Author: Angie

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!

It’s important to take time and give thanks for what’s good in your life throughout the year, but it’s natural to focus a little more on gratitude when the holidays roll around—these past couple of years in particular, when we’ve all been through so much.

At Patriot, we’re grateful for many things, but two always stand out: Our clients and our employees. We wouldn’t be here without either, obviously, but it goes much deeper than that.

Going beyond the call of duty
Although we might be a bit biased, we think our Patriot colleagues are a cut above. After all, when we tell our clients to “give their home a hug,” our people are the ones who are really doing the hugging! These are the folks who go beyond the call of duty, doing things like pruning someone’s shrubs in order to create space around a heat pump. But it’s also about the little things, such as wearing shoe covers to ensure we leave your home better than we found it.

It’s no surprise that our reviews are great, but the “reviews” you don’t see are even better. We regularly get letters from our clients—handwritten notes included with payments, or emails sent immediately after a service—telling us how great Patriot employees are. “This is what it’s all about.” “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you.” “Thank you so much for your help.”

Those letters tell the true Patriot story, underscoring the fact that we value our people for the quality of their work and the experience they provide, instead of just looking at how many jobs they get done.

We show our gratitude to them every day, with healthcare benefits, a 401(k), paid time off, and a great work environment. Patriot even has a corporate ski membership at Mission Ridge that employees can use—a perk they absolutely love. When people feel valued and respected, they carry that forward into their work, and our people prove that on every job.

(Speaking of which, if you or someone you know is committed to providing great experiences, and looking to work for a company focused on helping its people grow and thrive, Patriot would love to connect!

The new VIP program
Of course, our clients are the ones who make it all possible—and we’re incredibly grateful for you, too. That’s why we’re introducing a new and improved VIP program, with two months free if you sign up before the end of the year!

Our VIP program is more than just a way to show our gratitude, though: It gives you the opportunity to show your home some love. For a low monthly fee, members get priority service, special discounts, and much more—including access to trusted professionals who know you and your home.

To learn more, just visit https://callpatriot.net/about-us/vip-membership-plan/ or give us a call at 509-662-6262.

Here’s hoping your holiday season is safe, happy, and filled with love! Please note that we’re giving our people some time to enjoy the season as well—aside from emergency plumbing requests (call 509-662-6262), our office will be closed between Christmas and New Year’s. After that, we’ll be ready to make your 2022 great!

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Thursday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, honoring those who served to protect our country, our people, and our freedoms. Showing our appreciation to these heroic men and women means a great deal—and at Patriot, it takes on added significance, because both of our owners have strong family connections to the military.

Matt LaVergne’s grandfather, Joseph Majoric LaVergne, served in the U.S. Army during World War II with tours in the Philippines, New Guinea, and as part of our post-war presence in Japan. Upon his return, he opened a plumbing business in 1953, starting what would become a family tradition: Matt’s father, Lowell, opened his own plumbing business in 1971, and 35 years later, Matt launched Patriot with Sherry Erickson.

Sherry’s grandfather served in World War II as well—Bob Millar was in the 15th Regiment, 3rd Division under Gen. George Patton from 1941-1945, including stints in Algeria, Morocco, the Rhineland, Sicily, Tunisia, Naples, and France. Bob’s son Andy (Sherry’s father), then served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, while Sherry’s brother Robert was in the Army in the 1980s. Additionally, Sherry’s husband, Paul, was in the Navy—serving on the USS Missouri Recommissioning Tour as a photojournalist.

Giving back with savings
As you can see, there’s a very good reason we chose “Patriot” for our name. And we believe in giving back to those who have given so much to us: Veterans always receive a 5% discount on our services, and between Oct. 15 and Nov. 15, they also can get a $50 credit toward any Patriot service. If you happen to be 65 or older, we’ll add our 5% senior discount on top of it all, too!

Flying your flag? Know the etiquette!
Flying the U.S. flag is a perfect way to show your support for our veterans—not only on Nov. 11, but every day. However, there are specific guidelines to display the flag properly. For example, did you know that if you fly it at night, the flag is supposed to be illuminated?

Patriot is looking for a veteran who wants to fly the flag at all times, but needs new lighting at their home to do it. Send us your nominations at tech@callpatriot.net by Nov. 15, and we’ll select one winner on Nov. 16 to receive a credit of up to $500 toward illuminating that flag!

And to help you mark Veterans Day, here are some other guidelines for displaying your flag from the U.S. Flag Code. (For full details, visit www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html)
The flag should be displayed only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, if properly illuminated at night, the flag may be displayed 24 hours a day.
When raising and lowering the flag, raise it briskly and lower it ceremoniously.

