You probably don’t spend much time thinking about the coolant in your central air conditioning system. But the older your A/C unit, the more likely it is that it uses R22 refrigerant—aka Freon or HCFC22. For decades Freon was the industry standard for A/C refrigerant, but it is now being phased out worldwide because it’s an ozone-depleting substance. In fact, on January 1, 2020, it will be illegal to manufacture or import any R22 into the United States, which has implications for anyone with … [Read more...]
What Does it Mean if You Have Discolored Water?
The last thing you expect from your faucets is gray, brown or rusty-looking water. Residential plumbing connects to city service or private wells, both of which should provide clean, clear water for your drinking glass, shower or washing machine. But no system is perfect. Contaminants can enter the water supply at any point, while environmental factors and damaged lines may play a role. If you live near Centerville, in Hickman County, you might remember the mayor declaring a water emergency … [Read more...]
How Much Does New Central Air Conditioning Cost?
Until forty years ago a minority of Middle Tennessee homes were outfitted with some form of air conditioning. Today, most area homeowners consider air conditioning to be indispensable for getting through the dog days of summer, when average daily high temperatures in Nashville are near ninety degrees Fahrenheit and routinely approach a hundred degrees. “Back in 1960, only 12 percent of U.S. households had any form of air conditioning, and most of that capacity was in the form of window … [Read more...]
How to Clear a Drain Without Drain Cleaner
Finding a product on a hardware or supermarket shelf doesn’t make it safe to use. Have you ever read the warnings on a bottle of drain cleaner? Despite the benefits touted on the front side of almost any label, the back reveals that it’s one of the more dangerous chemicals in any home. For one, drain cleaner can cause a chemical burn if even a small amount touches your skin. What if you’re careful, follow directions and wear protective gloves and goggles? That might protect your skin and … [Read more...]
How Can I Fix an Air Conditioner That is Leaking Water?
At Jewell Mechanical, the vast majority of all central air conditioning service calls we receive are related to leaks. This shouldn’t be a surprise when you consider that there are at least 6 common reasons why your air conditioner might leak. Reasons include: A clogged air filter A cracked or missing drain pan A clogged or disconnected drain line Low refrigerant level While leaks can lead to significant damage, the good news is that the causes of most leaks can readily be … [Read more...]
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noise?
If your outdoor central air conditioning unit is making rattling noises, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. It’s a very common complaint—no doubt doubly annoying if it’s a neighbor’s A/C unit that’s rattling or otherwise making loud noises. After all, a neighbor who doesn’t maintain or attend to a loud air conditioner can be a source of tremendous frustration, as a harsh-sounding A/C unit that’s seemingly running all the time can be a real detriment to your quality of … [Read more...]
Which Type of Water Pipes Are Best For Your Home?
Modern plumbing owes a debt of gratitude to the civilizations of days gone by. According to Ivey Engineering, India used copper pipes as early as 4,000 B.C., while the ancient Egyptians “developed copper pipes that were used to build elaborate bathrooms inside the pyramids [as well as] intricate irrigation and sewage systems.” For their part, the Romans are credited with developing the most sophisticated and advanced ancient plumbing systems, featuring underground sewer systems, aqueducts and … [Read more...]
4 Things to Know About Leaky Pipes
“A small leak may sink a great ship.” This proverb is a reminder that even a minor problem can become a major one if it’s not attended to in a timely fashion. So while a leaky pipe may not be a catastrophe—at least not right away—the real issue is the cumulative effect. A water leak, no matter how small, can lead to costly headaches down the road. Leaks Can Go Undetected Sometimes it’s obvious when a pipe is leaking, as when your basement floods or you notice water dripping from the … [Read more...]
5 Warning Signs Your Dishwasher is Clogged
If you entertain often, you really come to appreciate your dishwasher—and how unpleasant it is to be without it. Believe it or not, though, almost three quarters of a century elapsed between the time the dishwasher was invented and the time when most households owned a dishwasher. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the first “useful” dishwasher was invented by Josephine Garis Cochran (1839-1913), “a wealthy woman who entertained often” and “wanted a machine that could … [Read more...]
HVAC Summer Vacation Prep
Summer vacation season is just around the corner, and hopefully you’re getting set to go on vacation, perhaps to Alabama’s Gulf Coast, or California, or to one of this country’s amazing National Parks. We know your HVAC system probably isn’t high on your list of priorities while you’re in the midst of vacation planning. It’s likely an even lower priority if you’re currently trying to tie up loose ends at work so you can get away for a week or two. But you should spend a few minutes thinking … [Read more...]
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