This Year's Top High-Tech Holiday Gift!

Give a New Smart Thermostat This Holiday Season

While using a standard thermostat is perfectly OK, smart thermostats are better made and more efficient. With the help of a smart thermostat, a homeowner can precisely program their preferred temperature.

Think about installing a smart thermostat to enhance the HVAC system. Instead of depending on complex programming, most of these high-tech thermostats employ algorithms to "learn" each family's temperature preferences and daily activities and set the temperature for them.

The Right Time to Install a New Thermostat

thermostatOne should always check the thermostat first for issues with the heating or cooling system. The thermostat controls the HVAC system; if it malfunctions, something may be wrong with the heating or cooling system. When there is a problem with the HVAC system, one of the first things to examine is the thermostat because it is simple to access and relatively affordable to replace.

The thermostat should allow homeowners to activate their heating or cooling system or switch between heating and cooling modes. The furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump may not respond when the thermostat is adjusted, which may indicate that the device is malfunctioning.

Long-term temperature control is a popular feature of programmable thermostats. However, if the thermostat frequently loses these settings, it may be time to replace it.

Smart Thermostat Benefitssave

A smart thermostat's ability to automatically establish a heating/cooling plan is one of its most coveted capabilities. This function aids in energy efficiency and cost reduction for homes.

Setting up an automatic cooling/heating plan will lower energy expenditures and be convenient for the homeowner. Consider the scenario where the entire family is away from home. A smart thermostat can automatically increase or decrease the temperature to reduce energy use. The lower the monthly energy costs, the less the heating system has to work.

A simple approach to energy savings is by installing a programmable thermostat. Most thermostats come with comprehensive installation manuals to guide homeowners through the process.

Countless Options!

Smart home thermostats can adjust heating and cooling temperature settings in real-time, allowing homeowners to use energy more efficiently and perhaps cut their home electricity costs. There are several models of smart thermostats for different demands and price ranges. Be sure to choose the best smart thermostat for the family's way of life before purchasing and installing one.

Smart thermostats use a combination of more sophisticated processors, learning algorithms, and even external sensors. When given a command, it does more than just alter the temperature. It detects family habits using sensors and processors, and then it proactively adapts to what the homeowners like based on their previous behavior.

Other characteristics of smart thermostats include:

  • Analytics - Smart thermostats give a better understanding of the system and can spot chances for additional savings by recording relevant information about the family's heating and cooling usage.
  • Multiple Zones - Some smart thermostats can regulate multiple zones with the same functionality as a single-zone device. Many smart thermostats can communicate with numerous outside sensors to be aware of the temperature of certain rooms and the air directly around them.

City Plumbing

Whether to reverse a problem that a previous contractor caused or to prevent future issues, City Plumbing has homeowners covered! Licensed HVAC technicians and master plumbers are on staff to make sure that every job is done safely, properly, and according to code. Call City Plumbing for all plumbing services in Philadelphia, PA.

Keep the Hot Water Heater Running This Holiday Season

How to Know If You Need Water Heater Replacement

The home's water heater is one of the most important pieces of home hardware. It is essential for providing the home with hot water for daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. Homeowners should be aware of the warning signs of a water heater that needs repair or replacement. 

Water heaters can be dangerous if left in a state of disrepair due to the high temperatures within the system. Homeowners can protect themselves from a water heater emergency by learning about the warning signs of a malfunctioning water heater. One can fix some problems with repairs, but no water heater can last forever.

Replacing an old water heater can add value to the home for years. The benefits of a new water heater include lowering utility bills and having more hot water available when needed. Here are three signs that a water heater needs to be replaced soon.

Inconsistent Temperaturetemperature

One of the first problems homeowners may notice as their water heater ages are that the water temperature is inconsistent or not hot enough. There should be no significant fluctuations in the water temperature for no apparent reason. A malfunctioning water heater may fluctuate in temperature or fail to heat the water enough. 

Nobody wants to take cold showers during the winter, so homeowners should try to repair or replace inefficient water heaters as soon as possible. When it seems like there is never enough hot water, it could be because the water heater is broken or is too old to keep up with the demands. 

leaks

Leaky Water Heater

Homeowners need to look for leaks in the hot water tank. A small leak at a connection point could be a quick and easy fix for a professional. On the other hand, if the metal of the water tank itself has cracked or corroded, there may be no other option than to replace it. Keeping up with a regular water heater maintenance schedule is the best way to prevent corrosion and improve the system's longevity. 

