Sunday, January 15, 2017

Plumber and Old House Plumbing

Aged Fixtures

Old

Plumbing problems in older homes. (Photo Credits)

Older homes may present various structural problems, and plumbing fixtures could be one of these concerns. And the problem with old house plumbing is that sooner or later, it will manifest. If the property owner moves pro-actively and upgrades and repairs the aged plumbing system – well and good but he better prepare for a one-time big-time cost. If he will wait till something goes out or bursts, then it may mean partial cost but the risk of a bigger damage (and similarly bigger expense) can also be a possibility. Plumbing Association of San Diego

Old House Web dished out some plumbing advice for owners of older houses. “One of the first things you will need to do is replace the pipes where necessary. This is usually where you have older pipe that is falling apart, galvanized pipe, or joints between two different types of pipe that were joined without a dielectric coupling (as corrosion here is almost certain). The best options for replacement include copper, PVC, and PEX pipe. Copper is elegant but expensive, so tends to be used in areas where pipes are exposed. PEX pipe is great for colder areas, as it can withstand some freezing, and it’s flexible for easier installation. PVC is cheap and serviceable, which is why it tends to be the standard.”

Read the whole article here.

Home Improvement Problems

Tymber Dalton shared home improvement challenges he had been through particularly in the area of plumbing that has existed for over 60 years. A/C And HVAC         

“Of course, the fitting sizes, lengthwise, were different than the originals. (Not the threads/openings, the physical dimensions of the new T and new elbow.) So I had to make a second trip to Ace Hardware for different length nipples to see if we could get the gap closed up. (We were lacking about 1/4″ to make the new connections fit up to the old one at the supply valve.”

Check out the whole published post here.

Related Plumbing and HVAC Repair and Installation Services

The author of the blog Believe Boldy also gave her fair share of experiences in dealing with old house plumbing – specifically that which was built 112 years ago.

“Our plumbing had stopped working for the billionth time and in a home with two small children, a person cannot survive without a flushing toilet. My husband had shoveled more than his fair share of dirt and replaced part of the pipeline a few months earlier, hoping to fix the problem. Those rose-colored glasses were now as broken as Ralphie’s from “A Christmas Story” as we revisited the ol’ poop tube again.”

Click here for the continuation of the write-up.

When dealing with older house plumbing it is important to call in the experts as soon as possible, so as issues can be addressed quickly and costs can be kept down.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumber San Diego CA

http://www.bluediamondplumbing.net/hvac-solar-power/

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Friday, January 13, 2017

HVAC and Solar Power

Solar Powered Air Conditioning System

Solar Power Plant

Harnessing solar power to cool a home. (Photo Credits)

Solar power nowadays can be used for almost every electrical fixture or equipment inside the home. This is especially true when the specific property has already totally switched to solar energy for its power needs.

HVAC and Portable Heaters

But for homeowners who have yet to make the total switch, partially switching to solar-powered airconditioning can dramatically lower HVAC utility bills.

The website Homestead Survival shared how to make an off-the-grid air conditioning system. Plumbing Association of San Diego            

“Learn how you can have solar air conditioning even if you are off grid. The rise in utility prices and the campaign to save resources like electricity and gas has force people to adopt an off the grid (OTG) lifestyle. People who care about the environment and believe in green living also support the OTG lifestyle. OTG lifestyle is when you don’t depend on the support of a remote infrastructure such as the electrical grid in your area.”

HVAC Contractor’s Advice when buying an older home

Read the article here.

Step-by-Step Guide

Instructables meantime shared a blow-by-blow instructional on how to come up with a Do-It-Yourself solar powered air conditioning unit. A/C And HVAC  

“Harvesting? Yes you read it right. Harvesting a renewable resource allows powering of my air conditioning unit and most of my household electrical loads. An air conditioning unit uses lots of energy to remove heat from a room. To provide that energy you need enough solar panels installed properly to capture the radiant energy of the sun.”

Check out the guide here.

Related HVAC and Plumbing Repair and Installation Services

The website Green Building Elements meantime explained how Solar-Powered Air Conditioning works in a commercial setting.

“The system uses concentrating solar thermal technology to produce heat energy used to power the air conditioning system. It is a “closed-loop” air conditioner, meaning it heats and cools air within the building without introducing any external air into the system, with a pair of “desiccant” (drying) wheels acting as dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. These desiccant wheels operate at separate temperatures; the high-temperature wheel uses the captured solar energy for regeneration of the low temperature wheel, which operates without any external heat at all.”

Read the whole explanation here.

Having a solar-powered HVAC system will definitely help cut budgetary costs.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Electric Repair San Diego

http://www.bluediamondplumbing.net/advantages-hiring-plumbing-contractor/

 

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

HVAC Contractor’s Advice when buying an older home

HVAC Systems Should be Inspected Too

The kitchen in an old home in Pingtung City

What to check out before making the purchase decision. (Photo Credits)

When buying an older home it is best to consider everyday details that may have an impact on the convenience and ease in transferring to a new location.

