Get Ready for Summer With Spring AC Maintenance

Benefits of Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance 

With the excitement of spring, it is easy to forget all the little things homeowners must do around the home. One of the things that should not be forgotten is air conditioning maintenance this spring to prepare the system to work correctly and efficiently all summer long. Spring air conditioner maintenance is also convenient before HVAC contractors get busier in the summer. Here are three benefits of air conditioning maintenance.   

Protect Energy Efficiency 

bills The first benefit of annual AC maintenance is that it keeps the air conditioner energy efficient. When the system works efficiently, it has the added benefit of lowering monthly bills. When air conditioner maintenance is neglected, it will lose efficiency and cost more to operate. So, by keeping up with maintenance and tune-ups, homeowners will better care for their AC units and save money.  

Air filters should also be replaced around every three months as a part of routine maintenance. They will need to be changed more often than maintenance is done, but it is a task homeowners can do themselves. This will also help improve efficiency, reduce cooling costs, and extend the system's lifespan.  

Promote Better Reliability 

hvac Apart from monthly energy bills, another significant cost of owning an air conditioner is the cost of repairs and the inconvenience of losing cooling when it’s hot out if an AC unit breaks down. However, with routine air conditioning maintenance, the system will be more reliable and less likely to break down and need repairs. This can save homeowners money on repair costs. 

Additionally, during AC maintenance visits, contractors can find and fix problems with the air conditioner before they develop into worse, more costly problems and increase wear and tear on the air conditioner, which can shorten its lifespan. This is why properly caring for the AC unit with maintenance is important to keep it reliable and reduce the likelihood of problems down the road. 

Get the Most Out of an Air Conditioner's Lifespan

Air conditioners are costly to replace, so homeowners should also schedule routine AC maintenance to get the most out of their investment and extend the air conditioner’s lifespan. Maintenance leads to a longer lifespan for the air conditioning system, preventing the need for an early replacement and the associated costs. 

In conclusion, not only does air conditioning maintenance reduce energy costs and repair costs, but it also leads to less frequent replacement costs, so it’s a great investment for homeowners and their air conditioners. Having it done in the spring will help it be at its most efficient when it will be used the most in the summer. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has been serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide fast turnarounds, maintenance plans, and options to fit different budgets. Call them for air conditioner maintenance and repair services in Staten Island, NY

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Why Should Homeowners Consider Water Softener Installation?

Benefits of Installing a Water Softener

Hard water is a problem in the majority of US homes and is water that has a high amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Hard water can cause several complications, but luckily, water softeners help remove these minerals to enhance the quality of water for daily use. Here are some benefits of installing whole-home water softeners. 

Soft Water Cleans Better 

hard water Hard water can be a hassle, but most people are so used to the water in their homes that they don’t even realize how ineffective it is at cleaning. Water cleans because its chemical qualities allow it to dissolve almost everything. When minerals are present in the water, these qualities are blunted, and water can’t effectively dissolve things like soap and grime. This leaves residues on fixtures, dishes, and clothing, resulting in dingy clothing, water spots, and cloudiness on dishes after they are washed in hard water. Hard water can also leave a buildup and residue on plumbing fixtures that require more cleaning. 

Using soft water provided by a whole-home water softener, homeowners benefit from water that is more effective for cleaning. With soft water, soaps work more effectively, and rinsing allows for the complete removal of residues. This leaves dishes cleaner after being washed in the dishwasher, clothing clean and bright after being washed in the washing machine, and plumbing fixtures cleaner without hard water residue. 

Protect the Plumbing and Appliances and Extend Their Lifespan 

As discussed, one negative of hard water in the home is the mineral scale that can build up on and inside plumbing fixtures. However, this residue and buildup also occur inside the plumbing, piping, and appliances that use water.  Most of this buildup will not be visible, but faucets and showerheads can display white crusty buildup that is the result of hardening calcium. 

These minerals can wreak havoc on a plumbing system and water-using appliances by interfering with water pressure and efficiency and worsening corrosion, which shortens the lifespan of the plumbing and appliances that come into contact with it. Water softeners can help extend their lifespan, prevent poor water pressure, and improve the efficiency of appliances that use water, such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, which can also help reduce their operating costs. 

