Smoak’s Blog
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.
Why Does My Furnace Make a Loud Noise When It Turns Off?
Loud noises coming from your furnace can be alarming, but it doesn’t mean there is a huge problem. When you hear a banging noise, the problem can be simple to fix. Whether you need to replace a dirty filter or clean your ductwork, loud noises can be caused by a number of things. If you aren’t comfortable trying to fix the problem on your own, it’s time to call in a professional to service your furnace. Here are some things you can do to try and fix the problem yourself.
Can a Water Leak Cause Pipes to Rattle?
Ever have a water leak and hear shaking, rattling or roaring? Your house can sound like a plane on a tarmac or one of those AAMCO commercials with the car shaking and all that noise coming from the engine!
In actuality, if you turn on the faucet and there’s a leak, it can cause your pipes to make noise – and the roaring noise can get loud enough to make vibrations, so you may hear whining, squeaking, hissing, banging or rapid machine gun fire sounds. But here’s the thing: each noise is specific to a problem within your pipes. Let’s explore the sounds to help you diagnose the problem.
5 Signs Your Office’s Boiler Needs Service
In office buildings, repairing boilers can be expensive, but waiting can prove costly. Ideally the owner should have the boiler inspected by a qualified contractor every year. This is to avoid any unexpected emergencies. However, it’s usually on the coldest day that the boiler acts up. To avoid this, here are a few tips to see if your boiler needs to be serviced. Signs the boiler may need servicing:
What Can I Do to Prevent Build-Up on My HVAC Units?
Numerous issues can cause your HVAC unit to malfunction. One of the main problems could be a buildup of materials such as dirt, snow, dust, debris and trash on exterior and interior coils impeding proper air flow to the system. Fortunately, there are a number of fixes that won’t cost you a penny.