HVAC System is one thing that is used day in and day out in any home, and it is important that it is in good running condition.

Apartment Therapy advises its readers about checking HVAC Fixtures before finally saying yes to the agent. Plumbing Association of San Diego

“Here’s a cautionary tale for you. During our home inspection, the inspector pointed out that our hot water heater was older and would need replacing “in a few years.” No problem, we thought. We have plenty of time after we move in and address other issues, we thought. Only, we thought wrong. The hot water heater, may it RIP, gave out for good two days after we moved into the house. One $700 trip to Lowe’s later and we had hot water once again, but we also learned a valuable lesson about factoring expenses for older home appliances into our budget. See also: our outdated HVAC, which we are replacing just over a year after buying the home for a cool (get it?) $6000.”

HVAC Air Filter Technology

Read the rest of the article here.

Check the HVAC System

It will be an expensive mistake to assume that all is well when it comes to the heating and ventilation system of an older home.

The Balance.com even went as far as suggesting that the HVAC System be checked if it already warrants an upgrade before finally buying the property. It can be a huge expense. A/C And HVAC    

“Apart from HVAC systems — I don’t know how those in hot climates get by without central air — trendy updates involve pricey kitchen and bath remodeling.”

 HVAC and Portable Heaters

See the whole post here.

Related HVAC and Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

Homes.com meantime told its readers to expect that the energy efficiency of fixtures in an older home may be lower compared to that of newer models.

“Energy efficient windows are just one of the features that became standard after the first energy crises of 1970. Many very old houses that date before that era may not have added insulation, new windows and doors, energy efficient heating and cooling systems. If you’re considering an old house that needs upgrading to be energy efficient, most of the 30 percent tax credits for basic home repairs have expired.”

Read the whole post here.

If unsure about the current HVAC System of the older home one is planning to purchase, it may be best to consult a trusted and professional HVAC Contractor.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Air Conditioning Service

http://www.bluediamondplumbing.net/plumbers-advice-buying-older-home/

The post HVAC Contractor’s Advice when buying an older home appeared first on Blue Diamond Plumbing.


Sunday, November 20, 2016

HVAC Air Filter Technology

What needs to be known about HVAC Air Filters

Dirty Air Filter

What Dirty Air Filters can do to the health. (Photo Credits)

As its name suggests, HVAC Air filters prevent unwanted fine particles from polluting indoor air in any home or commercial establishment. All a homeowner needs to do is to decide which air filter to purchase, and remember to regularly replace the HVAC Filter.

Both however are not as simple as it seems considering that there are hunderds of choices when it comes to HVAC Air Filters. And determining when it is appropriate to change one is another thing that breeds confusion since there are no hard and fast rule to know when to do it.

Effective HVAC Maintenance

The future of HVAC Filters however seems promising with more and more improvements taking place year after year.

APC Filters for instance took pride in a specialized air filter they crafted for a swine farm. Plumbing Association of San Diego

“Our client was concerned farmers may use inferior standard replacement HVAC filters and was very concerned about the potential spread of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus among their stock.  This deadly virus causes industry losses of over half a billion dollars every year. Our engineering team analyzed existing ventilation systems used in other swine farm facilities our client’s facilities and designed a custom filter solution to prevent the installation of standard filters that operate at a lower performance.  We determined a custom designed 4V filter frame construction with a high filtration efficiency filter media specially treated with an antimicrobial agent would eliminate the virus and protect the livestock.”

Read the whole article here.

Energy Efficient Air Filters

In the United Kingdowm, Energy Efficient Air Filters are taking on the spotlight as shared by the website Health Estate Journal. A/C And HVAC

“Featuring aerodynamic pockets for optimised performance, the air filters have been rated A+ by Eurovent, and should, Camfil says, save users up to £30 per annum for every installed filter.”

Read the rest of the write-up here.

Related Plumbing and HVAC Repair and Installation

The website Apartments.Remmont cautioned its readers against buying cheap air filters.

“The fact is not all air filters are created equal. The cheapest filters might be fine for filtering out large sized household dust and lint, but the typical home’s interior air is polluted with a lot more unwanted elements composed of much very fine size. The EPA provides an informative breakdown of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants often found indoors. listing the ‘two categories of indoor air pollutants that can affect the quality of air in a home.’ Viruses, bacteria, pollen, mold, dust mite, animal dander, smoke. nobody wants to breathe these inside their own home and the cheapest of HVAC filters do a poor job of removing these elements from interior air.”

Weather-proofing an HVAC System

Read the whole post here.

