Hot Water Heaters – 5 Maintenance Tips Every Homeowner Needs

Your water heater works hard to keep you and your family supplied with warm water. It converts energy into heat, which gives you steamy baths and clean clothes.

Stuffed away in your basement or attic, most water heaters have a life expectancy of six to 13 years. That is if you’re diligent about preventative maintenance.

These tips will help you apply the best care to your appliance to ensure a long lifespan.

Tip #1: Drain the Water Heater

Over time, debris will build up in the tank of your water heater. The longer it sits there, the more it carries the potential to degrade the integrity of your water heater.

After a while, it will corrode the tank and weaken its ability to run at its full potential.

Every six months or so, it’s a good idea to entirely flush the water out of the tank.

This can be done by shutting off the gas or power to the water heater and then draining the water through a hose connected to the drain valve.

Tip #2: Insulate the Heater and Pipes

When you go through the steps to insulate the water heater, it should save you some money on your energy bills.

Insulating the water heater will help keep the heat retained within the unit, meaning it doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job.

Some water heaters already come insulated. In the case of older models, there are some ready-made insulating jackets on the market made specifically for water heaters. These are typically made from fiberglass. This same material can be used to wrap around the pipes connected to the water heater.

Tip #3: Lower the Temperature

Do you know what temperature your water heater is set to? Many people don’t!

Typical home usage of hot water only calls for temperatures of 120°F maximum.

This helps lower unnecessary energy expenses, prevents the potential for burns, and increases the lifespan of your water heater.

Find your thermostat dial and simply lower the temperature. If the water heater doesn’t display the temperature on the model, turn on the water in the house and hold a thermometer under the water to get an accurate reading.

Tip #4: Check the Temperature Release Valve

The temperature pressure release (or TPR) valve located at the top of your water heater is in place to lower the pressure inside the tank. Pressure builds when water is heated, which can cause an abundance of pressure.

The TPR valve works to regulate this pressure and lower the risk of an explosion.

If you notice a leak from the valve, it could mean it needs to be replaced. Otherwise, keep checking it a few times a year.

You can manually lift the lever and ensure water is released from the discharge pipe.

Tip #5: Check or Replace the Anode Rod

The anode rod works by sacrificially attracting corrosive agents to it so they don’t deteriorate the inside of the tank. This part of your water heater needs to be checked regularly to guarantee that the inside of the tank is stable.

You can unscrew the rod from its hex head on top of the water heater. If you notice that it’s less than half an inch thick or riddled with calcium buildup, it’s time to replace the anode rod.

Remember – Safety First

Always make sure you are keeping yourself and your family safe when you maintain your water heater. Shut off the power and the gas supply to the water heater before performing any intensive maintenance, and be mindful of access panels.

It helps to always know where your shut-off switches are and how to turn the pilot light on and off.

Bonus Tip: Get a Home Warranty!

These tips are great for keeping your water heater in good working order, but sometimes accidents happen. Water heaters rupture or simply stop working. Sometimes water leaks can cause quite a bit of damage.

Rather than waiting for something unexpected to happen and spending thousands of dollars on a replacement, get an easy and affordable home warranty today! Your budget will thank you!

Top Four September Home Maintenance Tips

With the end of summer comes a drastic change in temperature, and there are a number of things that you will want to start doing around your home and yard to get your property ready for the upcoming chills. 

Here is a quick checklist of some of the home maintenance chores that you should get a jumpstart on, before the first frost arrives:

1.  Get your HVAC System Ready 

First of all, it should go without saying that you should change your current air filter. As a matter of fact, conscientious homeowners do this at least once a month. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder to cool your home to your desired temperature, and this leads to higher electric bills and irreparable damages to the unit.

Also, before fall, be sure to vacuum out any pet dander and hair, as well as other dust, dirt, and debris that may clog your system. Then, once you believe that you have used it for the last time this season, power it down and winterize any of its outdoor elements accordingly.

Afterwards, check over your heating system (it may be the same system) before the start of the season for any routine maintenance issues. If you are unsure of what to inspect for, have a local professional come out and take a look at it before those chilly nights set in. 