During inclement weather, the flag should not be displayed unless it is an all-weather flag.
If flying a flag at half-staff, the flag should first be raised to the peak and then lowered to the correct half-staff position. When lowering the flag for the day, it should be raised again to the peak and then lowered fully.

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground or floor.
If a flag has become damaged or worn to the point that it is no longer fit for display, it should be no longer be flown—and it should be destroyed in a dignified way, such as by burning it.

Remember, we want your nominations for a deserving veteran! Please send them to tech@callpatriot.net by Nov. 15. And don’t forget to show your gratitude for our veterans—on Nov. 11 and every other day of the year.

We’re here to serve you!
Our fast, friendly team can help with almost any project—flag-related or not. Give us a call at 509-662-6262 today!

Fall is one of our favorite times of year: Between the scorching heat of summer (especially this year) and the biting cold of winter (fingers crossed we’re in for a mild one), we usually get a window of absolutely perfect weather. And in addition to patio dinners and nightcaps under the stars—not to mention football season!—the pleasant temperatures and sunny skies mean a lot of people are tackling projects around the house before things take a turn.

That’s where we come in. At Patriot, we are your trusted partner on projects big and small, whether it’s getting power to your man cave, adding AC to the she-shed, putting a new heating and cooling system in before winter, or anything else. (And if you’re looking to have that system installed before Sept. 30, be sure to check out our Repair Buy-Back offer.)

So what’s on your fall to-do list? Here are a few ideas that are popular with customers—and a couple that aren’t exactly favorites, to be honest, but are important nonetheless.

Patio heaters
While the weather is usually great this time of year, when the sun goes down the evening air can still have a bit of a bite. But with built-in heaters outside, it’s easy to extend your nights on the patio—without dragging out the blankets, worrying about running out of propane, or smoking out the neighbors with that fire pit. They’re easy enough to install yourself, but unless you want to run extension cords to your existing outlets (hint: you don’t), it’s best to have us install convenient outlets right under your eaves.

Those have other benefits, too, particularly when it’s time to put up holiday lights: No more cords running all over the place, because you’ve got outlets right where you need them.

Gutter cables
Speaking of outlets under the eaves, we install them for gutter cables as well. Why would you want gutter cables? Well, when the weather does turn, and snow and ice become the norm, these simple heated cables can prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. That’s important because ice dams can cause water to seep through the roof and do damage inside; they also can clog downspouts and weigh down gutters to the point where they tear away from your home.

Smart thermostats
There’s a reason smart thermostats are so popular these days—they make it so much easier to program your heating and cooling, which means you can use your system more efficiently. Headed away for a weekend? In seconds, you can set the heat to come on a few hours before you return. You don’t even have to do it before you leave, because most allow you to control things from your phone. These are pretty easy for do-it-yourselfers to install, but we’ve done plenty of them for customers. We’re happy to help you get set up.

System winterizing
If you have a heat pump or outdoor AC unit, cleaning it before the rain and snow arrive is a good idea. A lot of dirt and debris can get in there during spring and summer; weeds and other plants might have grown close to the unit, too. So trim those back, and give the unit a rinse with the hose to clear any dust. You might consider purchasing a cover as well, to keep all that stuff from getting in there in the first place. This is also the ideal time to have a maintenance check-up from one of our professionals. We’ll make sure everything is ready to go for when you need to turn off the AC and turn up the heat.

Change your filters
If you think we sound like a broken record here, that’s good—because it means you remember that several of our posts over the last year have talked about how important it is to change your filters. (Thanks for reading, by the way.) Simply put, changing your filters regularly is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your system running efficiently, which means it’s one of the easiest ways to save money on your heating and cooling bills. It’s also one of the easiest things to forget, though, which is why we’re going to keep reminding you.

Ready to start your fall project?
Whether you’re inspired to do something on our list or you’ve got your own plans, we’re ready to help. Call us at 509-662-6262 to take advantage of this pre-winter window and give your home a hug!

When it’s 117 degrees, it’s easy to make decisions you might regret later.

No, we’re not talking about eating ice cream for dinner—that is, and will always be, perfectly acceptable. We’re talking about other decisions, like spending money on repairing an old air-conditioning system in the hopes it will get you through just one more summer.

Will it? Maybe. But it’s a gamble—kind of like when one of our owners spent thousands on a new transmission for her old car … only to have the engine blow a couple of months later. Whoops.

We can’t help you with that kind of car trouble. But if you tried to beat the last heat wave by putting a Band-Aid on your ailing AC, or you made a quick fix to your heating system over the winter, our Repair Buy-Back offer is for you.

