Author: Angie

Baseball season for the Mariners officially starts March 30, but spring training is where it all begins. That’s where the players get into true game shape, putting in the work to prepare for the long season that extends through summer and into fall—late fall, we hope!

Now, you’re probably not a professional baseball player, and your home probably isn’t a giant ballpark with loud pink lighting (if you haven’t seen the T-Mobile Park lights, they’re seriously pink, and seriously loud). But if you want your home to perform well throughout the year, well, it probably needs a bit of spring training, too.

Consider the experts at Patriot your coaches and trainers: We’re the people who can help put you in a position to succeed—and the people who fix issues when they pop up here and there.

So what should you be doing to get your home ready to be at its best when it matters most? Read on for a few tips.

Think about your filters—and maybe an air-filtration system.

We talk about filters all the time, because changing them regularly is one of the best things you can do in terms of preventive maintenance. A dirty, clogged air-intake filter will make your HVAC system work harder, can reduce its effectiveness, and might even lead to equipment trouble. Nobody wants that, especially when summer rolls around. Put a reminder in your calendar to look at your filter every month or two—and change it when it’s dirty (or every 90 days at the most).

Filters are even more important when fire season hits, because a lot of things are floating around in the air at that time of year. Of course, you don’t just want to prevent those things from getting to your furnace—you don’t want to breathe them yourself. That’s where an air-filtration system for your home can help. Our professionals can talk to you about your options, but don’t wait until summer, because that’s when everyone else starts thinking about their air!

Do a little spring cleaning—or a lot.

Your filters aren’t the only things that get dirty—dust can accumulate on and in your registers and vents, and leaves and other debris can get into your outside equipment. So grab the duster, or the vacuum, or the blower, and clear that stuff out! (It’s not a bad idea to dust the rest of the house at that point, because all of that stuff gets into your air, too.) You just might find that the air inside is a little less musty, especially when your AC or heat is running, and your equipment might perform a little better as well.

Head into the trainer’s room—or let the trainers come to you!

To stay in prime shape, professional athletes have trainers who do everything from providing workout plans and stretching programs to treating injuries. The pros at Patriot do the same thing—our maintenance services can help keep your equipment in peak form, and should something break down, we’ll diagnose the issue and offer treatment options.

Don’t wait until summer to get your house in playing shape! To make sure your system is ready for the season ahead, schedule a check-up with Patriot at 509-662-6262.

Most people think February is the month for romance—and judging by the selection of cards and chocolates at the grocery store, well, it’s hard to argue with that notion.

That doesn’t mean we think it should be, though. First, it’s a lot better to surprise your spouse or partner with romantic flowers or candy when they aren’t expecting it (trust us on this). And second, who has time for romance when the big game is just around the corner?

Yes, we love football at Patriot—so while we usually talk about giving your home a hug, this month we’re helping our customers TACKLE projects around the house.

Whoever wins, you win
We’re so pumped up for the game that if Chiefs wins, we’re giving everyone $20 off any Patriot service! And don’t worry, we’ll come up with a special offer if Eagles wins, too. (This just in: That special offer will be … $20 off any Patriot service.)

That means no matter who wins the game, you’re a winner either way. But more important, it means everyone in your house is a winner, because you’ll have a little more incentive to fix some of those things that have been annoying for a while. Faucets that drip? An old toilet that runs and runs every time until you jiggle the handle? A water heater that leaves people shivering in the shower?

Patriot’s plumbing pros can help with all that and more. And for HVAC and other projects, there are some great rebates through March that might save you way more than $20. (Check this out for information on how you could get thousands of dollars back on heat pumps, ductless systems, water heaters, and more.)

It all starts with a call to 509-662-6262. Here’s to a great game!

It’s that time of year again: The time where we promise ourselves we’re going to eat healthy, get to the gym every day, kick those bad habits, and transform our lives.

It’s wonderful, because it means we’re focused on positivity and potential, at least for a little while—even if we know deep down that next month, the gym visits might fall off and more desserts will probably sneak onto our plates.

