Smoak’s Blog
What Are the Benefits of Low Flow Toilets?
Low flow toilets are becoming popular across the country. Families that live in regions with water restrictions, people on a budget who want to reduce their utility bills and environmentally conscious homeowners are all adopting these bathroom fixtures. Why? Because they offer many advantages for a relatively small initial investment.
What Causes Slow-Heating Water?
When it comes to plumbing issues, like water that takes forever to heat up, the underlying cause might seem impossible to determine. In reality, however, both the problem and the solution is usually easy to pin down.
What’s That Smell When I Turn on My Heating System?
Every autumn and winter-, fire departments receive frantic calls from residents turning on their heat after months of disuse. While it’s always good to be cautious about HVAC issues, chances are that burning, musty or otherwise strange odor probably has a non-alarming cause.
Pros and Cons of a Tankless Hot Water Heater
What are Tankless Water Heaters? Tankless water heaters are small heating units that are typically mounted to the wall. These heat water on demand, using far less electricity than traditional models. There are a number of these devices on the market with different flow rates and water pressure. Some can run on propane or natural gas.
When Do I Need to Have My Furnace Cleaned?
While Charleston winters might not rival the harsh conditions of our northern neighbors, having a furnace in good repair is still an essential part of having a comfortable home. Here’s what you need to know to keep your furnace in top shape.
Why Does Plumbing Need to Be Vented?
Plumbing vents may be something you are unfamiliar with, but they are necessary in any home for a variety of reasons. Almost all plumbing fixtures need to have vents. The only exception are floor drains.
How Can My Business Avoid Costly HVAC Repairs This Winter?
We’ve all heard that old saying “An ounce of prevention…” This is never more true than with a commercial HVAC system which, especially during the winter months, can be the lifeline of your business. A building that’s not heating efficiently or has a defective ventilation system will negatively affect both your customers and employees. In the case of a major malfunction like your pipes freezing, it may even shut down your operations for several days while a licensed plumber makes repairs.
What is HVAC Testing and Balancing?
While most newer HVAC systems are designed and tested during the construction phase of a building, systems in older buildings may never have been through the process, causing them to run inefficiently and inconsistently. The testing, balancing and adjustment of an HVAC system can be done both as a preventative measure, or to determine and correct issues that are or have been occurring.
What’s the Best Temperature to Set My Thermostat at During Winter?
If you are a homeowner in Charleston, SC, then you know the winters have the potential of getting pretty cold. And, if your body is used to the warm weather, it can be quite a shock. However, another shocker will be your utility bill if you keep your thermostat set at too high a temperature. So what temperature should you set your thermostat to during the winter?
How Can I Tell if My New Home Needs an HVAC Tune Up?
One of the most overlooked areas in a home is the ventilation system. Many people don’t realize that this should be checked regularly on a yearly basis. This is especially true for older homes and ones that face extreme weather conditions.Hiring a professional HVAC technician to inspect your furnace and air conditioner is a quick and affordable process with a lot of benefits: