Time to Schedule Your Fall Furnace Checkup!

As summer fades into fall

It’s time to start thinking about readying your furnace for it’s prime time performance again. Caring for your furnace involves a range of tasks. Although you will want to be sure to call a professional licensed HVAC technician like First Class Plumbing for a comprehensive tune-up,   there are a number of tasks you can perform yourself, guided by your owner’s manual, if you choose. If not rest assured - at First Class Plumbing, we will be happy to give your furnace the white glove treatment. Here’s a list for all of you who are eager to get ready!

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CHANGE THE FILTER now, and continue to replace it each month during the heating season.

CHECK THE BURNER FLAMES’ COLOR. A healthy burner creates a blue flame. Yellow is an indication of trouble.

USE A STRAW TO REMOVE DUST FROM THE PILOT after turning off the power to your furnace.

USE THE STRAW TO REMOVE DUST FROM THE SURFACE IGNITERS. Blow gently to avoid damaging the igniters.

USING AN ATTACHMENT, VACUUM AROUND THE BURNERS. Next, vacuum the blower compartment beneath the blower door.

REMOVE THE BLOWER AND CLEAN. Remove the bolts holding the blower in place to remove it. Clean the blades with a small brush, like a soft toothbrush. Vacuum the blades with an attachment, being certain to not disturb the wiring and the weights on the blades.

CLEAN RESIDUE FROM SENSOR. An emery board or nail file works very well.

CHECK THE DRIVE BELT FOR WEAR. Cracks and tears mean the belt must be replaced.

OIL THE BLOWER MOTOR. Apply two to four drops of lightweight machine oil as your owner’s manual directs.

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Contact First Class Plumbing & HVAC

at (615) 227-3554 to schedule your fall furnace tune-up. Our trained, knowledgeable, and professional staff can help you with all your needs, from heating and air conditioning system maintenance, repair, and installation of new high efficiency air conditioning and heating systems. And don’t forget our name - we can take care of all your Williamson County plumbing needs as well! Call First Class Plumbing & HVAC today at (615) 227-3554.

Click here for access to special discounts from First Class Plumbing & HVAC!

Don’t “Fall” Into the High Utility Blues Again This Season!

Brrrrrr! Feel that chill in the air? Ok, well, maybe we’re getting a little ahead of the game, but that’s really the point. The season’s are changing again and that means it’s time to consider a strategy.

It’s easy math, really. If your summer utility bills were too high, you know what to expect when the chill returns. More of the same. But at First Class Plumbing, we don’t think you should have to settle for a substandard HVAC system anymore. After all, you work too hard for your money to see it fly out the window with exorbitant energy bills and repairs costs - money that would be far better invested in a system upgrade, or a new, high efficiency HVAC system.

Did you know that for most Middle Tennesseans, about half of our energy expenditures is on ridiculously high heating and cooling costs? Everyone knows a high efficiency heating and cooling system is a wise investment in their property. If your HVAC unit proved to be a poor performer this summer, you know what you need to do.

Fall is the perfect season to make decisions about your heating and cooling issues. So take action now, before the snowflakes signal certain HVAC heartache. Pick up the phone and give us a call at First Class Plumbing. We’ll help you determine whether a thorough tune-up, system upgrade, or a new super-efficiency HVAC unit is the best game plan for your heating and cooling strategy.

Is an HVAC upgrade in your future? For all your questions about Middle Tennessee heating and cooling systems issues, contact First Class Plumbing & HVAC at (615) 227-3554. Our trained, knowledgeable, and professional staff can help you with all your needs, from heating and air conditioning system maintenance, repair, and installation of new high efficiency air conditioning and heating systems. And don’t forget our name - we can take care of all your Williamson County plumbing needs as well! Call First Class Plumbing & HVAC today at (615) 227-3554.

Click here for access to special discounts from First Class Plumbing & HVAC!

What’s Behind Your Water Pressure Problems?

After dragging yourself from a comfortable bed after too little sleep, the last thing you need to deal with is low water pressure. It’s a common annoyance that is often not difficult to diagnose. The five most common sources of the problem are water leaks, a faulty pressure regulator, elevation issues, faulty valves, and mineral deposit build up. Here’s a little more info:

Water Leaks - It’s not hard to understand that cracked or damaged pipes = water seepage. What does that mean to you? You guessed it: reduced water pressure. When not all available water gets to your faucet, you feel the difference, and often dramatically.

Faulty Pressure Regulator - A faulty pressure regulator, the bell shaped item usually found below the hose connection at the front of your house, will cause low water pressure at every faucet in your house.

Water Tank Elevation - Location, location - this pertains to elevation too! Is your house set higher than the tank? If so, it will be difficult to maintain good water pressure.