Wouldn’t it be nice to actually keep a resolution this year? If one of your goals is to budget better and save more (or if you want to make that a new goal, like right now), Patriot has you covered—with rebates on HVAC equipment and water heaters that can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket.

Big rebates extended through March 2023
If you’ve been thinking about finally getting that new heat pump or water heater, now is the time to do it—because through March, Chelan PUD is offering rebates of up to $4,000 for HVAC system upgrades and as much as $900 if you replace your electric water heater with a heat pump version. (Not sure what a heat pump water heater is? Learn more here.)

Manufacturer incentives and potential tax credits could be in play, too; just ask our experts, who can help you with everything, including choosing the best option for your budget and even handling the paperwork. That’s right, we’ll submit the rebate forms after your equipment is installed and your invoice is paid, and have the check sent right to you.

It’s the easiest New Year’s resolution of all time. And even better, when you let us recycle your old HVAC components or water heater after installation, we’ll give you a $250 credit! (You weren’t planning on doing anything with that worn-out heat pump, were you?)

Stay ahead of inflation
Another reason to get this done now is inflation. While it seems to have calmed down a bit, everyone is still feeling the impact of higher costs just about everywhere. Nobody knows what’s going to happen in the coming months, so locking in a price on a new HVAC system or water heater today can protect you from surprise increases tomorrow.

The first step, though, is determining whether a new system is right for you—and Patriot professionals can help with that, too. We won’t sell you something you don’t need, rebate or not. So give us a call at 509-662-6262 to start the process and talk about your options. Saving money is a great way to start the new year, and it’s a lot easier than going to the gym!

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are already almost here. That means it’s time to get the lights and other decorations up outside—but don’t forget about inside! Whether you’re hosting guests for dinners, parties, and other gatherings, or you simply want to make the holiday season easier on yourself, Patriot can help with a number of small projects that can make a big difference during the season and beyond. Read on for some great ideas!

Eliminate the wait for hot water
Skip the microwave or the stovetop kettle—when you want cocoa with the kids, or a spot of tea, an “Insta-Hot” makes it fast and easy. These small water heaters can fit under your sink or somewhere else in the kitchen, giving you hot water without the wait. They’re super convenient, easy for our pros to install, and great for coffee, soup mixes, and other cooking uses, too!

While we’re talking about water…
When was the last time you updated your kitchen faucet? You’d be surprised at the difference a new one can make—especially when it comes to the functionality. Touch-free options allow you to turn water on and off with the wave of a hand or even with your voice, pull-out sprayers give you more reach (without taking up any extra space like a classic side sprayer), and some faucets have built-in water filtration and other features. Just as important, the faucet is a simple way to give your kitchen a bit of a fresh new look!

When it’s time to go
We don’t mean “leave” here—we really mean go, as in the bathroom. And if you’ve got an old guest bathroom, it might be time for a new toilet. Similar to faucets, today’s toilets offer a lot of choices and features, from dual-flush technology for partial vs. full flushes, touchless flushing, higher seats (which can make it easier for aging loved ones to sit), bidet attachments, and more. Our plumbing pros are happy to talk about your options and help you choose what’s best for you and your guests.

Power up
All those guests are going to want to charge their devices, and you probably have a tree or other indoor decorations to light, so don’t forget about your outlets! It might be a good idea to have a few new ones installed in convenient spots—you can have USB ports included if you like. It’s a good idea to think about outside outlets, too: Having them under the eaves can make it a breeze to plug in holiday lights and gutter cables (which we recommend to help prevent ice dams during winter).

Patriot is ready to help!
Whatever you need to make your house a little more welcoming for your guests—and life a little more convenient for you—Patriot professionals can help get it done. Just call us at 509-662-6262. Here’s to a happy and healthy season, wherever and however you celebrate!

At Patriot, we are incredibly fortunate to work with wonderful customers and dedicated employees—and we try to share that good fortune with others, especially when the holidays roll around.

That’s why when you use Patriot to give your home a hug this November, we’re going to help you give your community a hug, too: For every plumbing and HVAC inspection we perform during the month, we’re donating $50 to the Chelan-Douglas County CASA Program, which fights for the rights and needs of children in foster care.

