DUCT SYSTEM BREAK DOWN

We all know that the purpose of our air conditioning and heating unit is to provide our homes with cool or warm air to keep us comfortable from the outside elements. But what most people don’t know is that the duct work is what ties it all together. So let’s get back to the basics and do a break down of how our air conditioning and heating system works.

The systems duct work is considered the heart of your homes air conditioning and heating system. It provides a controlled path of air flow throughout your home. Without the duct system, the air conditioning and heating system is nothing. The system is broken down into three sections.

The first section is called the return air. This is where the air from the individual rooms of the home is transferred to the furnace or air handler and filtered and cleaned.

In the next section of the duct system, the air is passed through the furnace or air handler. This is where heat is added or removed from the return air to make the temperature in our home comfortable.

After the heat is added or removed, the air moves to the final section of the system. The conditioned air enters the supply system (air ducts) and is then delivered throughout the home, either cooling or heating the individual rooms.

Do you want your air conditioning and heating unit performing to its optimum efficiency? Have your air ducts cleaned! By having your air duct system cleaned, your units can perform more effectively and remove dust, build up and allergens that are spread through your home.

Call Air Design Systems or visit airdesignhvac.com for more information on air duct systems and air duct cleaning!

Air Design Systems provides 24-hour on-call HVAC and Plumbing service with no additional after-hour charge! Call 202-COOL Night or Day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

Super Service Award on Angie's List!

            www.angieslist.com

Air Design Systems, Inc. Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Air Design Systems, Inc. has been awarded the prestigious 2010 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“Our Super Service Award winners are the cream of the crop when it comes to providing consistently high quality customer service, as judged by the customers who hired them,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

Air Design Systems, locally owned by Bill and Jean Brown, is an Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing company that has been serving the Pensacola area since 1977. Air Design Systems is the largest full service dealership, mechanical and plumbing contractor in northwest Florida and are licensed in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Air Design Systems specializes in design/build, negotiated, and specification contracting in all sizes of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential HVAC projects, as well as duct cleaning and custom sheet metal fabrication. Air Design System has a professional after-hours answering service, and a full service department with 24-hour on-call HVAC and Plumbing technicians.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2010 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE LEAVING FOR A LONG WINTER HOLIDAY

Are you planning a long winter vacation this year? If so, you should winterize your home before going out of town to eliminate those unexpected busted pipes! Have a worry free vacation by following the simple steps:

1. Shut the water off.
2. Drain your outdoor water taps and have them insulated.
3. Turn on all sinks and shower fixtures until the water has completely drained out.

Want to take your winterization a few steps further?

1. Drain your hot water heater. Be sure to turn off the power or gas first.
2. Flush and empty the toilet bowls and tanks.
3. Remove and drain traps under your sink.

Feeling a little over your head with these tips? Call Air Design! Our plumbers can winterize your home, leaving you with a worry free and fun winter vacation. Call 202-COOL and schedule your winterization service today!

Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

THANKSGIVING KITCHEN TIPS!

Thanksgiving is a few days away, which means lots of food and family! But one thing you want to avoid this holiday season is a clogged kitchen sink. Here are a few tips to remember while cooking this Thanksgiving:

1. Avoid pouring fatty foods and grease down the kitchen sink. The fatty foods and grease leave build up inside the drain and can cause a very nasty clog. After letting the grease cool down, pour it into an empty jar and throw it away instead.
2. Be cautious as to what goes into your garbage disposal. Some foods such as potato skins, turkey skin, celery and even pumpkin seeds are harder to properly grind down.
3. When you do plan to use your garbage disposal, turn on the water and let the disposal run for a few seconds before pouring any food down the drain. 

Even by following these few steps, clogged kitchen drains can still occur. Air Design Systems provides 24-hour service with no additional after-hour charge. So if you and your family run into any plumbing problems this Thanksgiving holiday call Air Design Systems and leave the clogged drains to us! Now that is something to be thankful for!

Air Design Systems also provides 24-hour Heating and Air Conditioning service with no additional after-hour charge. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

R-22 FREON PHASE OUT

R-22 Freon has been used in A/C and Refrigeration units since the 1940’s. Due to its chlorine base, which contributes to the depletion of the Earth’s stratospheric ozone, R-22 Freon is now being phased out.  

