Tag: homeowners

Tips for Homeowners to Stop a Furnace From Overheating

Facts About Overheating Furnaces That Everyone Should Know

Fall is here, and winter is fast approaching. This is the perfect time to check your furnace to see if it’s functioning properly. Every homeowner in Philadelphia knows how important a properly functioning furnace is. If it overheats, it can transform your home into an uncomfortable place, and in severe cases, it poses health risks. That’s why it’s important to know how to read signs of an overheating furnace so that you can call your local experts.

Risks Posed by an Overheating Furnace

carbon monoxideAn overheating furnace is not just some mechanical failure of the heating appliance. If such overheating condition is allowed or goes on for some more time, it can lead to the following situations:
  • Damage to the furnace: When a furnace overheats, it can damage the wiring system, burn out the fan motor, and even crack the heat exchanger. Getting it fixed might sound expensive, but an overheating furnace will cost you more money in the long run.
  • Flammability: Homeowners install furnace protection mechanisms like limit switches. They automatically switch off the furnace if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Therefore, an unresolved furnace overheating problem can result in a fire outbreak.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning: A cracked heat exchanger caused by an overheating furnace may leak carbon monoxide gas. This gas is dangerous because it has no smell and may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Signs of an Overheating Furnace

Common indicators of an overheating furnace that present the greatest concern include:

  • Burning smell: When no smoke comes out of a furnace, but a strong and constant burning smell is present, it indicates overheating in the furnace’s inner parts.                                                                           
  • Unusual noises: Call a professional to inspect it when you hear strange sounds, such as humming or banging from the furnace.
  • A furnace turning off unexpectedly: An overheating furnace might shut down unexpectedly or fail to complete a full heating cycle.
  • Increased electricity bills: An unusual spike in electricity bills without a corresponding increase in use is proof of a furnace that has become less efficient.

Ways to Prevent a Furnace From Overheating

heater service They say prevention is better than cure. Implementing the following preventive tips will ensure a smoothly running furnace.
  • Change the air filter or furnace filter routinely: A dirty or clogged air filter forces a furnace to work extra hard. Experts recommend replacing the air filter or furnace filter at least once every three months to avoid overheating.
  • Schedule annual furnace maintenance: Annual maintenance from a professional HVAC technician keeps the furnace in good condition. During this process, the technician inspects and cleans the unit to identify potential problems and repair them in time.
  • Keep vents and registers open: Blocking or closing vents and registers can cause a furnace to overheat. Ensure all vents are not obstructed to allow even heat distribution in the home.
  • Clean the ductwork: Dust and debris typically accumulate in the furnace over time, contributing to overheating due to reduced airflow into the system. Thus, the ductwork should be cleaned regularly to avoid this problem.
  • Look out for unusual signs: Any strange or irregular smells, noises, or heating patterns from the furnace should not be ignored. Instead, they should be addressed early enough before they get worse.

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing delivers the best plumbing, heating, and cooling services in Philadelphia, PA. With almost 20 years of experience, they provide clean, professional, quality, and reliable overheating furnace repairs. Avoid any plumbing or HVAC nightmare by calling their experts today to discuss the most efficient solution for overheating furnaces.

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How Do Homeowners Identify Water Leaks

Tips To Catch Water Leaks Early

Water leaks are some of the most devastating problems in a home. While they may seem innocuous, records show that damage from water leaks is one of the biggest reasons for filing homeowner's insurance claims. The main danger of water leaks is that they can go unnoticed until massive damage is done. This makes early detection key to preventing ruined walls and flooring and flooding in the home. 

Spotting water leaks can be tricky because leaks can form at any point in a home's plumbing. Here are a few tips to help homeowners spot the signs of leaks using some techniques they may not know. 

Signs of Leaks 

billsHundreds of feet of piping run through the walls in any given home. Each foot of pipe and every joint represents a place where a leak can occur due to poor installation or wear and tear. Leaks can be particularly hard to spot when they form below slabs or behind walls. That's why homeowners should be vigilant about noticing the signs of leaks. The common signs of water leaks in a home are: 

  • Cool, moist concrete floors
  • Hissing or dripping noises with no obvious source
  • High water bills
  • Humidity problems
  • Soaked carpets
  • Squishy flooring
  • Mold growth on walls or flooring

With these problems, water has to come from somewhere. Most often, it comes from hidden leaks that are slowly causing damage to the home. When these signs are seen, the owner must call a plumber for an assessment of the damage. 