Skin and Hair Health Benefits 

dry hair Another benefit available from water softeners is directly related to improving the health of skin and hair. Skin and hair can be dramatically affected by the quality of water used in daily washing and bathing routines. Hard water, which is high in mineral content, often leads to dryness of the skin and hair, as well as increased sensitivity and itchiness. 

Excess minerals in the hard water can strip away natural oils, leaving the skin and scalp devoid of necessary moisture. The use of a water softener, which removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water, can negate these effects. As a result, water treated with a softener is gentler on the skin and hair, promoting a more hydrated, softer, and healthier appearance overall.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is a veteran-owned business serving Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide fast response, a beneficial maintenance plan, and friendly experts. Call them today for water softener installation and services in Staten Island, NY

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What Makes Ductless Mini Splits an Excellent Option for Heating and Cooling?

Why Install a Mini Split System This Year?

An overwhelming majority of people view the new year as an opportunity to make lasting changes that make not just individuals better but also lives, households, and entire communities. Often, those changes begin at home. So why not make a home improvement that not only enhances the home's comfort but also positively impacts the budget and the environment? This post will discuss some of the most significant benefits of installing ductless mini-splits

Energy Bill Reduction

save money One advantage of having a mini-split system is its excellent energy efficiency. Most ductless mini-split systems are equipped with multiple indoor units that serve different zones of a home, allowing different zones of the home to be set at different temperatures. If certain parts of the house aren’t occupied or rarely used, homeowners can adjust the temperature to save energy and money. 

Another factor that increases a mini split’s energy efficiency is that it does not require ductwork. A lot of energy loss can occur in the air ducts, as well as air leaks, which causes energy consumption to increase. By eliminating the need for ductwork, this energy loss is minimized, and homeowners can save on monthly energy bills.

Quicker and Easier Installation

A mini split AC and heating system can also be installed more easily and in a shorter amount of time than a central AC and heating system because of all the ductwork that needs to be installed with a central air system. Ductless mini-split systems are also less invasive to install, which contributes to their ease of installation for technicians. 

Instead of ductwork, mini splits use small pipes that take up less space and prevent more extensive repairs and rebuilding of walls or ceilings that are needed after ducts are installed. How quickly the ductless mini split system installation will take depends on the size of the home and how many indoor and outdoor units are needed. Homes that are older and cannot fit any ductwork or homes with new additions or renovations can benefit from installing mini splits. 

Built-in Zones 

mini splitBecause mini split installation does not require ductwork, it is great for heating or cooling rooms in the home that are additions or those that do not have existing ductwork. They are also versatile enough to provide different temperature zones in the house to correspond to the temperature requirements of different rooms. 

Individual bedrooms, for example, may be kept at different temperatures depending on the preference of whoever is occupying them or whether certain rooms run hotter or colder due to window placement. In contrast, other areas of the house, like the kitchen, can be kept cooler since it already receives plenty of heat from cooking appliances. This versatility from zoning is an advantage that helps improve the comfort of a home. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning has award-winning service serving Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas. They offer fast turnarounds, prompt arrival, and a beneficial membership plan. Call them today for ductless mini-split installation in Staten Island, NY

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Upgrade to a More Luxurious Bathroom Design in the New Year

Ideas to Make Your Bathroom a Relaxing Sanctuary 

The new year is the perfect time to create new habits and routines, and what better way to support these resolutions than to create the most conducive environment for success, whether it is by setting aside a room in the house for an office to boost productivity or investing in kitchen appliances to prepare healthy meals. 

Bathrooms are no different. Homeowners looking to focus more on relaxation, self-care, or home improvements in the new year should consider upgrading their bathrooms to create their dream bathrooms. Here are some bathroom remodel ideas to help homeowners create a relaxing sanctuary at home. 

Install a Showerhead That’s Right for You

shower headWhen upgrading the bathroom, one thing to consider replacing is the showerhead. Not only is it one of the fixtures in the bathroom that can have the most significant impact on how relaxing the bathroom experience can be, but it is also one of the most affordable changes to make. 