The year 2010 began the phase-out of R-22 Freon for new equipment. But in the year 2020, R-22 Freon will be phased-out of production completely. However, R-22 Freon will be available in the future but with an increase in cost.   So what is the replacement for R-22 Freon?

R-410A Freon has an increased efficiency and uses less energy which reduces the carbon dioxide emissions into the air. However, R-410A Freon is only compatible with equipment specifically designed and constructed for R-410A Freon. Therefore, an R-22 Freon unit will not be compatible without an upgrade to R-410A.

You can save money by upgrading to a higher efficiency air conditioning and heating system that uses R-410A Freon. The new R-410A compatible units save money with their higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating compared to the older R-22 systems of 10 SEER rating or lower.

Are you considering upgrading your R-22 system to a new energy efficient R-410A system? Call Air Design Systems today to receive your FREE estimate! You can also visit www.airdesignhvac.com to learn more about Air Design Systems and all of our other services we offer!

Need emergency HVAC and/or Plumbing service? Air Design Systems provides a 24-hour on-call answering service with no additional after-hour charge. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

PIPE FITTER WELDER NEEDED!

Air Design Systems has an immediate opening for a Pipe Fitter Welder with HVAC experience required. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and NO felonies.

Interested applicants can apply in person or online at www.airdesignhvac.com

Air Design Systems, Inc.
400 E. Lurton Street
Pensacola, FL 32505
850-434-5592

HVAC AND/OR PLUMBING HELPER NEEDED!

Air Design Systems has an immediate opening for a mechanical HVAC and/or Plumbing helper. Experience is not required but preferred. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and NO felonies. 

Interested applicants can apply in person or online at www.airdesignhvac.com.

Air Design Systems, Inc.

400 E Lurton Street

Pensacola, FL 32505

850-434-5592

AIR DESIGN SYSTEMS WELCOMES OUR NEW SALES/PROJECT MANAGER!

Air Design Systems recently added a new member to the Air Design team and we would like to wish a warm welcome to our new Sales/Project Manager, Bob Newell. Bob was born in Baton Rouge, LA and moved to Gulf Breeze, FL in 1970. He attended Gulf Breeze Middle School and Gulf Breeze High school. He received his AA Degree from Pensacola Junior College and then went on to Florida State University and studied Marketing, Business Management and Finance Studies.

His lovely and gracious wife of almost 25 years is Lisa Newell and they have two children together, Natalie and Hank. Natalie, 21 years old, is attending FSU. Hank, 15 years old, just made the 9^th grade basketball team.

In his spare time, Bob enjoys coaching kids, boating and fishing. He is also currently the President of the Gulf Breeze Sports Association.

Bob has been in the HVAC and Plumbing industry since 1996 and has held positions in Service Sales Account Management, Project Management, Sales Management, and General Management.

When asked what his goals are at Air Design Systems, Bob replied, “I look forward to growing the dealership and all of our trades. One way is educating the customer on all of the trades that we offer. By showing the customer how easy it is to make one call for all of their facility’s needs, we can convey the message that they will have no need to look elsewhere. We will become the customer’s first and only call.”

We are very lucky and excited to have Bob as a member of the Air Design team. His drive and motivation to succeed is inspiring to all and we look forward to watching his goals come to life.

Have an Air Conditioning/Heating or Plumbing emergency? Air Design Systems provides 24-hour service with no additional after-hour charge! Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

Want more information? Visit http://www.airdesignhvac.com/ to learn about all of our services we provide!

WHAT IS IN YOUR WATER HEATER?

Some cities water supply is filtered, and water is naturally soft with little mineral content. But if your cities water supply is different, you may have a large build up of sediment in your water heater.

What is sediment?

Sediment is any solid that settles at the bottom of a water heater. It can be sand or debris from wells or water mains. It can also be calcium carbonate. Calcium Carbonate is a mineral that is found in water and when heated causes the mineral to precipitate out.

How is sediment harmful to your water heater?

Sediment, which resembles sand, settles at the bottom of the water heater creating a barrier before the gas burner and the water. The sediment slows down the heat transfer and can possibly clog the drain valve which can stop water flow. When the sediment settles at the bottom of the water heater, it over heats the tank bottom and damages the steal and glass lining, which can lead to your water heater burning out all together. Sediment can also cause a loud annoying noise that can also be alarming. The water gets under the sediment layer, turns to steam bubbles and then collapses causing a loud noise.

How can you fix your sediment problem?