Monitor Monthly Bills 

Hidden water leaks, especially slab leaks, can be hard enough to spot that the leak may persist for a while before the problem is noticed. If homeowners aren't diligent in spotting the signs, it may take until the end of the month before the most obvious sign shows up in the mail. 

Water bills are a monthly headache that most homeowners don't pay enough attention to. However, water bills contain valuable information about the state of the plumbing system in the home for those willing to pay attention. When spikes in water usage are seen, it is one of the best indicators a homeowner could ask for regarding the presence of a water leak. Even the smallest leaks waste hundreds of gallons of water every month, enough to notice a spike in water costs. 

Use the Water Meter

water meterIf a water leak is suspected, it is recommended that owners call a plumber who specializes in leak detection right away. However, if they aren't certain, there is an easy test that anyone can do to gather more information about water leaks in their home. It's a good idea to do this test periodically for home maintenance. 

To perform the test, ensure no water is used in the home. Locate the municipal water meter and find the gauge. On the gauge, there will be a dial that indicates flow. If the dial turns, a leak is present in the home. 

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing has master plumbers and HVAC technicians who offer complete service to homeowners. They use the latest technology for installation and repairs and stand by their work. Call today for plumbing service in Philadelphia, PA. 

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Three Signs That Homeowners Need Water Softener Installation

Homeowners Should Beware of Hard Water in their Homes

With summer coming to a close and fall fast approaching, now is a great time for homeowners to assess the health of their homes and make changes as needed. One of the best ways to do this is by assessing their water quality, particularly by checking if they have “hard water.” This occurs when the water has a high mineral content, often calcium or limestone.

When hard water occurs, homeowners usually require water softeners to help flush out the calcium deposits. Homeowners can usually tell if they have hard water-based on visual or physical abnormalities and abnormalities in their piping systems. Below is an in-depth overview of each of these.

Sign 1: Visual Abnormalities

The first signs of hard water that homeowners must look out for are visual abnormalities. With hard water, there will usually be very obvious signs in areas where water is usually used, such as:

  • Dishware - mineral deposits can lead to water spots on dishware when one should typically use water to clean the dishes
  • Faucets - residue can build up on the inside of the faucet and restrict water flow
  • Soap scum - white chalky residue can show up on bathroom surfaces

If homeowners notice any of these listed above, these are pretty obvious signs of a hard water issue. In particular, if they notice multiple of these - like spotting on their dishes and slowed water and gunk in their faucets, they can be almost certain they are struggling with hard water issues.

Sign 2: Physical Abnormalitiessink

The second signs of hard water that homeowners must look out for are physical abnormalities, namely, bodily reactions when they and their families contact water. After taking a shower or bath, homeowners should beware of dry, itchy, or irritated skin. After all, washing off should clear off any irritants rather than introducing them!

In addition, since water is used in the washing process for clothes, if homeowners and their families notice that their clothing is particularly stiff or that they are experiencing scratching or itching while wearing their clothes, this is a very obvious signal of hard water. The minerals contained in the water are probably causing this irritation.

Sign 3: Pipe Abnormalitiespipe

Last but not least, the third signs of hard water are issues with the pipes. While these may be slightly less obvious than the visual and physical abnormalities described above, they are still important to look out for. When mineral deposits build up in the pipes, this can heavily impact water flow and lead to clogging or, in severe cases, pipe breaks.

If homeowners notice gradual decreases in water pressure, this is a potential sign that they may be dealing with hard water, especially if there are other visual or physical signs. Additionally, pipe clogs can worsen with mineral deposits, especially in pipes already susceptible to backups. Pipe breaks can result if there is excessive pressure due to this clogging, which is most certainly not what homeowners want to deal with!

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing of Philadelphia, PA is a full-service plumbing and HVAC company that operates with the motto of “we turn nightmares into pipe dreams.” Their team of experts has over 20 years of expertise and guarantees quality and reliability for every one of their customers. Call them today for plumbing service in Philadelphia, PA!

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