Published on: 13 September 2020
Last Updated on: 29 October 2024
For most people, summer is the most joyful of all seasons. There’s something precious about those warm evenings, whole days spent swimming, and enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, summer’s not all sunshine and flowers.
As a lot of homeowners know, during the summertime our bill tends to spike as our air conditioning costs keep piling up. But what if you could cut those costs by as much as half. In a lot of cases, high AC costs are the result of improper maintenance and malfunctioning AC systems. The experts at Howell’s were kind enough to share a few useful tips that can help you save this cooling season.
Look For Leaks In The Ducts
If your cooling bills unexpectedly start to spike, there could be a technical issue behind it. Central AC systems use ductwork to deliver any cooled air throughout your home. However, as they age ducts become more susceptible to tears and fissures. This not only makes the AC less efficient but demands more power to keep the required temperature levels in your home. This is usually the main reason behind increased energy bills. If you haven’t inspected your ductwork in a while and are paying more than usual, have a professional determine whether leaks in the ductwork are to blame.
Replace Your Air Filter
One of the things homeowners are most likely to forget about is the air filters in their AC systems. When is the last time you replaced or at least cleaned your filter? If your answer is “I don’t remember” now is the right time to do so. A clogged filter may make your air conditioner less effective as it struggles to push the cooled air through the filter. This will likely result in an increased energy bill, but poor air quality as well.
If you want to keep your energy bill low, make a habit of replacing your air filter at least once every two months. If you are not sure how to do this, you can always hire a professional.
Have A Professional Tune-Up
Another often neglected part of owning an AC system is having regular inspections and tune-ups. With a professional tune-up at least twice a year you can be sure your AC will be up to standards and working properly. This way you won’t spend a cent more than you need to in order to enjoy the comfort in your home.
A tune-up entails a professional testing every component of the system to make sure everything is working in harmony. If any part of the AC system is malfunctioning, professionals can detect this early and prevent expensive repairs down the line. Finally, they will clean the entire system, replace the filters, and offer valuable advice on proper AC maintenance.
Having your AC system running at optimal conditions is perhaps the best way to ensure that you don’t end up spending more money on it than necessary. As the old adage goes, sometimes you gotta spend money to make money; well, in this case, save money.
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Are the shingles of your roof starting to get loose? Or perhaps the entire roof itself is in need of a fresh paint job but you can’t do it yourself? For roofing and painting contractors in your area – especially those working alongside a lead generation firm like Ippei Leads – anything you want them to do to your roof is a blessing as it means yet another business opportunity. But before hiring one to fix or repaint your roof, here are four questions you might want to ask them first:
1. Can they meet your roofing needs no matter what type your roof is?
The roofing and painting contractor you want to hire should be able to service these two major types of roofs:
Residential roofing, which is typically easier to repair and repaint
Commercial roofing, whose massive size and lower slope make fixing and repainting it more challenging yet profitable at the same time
If the roof of your place of business is leaky, for example, and the contractor you talked to doesn’t have any experience with fixing commercial roofing, you shouldn’t hire them since they most likely wouldn’t know how to tackle the said problem.
Also, if you need to have the whole roof of your house replaced with a brand new one, and the contractor you contacted hasn’t dealt with residential roofing before, you should skip them lest you want them to install an oversized one that’s more suitable for commercial use.
2. Do they have the license to operate as a roofing and painting contractor?
Aside from their knowledge of both residential and commercial roofs, the roofing and painting contractor you plan on hiring should have a license to operate, most especially in the following states where it’s a requirement:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina (but only if the roofing job will cost you at least $30,000)
RhodeIsland
South Carolina
Utah
Virginia
If you reside or run a commercial building in any of these states, and the contractor couldn’t show you an authenticated copy of their statewide license, don’t hire them.
3. Do they have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance?
The roofing and painting contractor you want to hire may know the difference between a residential and commercial roof. They may also have the license to operate in the state where you reside or do business. But aside from these, you should ask them upfront if they’ve got the following two types of insurance that will shoulder them financially in case of any mishap during the roof repair or repainting job:
Liability insurance:
There’s no telling when a contractor’s worker may accidentally drop a rusty nail or any tools on top of your (or your customer’s) head while doing the job or someone suddenly passes out after smelling the noxious fumes emitted by the paint.
It’s important for the contractor to have liability insurance so their insurer can cover some or all of the medical expenses resulting from an injury during the repair or repainting job.
Workers’ compensation insurance:
Even if you or anyone else not connected to the contractor you hired didn’t sustain any injuries at all, a worker of theirs might suddenly get caught in a slip and fall accident while fixing or repainting your roof.