Why get a plumbing/HVAC inspection?
You might not think of your home’s HVAC, plumbing, and other systems as ways to save money, but maybe you should—as long as you don’t try to “save” the wrong way, that is.

Investing just a little bit of time and money on maintenance can help catch small problems before they become big (and expensive) ones, which can save you money in the long run. We’ve seen people skimp on furnace maintenance, for example, only to need an emergency replacement when the heat stops working in the middle of winter. Often, these people could have prolonged the life of their systems—by years, in some cases—if they had just been more proactive.

An inspection from the experts at Patriot is a great first step.

For plumbing, we’ll check your toilets and water heater for corrosion and leaks. We’ll look at the hookups for your washer, the lines to your faucet, even go into the crawlspace to look for moisture coming in. Then we’ll give you a checklist to show you what needs work and what’s fine. (And we can help with any necessary work, too.)

We’re just as thorough when it comes to your HVAC system—we’ll look at the key components of your furnace, heat pump and/or AC unit, inside and out, and provide recommendations. (Hint: We’ll probably tell you to change your filters more regularly.)

It doesn’t cost much, but the savings can be significant!

Why Chelan/Douglas CASA?
The Chelan-Douglas County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program is designed to match foster children with a qualified, compassionate adult who will ensure they aren’t overlooked or ignored by the system. It’s an amazing organization staffed by selfless volunteers. Our donations will be directed to two different funds:
– The Stocking Fund, which provides foster kids with gifts for the holidays.
– The Wardell Baker Scholarship Fund, which supports higher education for these kids.

Schedule your inspection today!
Remember, for every plumbing or HVAC inspection in November, Patriot is giving $50 to support Chelan-Douglas County CASA! Just give us a call at 509-662-6262 to give your home—and a foster kid—a hug!

With fall already here and the holidays just around the corner, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind: water heaters.

OK, maybe not. But a new water heater should be on your mind if yours is getting old and it’s not working as well as it used to—especially if you’re planning to host out-of-town guests in November and December. (Look, even if you don’t get along with the in-laws all that well, forcing them to take cold showers is a bit much.)

You could even land some bonus holiday spending money—because when you replace your old electric model with a new heat pump water heater, Chelan PUD is offering a $900 rebate through March 2023!

What is a heat pump water heater?
These water heaters work differently (and more efficiently) than electric units. Utilizing fans and an evaporator, they take warmth from the surrounding air and transfer it to the water in the tank. And because they use less energy, operating them typically costs a lot less: You could save up to 60% on the cost to heat your water every month.

They are slightly bigger than standard water heaters, and it’s best to have them in an unheated space like a garage or basement, as they will release some cool air when heating your water. It’s also important to note that heat pump water heaters make a little noise when they operate (like a freezer, though, not like a leaf blower or something).

Is it time for a new water heater?
Other than the obvious—not having any hot water—how do you know when you need a new water heater, or when you might need one sooner rather than later? Our experts are happy to help, but you can do a quick evaluation yourself, too. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Is there rusting on the tank? Is there rust or discoloration in the water coming out of your taps?
• Is there any evidence of leaks on the floor around the water heater?
• Does the water heater make any odd noises?
• If you run hot water in multiple locations at the same time, do one or more spots turn cold quickly?

We’re water heater experts—and rebate pros!
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, it’s a good idea to have a Patriot professional come take a look. We’ll give you an honest assessment and outline whether a new heat pump water heater might be right for you.

When you purchase your water heater from Patriot, our work doesn’t end with installation. We’ll handle the entire rebate process for you, filling out the paperwork so all you need to do is enjoy that hot shower—and wait for your check!

And don’t forget, there are some amazing rebates for HVAC systems that could save you thousands, too—but the time to act is now, because they aren’t guaranteed to stick around next year.

To learn more and talk about how you could save, just give us a call today at 509-662-6262!

Do you know someone who supports our community and puts others first, even when it means
sacrificing their own needs?

