Winterize your plumbing system in Aitkin, MN

How to Winterize Your Plumbing System

Minnesota is no stranger to cold, snowy weather. The winter months can bring massive amounts of snow, ice, and frigid temperatures. Luckily, that makes the fall an excellent time to ensure that your plumbing will get through cold weather with minimal problems. Preparing your pipes and fixtures now can help avert catastrophes during blizzards and other extreme weather events. Consider performing these easy steps to winterize your plumbing in and around Aitkin County. Why You Should Protect Your Plumbing Preparing your plumbing for cold weather helps avoid costly damage to your home. Frozen pipes pose a significant risk to your home’s plumbing. Water expands when it freezes, causing pipes to burst and resulting in water damage to walls, floors and more. In the coldest days of winter, you may wait days to get emergency service, leaving you without running water and potentially causing further damage. While you can do many of these tasks now, you’ll need to perform others during the coldest months to ensure your plumbing continues to run. Start by attending to outside pipes and fixtures. However, before you do anything, make sure you know where the main water cutoff valve is located. Knowing this location can make...

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Which Is Better: Tanked or Tankless Water Heaters?

When the time comes to consider either a conventional (tanked) or tankless heater choice for your residence, it will affect you in ways that make a substantial difference in your comfort and your home’s energy usage. You may also see a difference in your gas or electric bill. We’ve listed some advantages and disadvantages of both water heaters so you can make a well-educated decision. What Is a Tanked Water Heater? Tanked water heaters are the most common type of water heater in homes. These heaters heat and store between 30 and 80 gallons of water in an isolated tank, constantly keeping it heated to a pre-set temperature. This is a great benefit, as it will be able to supply hot water whenever needed, but it also means that the heater is always operating, keeping the water in readiness for use. How It Works A tanked water heater heats water using either an electric heating element or a gas burner. When hot water leaves from the top, cold water enters the bottom, where it reheats. There is a delay that occurs whenever the amount of hot water in the tank is gone and the tank needs to refill. It takes...

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The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning

The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning

Your overall plumbing system in your Atkins home relies heavily on the functionality of the drains. The only way to dispose of water or waste from your fixtures is by allowing it to go down the drain. If you come across clogged, narrowed, or otherwise troublesome drains, it is imperative to note that there is a potential for encountering serious and messy plumbing issues. When you make a habit of scheduling routine professional drain cleaning, you can effectively address and prevent these problems from occurring. What Is Professional Drain Cleaning? When you hire a plumbing contractor to send a plumber to clean your drains, you get a comprehensive cleaning experience. The plumber may begin the service by scoping your drains, looking for stubborn clogs and obstructions that prohibit drainage. If blockages are found, the plumber uses special tools and equipment such as a drain snake or auger to dislodge and remove the obstruction. For deeper cleaning, plumbers use pressurized water to blast buildup and contaminants out of your drains, moving this gunk to the sewer. Once complete, your drains will provide a clear pathway for water and waste to flow and will be free of odors and toxins for a...

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Are Gas Furnaces Being Phased Out?

There has been much talk in recent years about banning gas furnaces. Some places may indeed start phasing out gas furnaces in the future, and there are also new regulations around them that could go into effect. As to whether there will eventually be a country-wide ban on gas furnaces, that remains to be seen. In this article, we’ll look at some of the different changes that may be coming and why so that you know what you can potentially expect in the future. An Overview of the Rule Changes Around Gas Furnaces As of writing, California is the only state that has concrete plans to fully ban the installation of all gas furnaces in the future. This ban is set to go into effect in 2030 and would require that all new heating units produce zero carbon emissions. That means the only options at that time will be any type of electric heating, such as a heat pump, electric furnace or an electric boiler for homes with radiant heating. Once the ban goes into effect, it won’t force people to immediately get rid of their gas furnaces. Instead, it will just mean that the person won’t be able to...

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How a Smart Thermostat Can Help You Save Energy

How a Smart Thermostat Can Help You Save Energy

Home cooling and heating consume a substantial amount of energy. In fact, HVAC is the primary contributor to the average Aitkin, MN, household’s carbon footprint. Air conditioning will be the main cause of global greenhouse gases in the 2030s. The HVAC industry has made great strides in developing more energy-efficient technologies. There are also steps we can all take as individuals and families to save even more. The first one is to use a smart thermostat. Personalized Scheduling The Department of Energy (DOE) promotes the use of smart thermostats by all American households. It approximates that the typical household loses as much as 10% on heating and cooling annually. This unnecessary energy consumption largely happens when you’re away from home or asleep. All smart thermostats support programming or scheduling. This feature lets you set up a schedule to avoid that waste. You could, for instance, have your thermostat adjust the AC setting several degrees an hour after your bedtime. It can then restore your preferred temperature setting an hour before you wake up. Profiles Many smart thermostats support profiles, so you can have multiple schedules. A common setup is to have a schedule for the workweek and another for the...

