The cold weather has arrived in Knoxville, and with it comes the "ugly cold" that can throw a wrench in your plans. At Eco Home Solutions, we understand how important it is to stay warm and comfortable in your home when the temperatures drop. Here’s how to keep your home cozy and avoid the worst of winter's chill.
Key Takeaways
Quick Tips for Cold Weather Prep
The ugly cold can catch you off guard, but with a few steps, you can ensure your home stays warm and your plumbing stays in top shape:
When to Call a Pro
Sometimes the cold weather can reveal bigger problems, such as a malfunctioning heater, clogged drains, or frozen pipes. If you notice uneven heating, strange noises from your furnace, or plumbing issues, it’s time to call the experts. Our team is ready to diagnose and fix any issues to keep your home comfortable and safe.
Prevention Tips for Winter-Ready Homes
Preventative care is key to avoiding the worst of the ugly cold:
24/7 Service for Peace of Mind
Whether it's a sudden furnace failure, frozen pipes, or a plumbing emergency, Eco Home Solutions is here to help. With 24/7 service, you’ll never have to worry about the ugly cold taking over your home.
Conclusion
The ugly cold is inevitable, but with the right preparation and maintenance, you can stay warm and comfortable all season long. If you need professional help, the fastest in town since 1982 is just a call away. Contact us today for expert heating and plumbing services to keep your home running smoothly!
The main parts are the water supply, water distribution, and drainage systems.
Regular maintenance boosts your system's efficiency, cutting down on energy bills. It also extends the life of your furnace or heat pump, avoiding expensive early replacements. Plus, it keeps your air clean by maintaining filters and ducts.
A heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat around instead of making it. It works like a fridge in reverse. It pulls heat from the air and puts it into the water tank.
City water is reliable and safe. Well water can save money and offer chemical-free water.
Change your air filters every 1-3 months or as the maker suggests. Dirty filters slow down airflow and make your system work harder. New filters improve air quality by catching more dust and pollutants.
These heaters use a heat pump to move air heat to the water tank. They have a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve for this process. This makes them much more energy-efficient than other types of water heaters.
Important parts include stop valves, hot water lines, and cold water lines.
Listen for scraping or metal sounds, which might mean a blower motor issue. Screeching sounds could be bad bearings. Loud banging or popping noises suggest a burner problem. If you hear these, get a pro to check it out to avoid damage.
There are two main types: stand-alone and integrated. Stand-alone units have both the tank and the heat pump in one. Integrated systems put both together in one unit. You can also find air-source and geothermal heat pump water heaters.
The drainage system uses vents, traps, and cleanouts for proper wastewater flow.
Get duct cleaning every few years to clear out deep dirt and boost air quality. You can also vacuum vents and ductwork regularly to keep them clean at home.
These heaters can be two to three times more energy-efficient than traditional ones. They move heat instead of making it, which saves a lot of energy and money for homeowners.
Use strainers, avoid pouring grease down drains, and be careful with what you flush.
Keep at least 2 feet of space around your outdoor HVAC unit, as recommended. Trimming plants back helps keep airflow clear and your system running well.
They need a spot with enough air space and a steady temperature between 40°F and 90°F. They work well in places with extra heat, like a furnace room. Good ventilation and drainage are key during installation.
Maintenance tasks include clearing drains, inspecting pipes, draining the water heater, and winterizing pipes.
The pilot light should burn a steady blue flame. A yellow flame or one that goes out means there's a combustion issue that needs a pro's help.
The benefits include being very energy-efficient, saving money, and being better for the environment. But, they cost more upfront, need special setup, and might not give as much hot water when you need it most.
You'll need a basin wrench, drain snake, pipe cutter, plumber's tape, plunger, and tongue-and-groove pliers.
First, turn off the unit's power. Then, find the drain line's end and clean it with a rag or brush. Use distilled vinegar to flush it out and clear any clogs.
You can fix simple issues like unclogging drains and fixing running toilets. But, complex problems need a professional plumber.
Regular tune-ups are key. Experts can inspect your system, check parts, calibrate the thermostat, and spot issues early.
Call a professional for complex issues, major repairs, or if you're unsure about the plumbing problem.
Uneven or sooty flames in your furnace might mean a cracked heat exchanger or dirty burners. If your furnace cycles on and off too much, it could be a thermostat or other problem. Call a pro to fix these issues.