If so—and if they could use a new or upgraded heating or cooling system—they’re a great candidate for the Lennox “Feel the Love” program. Each year, Lennox partners with its dealers to provide a new system and installation at no charge for the winners, who are selected from nationwide nominations. Since 2009, more than 1,500 free systems have been installed.

Unsung heroes from all walks of life
Nominees who have been honored in previous years include community figures such as teachers, firefighters, and volunteers—as well as veterans, seniors living in older homes, and families facing hard times. If you know someone dedicated to the community who deserves recognition, your nomination could make a big difference for them!

Nominate and save $25 with Patriot!
When you make a nomination using the link below, we’ll give you a $25 credit toward any Patriot service. Just make sure you put our name in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section
of the nomination form. Feel the Love guidelines Nominations must be received by Aug. 31, 2022. And please note that the nominee must be an individual or family—because the program provides residential systems for honorees, organizations and nonprofits are ineligible. (But we highly encourage nonprofits and community organizations to nominate someone in the community!)

LEARN MORE AND NOMINATE

How can we help you feel the love?
Thinking about a new heating or cooling system for yourself? Have another project in mind to
get ready for fall and winter? Give us a call anytime at 509-662-6262. We’re here to help—and
help you save, too!

Now that the World’s Best voting for 2022 is closed, we’re shifting gears in a big way: We want you to help us identify the world’s worst.

The world’s worst water heater, that is.

We’ve got a pretty good idea what it’s going to look like. It’ll probably have a fair amount of rust. There might be some other damage or corrosion. It likely doesn’t work all that well, either (if it works at all).

We just don’t know where it is. And that’s where you come in.
If you think your water heater might be the world’s worst, snap a picture and send it to us at contest@callpatriot.net. Our technicians—who know water heaters inside and out—will be our judges.

The winner will get a free water heater installed by Patriot!
We’ll announce the world’s worst water heater on our Facebook page on 8/1/2022, so be sure to follow us at https://www.facebook.com/callpatriot/.

Please note that to be eligible for this contest, the water heater in question must be currently installed in a home within Patriot’s service area. (Sorry, you can’t just send us a photo of some old rusted-out unit you found online.) The deadline for entries is 7/31/2022. Good luck!

Is it time for a new water heater? Even if your water heater isn’t the world’s worst, you might want to consider a new one if it’s getting old or it isn’t working as well as it once did. Our professionals can help you determine if it’s best to repair or replace, and ensure you’ve always got hot water when you need it! Give us a call today at 509-662-6262.

It might not quite feel like it—especially since this May hasn’t exactly been what we usually see, temperature-wise—but AC season is right around the corner. And before you know it, you’ll be turning the thermostat down and hoping your unit kicks on.

Will it work? Will it work well? The time to start thinking about that is now, not in July. So here are a few warning signs to watch out for, and a few things you can do as we head into the heat.

Did your system keep up last year?

Think back to last summer, when the mercury hit 113 on June 29 and Wenatchee broke its all-time temperature record. Was your AC unit or heat pump struggling to keep up—not just on that day (when we all struggled), but even when things weren’t quite as hot? If it’s taking longer to cool your home, or your system doesn’t seem to fully get the job done, that can be a sign of bigger issues ahead.

Were your utility bills higher than normal?

Assuming all else is equal, meaning you didn’t use your AC significantly more than usual and rates didn’t jump, higher power bills compared to the previous summer likely mean your system isn’t working as efficiently as it was. It could be for any number of reasons, such as poor maintenance, dirty air intake (change those filters!), or simply age. But bigger bills are a red flag that should prompt a look at your system.

Are you hearing things?

Your AC system makes noise when it’s running, of course, but it should simply be a low hum. If you’re hearing unusual noises like banging, knocking, buzzing, or rattling, don’t ignore them, because you might need a new part or some other repair. For instance, a blower fan can make some weird sounds when it’s malfunctioning. Those noises can indicate a system that isn’t working properly. (But even if it was, who wants to listen to that racket all day and night? Not you. And probably not your neighbors.)