The contractor should secure a workers’ compensation insurance so financial assistance can be provided to cover their crew’s medical costs and lost wages until the said person is physically capable of working for them again.
It’s also a big plus if the roofing and painting contractor also carries commercial vehicle insurance aside from the two mentioned above to protect the cars, trucks, or vans that they use to do their job.
4. Do they have a contract prepared for you?
As evident in their name, a roofing and painting contractor should show you a contract before repairing or repainting your roof. The said document should be legally binding and must contain the following:
A detailed description of the repair or repainting job the contractor will do to your roof
Breakdown of materials they’ll use for the roof repair or repainting job
The estimated total cost of the said job
Dates when they'll fix or repaint your roof
A warranty of at least one to two years wherein you can have any part of your roof replaced if ever they accidentally damage it while fixing or repainting it
A termination clause wherein the contract itself could become null and void if either you or the contractor violates any of its terms and conditions
Don’t hire a roofing or painting contractor who plans to take on fixing or repainting your roof with only a handshake or verbal agreement to seal the deal.
Conclusion:
Roofing and painting contractors in America have been experiencing an upward profit margin growth since 2014. No wonder then that there are several of them as of late. But you can’t afford to get stuck with one who might do a sloppy job of fixing or repainting your roof which can lead to further problems down the road for you. So, before hiring a roofing and painting contractor for your roof, you should ask them first the four questions listed above to avoid any regrets on your end.
Read Also:
5 Myths About Roofing Services To Avoid
Professional Roofing Services And Different Decorating Styles
Junk! Junk Everywhere, What comes handy in Situation here? Roll Off Dumpster is the solution anytime anywhere. We often consider dumpster oversized trash that occupies our parking space or yard. In spite of having huge debris, waste and trash dumpster is the last thing we can think of.--When in essence, that's precisely what we should be focusing on. You can visit trusted sources such as eagle dumpster rental to help get your head around the rules. Having a clear idea of what you can expect is best before ordering a dumpster.
Well, the blog underneath is an answer to all your ifs and buts while you think of renting a dumpster. I will provide you with all the important reasons that call out for a dumpster.
Is Renting a Dumpster Important? Why and When?
Renting a Dumpster become very necessary when you consider the following situations.
Decluttering your Home:
No matter how well you organize or manage your home, every house has junk. We need to clear it at least a few times in a year if not every month. While decluttering we have all types of junk that can be light, heavy, big, small, etc.
It is not possible to fit all kinds of garbage in your vehicle altogether and throw them off to the garbage dump, which is usually situated in outskirts of every city. Even if you try doing it yourself, it will consume a lot of money and time at your end. The best way is to go for renting a dumpster.
Relocation:
The second important situation that calls out for renting a Dumpster is shifting from one place to another. Your new home may not always be the same size as your old one and you may try to get rid of most of the things.
Even if this is not the case you cannot carry all the things while shifting. How will you throw all the waste? The simplest answer is by seeking help from dumpster service providing companies. Get a dumpster placed before your home and simply put all the trash.
Construction:
During construction, there is huge debris and other construction waste. It can be easily removed with the help of a dumpster. No self-work can help you to get rid of such a huge waste and your construction site would always be filled with unwanted things resulting in more and more accidents.
Remodelling Your Home or Office:
If you are in a plan to give a new look to your home or workplace there are a number of old things that first need to be removed. This huge waste would not be able to fit into your regular dustbin and you would certainly require a dumpster for the same.
Clearing the Yard:
All the small and big things that are waste inside the house find their space in the yard. But is it a good idea? Don't you think it hammers the first impression when people enter your home? While of course, it does. Your yard can be cleared with ease if you opt for the hiring of a dumpster.
Final Words:
Getting a dumpster on rent gives you great relief. You can clear all the mess in and around you easily. You can also opt for clearing team to remove all your junk. It will save you a lot of time and you don't even have to face any sort of injury while cleaning the junk on any sites. So consider renting a dumpster it has all the benefits for you without any harmful impacts.
Read Also:
How To Use A Shipping Container As A Home Office
In this modern world powered by electricity, the significance of electrical services cannot be overstated.
From the moment you wake up and switch on the lights to when you settle down and charge your devices, electrical services play a vital role in your daily life. It is true that electricity is the common denominator in every household.
Hence, we must know everything about it. From learning about what electrical services entail to what you need to know if you're seeking assistance in this field- this article will guide you to everything you need to know about this crucial aspect. So, let’s get started without twisting the topic much.