In honor of our 15th anniversary this September, we’re giving you an opportunity to get back the money you spent on those short-term repairs! Whether you spent it with us or one of our competitors, we’ll credit up to $1,000 of that cost toward a new heating and cooling system from Patriot. To qualify, you must have documentation of your repair expenses between Aug. 15, 2020 and Aug. 14, 2021, and your new system needs to be installed between Sept. 1-30, 2021.*

Get on our list!
Even beyond the Repair Buy-Back offer, there are a couple of good reasons to get started now if you’re considering a new heating and cooling system.

First, this is a sweet spot in our schedule: As we move toward fall, things open up a bit because it’s not as hot and people aren’t having as many AC emergencies. Now is a great time to beat the rush and turn that repair remorse into a refund.

Second, scheduling your job now doesn’t just put you higher on the list for our availability—it also gets you a better spot in line for equipment. A variety of factors such as semiconductor shortages, backlogged ports, and labor problems have led to significant supply-chain issues for HVAC companies. And we have a feeling it’s going to get a little worse before it gets better.

As a premier dealer for Lennox, we still have access to a lot of great equipment, even while choices are becoming more limited elsewhere. Demand is really high across the board, though, so the sooner you call, the better.

Have a bit of repair remorse? Get in touch!
Thinking about a new heating and cooling system? Whether you repaired old equipment over the last year or you just know it’s time for something newer and more reliable before you need repairs, give us a call anytime at 509-662-6262. We’re here to help—and help you save, too!

* The Repair Buy-Back offer requires purchase and installation of a new heating and cooling system by Patriot Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. It is only valid for documented repair bills from Patriot or a local competitor between Aug. 15, 2020 and Aug. 14, 2021. Third parties, new construction, and commercial customers are not eligible. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. New system must be installed between Sept. 1-30, 2021.

We all know it’s pretty much always hot here in the summers, but this year has already been a record-breaker. At one point, the forecast was for the high temperature to beat Wenatchee’s all-time record—for five days in a row.

That’s hotter than hot. We’re not quite sure what to call it, but we’ve seen the term “heatmageddon” thrown around a bit. Sounds about right. If your cooling system isn’t working the way it should, let’s schedule a safety & performance inspection to figure out how to fix it.

But even if your cooling system is working fine, is it meeting your needs everywhere in your home? After this heat wave, you’ll probably have a good idea about areas that aren’t quite as comfortable as you’d like. And we’ve got solutions for that, too.

Mini-split systems
Our ductless mini-split systems are a great way to add AC to areas of your home that your current system doesn’t reach. And if you don’t have a system at all, they can be an economical option for adding cool air to specific rooms, even when you don’t have the ductwork necessary for central air. These systems can be more efficient than central air, even, because you can use them only in the rooms you want, instead of blowing cool air into unoccupied spaces.

A lot of our customers use these in their garages—whether it’s to keep pets comfortable, provide a cool workshop space, or make the man-cave setup even better. But mini-split systems are great for other areas as well, including home additions, basements, and more. Just give us a call at 509-662-6262 to talk through your options.

Win a free cooling system in our Hot Dog contest!
People cope with the heat in countless ways beyond AC, from wet towels around the neck to cold packs to heading to the nearest body of water (be careful in rivers and streams, though, because they can be colder and more dangerous than you think). Dogs, however, can’t quite do it on their own, other than panting and finding the coolest spot possible. They need our help.

We want to see how you’re helping your furry friend manage the heat. Ice cubes in the water bowl? An ice bag on the dog bed? A sprinkler in the back yard? All of the above? We’re looking for the most interesting and inventive ways you’re keeping your dog cool: Post a picture on our Facebook page or email your photo to contest@callpatriot.net, and we’ll pick a winner in mid-August.

You’ll definitely want to enter, because the prize is very cool (literally). The winner will receive a ductless heat pump system for heat in the winter and AC in the summer, installed in their garage or additional dwelling unit—absolutely free!

Your dog will thank you. Your family will thank you. You’ll even thank yourself, especially when the next hot spell comes around. So get those photos ready!

Have an AC emergency? Call now!
Remember, you can call us anytime at 509-662-6262 for emergency HVAC service—or, even better, before you need it. It’s always a good time for a system check-up and maintenance. (And this would be a good time to check our last blog post on how to avoid AC problems, too.) Good luck staying cool!

It’s emergency-repair season: How to avoid AC problems this summer

As you might imagine, summer is our busiest period for emergency HVAC calls—as the days and nights get hotter, people run their systems more to keep their homes comfortable. But depending on the health of your system, and how you use it, you could be putting too much stress on your equipment. That can lead to big problems at the worst possible time.