2. Look Over your Windows

It is best to use storm windows in cooler weather because your home will be much better insulated from the outside. However, it is important that all windows have a seal around their parameters that is air-tight. These seals will separate each pane of glass and trap gases between them. This allows a break between the temperature inside your home and the colder temperature outside. If you see fog on your interior window, then one of the seals failed and you will need to get it fixed. 

Weather stripping around windows, and also doors, is also of the utmost importance. This is especially true if you have an older home and cold air is leaking in through small gaps. Patch any troublesome areas with either stripping or caulk. 

3. Clear your Gutters

Unless your gutters are encased and perforated like the newer models, keeping gutters free of debris will be a weekly chore throughout the autumn as leaves start to fall in earnest. Just remember, your roof may be overcome with rain if your gutters are blocked. After all, they are literally there to collect the rainfall and siphon it off the roof. 

And, if you live in an area with snowy winters, melting snow and ice will have nowhere to go and pile on your roof, making it vulnerable.

4. Clean your Fireplace and Chimney

It may seem early, but it is better to get your fireplace and hearth cleaned now so it is available when you need it.

You may still be experiencing sweltering days and balmy nights, but this weather will eventually give way to crisp autumn evenings when lighting up your fireplace will be a delightful treat. But, before you can even get that far, you will need to make an appointment to get your chimney swept of all the built-up soot from last season. Sweeping eliminates risks of chimney fires and dangerous build-ups of poisonous carbon monoxide in your home.

Smart Maintenance Means Fewer Repairs

No matter what the season, performing these maintenance tips will help keep your home systems and appliances in tip-top shape, extending their useful life and minimizing repairs.However, if you find yourself in need of a repair on an appliance, AC or any other home system, contact us today to schedule a service call if you are an existing customer. Or for new customers, please contact us for a quote on an easy and affordable home warranty!

When is it time to replace your appliances?

Are your appliances starting to show signs of wear and tear? Are you thinking that any minute now, one of them could finally break, flood your house or leave you in a bind?

If you are dealing with an older appliance that is no longer working efficiently, or at all, you may be tempted to replace it. 

However, if that same item breaks down when it is still relatively new, the choice between replacing it and simply fixing it can become difficult. Many times, it all comes down to money more than anything. To help you decide, here are some things to consider:

Check the Warranty 

Look through your receipts and owner’s manual to see if the broken-down item is still guaranteed. Almost all modern appliances come with a manufacturer warranty for covering full repairs or replacement within one to five years of their purchases. You may have even opted for an extension on such a warranty that you paid extra for. 

Just remember not to attempt to repair an appliance yourself while it is still under warranty. This action may void the manufacturer’s contract.

Use the 50% Rule

One of the best ways to decide if it is best to repair or replace an item is the 50% rule. Here’s how it works: 

• Estimate whether the item is over 50% of the way through its lifespan.
• Figure whether the cost of repair is more than 50% of the price of a new appliance.

If both are true, then it makes much more sense to purchase a replacement machine.

Determine Additional Costs of Replacement

In conjunction with the cost of purchasing a new appliance, there may be other costs that you are not considering. You may not have the money needed readily available for these situations. Sometimes, such preliminary matters are even more expensive than the replacement machine itself.

These situations are exactly why many people opt for an easy, affordable home warranty from Trinity Home Advisors.

For example, what if you have to add gas connections to your home to accommodate a new gas range? It could run thousands of dollars to bring in a gas line. 

Or, what if the new fridge doesn’t fit where its predecessor did? You will need to change the counters around and move cabinets to make room for the new appliance. And, even a seemingly minor upgrade may necessitate adding electrical circuits and wiring that aren’t accessible at the moment. 

If you can’t afford these modifications, perhaps you should stick to the appliances you have.

Know an Appliance’s Useful Life

All appliances have an expected typical  lifespan when it is still considered to be useful. Once it exceeds that age, it may no longer be worth going the extra mile for repairs. 

If the machine is living on borrowed time, it is wiser to pull the proverbial plug and replace it, even if this is the more expensive option. After all, if you are likely to replace it next year anyway, doing so now means actually saving the money you would spend today on repairs.