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Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that’s poisonous to humans. It’s often called the “silent killer.” This is because you can’t see, smell, or taste it. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the symptoms of exposure. Approximately 50,000 Americans head to the ER each year because of CO poisoning not linked to a house fire. Isolated, the symptoms can seem innocuous, but if you notice multiple symptoms occurring at the same time, you should act. If you believe you’re experiencing CO poisoning, get into the fresh air immediately. Then, call 911 for emergency medical help in Aitkin, MN. Short-Term Symptoms of CO Poisoning at Low Concentrations Most incidents of exposure to CO involve low concentrations. Even at low concentration, you can experience symptoms. It’s important to note that some people are much more sensitive than others. You should also be aware that CO poisoning affects your brain and heart the most of any of your organs. The first sign of CO poisoning is typically fatigue. This is true even for adults who are fit and otherwise healthy. If you experience sudden fatigue, there’s typically some external cause. Unusual fatigue can be more difficult to detect in people who are...

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HVAC Energy Savings in Aitkin, MN

Home Renovation and Plumbing

When done right, home renovations can revitalize living spaces. While gorgeous materials and designs are certainly appealing aspects of home renovations for many homeowners, other crucial factors should not be overlooked. Surprisingly, plumbing is more important than all of the above, given that it is present in everything, from the water supply to the heating system. As a result, plumbing plays a crucial role in home renovations. For more than thirty years, has been considered one of the most reliable plumbing providers in Aitkin, MN. Our fully trained and committed employees strive to ensure that each renovation is carried out with precision and care, providing our clients with the highest level of comfort and functionality. Bathroom Remodeling The perfect time to create your personal sanctuary is during a bathroom renovation. Once built, this space becomes the ultimate haven of relaxation. Still, the plumbing serves as the secret key to unlock that dreamy palace. From a luxurious bathtub to a modern shower, efficient toilet, and stylish sink, it all starts with the plumbing system. Our experienced plumbers can install or replace existing pipes and ensure optimal water supply and drainage. They also ensure you get proper ventilation and install fixtures that...

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Why Is My AC Not Turning On?

An AC that won’t turn on is a frustrating experience that most homeowners have had to deal with or will at some point. If you experience an AC that won’t turn on, it is usually a good idea to contact a local HVAC technician. A professional will be able to spot the underlying issue quickly and correct it in a reliable manner. With that in mind, let’s explore the most common problems and what could cause them. Thermostat Troubles The thermostat is the first thing to check because it is what controls the air conditioner. If your thermostat runs on batteries, the first step is to change them. Also, check that the brightness level is high enough to see the display. Next, ensure that the thermostat is on and in cool mode. Additionally, check the temperature setting. You can turn it down a few degrees to see if your AC turns on. If your cooling system engages, it could mean your thermostat is working but needs to be recalibrated. If none of these solutions work, it is probably time to call a professional to diagnose the issue and fix your thermostat. On and Off Switch Many AC systems have a...

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Surprising Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Surprising Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

If you have a home HVAC system, it’s likely that you know it’s wise to schedule spring and fall maintenance. But did you know that you need to call for regular air duct cleaning service as well? Experts recommend having this done every few years. If you haven’t been requesting this service, there are many reasons to consider doing so. Get Rid of Unwanted Odors One of the first reasons that homeowners tend to look into getting their air ducts cleaned is because they’re dealing with a constant unpleasant odor coming from their vents. If you find yourself frequently cleaning your home and still dealing with this smell, it’s likely that it’s coming from airborne particles that are stuck inside your ductwork. Fumes from tobacco or mold can attach to them. Having a professional clean your ductwork will help to remove that unwanted smell from your home. Reduce Allergy Flare-Ups Another common reason that many homeowners look into air duct cleaning is that their allergies constantly flare up while they’re at home. Over time, your ducting can collect allergens and irritants like pet dander, dust, and even pollen. Every time your HVAC system kicks on, these allergens and irritants are...

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Signs That Your Septic Tank Is Full

As a homeowner, you rely on your septic tank to drain wastewater and sewage from your home. Knowing when the tank is full can be quite puzzling, and you need to call your local plumbing experts to help manage the septic. Let’s discuss common signs indicating the need to drain your septic tank. Your Toilet Can’t Flush A clogged toilet is one of the most common signs that you need to drain your septic tank. A toilet that can’t flush indicates your drainpipes are blocked and need to be drained. A sewage backup in your toilet suggests that you need to empty your septic tank. Gurgling Sounds From Drainpipes A gurgling sound from your septic’s drainage system when you use the bathroom, flush the toilet or use the sink is a sign the septic is full. When the drainpipes push out air instead of water, debris may build up, blocking waste from draining into the septic tank. In addition, when water drains slowly from your toilet, kitchen sink or bathroom pipes, you must empty your septic tank. Water or Sewage Pools A full septic tank can cause wastewater or raw sewage to push out from the pipes connected to your...

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