Faulty Valves - Valves are meant to turn, but on occasion, they may slip out of the position you want them in. If the main water valve on your house is not wide open, you will find your water pressure impaired.

Mineral Deposit Build Up - Time will cause sediment and mineral deposits to build up, clogging pipes, blocking faucets and showerheads, and causing a low water pressure problem.

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For help with all your low water pressure problems, call First Class Plumbing & HVAC today. Our trained, knowledgeable and professional staff can help you with all your plumbing needs, as well as HVAC issues, from air conditioning system maintenance, repair, and installation of new high efficiency air conditioning systems. First Class Plumbing & HVAC: (615) 227-3554.

Click here for access to special discounts from First Class Plumbing & HVAC!

Top 5 Summer Plumbing Problems

With all the fun and busyness of summer, the last thing on most Williamson County homeowner’s minds is plumbing problems. Unless they have to. And then, the timing is seldom ideal. The warmer months of summer are prime time for a number of plumbing issues that may not occur at other times. So what’s a homeowner’s best line of defense against common plumbing problems? Knowledge. At First Class Plumbing, we want you to be armed with the information necessary to help you ward off untimely plumbing issues this summer. Here are the top 5 most common problems to look out for:

1. Backed Up Sewer Line - Strong summer rain showers or thunderstorms can cause a surge of water pouring into sewer pipes through cracks and cause the sewer line to back up. This is a somewhat common problem for homeowners with trees whose tree roots have spread upon the pipes, causing them to crack. At the first signs of sewer line trouble such as water from the toilet backing up into the bathtub drain, call a licensed professional like First Class Plumbing immediately.

2. Clogged Washing Machine Drain - With the kids out of school and hot weather requiring more frequent changes and washing needs, your washing machine probably gets a workout during summer months, which can put additional stress on your washing machine. Avoid the temptation to set the washing machine and run, as it is best to stay near while the machine is running. That way, if a problem arises you can stop the cycle immediately and call a professional if needed. You should also move the machine out from the wall a little to prevent the hose from kinking.

3. Clogged Garbage Disposal - Another by-product of summertime fun is garbage disposal issues. The two chief culprits when it comes to clogged disposals and other problems: gardening and grilling. It can be tempting to pour off small amounts of grease from grilling down the drain. And you’d be amazed how many excess bits of garden goodness end up stuck in the blades of disposals everywhere. Even if you think it’s a small enough amount to not cause trouble, don’t do it. As with most things in life, when it comes to your in-sink garbage disposal, a little common sense goes a long way.

4. Irrigation System Issues - If your home is outfitted with an inground irrigation system, always inspect and clean the sprinkler heads at the start of the season. The heads are easily clogged or damaged with mowing and other activities, so always be sure to take the necessary care, including mowing the lawn only when the sprinkler heads are lowered.

5. Clogged Toilets - Just like the washing machine - but even more so; your home’s toilets are also getting a workout with heavy kid activity in the summer. Emphasizing the importance of using no more toilet paper than necessary and flushing only the toilet is actually used is key. Keeping a plunger on hand will generally take care of common clogs, but don’t hesitate to call a professional for stubborn clogs and flushing issues. Modern toilets are increasingly made with lighter-weight components, which break more easily with heavier use.

For all your summer plumbing emergencies, call First Class Plumbing & HVAC today. Our trained, knowledgeable and professional staff can help you with all your plumbing and HVAC needs, from air conditioning system maintenance, repair, and installation of new high efficiency air conditioning systems. First Class Plumbing & HVAC: (615) 227-3554.

Click here for access to special discounts from First Class Plumbing & HVAC!

Summer Energy Savers from First Class Plumbing & HVAC

Pshew, it’s hot outside! Oh, but it’s so nice to know you can step into a cool, comfortable, air  conditioned home whenever you feel the need for relief. Of course, that comfort comes at a price, and high summer energy demands can mean that price is suddenly at a premium. Here at First Class Plumbing & HVAC, we want to be armed with the information you need to help keep your home’s summer cooling expenses under control.  

Window Watcher

• Check your windows for leaky seals and add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks .
• Close the blinds, curtains or drapes, especially at east and west-facing windows during sunniest hours.
• Installing solar screens on east and west-facing windows can block up to 70% of the heat.
• Reflective blinds, dual shades, and drapes with heat-reflective backings also help beat  the heat very effectively.
• Is a long-term solution, but tall trees (15’ to 20’) strategically placed on the west and southwest sides of your home will provide shade to help keep your home cool.