Consider Energy-Efficient Replacements

Even if it may seem more expensive initially, over time, buying an energy-efficient or water-saving appliance will certainly be a cost effective measure over time. 

For example, an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator saves a third of the power that regular models use, and water-saving washers use a small percentage of the water that washers typically use. They actually work with special detergent that keeps the wash from sudsing excessively and requiring a more thorough rinse.

If you have nearly-new appliances that are known energy suckers, it may make more sense financially to stick with them for now, or you will spend much more upfront than you’ll actually save, for at least a few years.

The Final Call

Sometimes you just have to go with your gut when it comes to replacing big-ticket items – and your wallet. If you are sinking money into any item that is just about ready for the scrapyard, consider replacing it, if it makes better financial sense.And if you want to protect yourself from unexpected expenses associated with repairing or replacing appliances, make sure to get an easy, affordable home warranty from Trinity Home Advisors!

8 Signs your Central AC May Need to be Replaced

There are few things we cherish more than our home air conditioners. Especially in the summer, a nice, cool room is how many of us relax every day.

However, these systems are just machines. And hard working machines at that, especially coming off a brutal summer of record heat.

Like with any major appliance system, you should get your AC serviced at the first signs of major issues. That said, there are some dire situations where replacement may be a better solution. But, how do you know when to throw in the towel?

Well, here are some symptoms that your unit may show if it needs to be replaced:

1. Loud Noises 

If you hear loud noises like scraping, grinding, or squealing, or even banging, you may have a misplaced or loose belt inside your air conditioning unit. Running your system in this condition will eventually lead to other parts becoming subsequently damaged, so it may be best to have your unit serviced ASAP. 

If you have an easy and affordable home warranty from Trinity, a service call is just a few clicks away!

2. Indoor Humidity 

Unless you live in a humid climate, or an area with four distinct seasons, you may not realize that air conditioners are designed to dry out indoor air as much as they are made to cool it. However, even in dry climates, you will experience a bit of moisture in the air.

That said, if you are running your unit efficiently and still notice some dampness in your home, this is not a good sign.

3. Weak Air Flow

If you feel next to nothing coming from your vents when the unit is turned on, you may be dealing with weak air flow. And, even if the small amount of air blowing is cool in temperature, there will not be enough chilled air released to circulate around the room. 

This could be a duct issue, or even an indication of a failing compressor, which are major issues.

4. Leaks and Moisture Pooling

Any liquid leaking from your air conditioner is problematic, but some are worse than others. A leak of refrigerant, like Freon, is poisonous. 

Much less worrisome is water from a blocked tube that is designed to dispose of condensation. However, both types of leak are problematic.

5. Broken Thermostat 

If your air conditioning unit’s thermostat is broken, the system won’t know how much cold air to generate, or how to measure the temperature of the room. You can usually tell that this is the issue when the air conditioner runs for short periods of time before shutting off abruptly.

Fortunately, in such a situation, you will most likely need to replace the thermostat only.

6. High Electric Bills

Are your recent electric bills higher than they usually average, yet your rate of usage hasn’t increased? That is a clear sign that your system is in need of a replacement.

Of course, this could just be a benign issue, such as a leak in your ductwork, or a broken thermostat switch. These are simple to repair and full system replacement wouldn’t be necessary.

7.  Blowing Warm Air

In the midst of a summer heatwave, air conditioning is beyond precious, and it must work properly at all times. So, if your vents are blowing out warm or tepid air, rather than a cool breeze, you may need to purchase a new unit.

8. Strange Odors 

Your air conditioning system is never supposed to have an offensive smell, and if it does, that means there are problems that need attention. For example, a burning plastic odor could be a bad wire, or a musty smell could indicate mold or mildew in the ducts or unit. 

Units with either problem should be replaced immediately. A frayed wire can cause a fire and fungus in your system can lead to illness among those in your household.

Don’t Put Off Repairs

If you have experienced any of these signs when attempting to use your air conditioning system, you don’t want to take chances by waiting for things to get worse. Existing customers can call Trinity Home Warranty today to schedule a service visit with a qualified HVAC technician take a look at it first, just to be sure. Of if you don’t have a home warranty yet, it may be time to consider getting one. Get a free quote today!