Replacing air filters regularly is a must especially for families with allergic sensitivities.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Plumbing Repair San Diego

http://www.bluediamondplumbing.net/bathroom-hacks-plumber-can-teach/

 

 

 

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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Weather-proofing an HVAC System

Make the HVAC Function Well Despite Changes in the Weather

HVAC

Weather-proof HVAC. (Photo Credits)

Weather can affect the performance of HVAC Systems. But there are ways to ensure that it will remain running smoothly despite the changes outside the home or commercial property.

Realty Times shared winter-proofing advice to its readers. Plumbing Association of San Diego

Don’t delay regular maintenance on your HVAC system. If you don’t perform maintenance in the fall, it’s imperative that you do it before the next big winter storm. Do it yourself or hire a heating technician to do it for you. Just make sure that it’s done regularly and effectively to ensure that you and your family will remain safe and warm through the winter.”

Effective HVAC Maintenance

Read the rest of the tips here.

Summer Maintenance Tips

Texas Real Estate also gave some tips on how to fully enjoy the home HVAC system in the heat fof the summer months. A/C And HVAC

AC coolant isn’t a fuel, so it doesn’t get “used up” by your unit naturally. If your unit needs a charge, there’s an underlying cause—usually a leak. Left unattended, these types of leaks can worsen and cause serious damage, so be ready to recognize the early warning signs. Does your thermostat seem to be working accurately, or are you continually having to set the temperature lower to remain comfortable? Is the air coming out of your vents noticeably cold, or only a bit cooler than room temperature? Pay attention to these things as you settle in for your first summer in your new home. If you start to notice a change, you may have an issue that needs to be resolved.”

HVAC and Indoor Air Quality

Check out the whole article here.

Related HVAC and Plumbing Repair and Installation Services:

The webpage Primex Fits also shared some more ways to ensure that an HVAC system will continue running smoothly amid the weather changes.

“The furnace filter should be changed every three to six months in order to help the furnace work effectively and improve indoor air quality. Check that heating vents and cold air returns are not blocked by furniture or clogged with dust. Vacuuming out any debris from the registers will also help with the efficiency of the system. If it’s possible to inspect the ductwork in a crawlspace or basement follow it along and check for leaks. All joints and connections should be sealed with foil tape or mastic. If you suspect ducts are very dirty it’s worth recommending a duct cleaning service.”

Read more here.

The HVAC System should be well maintained in order to function appropriately no matter the weather.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors Air Conditioning Repair Service

http://www.bluediamondplumbing.net/call-plumber-water-pressure-issues/

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Sunday, September 4, 2016

Call the Plumber for Water Pressure Issues

Reasons for having Low Water Pressure

Drip Drop

When the water pressure is low. (Photo Credits)

Low water pressure can be inconvenient especially for multi-level households. Once a homeowner encounters issues on low water pressure, a call to the plumber is definitely warranted given that this could be a clue of other plumbing issues that may already be taking place in the property.

UK-based website The Heating Engineer enumerated possible causes of low water pressure. OSHA Plumbers

“Low water pressure has a number of different causes. Sometimes it can be due to problems such as the shut-off valve being closed or a blocked tap. It may also be caused by plumbing blockages or water leaks.”

Sewer Back Ups for the Emergency Plumber

Read the whole post here.

http://heatingengineerleicester.co.uk/2015/12/31/troubleshoot-low-water-pressure-in-the-home/

Pressure or supply problem?

Canadian-based Anta Plumbing for its part shared a tip to its readers on how to decipher if the problem is indeed in the water pressure, or in the water supply. Plumbing Info

“If you’re unsure about whether you have a problem with your water pressure, or whether it is just generally low, it may be an idea to buy a water pressure measuring gauge from your hardware store. The average water pressure reading for a home’s water supply should be between 50-70 pounds per square inch (psi). Fixtures are made to sustain up to a maximum of 80 psi without sustaining damage, but if your pressure is below 50 psi, you may become pretty frustrated with your low water pressure.”

What to do with a Pipe Burst while waiting for the Plumber to Arrive

Read the whole write up here.

Related Plumbing and HVAC Repair Services

Vanisle Water also shared some possible reasons for low water pressure.

“Debris, such as; sand, dirt and pollutants, can enter your home’s pipes when a water main fractures. Mineral deposits are a common problem in older homes with galvanized iron pipes. Deposits are normally located in horizontal pipes and are caused by hot water reacting with the metal. If the pipes in your home are old, they may have also become corroded, restricting the water flow.”

Read the rest of the post here.

The best thing for a property owner to do when encountering such issues is to get in touch with a licensed professional plumber.

Diamond Ace Contractors

5052 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92117
(888) 231-1086

Diamond Ace Contractors San Diego Plumber

http://www.bluediamondplumbing.net/effective-hvac-maintenance/

 

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