Unfortunately there is no permanent fix for sediment build up. However, a good way to keep it maintained is to have a plumbing professional drain your water heater annually. They can also install a filter in your water heater. By doing this, your water heater can perform and its optimum efficiency which in turn can save you money! While there, they can also check for leaks and make sure your water heater is performing properly.

Call Air Design Systems today to schedule a plumber to check your water heater and service all of your plumbing needs.

Visit www.airdesignhvac.com or call 202-COOL for more information on water heaters and all of your plumbing needs.

Have an air conditioning or plumbing emergency in the middle of the night? Air Design Systems has a professional after-hours answering service, and a full service department with 24-hour on-call HVAC and Plumbing technicians. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

WHAT DETERMINES THE PROPER UNIT SIZE FOR YOUR HOME?

“What size air conditioning unit do I need for my home?” is the most frequently asked question that our HVAC salesmen hear. As simple as the question may seem, there are many deciding factors that determines the proper size unit for each individuals home.

The process starts with a complete load calculation. The load calculation consists of simple data that determines the proper size unit for your home. Below is a list of data that we gather to decide what size unit is best for your home:

• Square footage of your home
• Volume of your home (Sq ft x ceiling height)
• Insulation in the attic and walls
• Direction your home faces (North, South, East or West)
• Total amount of glass windows and doors
• Single pane windows or double pane windows. (Double pane windows is recommended)
• Doors (Metal insulated doors recommended)
• Roof eve overhang (the more overhang = the better!)
• Air infiltration (cracks or air leaks within your home)
• Tree shading over your home
• Type of floor/slab or off ground
• Duct loss (air leakage from ductwork)

Once this information is gathered, it gets loaded into a calculation work sheet which then produces the correct tonnage of air conditioning unit that best fits your home.

Are you considering replacing your air conditioning unit in your home? Call Air Design Systems for a free estimate on replacing your unit.

Have an air conditioning or plumbing emergency in the middle of the night or weekend? Air Design Systems has a professional after-hours answering service, and a full service department with 24-hour on-call HVAC and Plumbing technicians. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

IS YOUR GAS FURNACE SAFE?

With winter just around the corner, many will soon be firing up their gas furnaces for the first time since last winter. A properly functioning furnace can be a safe and efficient device, but an old leaky furnace can be dangerous! Gas leaks can develop at piping joints, shut-off valves, and inside the furnace itself. Exhaust flue pipes can become obstructed and heat exchangers can develop rust holes, resulting in carbon monoxide leaking into living areas. Air Design Systems highly recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors in every house with any type of gas appliance. They look and sound similar to a smoke detector and can be purchased at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. A good preventive maintenance check up on the furnace can help make sure the burners are clean and the fuel/air mixture is correct. The internal safety devices will also be checked to make sure the furnace is safe and functioning properly.

Be prepared this winter season and call Air Design Systems today to schedule your winter maintenance on your heating unit.

Visit www.airdesignhvac.com or call 202-COOL for more information on preventive maintenance.

Have an air conditioning or plumbing emergency in the middle of the night or weekend? Air Design Systems has a professional after-hours answering service, and a full service department with 24-hour on-call HVAC and Plumbing technicians. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER CHALLENGE?

Dealership Sales/Project Manager Mechanical and plumbing contractor has all the building blocks in place to expand our ability to provide our customers with the excellent service they are accustomed. We are looking for a person with the technical and business skill set to stack those blocks into a powerful, leading-edge division and nurture it as it thrives.

What we are looking for: • Someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and do what is takes to succeed.
• Has a proven success record with knowledge in air conditioning, heating, and plumbing (mechanical degree preferred, but experience will be considered).
• A leader and mentor with an inclusive style, whose former employees want to keep in touch.
• An effective and passionate writer and speaker who has no problem talking to people you don’t know (not afraid to knock on doors).
• Wants others to be successful.
• Not afraid of sales

What’s in it for you? • The opportunity to use the sum of your experience and knowledge
• A staff that is ready to be mentored and encouraged to grow
• An excellent work culture
• An attractive and competitive compensation/benefits package, commensurate with your experience.

To apply: Please email your resume to: www.coolwater_pcola@yahoo.com.
This position is one you will want to stay at until you retire. If you are looking for a short term build-it-and-move-on position, please do not apply.
EEO Employer/Drug Free Workplace
Must have a good driving records and clear criminal history.

