Littleton, MA Air Conditioning Repair Tip: How To Prevent Repairs

May 20th, 2013

During the cooling season, your Littleton, MA air conditioning gets a lot of use. And considering the amount of wear and tear it endures season after season, it’s no wonder that it may need to be repaired. Yet, many repairs can be prevented with routine maintenance. Dust and other debris can accumulate within your system and this can lead to system imbalances, and premature component failure, in addition to energy inefficiency. If you’d like to keep your air conditioning repairs to a minimum, call Basnett Plumbing & Heating today.

Let’s take at some things you can do to reduce the need for repairs:

  • Preventive maintenance program: Enrolling in a program of routine professional maintenance such as the Ultimate Maintenance Agreement allows you to benefit from inspection, cleaning and precision tune-ups from a qualified technician. This cost-effective plan is by far the best way to ensure that your system runs smoothly. There’s simply no better way to reduce repairs. Your technician will clean and flush condensate lines, clean the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils, measure airflow, and check and tighten electrical connections, among other tasks.
  • Clean air filter: This is one of the maintenance tasks you can actually do without the assistance of a professional. Your air filter is designed to prevent the accumulation of dust and debris on your sensitive components. But if it gets dirty or clogged, it can actually begin to work against your AC, causing airflow issues and contributing to higher energy costs. It can cause frozen evaporator coils and even an overheated compressor.
  • Upgrade: Are you tired of paying for frequent repairs? If it feels like your AC is becoming a liability, then perhaps you should consider upgrading to a new system. Replacing your old and obsolete system with a new energy efficient system may actually make more financial sense. You may also consider a heat pump for year-round comfort, or a ductless air conditioner if want to get away from using ductwork.

Call Basnett Plumbing & Heating today if you’re in need of air conditioning repair in Littleton, MA.

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Concord, MA Plumbing Guide: How to Maintain Your Plumbing

May 16th, 2013

You probably rely on your plumbing in Concord, MA more than you realize. While we often take for granted the convenience and comfort of modern plumbing, it can’t be overlooked when problems arise. Leaks, clogs, and pipe bursting can all prevent us from getting on with our daily routines. We often speak to customers who want to know more about how they can maintain the health of their plumbing systems, so we’ve compiled a brief guide that we hope you will find useful. If you’re looking for plumbing services in Concord, MA, you can rely on Basnett Plumbing for exceptional service and technical expertise. Call us today.

Let’s take a look at some things you can do to prevent plumbing repairs and encourage the longevity of the piping in your home.

  • Use food and hair stoppers: These small and cost-effective devices are great at prevent clogs caused by food scraps in the kitchen, and hair in the shower. Both these substances can seem inconsequential on their own, but when combined with older drainpipes that have never been cleaned and other accumulations, they may eventually cause a severe clog in your drains or even sewer line. Stoppers are great investments that are available in your local hardware store.
  • Avoid putting grease down your drains: When still hot in the frying pan, grease can appear to be a viscous liquid that does not pose a danger to your drains. But when grease cools, it becomes a sticky paste that can accumulate within all areas of your drains, and also attract other debris. Ensuring that you don’t put grease down your kitchen sink drains is easy and goes a long way towards preventing plumbing problems and maintaining a healthy system.
  • Professionally maintain your drains: Hiring a professional to inspect your drains with video camera technology is a great way to spot any potential problems. Follow that up with pro drain cleaning and you can rest assured that your wastewater disposal system is in good shape.

Call Basnett Plumbing today for comprehensive plumbing services in Concord, MA.  

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Groton, MA Air Conditioning Tip: 3 Common Air Conditioning Repairs

May 6th, 2013

Homeowners throughout the Groton, MA area know about the importance of air conditioning during the cooling season. As you enjoy the moderate sunny days of May, make sure that your AC is up and working well. Check your air filter about once a month during this summer and clean it as needed, so that you can avoid the accumulation and dust on your sensitive mechanical equipment. But even with homeowner and even professional maintenance, over time your AC will undergo enough wear and tear to require repair. Let’s take a look at 3 common AC repair services that we called for. For excellent Groton, MA air conditioning repair services, look no further than the technicians at Basnett Plumbing & Heating. Call us today!

  • Overheated compressor: Your compressor is housed in the outdoor unit, typically surrounded by the condenser coils. The compressor does what exactly what its name suggests it does: it compresses the gaseous refrigerant coming from the indoor evaporator coil, making it into a high temperature and high pressure gas, which is then sent to the condenser. If there is something wrong with the airflow, or the refrigerant cycle in general, it can cause the compressor to overheat.
  • Bad capacitor: The capacitor is part of the electrical system of the AC. It stores electrical energy to boost the start-up potential of the outdoor unit. Various things can go wrong with a capacitor, despite its sturdy construction. Moisture, physical damage, and old age can all contribute to a capacitor fault.
  • Frozen evaporator coil: Your evaporator coil is responsible for the cool air. It is housed inside the indoor unit, along with the air handler. As the cool liquid refrigerant enters its coils, it absorbs the heat from your home, causing the refrigerant within to evaporate. This thermal exchange cools the air, which is then sent back indoors by means of the blower motor. If there are any airflow problems, then this can cause cool air to build up inside the air handler, causing the evaporator coil to freeze over.

