush, simply reach into the tank and prop up the fill valve. This will stop the flow of water before the nastiness hits your floor and potentially causes damage.

Then it’s time to use the plunger, which most of us have handy, but many don’t know exactly how to use. Place the plunger all the way down in the bowl, making a good seal with the hole at the bottom, and then plunge all the way up and down, keeping the seal intact—you will feel or hear the difference when the toilet has become unclogged. Try flushing again at this point.

Constant Running and “Phantom Flushing”

The flapper valve is probably not sealing properly if your toilet sounds like it’s constantly filling. Make sure there is nothing obvious keeping the valve up,such as a water saving device in the tank, and then clean the valve of mineral deposits. Finally, check the chain to see if it is too short and is holding the flapper valve up. Fixing or replacing the valve can also cure the “phantom flush,” when your toilet flushes itself, seemingly at random.

When to Call the Plumber

There comes a time when troubleshooting toilet problems on your own isn’t enough, and it’s time to call in the professionals. These include:

  • When backed up or overflowing water is severe enough that it’s damaging the house’s structure.
  • When raw sewage is entering the home.
  • When you can’t find the source of the leak.

For more expert advice on troubleshooting toilet problems, as well as HVAC and other plumbing services, contact Geisel today. We’ve been faithfully serving greater Cleveland and the surrounding areas for over 75 years.

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The post Tips for Troubleshooting Common Toilet Problems appeared first on Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing.

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