There are many showerhead models, so homeowners can choose based on the type of showing experience they want. Some popular options beyond the standard fixed showerhead include handheld showerheads, dual showerheads, and rain showerheads. There are also considerations like water pressure and water usage. Low-flow showerheads, for example, use less water, therefore saving money on water costs. 

Install a Bathtub for Peak Luxury

bathtubAnother significant upgrade in the bathroom would be adding a new bathtub. A bathtub can help create a spa-like experience at home and allow people to take advantage of the many health benefits of a bath, such as relieving body aches and muscle pains, promoting more restful sleep, and hydrating dry or irritated skin. 

When considering a bathtub installation, it’s important to consider how big the bathroom is. Alcove bathtubs are one option that is great for small spaces since they can combine the shower and tub in one. Larger spaces can accommodate more options, such as a freestanding bathtub, corner bathtub, and jetted bathtubs. There are many kinds to choose from, so homeowners can find one that fits the size and desired style of their bathrooms.   

Don’t Skimp on the Details

Other things to consider when upgrading a bathroom are the desired overall look, feel, and functionality a homeowner is going for. Many things can be done to affect these factors, including replacing the sink and vanity, bathroom faucet, bathroom tile, or painting the walls. These changes can give a bathroom an entirely new look and improve its functionality.

Even small details like shower curtains, bathroom rugs, plants, and artwork can affect the appearance of a bathroom and make it a more inviting space to spend time in. Homeowners can pick and choose which things are most important to them when improving the bathroom and implement them to create their dream bathroom in the new year. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning have been serving Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas since 1978. They provide fast response, award-winning service, and budget-friendly options. Call them today for bathroom remodeling and renovation services in Staten Island, NY. 

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Three Ways to Save Money on Energy Costs for Holiday Shopping

How to Save on Heating Costs This Fall and Winter 

Several factors can strain budgets this time of year. The most obvious are the unexpected costs of entertaining guests for holiday get-togethers and buying gifts. Another significant expense is energy bills. The holidays coincide with a drop in temperatures, but the good news is controlling and lowering heating costs can mean more money for fun things like holiday shopping. Here are some tips to help homeowners make their heaters work more efficiently and save money during the holidays. 

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat 

thermostatReplacing the thermostat with a new smart thermostat can help homeowners get their energy bills under control. Old, manual thermostats are reliable, but they do absolutely nothing automatically to help homeowners control energy use. Instead, get technology to do the work. 

Smart thermostats use sophisticated technology to learn people's movements in the home and offer many energy-saving features. These devices can adjust the temperature automatically to conserve energy and save money. They also can detail the home’s energy usage to allow homeowners to see where they can save.

Remember the Air Filter Replacements 

air filterNewer heaters are designed to be as efficient as possible. However, this assumes that the homeowners are taking the best possible care of the heater. One thing that homeowners shouldn’t forget to do for the energy efficiency of their heating system is to replace the air filters when needed, usually at least every three months. 

Changing air filters is essential for a heater’s efficiency. Dirty air filters impede airflow, forcing the system to work harder to reach the desired temperature in the home. When new, clean air filters replace clogged filters, the system will work more efficiently, helping save on energy bills. Additionally, air filter replacement helps improve indoor air quality and prevent system issues, preventing unnecessary repair costs. 

Never Forget Maintenance 

Efficiency is critical to lowering energy bills, and routine maintenance is another essential step to keeping the system running efficiently. The AC and heater should both be maintained once a year, with heater maintenance in the fall and air conditioner maintenance in the spring. This ensures they will run more efficiently when they are used the most. 

So, if heating maintenance hasn’t been performed yet this fall, it should be done as soon as possible. Maintenance has many benefits that save homeowners money, like improving efficiency to lower energy bills, extending the life of the heater to avoid early replacement costs, and preventing problems and unnecessary repair bills. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is a veteran-owned business serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas. They offer fast turnarounds and a beneficial maintenance plan. Call today for heater repair and maintenance services in Staten Island, NY

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