A leaky water heater can lead to mold and mildew in the home due to moisture. This is a problem that homeowners should always pay attention to. Once a leak is noticed, homeowners should call a professional for help right away. 

Installing a new tankless water heater will prevent homeowners from ever worrying about a leaky water tank ever again. Tankless water heaters only heat the water needed, improving efficiency for lower utility bills. Less maintenance is required to keep a tankless water heater running and gives a longer expected lifespan for the hardware. 

Old Water Heater 

After around 10 to 15 years, water heaters typically begin to show signs of aging in the form of more frequent repairs. Maintenance can help improve the water heater's longevity, but no piece of home hardware can last forever. Replacing an old water heater can save homeowners money in the long run by preventing repairs, leaks, and high utility bills. 

Homeowners should never attempt DIY water heater repair or installation because it is dangerous. When any common signs of a water heater malfunction are noticed, homeowners should not hesitate to call for help. It is a good idea for homeowners to always keep trusted water heater technicians a phone call away in an emergency by finding a local plumbing company they can depend on. 

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing provides its community with comprehensive plumbing services from expert plumbers. This trustworthy locally-owned company is available for emergency water heater repairs, installation, and more. They are equipped with the latest plumbing technology and expertise to get the job done right the first time. Call them today for water heater repair in Philadelphia, PA!

Prepare Your Home and Heart for Holiday Guests

Make Sure the Bathroom and Kitchen Are Ready for Guests This Holiday Season

There's nothing like having friends and family members stay over for Thanksgiving. With everyone working such busy schedules these days, it can be hard to make time to see loved ones. This means that most people only get the holidays to spend time together. Unfortunately, seeing friends and family for the first time in a while often means doing a lot of work to prepare the house. And one of the major factors people tend to overlook is the plumbing system. So read on to learn how best to prepare the home for guests this Thanksgiving.  

Are Toilet Repairs Needed?toilet

It's always a good idea to ensure that any bathroom the guests will be using is ready to take them on. And this means starting with the toilet. The last thing anyone wants is to have their guests dealing with a clogging or broken toilet. So looking out for these toilet repair signs can tell homeowners whether they need to address the issue before guests arrive. 

The most apparent indication that a toilet needs repair is if it constantly clogs. A clog once in a while is normal, but clogs that happen too often can be a sign that something is wrong with the toilet. Another sign that toilet repair is in order is a gurgling or bubbling sound from the sink or shower drain when the toilet is flushed. This often means the drain vent is blocked. Additionally, a toilet that has flushing issues or leaks (either from the tank into the bowl or from the bowl onto the floor) should be inspected and fixed before visitors arrive. 

Getting Kitchen Plumbing Readyplumber

Since the kitchen sees a lot of use during the Thanksgiving holiday, it's also a good idea to make sure the kitchen plumbing is ready. After all, a plumbing emergency in the kitchen can cause Thanksgiving plans to ground to a halt until it's fixed. 

Things to check in the kitchen include the garbage disposal, gas lines to appliances, and kitchen fixtures. The garbage disposal should be checked if it is making strange noises, leaking, or if there's the smell of rotten food coming out of the sink. One should check gas lines regularly for safety, and before Thanksgiving is a great time to get this done. And a leaking kitchen faucet could be throwing money down the drain, so getting it fixed is essential. 

Upgrading Fixtures for Out-of-Town Guests

Before holiday guests arrive is also a great time to consider upgrading old fixtures. These include bathroom faucets, sinks, and showers. Old faucets that have a buildup of minerals or that leak often should be replaced with new faucets. Faucet replacement can also help homeowners save money because many new faucets use aerators to maintain water pressure without using a lot of water. 

Showerheads should also be replaced with newer aerator models, especially if the old one is clogged or leaking.

Involving a local plumbing company in holiday preparations is always a good idea. They can help homeowners get their bathroom and kitchen upgraded and ready for guests to enjoy the holiday without experiencing a plumbing emergency!

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has served Philadelphia, PA for over two decades. They never use subcontractors and always provide excellent workmanship performed by trustworthy technicians. They also offer a true satisfaction guarantee on every job. Call now for plumbing services!