WHAT MAKES AN AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING SYSTEM ENERGY EFFICIENT?

Saving money and energy efficiency is a big topic in today’s society. When it comes to saving money on your power bill, we all know a few basics that apply to the Air Conditioning and Heating system such as keeping your air filters clean, setting your thermostat higher when you are not home and having your system regularly checked by certified HVAC technicians.

You can also save money by updating your old Air Conditioning and Heating system to a new higher energy efficient system. But before any of us make a big decision such as updating an Air Conditioning and Heating system, one question that always comes to mind, ”What is going to save me the most money”.  That all depends on which energy efficient system is installed. But let’s take it a step further by finding out what actually determines the efficiency of an Air Conditioning and Heating system? The answer is the units SEER rating.

The SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is mathematically determined by the performance and energy efficiency rating that measures the effectiveness of a central air system. This is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute in its standard ARI 210/240.

The SEER rating of a unit is the cooling output BTU (British Thermal Unit) during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours during the same period. The higher the units SEER rate, the more energy efficiency the system is. Think of a SEER rating like miles per gallon in cars. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. Therefore, higher SEER ratings lead to more savings in energy usage which in turn leads to a lower power bill.

SEER Rating Timeline:

• 1980s: SEER rating was 6
• 1990s: A minimum SEER rating of 10 was mandated by the Department of Energy.
• 2006: Air Conditioning Units manufactured in the United States must have a SEER rating of 13 or higher.
• Present: You can purchase an Air Conditioning system with a SEER rating above 20.

Manufacturers can put together combinations of indoor Air Handler Units (Variable Speed Types) with different outdoor units to achieve the higher SEER ratings. Before purchasing a new Air Conditioning and Heating system, you should familiarize yourself on different heating and cooling systems and their SEER ratings.

Potential Annual Savings* for cooling your home based on the efficiency of a matched system:

• 8 SEER = 0% savings
• 10 SEER = up to 20% saving
• 13 SEER = up to 38% saving
• 14 SEER = up to 43% saving
• 15 SEER = up to 47% saving
• 16 SEER = up to 50% saving
• 20 SEER = up to 60% saving

*Minimum efficiency established by the Department of Energy. The majority of systems installed prior to 2006 are 10 SEER or lower. Potential energy savings may vary depending on your lifestyle, system settings, equipment maintenance, local climate, home construction and installation of equipment and duct system.

Air Design Systems can provide you with helpful information on different Air Conditioning and Heating systems along with different SEER ratings that fit your needs. Call 202-COOL today for your free estimate to install a new energy efficient Air Conditioning and Heating system.

Need emergency after-hours or weekend Air Conditioning/Heating or Plumbing service? Air Design Systems provides 24-hour on-call service with no additional after-hour charge. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

Visit www.airdesignhvac.com for more information about all of our services we provide!

IMPROVE THE LOOK AND VALUE OF YOUR HOME BY REPLACING YOUR OLD SHOWER AND TUB WITH A NEW UPDATED WALK-IN SHOWER

Are you looking to update the look of your home? According to a recent survey done by members of Angieslist.com, “Fifty-nine percent want to update or improve their home, twenty-two percent plans to make repairs and nine percent are looking to increase the resale value of their home.” A great way to improve the look of your home and its resale value is to update the look of your bathroom. Air Design Systems has satisfied many customers with their shower updates. Let us do the same for you!

There are many shower options to choose from. Listed below are two of the most popular choices:

• Four piece walk-in shower. This includes the shower pan base and the three wall pieces (single control Delta faucet and water spout).
• Marble walk-in shower

Air Design Systems can also cater to customers needing Handicap Accessible showers. Listed below are some of the Handicap Accessible shower features:

·         Built-in shower seats

·         Hand held shower heads

·         Grab bars

Don’t wait for your retirement years to change out your old tub and shower. Let Air Design Systems update the look of your bathroom by removing your old tub and shower and install a new walk-in shower. Polish off your bathroom updates by removing your old and outdated toilet and let Air Design Systems install a new Comfort Height toilet.

At Air Design Systems, we take pride in being the Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing Professionals of Pensacola. Let our plumbing professionals take care of you and all of your plumbing needs! Call 202-COOL today for your FREE estimate.

Need emergency after-hours plumbing service? Air Design Systems provides 24-hour on-call service with no additional after-hour charge. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

Visit www.airdesignhvac.com for information about all of our services we provide!