When you need Groton, MA air conditioning repair services, call Basnett Plumbing & Heating today! 

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Westford, MA Air Conditioning Tip: Keeping Your System Efficient

April 29th, 2013

As we enter the cooling season, homeowners throughout the Westford, MA area are looking for ways to keep their air conditioning systems running efficiently. With energy costs ever on the rise, it makes sense that we look into the most efficient ways to use that energy. We often hear from customers eager to maximize their efficiency during the hotter months of the year. In this brief guide, we’re going to review a few ways you can maintain and improve your system so that you get the most cooling per dollar. For more energy saving tips, or to schedule an air conditioning service in Westford, MA, call Basnett Plumbing today!

  • Routinely replace your air filter: Your air filter is there to protect your AC from the damage that can result from dust and debris building up on system components and impeding their proper operation. If your air filter becomes dirty or clogged, however, it can actually become counter-productive. It blocks airflow, causing your AC compressor to work harder and thus expend more electrical energy. It can also lead to a frozen evaporator coil, and other damages.
  • Enroll in a maintenance program: Professional maintenance is the best way to ensure that your AC is energy efficient all summer long. During these visits, your AC technician will inspect, clean, and tune-up various components of the system to ensure that it’s working well all summer long. At this time, he may also recommend any necessary repairs or any potential problems in development that could pose a threat to your cooling system.
  • Upgrade: If your AC is old, or requires frequent repairs, then you might want to consider upgrading to a new highly efficient system. Today’s air conditioners have much higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings than those of 10 years ago, and that means that you may save substantial amounts of energy with a new unit.

These are just a few tips from your local professionals. For comprehensive Westford, MA air conditioning services, call Basnett Plumbing today! 

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Littleton, MA Plumbing Guide: Causes of a Running Toilet

April 22nd, 2013

Minor plumbing problems can often be the most irritating. If your basement floods or your drains become blocked, it seems clear what’s going on. But when the problem is small, and dependent on numerous intricate details, it can be frustrating, especially when it’s the sound of running water. In this post, we’d like to explain some potential causes of a running toilet. When you need professional Littleton, MA plumbing services, call Basnett Plumbing & Heating today!

  • Flush valve: The flush valve controls the flushing of water from the tank into the toilet bowl. If this valve is sticky, then you may find that your flush lever (the one that you use to flush the toilet) may need to be jiggled a few times to stop the running water. In order for your tank to refill, the flush valve needs to cover the drain hole. This is one of the most common reasons for a running toilet, and it means that the connection between the lever and the valve is malfunctioning, probably due to some loose component.
  • Overflow tube: The overflow tube controls the balance of water in your tank and bowl after the flush. If it malfunctions, then water will constantly be moving between your tank and bowl.
  • Filler valve: Also known as the ballcock, if this valve doesn’t close completely, it can result in a running toilet.
  • Float ball problem: The float ball is connected to the float arm. As the water rises in the tank during refilling, the floatball moves upward. Once it reaches a certain point, it activates the flapper valve in order to stop the water from entering the tank. But if it’s hitting the sides of the tank, then the entire refilling process is disrupted.

A running toilet can keep you up at night and increase your water bill. Make sure you take care of it by calling a professional plumber. When you need Littleton, MA plumbing service, call the experts at Basnett Plumbing & Heating.

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Littleton, MA Plumbing Question: Why is it Important to Schedule Sump Pump Maintenance?

April 15th, 2013

The sump pump is designed to remove the risk of basement water flooding. When professionally installed it should work well for years to come. As with any aspect of your home, the sump pump needs professional maintenance from time to time in order to make sure it’s there when you need it. Because the sump pump may only be used occasionally, maintenance becomes all the more important. The sump pump is a kind of insurance against the risk of serious water damage, and as such, its ability to perform should be a source of confidence, not cause for concern. For more information about your sump pump, or to schedule Littleton, MA plumbing service, call Basnett Plumbing & Heating today!

