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Is a Backup Generator Worth the Investment?

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Is a Backup Generator Worth the Investment?

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Are you having trouble justifying the expense of a backup generator? You’re not alone! Many homeowners shy away from purchasing a backup generator because they view it as an unnecessary expense. While it’s true that a backup generator can be a significant investment, the benefits far outweigh the cost. If you’re still on the fence, here are some compelling reasons you should consider investing in a backup generator. 

Whole-Home Backup Generators Vs. Portable Generators

Portable generators can be very convenient if you only want to power a few items, such as lights and small appliances, but they simply can’t provide enough power for essential systems, like electric heating, cooling, and water pumps. Permanent backup generators, however, are the ultimate solution for uninterrupted power to your entire home during an outage.

Portable generators also need to be set up before you can use them, which can be especially inconvenient if you’re away from home during a power outage. A backup generator is hard-wired to your home’s electrical system, so it’s always on standby and ready to take over once your main power goes out. 

Powering Essential Systems

Although some consider backup generators a luxury item, they can be lifesavers in many ways, from keeping you warm and comfortable during a brutal winter storm outage to powering medical devices that are critical for your health. Backup generators can also keep the essential systems in your home running, such as sump pumps, septic lift stations and water pumps—and prevent costly damage from occurring. 

Keeping You Connected and Powering Non-Essential Items

Picture this: a natural disaster strikes and the power goes out for days. Your phone’s battery is running out, the food in your fridge is spoiling, and the silence and darkness in your home are making you a little stir-crazy. This is where a backup generator comes in handy. 

A backup generator can also provide a connection to the outside world by powering your electronics. You can keep up with the news, communicate with loved ones, and even watch a movie. Plus, it can keep your home security system operational. Even though many of these systems have battery backups, battery power could run out during an extended power outage. 

Adding Value to Your Home

Not only will having a backup generator make your home more attractive to potential buyers, but it can also increase your property value. In fact, many real estate experts agree that homes with backup generators can sell for up to 5% more than similar homes without them—especially in areas that are prone to natural disasters like severe winter storms and hurricanes. 

But the benefits don’t stop there; insurance companies also recognize the value of backup generators. Many insurers offer discounts on premiums for homes that have backup generators due to the reduced risk of damage caused by power outages. 

Maintaining Your Quality of Life

When the power goes out, life can suddenly become challenging, especially for families with children, older adults, or individuals with medical conditions. However, with a backup generator, you can maintain your quality of life, whether it’s staying warm or cool, keeping your food fresh, or powering up medical equipment.

Backup generators can also help boost your morale and keep your spirits up during extended outages. You can listen to music, watch your favorite TV shows, or have enough light to play a board game with your family. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference in stressful situations!

Expert Backup Generator Installation and Maintenance

Investing in a backup generator is a wise decision that can give you peace of mind and help you and your loved ones stay safe and comfortable during power outages. At PECO Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of keeping your home powered, which is why we offer reliable backup generation installation and maintenance services. Don’t wait for the next outage to strike—contact us today at (864) 639-2424 to learn more or schedule an appointment! 

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

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Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

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Many of us tend to think air pollution is only found outdoors. In fact, the air inside our homes can be as much as 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Although many people recognize the hazards posed by outdoor air pollution, there tends to be less concern over the health hazards caused by indoor air pollution—even though it often has the same effects. 

What Causes Indoor Air Pollution?

Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air in and around buildings—specifically as it relates to human health and comfort. The primary sources of indoor air pollution are items in the home that release particles or gases into the environment. If there’s not enough ventilation to disperse these pollutants, they can build up and become concentrated in the home. High temperatures and humidity levels can also increase the concentration of some pollutants. 

Some of the most common sources of poor indoor air quality include:

  • Gas appliances
  • Tobacco products
  • Building materials and furnishings, such as asbestos-based insulation, carpet, pressed-wood cabinetry, and upholstery
  • Household cleaning products
  • Personal care products
  • Products used for hobbies, such as paint or glue
  • Excess moisture
  • Outdoor sources, such as pesticides
  • Dirty or poorly maintained furnaces or air conditioners
  • Dust
  • Pet dander
  • Cooking

How Does Indoor Air Quality Affect Health?

Indoor air pollutants may cause health issues shortly after exposure or years later. Immediate effects tend to be short-term and go away after treatment. Some immediate effects include:

  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Everyone’s reaction to indoor pollutants can vary depending on age, preexisting medical conditions, and individual sensitivity. Long-term health effects may show up years after exposure or after prolonged exposure to indoor air pollutants, including:

  • Respiratory conditions
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer

Even if there are no noticeable symptoms, it’s still recommended to take steps to improve indoor air quality to prevent potential long-term effects. 

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Although it may not be possible to completely eliminate allergens and pollutants from your home, there are several simple changes you can make to reduce them and your exposure. 