Online Sources:

AngiesList.com. “N.D.” “Homeowners Planning to Remodel Should act Fast in 2011”. Retrieved August 24, 2011 from the AngiesList website: http://company.angieslist.com/visitor/news/default.aspx 

BENEFITS OF HAVING YOUR AIR DUCTS CLEANED

Does your home produce a musty or moldy smell that no amount of air freshener can eliminate? Do you and/or a family member suffer from allergies or asthma that seems to get worse while at home? These problems could be caused due to dirty air ducts. You can eliminate these problems while also increasing the performance of your air conditioner unit by having your air ducts cleaned regularly.

Many people only clean their air ducts after a major event such as fire or flood, an infestation of insects, rodents, mold, or after a remodel. However, you should actually have your air ducts inspected often by a professional trained in the Indoor Air Quality field. A good time to have your air ducts checked is once a year when your preventive maintenance is being performed.

Not only will having your air ducts cleaned eliminate any musty or moldy smells, it can also drastically reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air that affect those with allergies and/or asthma.

BEFORE AIR DUCT CLEANING

AFTER AIR DUCT CLEANING

Air Design Systems has a NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certified specialist on staff, and we use a state-of-the-art HEPA-AIRE Duct Cleaning System. It is the most advanced source removal equipment available. This high-tech system enables our technicians to reach and thoroughly clean your entire duct system.

Visit www.airdesignhvac.com or call 202-COOL for more information on air duct cleaning and/or preventive maintenance.

Have an air conditioning or plumbing emergency in the middle of the night? Air Design Systems has a professional after-hours answering service, and a full service department with 24-hour on-call HVAC and Plumbing technicians. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY WITH A TANKLESS WATER HEATER

Did you know that about 20% of your annual energy cost comes from heating water for daily household use? This includes hot water for bathing, washing dishes, laundry and cooking. By operating a conventional storage water heater, it can add additional energy cost each year.

A conventional tank type water heater works by using a set point on the water heater, usually between 120 and 140 degrees. Once the temperature reaches the set point, the water is stored in the tank. Even if no hot water is drawn from the tank, the heater will operate periodically to maintain the water temperature. In addition, when cool water enters the tank to replace the used water, it too needs to be heated to the desired set point.

The process of heating water in a storage tank suffers from what is called “stand by loss”. "Stand by loss" is wasted energy to maintain a specific temperature in the tank. It accounts for about 20% of a homes annual water heating cost.

How can you get back that 20% you lost due to "stand by loss" from your conventional water heater? Switch to an energy efficient tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters are often referred to as “on demand water heating” because it does not store heated water. Once the faucet is opened, water flows into the heater where a sensor turns on the heat exchanger. The water flows through the heat exchanger and is heated to the desired temperature. Once the faucet is closed, the sensor automatically shuts down the heat exchanger. Listed below are a few advantages of a tankless water heater:

• You will save energy by eliminating “stand by loss” that is stored in conventional tank water heaters.
• Water is heated immediately eliminating wasted energy that is used in conventional tank water heaters.
• Tankless water heaters heat on demand. Therefore, you will never run out of hot water like you would with a conventional tank water heater.
• The lifespan of a tankless water heater is approximately 20 years. A conventional tank water heater will only last about 10 years. 

Tankless water heaters not only make your home more energy efficient, they also save you money! If you reside in the Escambia County area and switch to a tankless water heater, you are eligible to receive a rebate of up to $1,000 from ESP.

If you would like to receive more information about switching to a tankless water heater and/or its benefits, contact Air Design Systems today for your free replacement estimate! Call 202-COOL or visit www.airdesignhvac.com for more information!

Mention or print this coupon to receive $75.00 off any Tankless Water Heater Replacement!

Tankless water heater brands we install:

• Noritz
• Chofu
• Rheem

COOL YOUR HOME, SAVE ENERGY & SAVE MONEY!

According to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the average household spends about 20% of their energy bills towards cooling. By improving your homes energy efficiency, you will be saving energy, which results in saving money. How you ask? It’s easy! Listed below are a few simple steps that will increase your homes energy efficiency and help you save money!