  • Reliability: The entire principle of the sump pump rests on its reliability in the face of storms and flooding.  Reliability is the key to ensuring that your basement does not flood during groundwater swells or long rainstorms. Routine sump pump maintenance will make sure that you can have confidence in your system.
  • Effectiveness: Reliability depends upon the effectiveness of the sump pump. Its ability to pump water from the lowest point in your basement requires the cooperation of various parts. The grate on the bottom of your unit will need to be cleaned periodically to remove stones and other debris that may have collected there as a result of the unit’s suction.
  • Efficiency: The efficient removal of water is critical to the sump pump’s effectiveness. You want to be sure that your sump pump is not overpowered by the amount of water coming in, and therefore, all of its components need to be in excellent working condition. If there are any leaks in the outlet pipe, or if the drainage system is not adequately distanced from your home foundation, the sump pump can be incredibly inefficient.

Still unconvinced? For exceptional sump pump maintenance, as well as repair and installation, call the experts at Basnett Plumbing & Heating for Littleton, MA plumbing services.

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Sudbury, MA Plumbing Repair Tip: How to Prevent Plumbing Problems

April 8th, 2013

We often don’t think of our plumbing until something goes wrong with it. But preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid unnecessary plumbing repairs and costly premature repiping. While we often spend time cleaning and maintaining the integrity of most of our other household appliances, our plumbing often gets overlooked. There are a number of simple steps you can take as a homeowner to prevent plumbing problems. While we all know that repairs are often inevitable due to general wear and tear and age, we also want to minimize the damage where we can. In this post, we’ve compiled a short list of some things you can do to prevent plumbing problems. For Sudbury, MA plumbing repair services, call Basnett Plumbing & Heating today!

  • Hire a pro: Your home plumbing needs professional attention and servicing for all repair and maintenance tasks. A certified and trained plumber has the skills, knowledge, and years of experience to diagnose a wide range of plumbing problems accurately and quickly, and to recommend the best solution.
  • Clean your drains: We don’t often think about where our wastewater goes or how it gets there, but your drainage system is just as important as your pressurized water supply system. You can prevent a lot of damage and mishaps when it comes to your drain system by routinely hiring a plumber to inspect and clean them. While you may be tempted to use some of the harsh chemicals sold in stores, they can actually damage your plumbing.
  • Install a sump pump: Depending on where you live, and the orientation of your house with respect to the land on which it sits, your home may be more or less inclined to basement flooding. A sump pump is a great solution for homes who suffer from moist, damp, and water in their basements. It’s installed in the lowest part of your basement, away from the sewer and water lines, and it pumps the water outside of your home before it can begin to collect inside.

For more information about what you can do to prevent plumbing problems, call the Sudbury, MA plumbing repair experts at Basnett Plumbing & Heating today!  

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Basnett Plumbing sponsors House Tour

April 3rd, 2013

Basnett Plumbing is proud to sponsor the 2013 House Tour! Participants are invited to tour seven homes that highlight new concepts and ideas in design, energy efficiency, and more in Concord, MA. Proceeds from the tour benefit the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle, an organization that supports voter registration drives, government candidate forums, and informational meetings.

So come out and join Basnett Plumbing in supporting events throughout the Concord, MA area! And don’t forget to call us today for all of your plumbing, heating, and air conditioning needs.

 

 

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Basnett Plumbing sponsors the Bare Hill Triathlon

April 3rd, 2013

Basnett Plumbing is a proud sponsor of the Bare Hill Triathlon in Harvard, MA. The triathlon will take participants swimming in Bare Hill Pond as well as biking and running through the orchards and farms in the Nashua River Valley. The triathlon takes place Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 8:00AM. Come out and show your support with Basnett!

 

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Groton, MA Heating Efficiency Tips

April 1st, 2013

Sometimes it seems like winter just won’t end. With the costs of energy being so high this can be a real drain on your budget. That is why the Groton, MA heating professionals at Basnett Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have put together some helpful heating efficiency tips for you.  We may not be able to bring winter to an early end or lower the cost of energy, but we can help you heat your home in a more efficient way. Take these tips into consideration, incorporate them into your heating habits, and watch the saving start to build up.

One of the most effective ways to boost energy efficiency in your home is also one of the simplest. Take a trip to your local hardware store and pick up some shrink wrap and weather stripping material. It’s a lot easier to heat your home efficiently if the heat you pay for is not leaking out of your home. Install the weather stripping in your door frames and cover your windows with the shrink wrap to keep heat from naturally moving to the colder outdoors. You can even put a beading of caulk around stationary windows for extra protection from the cold.

Also, do not shut off your ceiling fans once summer ends. It may seem counterintuitive, but those ceiling fans can actually help you heat your home more evenly and efficiently. There is a switch on the fixture of a ceiling fan that, when flipped, allows you to reverse the direction in which the blades turn. In the winter this allows your fans to push heated air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the living space. This lets you heat your home more evenly, reducing the need to raise temperature settings at the thermostat.

Of course, the best way to keep your heater working efficiently is to schedule routine heating maintenance with a qualified professional. Contact the Groton, MA heating technicians at Basnett Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more. We have the tools, skills and services you need to heat your home in a more efficient way this heating season.

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