Types of Electrical Services
There are various types of electrical services that you might need in your home or office. Here are a few kinds of these services:
Residential Electrical Services
Residential electrical services cater to homes, ensuring safe and efficient electrical systems. Services include installing, repairing, and maintaining wiring, outlets, lighting, and appliances. Generally, electrician in Melbourne in this category focus on meeting the electrical needs of households, addressing issues promptly to maintain a secure and functional living environment.
Commercial Electrical Services
Commercial electrical services are designed for businesses and commercial spaces. Electricians in this field install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in offices, retail establishments, and other commercial buildings. These services ensure a reliable power supply for various equipment and lighting to support the smooth operation of businesses.
Industrial Electrical Services
Industrial electrical services are tailored for manufacturing plants, factories, and industrial facilities. Electricians in this sector deal with complex systems, machinery, and high-power equipment. Their expertise includes installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting industrial electrical components, ensuring continuous and safe operation of industrial processes.
Emergency Electrical Services
Emergency electrical services provide immediate assistance in critical situations. Electricians in this category respond promptly to unexpected electrical issues, such as power outages, wiring faults, or other emergencies. Their quick intervention helps prevent further damage and ensures the safety of individuals and property, emphasizing a swift resolution to urgent electrical problems.
Importance of Professional Electrical Services
Professional electrical services are important for several reasons, such as
Ensure Safety
For safety at home or in a business, you need professional electrical services. Trained electricians prioritize safety measures during installations, repairs, and maintenance. They identify potential hazards, use proper equipment, and adhere to safety protocols, reducing the risk of electrical accidents.
Compliance with Regulations
Professional electrical services ensure compliance with regulations and codes set by authorities. Electricians stay updated on safety standards and legal requirements, guaranteeing that electrical work meets the necessary guidelines. Compliance not only ensures the well-being of occupants but also avoids legal issues and penalties.
Preventing Electrical Hazards and Fire Risks
Engaging professional electrical services helps prevent electrical hazards and fire risks. Electricians identify and rectify potential dangers such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated systems. Their expertise minimizes the chances of electrical fires, protecting lives and property.
Long-Term Cost Savings
While upfront costs may seem higher, the quality work performed by skilled electricians reduces the need for frequent repairs. This, coupled with enhanced energy efficiency and prevention of major issues, results in significant cost savings over time, making professional services a wise investment for property owners.
What Is Included In An Electrical Service?
This has to be the most interesting part of the article because here we will be talking about the inclusions of these services.
Let’s dive into more details of what you need to check in an electrical solution:
Outlet And Switch Installation or Repairs
A light switch malfunctioning is one of the most common occurrences in a household. A damaged, improper, or overloaded wire simply causes it to stop working completely. Irrespective of the cause, the electrician should leave no stone unturned in checking and fixing it. Fixing an outlet or a switch installation needs expert knowledge of wiring and must be done only by a professional.
Electrical Panel Upgradations
The second most important thing to check in electrical services is the panel. This is the exact same place where all the power enters the building and is equally distributed to all circuits. What can impact your house is if the old service panel has less than a 100 amps rating and needs replacement. With a professional electric solution, you will get a 100 amp or 200 amp electricity panel, based on your home’s size.
Upgrades Related To Lighting Repairs And Installation
Who likes dimming, buzzing, or flickering lights? Let’s be honest, no one! Yet, this is also a very common electrical problem. These symptoms denote that your wiring is outdated, faulty, and even overloaded. Chances are there might be a lot of devices plugged into your circuit. But with an adept electricity service, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about!
Installing Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans offer a cooling effect that ultimately reduces your need for an HVAC system and, consequently, complex wiring. Installing or fixing a faulty ceiling fan all by yourself is not recommended. Most electricians specialize in ceiling fan installation in both bedrooms and living rooms. Along with proper mounting, they also need wiring updates and installation.
Wiring/Rewiring
Quality electrical services know how important it is to perform wiring repair, replacement, and installation. Power-offs generally do not ensure any shocks, electrocutions, or burns. Hence, properly equipping and protecting them is important, irrespective of the appliance. Electricians can not only fix the equipment properly but also rewire the old ones.
Stay Informed with Electrical Services
To sum up, knowing about electrical services is very important for the safety, efficiency, and dependability of your home, business, or factory. Whether addressing electrical issues promptly, hiring qualified contractors, or embracing energy-efficient solutions, a well-informed approach safeguards your property and minimizes risks.
So, that’s all about it! If you think you need electrical services, don’t forget to consider the aforementioned tips. These go a long way when you want nothing but the best for your abode. Thank you for reading!
Read Also:
How to Organize Your own Maintenance Service
5 Features That Any Heating Service Should Have!
Appliance Repair Process Getting Your Appliances Back In Top Shape
