Month: August 2024

Ventilation Tips to Improve Indoor Air During Wildfires

Aug 15, 2024

Ventilation Tips to Improve Indoor Air During Wildfires

With wildfires becoming more and more common in certain parts of the country, many homeowners are wondering exactly how they can keep their indoor air as pure as possible. The good news is that several methods can be used to ensure that you and your family can breathe more easily inside your home.

What Are the Risks?

Wildfire smoke contains many harmful gases, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These can cause severe breathing issues at even lower levels and should be avoided at all costs. There is also the risk of particulate matter being breathed, which increases the risk of developing asthma and other extended breathing problems. It will also aggravate the symptoms of those with these health issues. In addition, many wildfires contain toxic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These are known carcinogens and have been linked to terminal diseases such as lung cancer.

Start With the Obvious

The first thing that should be done is to make sure all windows and doors are tightly closed. This might seem completely obvious, but it is not uncommon for a homeowner to forget about an upstairs window in a rarely used room. If you have gaps under doors or around windows, find a way to at least temporarily seal those. This also includes things like closing the chimney flu or sealing the fireplace opening. As soon as you get word of a wildfire, it is highly recommended to go from room to room and ensure that all openings are locked up tight.

Use an Air Purifier

If you do not currently own an air purifier system, you may want to consider purchasing one before wildfire smoke settles in the valley. These can range from small portable models to something as extensive as a whole-house system. Portable air purifiers can work great in a single room but do nothing for the rest of the house.

A whole-house air purification system is installed within your current HVAC system. These provide HEPA-level filtration to remove the odors and particulates in wildfire smoke from the entire home. They also work to remove allergens and other harmful particles from the air all year round. Ask our Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air technicians what the best air purifier for your system is.

Use Fans

Keep the air moving in your home by using fans to stay cool and prevent it from becoming stagnant. Fans are crucial if you don’t have a central HVAC system or mini-split. Place them strategically around the home and down hallways to maximize the efficiency of the moving air.

If you do not have an HVAC system, now might be the time to contact Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air and have us install central air, a heat pump, or a mini-split suitable for your home. Remember that you cannot bring in outside air during a crisis like this because it will introduce all the impurities into your home.

Can You Use an HVAC System When a Wildfire Is Near

Yes, you absolutely can still use your air conditioner while a wildfire is nearby, but there are recommendations that should be followed. By following the following expert tips, you can be sure you are getting the maximum benefit while remaining safe.

For Window Units

If you do not have central air conditioning and only have a window unit, then you must close the outdoor damper and ensure that the seal around the unit is air-tight. This will prevent any polluted air from entering your home.

For Portable Unit

Unfortunately, if you have a portable unit that uses a single hose, you will not be able to use it during conditions where smoke is present. This is where household fans will come into play to circulate the internal air around your home. Keep in mind that this is only for single-hose units. A double-hose unit can be used if the window seal is tight enough to not allow air into the house.

Central Systems: Change Your Filter

In normal circumstances, most manufacturers recommend changing your air filter every two to three months. However, this should be done much more frequently when wildfire smoke fills the valley. Consider checking the filter every two weeks; if it’s dirty, replace it with a new one.

What kind of filter you have is equally, if not more, important. Each filter has a MERV rating, which signifies the type and size of particulate the filter can catch. The higher the rating, the finer particles it will catch. Most home systems can handle filters with a MERV 13 rating. You can always check with the manufacturer or us about the best filter for your system.

Central Systems: Get Timely Inspections

Of course, the above tip hinges on the assumption that your HVAC system is in perfect working order. A poorly maintained system can contribute to poor indoor air quality. For this reason, it is crucial that you have your HVAC system, whether it is central air, a heat pump, or a mini-split, regularly inspected and maintained by Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air. This ensures that the equipment will work as intended when the need arises.

Other Recommendations During Times of Wildfire Smoke

Have a Clean Room

If you have household members present who are especially susceptible to breathing issues, then you might want to consider setting up what is known as a clean room. This designated room has its own air purification device in place in front of the register to clean the air in that specific room. Since one device is used for only one room instead of trying to purify the entire house, it does a much better job of keeping the air free from pollutants. Of course, you can still use another purifier for the rest of the home, but a dedicated one for those with issues is one of the best things you can do.

Masks Work

It is also a very good idea to keep what are known as N95 masks on hand. These are designed to keep out smoke and other small particulates and are considered crucial to wear if you have to leave the home. These safety masks are small and easy to store out of the way but also very effective at keeping harmful particulates out of your airways.

Avoid Certain Activities

Of course, there are also certain activities that you should avoid when isolating yourself from a wildfire. Such things as smoking or lighting candles should be avoided. This is because the air will quickly become polluted in such a closed environment.

Contact Us

If you are in the Sacramento area and need to verify your HVAC system is wildfire-ready, call us. You can also contact us for other services, such as furnace installation and repair or plumbing services, including rooter service. Not only do we have licensed HVAC techs, but we also have licensed plumbers. Contact Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air to help ensure healthy indoor air quality in your home or business.

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How to Detect Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home

Aug 01, 2024

How to Detect Hidden Water Leaks in Your Home

A water leak in your home is no laughing matter. An undiscovered leak can cause significant damage if it is not discovered quickly. This is a huge reason it’s crucial to detect a leak as soon as possible. The best way is to hire a licensed plumbing company and let their experts handle the job. Here is a guide to how to detect water leaks in your home.