Make Your Thermostat Work for You

• Knowing how to operate your thermostat for maximum energy savings is key.
• Do not set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner, as it won’t cool your home any faster and can result in higher bills.
• How high can you comfortably set your thermostat in the summer? 78°F is a good goal.
• The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Use a programmable thermostat to keep your house warmer when you are away and cooler only when you are home and need cooling.
• Keep lamps, televisions, and other appliances that emit heat while in operation away from the AC thermostat, as the thermostat may sense this heat and cause the AC to run longer than necessary.
• Keep your air conditioner’s fan set to “auto” continually to remove the humidity in your air. Setting it to “run” or “on” allows the humidity to re-enter the house by evaporating off the coils in the air stream.

Turn Down the Heat in Your Water

• Setting your water heater to a warm setting (vs. piping hot) of about 120°F can make a dramatic difference, as water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Become a Fan of Fans

• Turning on ceiling fans in rooms you’re using will cause you to feel more comfortable setting the thermostat lower; fans create a wind chill effect causing us to feel more comfortable.
• Turn off ceiling fans as you leave the room.
• Use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity when showering or bathing.
• Ensure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside, rather than just the attic.

Keep Interior Heat Buildup from Appliance Usage to a Minimum

• Avoid using the oven on hot days. We recommend cooking in microwave oven, grilling outside, or preparing something that doesn't require cooking at all.

• Strive to wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Air dry dishes and even clothing when possible.
• Take short showers instead of baths.

Make Regular AC Maintenance a Priority

• Be sure to check the air filter monthly and change as needed to ensure good airflow.
• Clear the outdoor unit of any yard debris and be watchful of additional buildup from lawn mowing and storms.
• Schedule professional AC checkup & maintenance at the beginning of each cooling season.

Looking for more ways to lower your home air conditioning costs? Contact First Class Plumbing & HVAC at (615) 227-3554. Our trained, knowledgeable, and professional staff can help you with all your needs, from air conditioning system maintenance, repair, and installation of new high efficiency air conditioning systems. Have a Middle Tenessee Plumbing or HVAC need? Call First Class Plumbing & HVAC today at (615) 227-3554.

Click here for access to special discounts from First Class Plumbing & HVAC!

Top 5 Plumbing Myths

There are many tips circulating about managing your plumbing that you’ve all probably heard. But which of these “tips” are actually myths that could end up costing you money in the end? At First Class Plumbing & HVAC, we care about helping you keep your plumbing - and your wallet - in tip-top shape. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful list of the top 5 plumbing myths for you to look out for. Enjoy!

#1: Lemons Clean Your Garbage Disposal

The truth is that the rind of a lemon run through the disposal may make your drain smell better, but it won’t actually get it clean.The best way to disinfect your garbage disposal is with a cleaning solution that includes a mild soap and warm water. However, before you attempt to use it, be sure to disconnect the disposal from its power source. Simply spray the the disposal with your soap and water solution,let it soak a few minutes, and then scrub the disposal with a cleaning brush.

#2: Running Water Helps The Waste Travel Smoothly Through the Disposal

While running water will help guide some items through your disposal, many homeowners mistakenly believe that they can put just about anything down their garbage disposals as long as they run water. The truth is that some things do not belong in a garbage disposal no matter how much water you run. Hard or thick food items, such as banana peel and eggshells, can damage your disposal, which may require an expensive repair or drain cleaning. If you’re considering putting thick foods down your disposal, you’ll need to break them up thoroughly and mix them with water beforehand.

#3: My Drain Isn’t Getting Clogged if Things Are Still Moving

Even when your garbage disposal is operating, it may still be at risk of a serious clog. One of the early warning signs of a problem is a slow moving disposal, or waste fragments that remain on the discharge pipe. If you notice either of these signs when you use your disposal, it’s developing a clog, even though it may still be working. Stop using it right away until you have the clog removed.

#4: Plumbing Fixtures May Be Cleaned With Hand Soap

Depending on the type of plumbing fixtures you have, hand soap may actually be damaging to the surface. Brass plumbing fixtures, for example, should be cleaned with gentle solutions such as cut lemons and baking soda. Toilet bowls, however, need to be cleaned with an effective disinfectant to kill germs and prevent infection.

#5: Plumbing Fixtures Require Little To No Maintenance

This is one of the most dangerous home plumbing myths of all, because homeowners who believe it may run into serious problems later on. Pipes may be obstructed by clogs, unruly tree roots, or shifting home foundations. Homeowners should also inspect their sewer cleanouts for obstructions. All of these issues may lead to expensive plumbing repair, such as a sewer line replacement or a pipe replacement. The fixtures inside the home such as sinks, faucets, and tubs also need regular maintenance to avoid serious drain clogs.

Have a Middle Tenessee Plumbing or HVAC need? 

Call First Class Plumbing & HVAC today at (615) 227-3554.

Click here for access to special discounts from First Class Plumbing & HVAC!