Watch American Mechanical on The Hampton Roads Show May 21, 2012

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The Hampton Roads Show hosts

With the Atlantic hurricane season set to begin on June 1, 2012, American Mechanical is helping residents in Hampton Roads prepare for another season of potential storms packing heavy rain and high winds. Louise Gordon of American Mechanical will appear on “The Hampton Roads Show” on Monday, May 21, 2012 to talk about using power generators to cope with power outages. The local entertainment and talk show airs at 11 a.m. on WAVY TV 10.

Sometimes in the path of hurricanes and tropical storms sweeping the Mid-Atlantic Coast, residents in the Hampton Roads region experience extended power outages due to downed trees and power lines. In August of 2011, for example, more than 336,000 households lost electricity in Hampton Roads due to hurricane Irene. Many Hampton Roads residents are turning to power generators to prevent the inconvenience and safety hazards associated with no power.

As vice president of operations for American Mechanical, Gordon will discuss some of the important factors in choosing a power generator, including what to look for in a reliable generator, proper sizing, generator installation recommendations and tips on how to maintain them. American Mechanical has been providing quality generator maintenance, repairs and installation in the Hampton Roads area since 2003.

Misplaced Thermostats May Affect Hampton Roads Energy Bills

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One common issue that Hampton Roads homeowners may face is that their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) thermostats are misplaced. In other words, the device is detecting the wrong temperature for the room. Thermostats for air conditioning and heating may be placed near an open door, drafty area or in the direct line of sunshine from a nearby window. A high-energy appliance that generates high temperatures may be very close by, which can also affect the thermostat.

All of these things can affect the accuracy of your thermostat. When it registers the wrong temperature, your home may be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than it needs to be. Although it may be a matter of a few degrees, this can add up over time, costing you money. Do a walk-through inspection of every thermostat in your home.

Surprises

Look carefully to make sure that you know where all thermostats are placed.  If your home had a remodel done before you moved in, be sure to check for a thermostat in odd places, such as behind doors or in closets. You might be surprised to find one upstairs that you never knew you had.

Effects

If you find that your thermostat may be affected by its immediate environment, schedule an appointment with a Hampton Roads HVAC professional to determine whether this is a problem.

Remedies

There are several ways to remedy misplaced thermostats. If it is as simple as the sun shining on the thermostat a few hours each day, you can draw the blinds closed, install blackout curtains or put up indoor shutters. Another option is to set the thermostat to a higher temperature during those times.

Thermostats located by a door or breezy room should be repositioned to a less drafty area. This will more accurately record the correct room temperature, saving you money on heating and air conditioning and making your home more comfortable.

Why Chesapeake HVAC Systems Work Better With Maintenance Plans

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According to statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 87 percent of all U.S. households have air conditioning systems, but only about 42 of those with central air regularly have them serviced.

If your Chesapeake air conditioning is working but you haven’t done anything to your air conditioning units lately, you might wonder why people use a professional to maintain their air conditioning systems. The short answer is that you have probably been a little lucky that you’re not having problems. The longer answer is that there are several reasons people prefer to use heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals for maintenance on their units.

Proficiency

The most important is because most people don’t feel comfortable handling the complicated and regulated equipment by themselves. The refrigeration and electrical wiring and connections involved in some HVAC systems is risky for homeowners to attempt on their own, which is why professionals who do this type of work must be certified. When people don’t know what to look for or what to do with their Chesapeake HVAC systems, they leave it up to the professionals.

Performance

Another reason that many area residents seek Chesapeake HVAC professionals is that they know that the longer the heating and air conditioning system goes without service, the dirtier and more run down it gets. A regular inspection and cleaning will make your HVAC system last longer and run more efficiently.

Efficiency

Changing some of the machine’s parts can make it more energy efficient. A grille change, for example, can be done properly by a professional and have the desired effects.

Compliance

Leaks develop in the system that are hard to detect. When a professional Chesapeake HVAC company performs the inspection, they can detect and fix the leaks. If refrigerants need to be released during maintenance and repair, the proper equipment will be used as required by law.

When air conditioning and heating systems are working, people tend to forget about them a little bit, maybe take them for granted. It’s when the systems break down and need to be replaced due to hard wear and neglect that the issue of maintenance usually comes up. If you take the time now to get into a regular maintenance plan for your air conditioning or HVAC system instead of waiting for a problem to develop, your system will last longer and function more efficiently.

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater

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A popular question among Hampton Roads homeowners is how to know when they need a new hot water heater. The easiest way to tell is if it is leaking. However, a leaking hot water heater usually creates a flood and a mess. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, we suggest replacing your present model if it is 10 years or older — before it develops a leak. While it is a possible do-it-yourself job if you have the experience, most homeowners do not. We recommend leaving the hot water heater replacement to a reliable  Hampton Roads plumbing contractor.