  1. Clean your home regularly to reduce dust, dust mites, animal dander, and mold. Vacuum the carpets and rugs at least once or twice a week using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Clean up areas of clutter and wash bedding, drapes, and other items that attract tend to attract allergens. 
  2. Use sterile soil for indoor plants and only water them when the soil is dry to prevent mold growth. 
  3. If you have a forced air heating system, change the filters regularly and have the ducts cleaned periodically to remove trapped dust. 
  4. Invest in an air purifier to help capture indoor irritants. 
  5. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home to prevent mold growth. 
  6. Open your windows from time to time to allow fresh air to circulate. 
  7. Use fans while cooking to remove fumes from the kitchen. 

For the Best Air Quality Solutions, Contact PECO

Whether you need your HVAC filters replaced or would like to install an air purification system, PECO Heating & Cooling offers a number of air quality solutions to help you breathe easier. Contact us today at (864) 639-2424 to discuss your needs. 

Getting Your Home Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

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Getting Your Home Air Conditioner
Ready For Summer

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Summer may be months away, but spring is the perfect time to get your air conditioner prepped and ready for warm, sunny days ahead!

Your AC unit sits idle for months during the fall and winter, collecting leaves, twigs, and other debris. If you don’t do a bit of maintenance on it, you might need to have it serviced in the summer—and as the busiest time for AC repair, this means you may end up waiting longer to get your unit up and running again. By doing a little maintenance now, you can keep your AC running great all season long. 

At PECO Heating & Cooling, we’re always happy to help you with any of your air conditioning needs. However, if you’d like to perform some basic maintenance yourself, here are a few helpful tips. Keep in mind that repairs should always be left to the professionals!

Understanding Your Air Conditioner

Central air conditioners have two primary components: the condenser, which is usually located outdoors, and an evaporator, which is mounted on the furnace or air handler. These two components work together to extract heat from the room using refrigeration technology. The furnace or air handler then blows the cooled, dehumidified air through the ducts and into the room. 

1.    Clean and/or Replace Your HVAC Filters 

This is one of the easiest and most important types of AC maintenance you can perform yourself. Most HVAC systems use a reusable or replaceable filter, which is usually located inside the air-inlet side of the air handler or furnace. Some systems also use air filters in the return air registers throughout the home. 

Air filters should be cleaned or replaced at least twice a year or whenever start looking clogged. If you have a large household, pets, or family members with allergies or other respiratory conditions, you may want to consider replacing them more frequently. Replacing your air filters will ensure the airflow doesn’t get restricted and allows your HVAC system to run more efficiently. Clean air filters also prevent dust from being recirculated in your home. 

2.    Clear Debris Away from the Condenser

After you’ve cleaned the condenser, remove any leaves or debris that have collected near its base. If your AC unit has a drain, make sure the drain is clear as well. Cut and remove any hedges, weeds or vines that could obstruct the condenser’s airflow.

3.    Check the Coolant Lines

The refrigerant tubes or pipes that run from the evaporator are usually covered with foam insulation. If any of the insulation is damaged or missing, it should be replaced. Foam insulation sleeves can be purchased online or at a hardware store. Wrap the lines in a spiral around the tubes or pipes and secure them using foam insulation tape. 

Your AC unit should start working again! If you have any issues, contact us to schedule an appointment.  

Get Your AC Ready for Summer with Professional Maintenance & Repairs

PECO is here to help! We’ll perform a thorough inspection and cleaning of the entire system, including the electrical connections, wiring, refrigerant levels, and other components. Don’t wait until summer to get your AC in gear—call PECO today at (864) 639-2424 or schedule an appointment online. 

5 Common Household Emergencies Faced by Homeowners

Posted on by PECO Heating & Cooling

It is a simple fact that every homeowner is going to experience some issues, some of which are more common than you may think. Here is a list of the top 5 household emergencies faced by homeowners and what you can do to deal with them!

Household Emergencies

1 – Getting Locked Out of Your Home

Ever lock your doors and walk out of your home, only to realize that you left your keys inside? The fact that this is the number one issue means that most of us have been there, but that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing or irritating when it does happen. Here are a few tips for when you find yourself in this unfortunate situation so that you don’t have to resort to breaking into your own home.

–          Having a spare key:

Okay, so this one is kind of obvious, but it still should be noted that having a spare key is one of the best methods available. If you have a friend or family member that you can trust, it is a great idea to let them have a spare key so that you have another way to get into your home if you lock yourself out. It also means that you have someone else who can get into your home if you need something done, but can’t be there to do it yourself. If you don’t want to give someone else a key, then you can always buy a key hider.

–          Call a locksmith:

It is best to avoid breaking the locks on your home if you ever lock yourself out. It will cost you money and time to get it fixed, and it will be way more of a hassle than simply waiting for a local locksmith to come to your home. Find out who your local locksmith is and give them a call, they will be able to get you back into your home and save you far more time and money than breaking in would.

2 – Losing Power

Something that is practically inevitable for everyone is experiencing a power outage. Nine times out of ten it is out of your control, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can do. Be sure to remember to follow these steps in order to help protect you and your wallet, before you head over to the breaker panel.

–          Shut the fridge:

The simple solutions are often the most beneficial. Simply shutting the fridge or keeping it closed will help keep the interior cold, which will help the food inside from spoiling. This will help you avoid having to buy new groceries and can help you from getting potential food poisoning.

