Having a vacation home is a wonderful treat for any person or family. When you have a retreat at a lake, in the mountains or anywhere else, it can really add some extra motivation during the week when you know you have that refuge. However, it can also mean that you’re now taking care of two homes—it’s a great problem to have, but a challenge nonetheless.
Staying on top of a vacation home’s maintenance is a critical task that many homeowners dread, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. There are some easy tips you can follow, including getting in touch with experts like plumbers in Mesa, AZ to ensure your investment stays in top shape.
Monitor the plumbing
The water systems in your home are usually fairly reliable, but they still require regular attention if you want to keep them working every time you turn a tap. Working with a plumber in Mesa, AZ to perform regular inspections is a great way to make sure everything is working properly, but you should also be regularly cleaning fixtures like faucets and shower heads. This is particularly true if your vacation home has hard water or uses well water, since these sources are more likely to cause buildup that can create issues with water pressure. You should also be regularly cleaning out drains and sinks to avoid large backups that can lead to high repair bills.
Inspect the exterior
The outside of the house also needs special attention. Make sure you’re not letting debris like sticks or leaves build up anywhere—these can wreak havoc on gutters and air conditioning condenser units if they’re left to their own devices. You also want to make sure you’re regularly breaking out the paintbrush—exposed wood is far more likely to suffer from rotting and mold problems that can lead to costly repair jobs.
You also want to familiarize yourself with the signs of a pest problem. Know what intruders are common in your area, and teach yourself what their nests and signs of activity look like. That way, you’ll be more likely to spot them early and be able to address them before an infestation gets out of hand.
Clean, clean, clean
You never want to come back to a dirty vacation home after spending time away, so this one sounds obvious. However, cleaning serves more of a role than just the house feeling more welcoming when you return. A plumber in Mesa, AZ can show you how to make sure your grout and tile stays clean and sealed, and can also assist with working on drains and faucets so they don’t lead to unsightly water damage or mold growth.
If you’re in the market for plumbing services at your vacation home, then look no further than our team at PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air. We can assist with everything from basic maintenance to the installation of water heaters or water purification systems in Mesa, AZ, and we have almost 15 years of experience to go with our expertise and sterling reputation. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
Today, we live in a world that relies heavily on heating and air conditioning. We have become accustomed to having our indoor climate regulated, and comfortable. So while we usually take this for granted, here is a short overview on HVAC.
Service
Getting your system serviced does not mean you need to wait until there is a problem. Actually it works best if you have your system gone over twice a year, in the spring and the fall. This maintenance keeps your system cleaned, lubed, topped up, and checked out on a regular basis. The cost of having this done is readily recouped in your energy savings over the season. It also usually keeps you from having a surprising problem mid-season.
Maintenance Contracts
Maintenance contracts are available for either 1 or 2 year terms, at reasonable prices. This provides seasonal tune-ups, cleanings and inspections, that will extend the life of your heating and cooling system. All manufacturers recommend that you have your system serviced bi-annually to keep it safe and operating at peak performance. If after this you need repairs done to your system, you are then a priority customer. This means not only will we rush to service your unit when necessary, but you also receive a 10% discount on repairs.
Repair
This is for when your system is either not maintaining temperature, or when it makes you worried. Do not ignore strange noises, odors, or any changes in how your unit is functioning. Catching a problem early can mean it is more likely an easy fix. If you put if off, you are more likely to need your unit replaced and soon.
Replacement
This is not a comfortable thought, but these units do have a lifespan. Eventually you will need a new one. When you do, you want the assurance that you are getting the best unit available at a reasonable price. If you are getting your service work done, it is less likely for this to come as a surprise. Finding problems early gives you a chance for scheduling repairs or replacement during the off-season.
About Us
At PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, we are experts at service, repair, and replacement of HVAC systems. No matter when your system fails, we will do our best to minimize the down time. We know you want your unit back up and running quickly. We will also save you more money on your next purchase and installation of a new high-efficiency AC unit. We offer the best warranty in the industry.
We also provide commercial HVAC services that include furnace & air conditioning installation and repair, electric and gas heat pumps, new HVAC systems, ductwork service and maintenance. Property management companies valley wide rely on us for plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and excellence in customer service. Our industry trained professionals are experts in both residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC service and maintenance.
Call us anytime with questions or leave us a question or comment using our online form below, and don’t forget to like us on Facebookand follow us on Twitter!
Summer always comes too soon in the valley, and the 100s will be here before you know it. Once they are here you want your air conditioner to work at its optimal level, so the time to get ready is now. There are some things you can do to make sure your A/C unit is ready.
- Clean or replace your filter or filters.
The filters for your AC are on the intake side of your system. Keeping these cleaned or replaced on a monthly basis will keep the rest of your system cleaner as well as the air you breath.
- Check your registers for moisture or a build-up of dust.
The registers are the delivery point of your AC system. If you have visible dust, you will want to wipe the area with a slightly damp cloth. If you have moisture visible there, you can have mold trying to grow in your duct work.
- Check the outside unit for dirt and debris that would interfere with air flow.
Clear any plant growth, grass clippings, old leaves, or anything else that is blocking the outside portion of your AC unit. Make sure the power to the unit is off before trying to clean anything inside of the unit such as around the fan. Don’t forget to turn the power back on afterwards.
- Replace old, worn, or missing insulation on the coolant lines.
The foam insulation sleeves that protect the coolant lines get worn or go missing over time. The insulation sleeve is easy to cut with a utility knife, and the sleeves are available at any hardware store. This is a simple fix and will prevent loss of energy and help your power bill.
These are some things you can do to prepare your AC for the summer ahead, but There is so much more to your AC unit. For only $59, PlumbSmart can get your AC ready and check for any problems. We will make certain your unit is running at its optimal efficiency. This will keep your power bills low, find any problems before the repairs are a major expense, and make your home the cool comfortable place you want as the weather gets hot.
Please feel free to leave a question or comment and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
