Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Madison’

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Air Conditioner?

Monday, August 23rd, 2021

two-technicians-smiling-and-standing-over-outside-ac-unitFall is just around the corner, but for now, we’re still dealing with warmer temperatures. While cooler weather might be calling our names, this is no time to ignore your air conditioner.

After all, the end of the season is the most likely time for something to go wrong with your air conditioner. This is especially true if it’s an aging system–that is, once it’s 10-15 years old. Now, some of the signs of a failing air conditioner can be fixed with our repair services. But once your air conditioner reaches a certain age, it’s really time to consider an upgrade and replace your air conditioner. Read on to learn more!

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Is It Time for You to Call a Plumber?

Monday, May 3rd, 2021

homeowner-looking-under-sink-at-leak-with-phone-to-earAt times, it can be hard for the average homeowners to detect what kind of shape their plumbing system is in. In fact, if you’re like most homeowners, you don’t think about your plumbing system much at all, especially if nothing is very visibly wrong with it. It’s one of those “out of sight, out of mind” things. Unfortunately, not paying attention to your plumbing can lead to problems.

In fact, it’s almost inevitable that at some point, you’re going to need plumbing repairs. And when this does occur, it’s important for you to be able to address it right away so you can prevent it from becoming a bigger emergency. So, what are the signs it’s time to call in a pro? The below signs indicate that it’s time:

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How to Shut Down Your Furnace for the Season

Monday, April 5th, 2021

furnace-jetsOne of the goals most homeowners have is to save money on their heating and cooling costs. And we get it! After all, using your furnace can get expensive, especially considering how much you actually need it in our climate. The good news is, there are a lot of ways you can use your furnace efficiently and spend less. One of these ways is to completely shut down the system during the late spring and summer season, when you don’t need it.

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Heed These Signs You Need Plumbing Work

Monday, March 22nd, 2021

plumber-tightening-under-sink-pipe-with-wrenchPlumbing problems are one of those things that can be really hard to detect without the right professional equipment and experience. Most of your plumbing system is hidden from view, right? The problems that typically afflict it can be very subtle and not make themselves known until they are emergencies.

For this reason, we recommend scheduling preventive maintenance for your plumbing system on at least an annual basis. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the warning signs that your plumbing system is struggling. On the rare chance that a problem happens between maintenance sessions, you’ll be able to detect it quickly so you can call us for prompt repairs. Read on as we uncover some of the symptoms of plumbing problems, and give us a call when you notice any of them.

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Don’t Let the Weather Ruin Your Plumbing!

Monday, January 25th, 2021

icicles-hanging-from-pipeHere we are, facing some of the most bitterly cold temperatures we ever have. You’re probably concerned about ensuring that you and your family stay as warm, comfortable, and healthy as possible as the temperatures drop.

What you might not be considering, is how your plumbing system is able to deal with these bitterly cold temperatures. It’s actually quite easy for your pipe to freeze in cold weather—and unfortunately, frozen pipes lead to burst pipes. Fortunately, we’re here to help, whether you already have frozen pipes and need us to safely thaw them, or you’re looking for ways to prevent this from occurring in the first place. Read on as we share some tips on how to do the latter!

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What’s FOG and What Does It Do to Your Plumbing?

Monday, October 5th, 2020

water-flowing-down-a-sink-drainWhen we talk about “FOG,” we aren’t referring to the layer of mist you may see settling in around your town on a cool morning. While you should certainly be cautious of that kind of fog, especially while driving, we’re actually talking about the FOG that too many homeowners pour down their kitchen sink drains–fats, oils, and grease.

FOG is actually one of the worst things that can negatively impact your kitchen drain, and sometimes even your sewer line if you pour enough of it down. Avoiding this problem is relatively easy, but we understand you might be kind of curious about whether or not it really is that bad and if you should be concerned. Read on!

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Should You Consider Going Ductless This Year?

Monday, May 18th, 2020

wall-mounted-air-handler-in-modern-living-roomOne of the top reasons homeowners often choose to go ductless is because they’re able to take care of their air conditioning and heating needs all in one system. Also known as a ductless mini-split, the ductless systems has been gaining popularity, as they’re great for keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

We get it though—choosing the best HVAC system for your home and specific needs can be overwhelming. After all, there are a number of great options out there to choose form. Our advice is to speak to a trained professional before making a final decision. Not all homes are a perfect match for going ductless, and it’s important to be aware of how your home’s setup plays a role in cooling and heating efficiency. For many homes though, ductless is definitely the way to go.

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Tips for Shutting Down Your AC for Winter

Monday, September 9th, 2019

AC-Condenser-UnitChances are, you’re still going to need your air conditioner to run for a little bit longer, even though the official end of summer is just a couple weeks away. In fact, even fall can introduce some surprise heat waves. Eventually, you’ll look at the upcoming weather forecast, see temperatures dropping, and know that winter is coming.

At this point, it’s essential that you have your heating system tuned-up and inspected to prevent problems with it. You can arrange for this with our team as soon as you want to! We provide comprehensive and thorough maintenance for all types of heating systems. But in addition to heating maintenance, there’s something else you’ll need to do with your HVAC systems this time of the year.

You’ll want to winterize your air conditioner! That’s right, we don’t recommend simply turning off the air conditioner and leaving it. It can suffer damage over the winter if this occurs, and that damage can jeopardize its functionality when you need it again next year. So, how exactly do you prep your AC for the off-season?

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Tips for Using Your AC Most Efficiently

Monday, July 29th, 2019

ac-on-pile-of-moneyIf there’s anything that the majority of homeowners want to know, it’s how to make their air conditioner more efficient so they can save money on their energy bills. Considering how uncomfortably hot it can get during our long summers, it’s only natural that you are one of these homeowners!

And we have good news—there are a number of AC services that will help with this, including preventive maintenance to help fend off repair needs and lower your bills. There are also HVAC and indoor air quality products that can help with this too. Plus, simple things like adjusting your thermostat a few more degrees higher than you normally due, and changing your air filer very 1-3 months, will help!

Interested? Keep reading to learn more!

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How to Check Your Sump Pump Properly this Spring

Monday, March 26th, 2018

A sump pump installed in a basement of a home with a water powered backup system.Your sump pump is one of the most important components there is when it comes to your plumbing system. It helps prevent water damage from flooding, and goes to work automatically as excess water gathers in the sump (a pit). Then, that water is pumped out either into the municipal wastewater supply or a well.

Of course, not all homes in the Madison area have basements, and not all neighborhoods are susceptible to flood risks. However, sump pumps definitely have their place for the homeowners who do benefit from them. Whether it’s snowmelt or a plumbing burst, your home can certainly accumulate a lot of property damage without a functioning sump pump, from rotted wood and mold growth to other hazards caused by the excessive and stagnant moisture.

What if you already know all this and have a sump pump in place already? That’s great! Now is the perfect time to test it and make sure it’s ready for the coming season!

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