A New Homeowner’s Guide to Utilities

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Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! While you may not miss the days of apartment living, owning a home does come with its own set of responsibilities that your landlord would typically take care of, such as maintaining your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing systems.

Whether you know your way around a wrench or don’t know much beyond turning on a faucet or adjusting your thermostat, knowing the basics of your HVAC and plumbing system will ensure your new home is comfortable and, most importantly, liveable.

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Common Air Conditioner Problems and How to Fix Them

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As soon as the temperature rises and the outside humidity increases, you’ll be ready to turn on your air conditioner and get the cool air flowing. Of course, one of the last things you want on a hot day is a malfunctioning air conditioner. After being outside in the heat, escaping into the cool air indoors is a welcome relief! Air conditioners are vital for your comfort and your safety. It’s essential to be aware of possible air conditioner problems and how to fix them. 

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Guide to Humidifiers

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Dry eyes, nosebleeds and itchy skin are uncomfortable symptoms you may experience from dry air. As the seasons change and the air begins to turn cold, dryness starts to creep in. Adding moisture to your home or living space can help you breathe better and alleviate the discomfort that comes with dry air. Consider a humidifier as a simple, effective way to add moisture and keep your home more comfortable.

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Guide to Water Heaters

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Whether you think about it very often or not, you use your water heater every day. When you do laundry, wash the dishes, or take a shower, your water heater is working hard behind the scenes. Although it’s an appliance that we frequently take for granted, it’s important to remember how essential a water heater is to a home. But do you know how water heaters work? Or best practices for maintenance for water heaters? If you don’t, you’ve come to the right place.  In this guide, we’ll answer all of your questions about water heaters and tell you our top care tips to help you extend the life of your water heater.

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Fall and Winter Energy Saving Tips

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Between Halloween dress-up, hot chocolate and holiday cheer, fall and winter are two seasons that many people look forward to throughout the year. However, along with the shorter days and chilly breezes comes a heftier energy bill. While you want to keep yourself warm as the seasons change, you also want to ensure your bill doesn’t skyrocket. Fortunately, you can use our tips to decrease energy costs throughout the colder seasons.

Keep reading to learn cost-effective, eco-conscious fall and winter home heating tips!

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Your Fall Home Comfort and Safety Checklist

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Your Fall Home Safety and Comfort Checklist The kids are back in school and we are finally, or hopefully, done with the heat and humidity for the year. It’s time we start to focus on having our homes ready for cooler weather. Don’t wait until it’s cold to get a jump on some of these […]

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Why You Should Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

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When you cook with oil, grease and fats, it can be tempting to dispose of them by pouring them down the drain or rinsing your pan in the sink directly after cooking. Some people regularly pour their leftover grease into their sink without a second thought or wash out pans with cooking oil and other fats. In reality, pouring grease, oil and other cooking fats down the drain is one of the most common sources of plumbing issues.

Even when people run the hot water in the hopes it’ll take care of any potential issues, grease-caused clogs can still form and have a disastrous impact on your drainage system, pipes and overall sewer system. Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can help you adopt reliable ways to dispose of grease safely, effectively and without risking clogs or other plumbing complications and provide solutions when you encounter a clog. Continue reading for our comprehensive list of grease disposal do’s and don’ts!

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UV Air Filtration for Your Home

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Americans spend 90% of their time indoors where air pollutants — including mold, dander, chemicals, bacteria, smoke and dust — are two to five times more concentrated than outdoors. Extreme levels of pollutant concentration result from poor or nonexistent ventilation, cleaning agents and inadequately maintained HVAC systems.

Clean air is critical at home and in schools, offices and other buildings. At best, poor air quality can lead to strong odors. At worst, it can irritate asthma and allergy symptoms, cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness, or even spread bacteria and viruses that could lead to or worsen some illnesses. Proper air ventilation is the best way to ensure your indoor air remains clean, safe and enjoyable.

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Why Is There a Burning Smell When I Turn on the Heat? 

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Why Is There a Burning Smell When I Turn on the Heat? 

When winter approaches and the temperatures start dropping, you’ll likely fire up your heating system for the first time in many months. While the feeling of warm air is enjoyable, it’s sometimes accompanied by a burning smell that can be strange or unpleasant. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to call the fire department, but you shouldn’t ignore the smell, either. Some odors are normal, and others are signs of potential danger.

Keep reading to learn about the various smells that can occur, what they mean and whether they require any action.

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Why Are My Electric Bills So High in the Winter

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If you rely on a heat Pump or electric to heat your home, you could be in for a surprise.

Utility costs can soar when the temperature dips, especially for homes whose primary heat source is electric. A typical home’s biggest energy consumer is the HVAC system then followed by the water heater. Compound that with a high cost for electric, heating a home and water can result in a shocking (pun intended) bill during the winter.

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