If you haven’t replaced this appliance in the past few years, you will find that there are many new options in hot water heaters. While there are several standard models available in both electrical and natural gas, one of the most popular is the tankless water heater. Many of these newer models have a 20-year life span. According to Consumer Reports magazine, heating water may account for up to 30 percent of a homeowner’s energy budget, so a model that is 20 to 25 percent more efficient may be appealing.

tankless water heaters

Another option is going with the conventional water heater, which is less expensive. Again, you may choose from gas or electric models. Consider that today’s hot water heater models have bigger burners than they used to, and fight rust and corrosion better in the interior and exterior. They don’t last as many years as the tankless type, but some people prefer the traditional method for its lower up-front costs. Purchasing one with an extended warranty will offer some protection should it make an early exit.

For more information about plumbing repairs, contact American Mechanical’s plumbing at 757-428-0651.

Tips for Saving Money on Energy Bills With HVAC

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American Mechanical HVACSaving money is challenging in a tough economy. One way to save money on your energy bill is to make sure your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are running at peak efficiency. The longer they run, the higher your energy bill. Here are a few tips to make sure that your Hampton Roads HVAC systems are in good condition with minimum wear.

Circulation

Take a few minutes to tour your home. Look for blocked or closed vents. Unblock them and keep them open to allow for maximum circulation within each room and from room to room. While it may seem like fewer vents open would use less energy, your HVAC systems will actually work harder to heat or cool the space without even vents and airflow.

Condensate Drain Line

One of the most common reasons an air conditioning service tech is called is when the condensate drain line is clogged. This happens because the normal current from the condensate is not enough to flush tiny particles from along the bottom of the long horizontal drain line. Once in a while, some sludge will break free and restrict the line where it settles. When enough sludge particles collect in one spot, a clog is created. The water will back up in the air conditioning drain pan. After the pan is full, water will overflow into the house. This is when the homeowner notices a problem. The first thing to do is turn off the air conditioning unit so that water does not continue to accumulate. An air conditioner’s drain lines should have maintenance performed on them at least once a year, and twice is better. A Hampton Roads HVAC technician will know how to do this.

Windows and Doors

Check the weather stripping around all windows and doors. Block any gaps and drafts to prevent warm heat and cold air from escaping. If rooms are seldom used and air blows beneath the doors, use a draft guard for added protection.

For information about Hampton Roads HVAC systems or to make a service appointment, contact America Mechanical today.

Check Your Virginia Beach Air Conditioning for Spring

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With spring on the way, this is a good time to have your air conditioner checked. While there have been some mild winter days in Virginia Beach, it has not been uncomfortably hot. To see whether your air conditioner is ready for the warmest weather yet to come, do a preliminary check, then call a reliable Virginia Beach air conditioning company for any routine maintenance or repairs.

If you have a central air conditioning unit outside, start by going out to check on it. Put on a pair of work gloves or gardening gloves, just in case. If you keep a soft winter cover on it to protect the unit from the snow, sleet and rain, this is a good time to remove it.  Be on the lookout for insects and other pests as you take it off the unit. Otherwise, check the air conditioner to make sure it is still intact and take away any leaves or storm debris that may have fallen on it over the winter. This is also a good time to check the filter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual on what type to use and how often to clean it or change it.

If everything appears to be in order, turn on your air conditioner for a short test run. Allow it to run for a few minutes until the air is cold. If it continues to blow warm air, you will need to call a professional Virginia Beach a/c repair company. The mechanic will first test the system for leaks before adding any refrigerant.

To schedule air conditioner repairs in Virginia Beach or anywhere in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, contact us today.

5 Tips to Preserve Plumbing Pipes and Fixtures

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If you have a home in Hampton Roads, you may find yourself with occasional plumbing issues. While this is common for an area close to or below sea level, there are several ways to prevent clogs, burst pipes and plumbing problems caused by other issues. A little bit of planning and prevention can go a long way. Try some of these tips to improve the efficiency and life span of your Hampton Roads plumbing pipes and fixtures.

Pipe Insulation
Insulate the water pipes under your house. If they are wrapped, they are less likely to freeze and burst in extreme cold weather. If you are concerned about pipes during freezing weather, consider letting your faucets drip slightly if the temperature drops below 20 degrees F, especially at nighttime.

Disposal
garbage disposal american mechanicalConsider installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen sink. If you don’t have a compost pile in the back yard, a disposal will lower the amount of leftover food and table scraps in your garbage and prevent unwanted debris from sneaking through the sink drain and pipes.

 

Grease
Avoid putting hot or cold grease down the kitchen sink. If it is unavoidable, be sure to mix it with very hot soapy water and a liquid dish soap that cuts grease to reduce the chances it will harden and block the pipes underground.

Washing Machine
Run balanced loads in the washing machine. Unbalanced weight in the washer’s basket causes some models to vibrate during the spin or rinse cycle. Washing machines that move can loosen or damage plumbing connections and nearby water pipes, creating leaks.

Children
Most children go through a phase of fascination with water. Whether it’s flushing Lego’s down the toilet or perhaps hand towels, clogs sometimes seen inevitable. If your youngster is in this phase, consider a toilet seat lock if talking about it is unsuccessful.

When you do have problems despite your best efforts, call a reliable Hampton Roads plumbing contractor to fix the problem or make repairs.