Smoak’s Blog
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:
Limit Allergens in the Office With These Simple Steps
When people think of workplace hazards, they typically think of coal mining or heavy construction–not office allergies. Office work may not carry as many health risks, but seasonal and environmental allergies can still disrupt productivity and limit morale–and all those coughs and sneezes can spread germs. In fact, allergy symptoms are the second most common cause of missed work.Here are some ways you can reduce allergens in an office building to help employees breathe easier.
What Are Signs That a Sewer Line is Clogged?
Plumbing is not something most people think about unless there’s a problem. When there is a problem, however, it can dramatically alter daily activities such as bathing, cleaning and cooking. A clogged sewer line may manifest itself in a variety of ways. The following are three signs that your sewer line may be clogged.Clogs in a sewer system sometimes sound like water percolating. If a strong, unpleasant odor of raw sewage accompanies these sounds, it’s likely there is a blockage somewhere in the sewer line. Smoak’s Comfort Control recommends avoiding drain cleaners when clearing clogged drains.