Three things you can do now—and this summer

1. Set your temperature a little higher. The lower you set your thermostat, the harder your system has to work (even if it’s in good shape). Remember, your house probably shouldn’t be cold when it’s 100 degrees outside—find a temperature that’s just comfortable enough, maybe 74 or 78 instead of 68.
2. Keep up with your maintenance. That means changing your filters, making sure the area around your outdoor unit is clear, checking to see that the unit itself doesn’t have any leaves or other debris inside, etc. Take care of your system, and it will take care of you.
3. Call one of our professionals for a checkup. The best way to prevent big problems is to catch them when they’re small. Just get in touch at 509-662-6262 and we’ll send someone out for a system evaluation and to perform any needed maintenance. We can provide a complimentary estimate to help you explore your options for a new system, too—thanks to Chelan PUD rebates, it might cost less than you think!

Almost-summer special: Save on a water softener or whole-home filter

We know, we just spent this entire blog post talking about AC and cooling—and now we’re offering a special on water systems? (Hey, we just go with what the big bosses tell us, OK?) This summer, you can make your water taste better than ever with a whole-home filter, and get rid of those spots on the dishes and shower doors with a water softener. You’ll save $250 on a water softener or $100 on a filtration system when you purchase from Patriot and have us install it by June 30, 2022. Just give us a call at 509-662-6262!

Here’s hoping your holidays were merry and bright! Last year around this time, we offered three New Year’s resolutions for your home: Make your water better (with a filtration system), change your HVAC filters (which should always be on the list), and get those small electrical projects done (like putting an outlet behind that TV you have mounted on the wall).

It’s been a looooooong couple of years, though, and we’re guessing you probably feel like you already have enough people telling you what you should and shouldn’t do (and have for a while now). So we’re skipping the resolutions for 2022, and instead just celebrating the fact that we all made it through another year of this whole COVID nightmare.

Of course, it’s true that the more things change, the more they stay the same. And as we get ready for a third year of our new normal, some of the challenges we faced last year at Patriot are stubbornly sticking around (just like a certain virus). Here are a couple of big ones, and what to consider if you think they might affect you, too.

Equipment shortages
From Toyotas to toilet paper, it seems that we’ve seen shortages of just about everything over the past 18 months; “pivot” was the word everyone got tired of hearing in 2020, and we’re sure you’d be happy to never hear the phrase “supply chain” again. But there’s a reason you’ll keep hearing it, and that’s because it’s impacting all kinds of things—including furnaces, AC units, and other appliances

What does this mean? The new heat pump that is available to order today might be on backorder tomorrow, which could be the difference between having it installed in February and getting in in June. You might be forced to choose a different model than you want, maybe one that isn’t as efficient, or one that costs more.

What’s the solution? If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system in 2021, or you think you will be, it’s a good idea to plan ahead—now is the time to start shopping, even if you don’t need it for months. Working well in advance will give you the best chance of getting exactly what you want, when you want it.

Parts problems
You might be thinking, “Well, in that case, maybe I’ll just have our old furnace/AC unit/whatever repaired if and when it conks out.” In normal times, that might be an OK plan—but manufacturing and supply-chain issues are affecting parts, too. In all our years, we’ve never seen anything like it.

What does this mean? If your HVAC system breaks down, the parts you need to have it fixed might not be available—not from us, not from anybody. That could mean a long wait to get things working again, or as you saw above, potentially a long wait even if you decide to have a new unit installed.

What’s the solution? Even if everything is working as it should, it’s probably a good time for a checkup from one of our skilled professionals. They often can spot potential problems before they occur—which means we might be able to order the parts you will need and get them installed before you have a system failure. It might be a good time to become a Patriot VIP member, too: For a low monthly fee, you’ll get priority service, special discounts, and much more.

No matter what your new year brings, make sure you build in a little maintenance as well—because little things like changing your filters regularly make a big difference. (Sorry. We told you we were skipping resolutions, and then before you know it, we’re telling you to change your filters again. What can we say? It works.)

We’ll help you start 2022 right!
Need an expert opinion on your HVAC system? Want to add an outlet for that sweet new TV you got for Christmas? We handle all kinds of jobs, large and small. Just give Patriot a call at 509-662-6262!