–          Unplug your electronics:

Power surges can seriously damage or outright destroy any electronics that are still connected to an outlet. Make sure you unplug any important devices to help prevent the need for buying a replacement. Alternatively, you may want to consider buying a UPS (unlimited power supply, not the shipping service). These are extension cord-like devices that will regulate the power supply to any connected devices in order to prevent damage from things like power surges, which means you don’t have to worry about unplugging them. Some even store power to help keep your devices on even after a loss of power.

–          Get a backup generator:

Having a backup generator is a great way to avoid completely losing power, and is generally just a good idea to have, especially in the event of an emergency. There are different types of generators, and the best choice will depend on your home as well as your needs. Be sure to give our team a call to determine the best solution as well and to get one of the best installation services you can find.

3 – Frozen Pipes

There are few things worse than a lack of hot water, especially when the weather is starting to cool down. Frozen pipes also run the risk of bursting, which can result in serious damage to a home that could require repairs that could cost thousands of dollars.

–          Turn off the faucet

If the stream of water from a faucet has recently stopped, or even slowed down to a trickle, then this could be an indication that you have a frozen pipe that is ready to burst. You can help prevent further damage by turning off the faucet and calling a professional to come over as soon as possible.

–          Turn up the heat

In the event that a frozen pipe is behind a wall, turn up the heat in your home or use something like a hair dryer in order to help the pipe thaw.

4 – Overflowing Toilet

The panic caused by an overflowing toilet is something that is hard to beat, but it is important to keep a clear head and act fast if you want to avoid more serious damage.

–          Stop the flow of water:

When most people notice the water start to overflow, their first instinct is to grab some towels, but what they should be doing is stopping the flow of water. You can do this by taking the lid off the toilet, pressing down on the flapper valve, and lifting the float in order to cut off the supply of water.

–          Grab a plunger:

A tool as old as the toilet itself… okay not really, but it is one of the oldest and most effective tools to have available. If there is a plunger nearby then it is time to act. If there is enough water to cover the plunger then your task is simple, put the device in the toilet and plunge until the suspected blockage is gone.

5 – Heating or AC goes out

Aside from making your home uncomfortable, excessive heat or cold can also be damaging to your health. Here are a few things you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and what you should do if it breaks.

–          Keep your system maintained:

Just like most other machines, the best way to avoid your HVAC system breaking down is to provide it with proper care and maintenance. If you have noticed a dip in performance, strange noises, or the filters are particularly dirty, then this could indicate that your HVAC system needs some maintenance.

–          Call a professional:

Fixing your heating and cooling system is not a do-it-yourself task. Improper care could result in more damage which will cost you even more time and money. If your system breaks down, then your best bet is to call a professional and have them take a look as soon as possible.

At PECO Heating & Cooling, we stand by our work, which is why we offer a 1-year parts and labor warranty on all our repairs. We have a team that offers service 24/7, and we offer same or next day services for all your heating and cooling, or electrical needs. Call us at (864)-639-2424 to schedule your appointment as soon as possible!

Finding the Best Porch Repair Near Me

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Among do-it yourself home improvement projects, doing your own porch repair usually ranks pretty high. Many homeowners enjoy getting on in their yard and doing some light woodwork, building, painting, and staining. However, not everyone has the time or technical know-how, which is perfectly fine. When that’s the case, you might be wondering where to find the best porch repair near me. Here’s our top advice for finding the best match for a licensed contractor.

Finding the Best Porch Repair Near Me

 

1)     Start by creating a list. You should always begin your search by selecting a variety of contractors who do porch repair. You may want to go with someone who specializes specifically in porch work, or a home remodel contractor, or a company that does a variety of home and porch repair jobs. You want to have a range of businesses with experience and at different price points. Make sure each one is licensed and insured to do the work! From there, you can begin narrowing it down.

2)     Do your research. These days, there are tons of resources at your disposal to help you do research into every company on your list. You can check the Diamond Certified guide, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Yelp!, or any number of other sites or business reviews that will give you the information you need to make an informed choice. Official guides and review journals tend to be the most reliable, but you can learn some good information online. Take online reviews with a grain of salt – often they only feature people with the very best experiences and the very worst. Read everything carefully and use your best judgement.

3)     Ask around. Talk to people you know and trust about who’s done work on their porch. If you’re over at a friend or relative’s house and really love their porch, ask them who installed or refurbished it. Discuss how they felt about their contractor and if they’d recommend them to other people. There might be a few horror stories in there, but more often than not, you’ll probably get a great tip about someone who does porch repair near you!

4)     Trust your gut. At the end of the day, you’ll probably want to trust what your gut is telling you about who to work with. Speaking to people on the phone or meeting them in person can give you a lot of insight into the type of person they are and the work they do. If you feel good about someone, that’s a good sign. If your gut is telling you to move on, listen!

 

Your porch is part of your home and it should be treated well. Keeping up with regular maintenance and repairs when necessary will keep it in good shape for many years to come. Next time you need porch repair, consider adding PECO Heating and Cooling to your contractor list – we do so much more than HVAC. We also perform various home repairs, electrical work, and plumbing. Our people are happy to offer the best porch repair available near you. Call us today for more information!