• Program your thermostat around your family’s summer schedule. Set it a few degrees higher (such as 78 degrees) when no one is home. By doing so, the A/C will NOT be cooling an empty house.
• Use a programmable thermostat. Studies show that proper use of a programmable thermostat can save you up to $180 a year.
• Check your filter every month. If the filter is dirty, change it. Filters should be changed every three months regardless. A dirty filter can make the unit work harder to produce cool air, which uses more energy.
• Run your ceiling fan to create a cool breeze. You can raise your thermostat 2 degrees by using your ceiling fan to circulate the air. Remember, the ceiling fan is used to cool you and not the room. When you leave the room, be sure to turn the fan off.
• Pull curtains and shades as much as possible. By doing so, you are blocking out the sun’s rays from overheating the interior of your home.
• Remember to have your HVAC system serviced annually to ensure it is running at the optimum efficiency. By having a Preventative Maintenance plan and getting your HVAC system serviced regularly, you can improve the performance and longevity of your air conditioning unit.
• Have your air ducts checked for leaks. If your air ducts are leaking, you should have them sealed.
• Make sure the air conditioning grilles are properly sealed to the floor and at the ceiling. This is a place where air leaks, which results in more energy consumption.

By following these simple steps, you will increase your homes energy efficiency, increase the longevity of your air conditioning unit and increase the amount of money in your pocket! Let the savings begin!

Air Design Systems provides HVAC Preventative Maintenance plans designed to prolong equipment life, increase operating efficiency and reduce equipment operating cost. For more information about HVAC Preventative Maintenance plans, call 202-COOL and set up your appointment today!

Visit us online at www.airdesignhvac.com for more information!

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR TOILET IS LEAKING?

Toilets are one of the most common sources of leaks in the home, usually unnoticed by the residents because the leaks are often silent and out of view. Most toilet leaks will send the waste water directly into the sewer line without detection by residents. Several research studies have found 20% to 35% of all residential toilets leak to some degree. These leaks, if undetected and/or unattended, can cause a significant price increase in ones water bill.

Large toilet leaks can be detected when the valve constantly emits a hissing or gurgling sound when the toilet is not in use. Smaller, though significant, leaks require further investigation. Removing the tank lid to inspect the flush mechanisms is the first step.

The water level in the tank should be no higher than 1-inch below the top of the overflow tube. Some tanks require a lower water level, but are never higher than 1-inch. If the water level is to the very top of the overflow tube, water is slowly leaking into the overflow tube and down into the drain. The problem has one of three causes:

1. The water level is adjusted too high.
2. The float is damaged and not shutting off the refill valve.
3. The refill valve (ball-cock assembly) is worn and needs replacement.

Performing a dye test will allow detection of leaks in the flapper valve. Test procedures include placing dye tablets into the tank water which causes the water to turn dark blue. If the dark blue water appears in the bowl within 15 minutes, there is a leak in the flapper valve.

There are several causes for these leaks, but flapper valves are the most common problem. The flapper provides the barrier that holds the water in the tank until the user activates the flush handle by pulling on the chain attached to the flapper valve. When the flapper is raised, the water in the tank rushes into the bowl creating the flush. After the flush is complete, the flapper falls back down onto the valve seat to retain the water as the tank refills. Leaks occur when the flapper valve does not create a watertight seal. The seal can be compromised due to several reasons:

1. The most common cause is due to a worn or warped flapper.
2. The chain could be snagging resulting in the flapper not able to drop completely onto the valve seat.
3. The valve seat is worn.

These common problems are an easy and affordable fix. Our certified plumbers are standing by and are ready to repair all of your plumbing needs in a timely and cost efficient manner. Call 202-COOL for an appointment.

Ever have a plumbing problem late at night or on the weekends? No problem! Air Design Systems provides 24-hour on-call plumbing and air conditioning service at no additional after-hour charge. Call 202-COOL night or day, Air Design Systems is on the way!

For more information, visit our website http://www.airdesignhvac.com/

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER?

Changing your air filter is one of the most important maintenance task you can do as a homeowner. The number of times that you change your air filter depends on the impurities that is returned to the unit. Listed below are some of the scenarios that may impact the frequency of filter changes.

• If you have pets, the pet dander and hair can be returned to the unit.
• The number of children you have impacts the amount of dust and dirt that is introduced to the filter.
• The more tile or hardwood floors you have in lieu of carpet allows more dust and dirt to access the filter.
• The type of vaccum you use on your carpet may impact filter changes.

For more information about changing your air filter visit us at www.airdesignhvac.com or call us at 202-COOL