Signs of Hidden Leakage

Water detection is quite important on several levels. It can go far beyond looking at your water bill and see an unexpecting higher water bill. Undetected leaks can cause structural damage as well as weaken the home’s foundation. It can also cause mold, which can devastate the home and render it unlivable until the mold is removed. Requiring a mold remediation experts trained to carefully and responsibly eliminate mold.

Sudden Utility Increase

If your water bill has abruptly increased, this is a surefire sign that you have a hidden water leak. This is because of water leaking from pipes in a hidden spot that is difficult to notice without a professional inspection. Therefore, it’s so important to have a plumbing company inspect your home’s pipes regularly. You can help combat this at home by paying attention to your water bills and calling at the first sign of an unexplained increase.

Musty Odors

One of the easiest ways to detect a hidden water leak is by a moldy or musty smell. This is especially prevalent in rooms that are already prone to a high humidity level, such as bathrooms or basements. Hiring a professional plumbing company can prevent extensive damage, foul odors, and mold growth in the home.

Increased Activity of the Water Meter

Most contractors recommend the homeowner monitor their water meter. If usage suddenly spikes or continues without stopping, it’s reasonable to assume there’s a water leak in your home. If your water meter is exhibiting troublesome behavior, it is recommended that you call a licensed plumber.

Water Stain

Another solid indicator of leaking plumbing is water stains, especially in areas that are around faucets or pipes. The leaks leave behind telltale marks that alert the homeowner that they have a problem that needs to be repaired.

Reduced Water Pressure

If your water pressure suddenly drops for no logical reason, then have a plumber come over and test for water leaks. This is because the leak will divert water away from the faucet or other outlet. As soon as this happens, it is necessary to quickly make repairs to avoid damage to the rest of the house.

Soggy Parts of the Lawn

The presence of wet areas on the lawn when it hasn’t rained suggests a leak in the external pipes. This will require the help of an experienced plumbing company. It is probable that they will have to dig up the wet section of the lawn to inspect.

How Will the Plumber Find Leaks?

Plumbers undergo years of on-the-job training and prepare themselves well for any plumbing emergency, installation, non-emergency repairs, and maintenance.

Physical Inspection

The first thing that a plumber will do is perform a thorough inspection of the external pipes. Each one will be manually inspected to ensure there is no corrosion or external moisture. It is recommended to perform this consistently, as all pipes need to be replaced over time, and it is definitely something you will want to do before they completely fail.

Using Leak Dye

Another “trick of the trade” that plumbers will use is a substance known as leak detection dye. This is especially useful for such fixtures as toilets because just a few drops added to the tank can reveal a leaky flapper in just a matter of minutes. This method saves both time and money on labor and allows the plumber to get to work on the problem much more quickly than they otherwise would be able to.

Specialized Cameras

Some plumbing companies will use high-tech equipment such as infrared cameras that can see right through the walls or floors and detect temperature fluctuations. This helps the plumber find the exact leak location and start repairs without invasive procedures. They will need to create a modest-sized hole in the exact location and perform the repairs from there. This saves unnecessary damage to your home and leaves everything intact with only a small patch required to be done by a drywall installer.

Advanced Detection

The plumbing company can use pressure testing methods to pinpoint exact points of leakage. This is a sound reason professionals should always be used rather than do-it-yourself methods. Another technique plumbers offer to detect leaks in sewer lines is an advanced detection method. It’s called trenchless sewer line repair. Trenchless sewer line repair is a modern method of fixing or replacing sewer pipes with no extensive digging and disruption. Instead of traditional excavation, this technique uses advanced technologies like pipe bursting and pipe lining.

In pipe bursting, a new pipe is pulled through the old one, breaking the existing pipe and replacing it simultaneously. Pipe lining, also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP), involves inserting a flexible liner coated with resin into the damaged pipe. The liner is then inflated and cured, creating a new pipe within the old one.

Why Professionals Are Better Than Doing It Yourself

Many people think they are doing themselves a favor by trying to repair things on their own. The common misconception is that they are saving money by doing so. However, this is rarely the case and, in fact, a professional plumber should always be called for any water leaks or any other plumbing issues. For one thing, the homeowner’s insurance policy may very well cover the repairs, especially if they were sudden and accidental.

There is also the fact that while you might save on an initial fee for the plumber if you mess up the repair and have to call one anyway, you will end up paying more because now they have to fix the additional problem and the original problem.

Follow All Plumber Instructions

Before leaving your home, the plumbing company will advise you on an array of preventive measures that you should follow to avoid any unnecessary repairs in the future. It is vital that you follow these suggestions to a “T.” Such advice may include using insulation to avoid burst pipes in the winter, monitoring all water usage so that leaks can be detected as early as possible, and even arranging regular appointments for inspections and maintenance.

Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air a Well-Established Contractor in Sacramento

If you think you have a water leak or are having any other plumbing issues that require repair, please contact Crystal Blue Plumbing Heating & Air for quick and reliable service. Besides plumbing services, they also perform HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, and indoor air quality, and commercial services. Contact us today to schedule a service for detecting leaks in your Sacramento home, we have emergency services too!