At Patriot, we provide 24-hour emergency service for HVAC systems, because we know how important it is to keep cool when the temperature rises. And our flat-rate pricing ensures you don’t have to worry about a bill with nasty surprises.

Still, it’s better to avoid emergency repairs in the first place, for both your budget and for our technicians (who love their beauty sleep). We’re happy to talk to you anytime at 509-662-6262, but we’re even happier when your system is running as it should. So here are some tips to help prevent unexpected AC problems.

Watch your filters.
We know what you’re thinking: “The filter thing again, really?” Yes, really. There’s a reason we talk about it all the time, and why it’s included in just about every list you’ll find of tips to help your HVAC system run smoothly—clean filters ensure your equipment gets clean air. When your system gets dirty air, it has to work harder. And that’s never a good thing.

Don’t go too low.
It’s tempting to make your house cold when it’s hot outside … that’s what AC is for, right? Well, not if you want to prolong the life of your system. Instead, focus on making your home comfortable, maybe setting the thermostat to 75 or 78 degrees when it’s 90 out, instead of going to 68 or 70.

Help your system help you.
You don’t want to make your AC work harder than it needs to—and you don’t want to waste the work it’s already doing, either. So close your blinds or drapes to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Close the registers in rooms that you don’t use often. And check your insulation and weather stripping to make sure you’re not leaking too much of that AC goodness outside, where it won’t do anybody any good.

Do your yard work.
When you’re in the yard this summer, look at the space around your outdoor unit. If nearby plants and grass have grown too high or too close (or both), it could block air intake and exhaust output—which can lead to overheating. Keep a couple of feet clear in all directions, and if you have low-hanging branches or plants that are above the unit, you’ll want to make sure to leave about 5 feet of clearance there. Be sure to watch out for wiring when you’re trimming, though! A string trimmer can do a lot of damage very quickly.

Keep your eyes and ears open.
It’s a good idea to regularly check your outdoor unit for any debris that might have made its way inside, especially if you’re hearing odd noises such as thumping or banging. If removing the debris doesn’t fix the noise, or if you hear anything that just doesn’t sound right, give us a call.

On another note …
We also get a lot of calls for electrical work during the summer, because so many people are doing home-improvement projects. So whether you’re tackling something big like transforming your backyard living space or smaller tasks such as adding ceiling fans (speaking of cooling), we’re ready to help! And don’t forget, fall and winter will be here before we know it, so if you’re looking to add outdoor lighting or even a generator, it’s never too early to get started.

Have an AC emergency? Call now!
You can call us anytime at 509-662-6262 for emergency HVAC service—or, even better, before you need it. Schedule your maintenance and system check-ups today, before things really start to heat up!

Memorial Day—the unofficial kickoff of summer—is just weeks away. And with vaccinations ramping up, things are looking promising for more travel, along with more visits from friends and family! (Fingers crossed.)

But is your house ready for those guests? Is your vacation home ready for you? If it’s been a while since you’ve had people over, or since you’ve stayed in your seasonal getaway, your systems might not be ready for the added strain.

The time to prepare, of course, is now—before you have a house full of people and no hot water, or before your guests tell you the AC in their room didn’t work well and they’re headed to a hotel. (Actually, you might not think that’s so terrible, depending on who’s visiting. But let’s be nice.)

Here are a couple of things to check out before summer stay-over season begins, along with one tip that can help you save money year-round.

The water heater
Even when the weather’s warm, most people aren’t looking to take a cold shower—so it’s best to do a few simple checks on your water heater occasionally to ensure it’s in good working order. After all, it’s one thing for you to be surprised with freezing water shooting out of the shower, but you really don’t want your guests to have that experience!

• Look at the water heater itself for any rusting on the tank—and check the water coming out of your taps for any rust or discoloration, too.
• Check the floor around the water heater for evidence of leaks.
• Listen for any odd noises from the water heater.
• Finally, run hot water in a couple of locations at the same time. Does the water stay hot in each spot, or does it start to get cold quickly in one or both?
• If the checks above turn up any issues, it’s probably a good idea to have a professional out to take a look.

The AC (or heat)
If one or more rooms in your house aren’t quite getting enough cool or warm air from your HVAC system, there could be a few different causes. Here’s what to look for:

• Open windows. Yes, of course you know you don’t have any windows open. Except for that one you cracked a week ago and forgot about. Or the one the kids opened without you knowing. Just check because they can let your cool or warm air escape pretty quickly.
• Dirty filters. One thing that can cause a system to underperform is poor airflow, and a filter that is clogged with dirt is a primary culprit. Change those filters!
• Closed air vents. It’s kind of the same thing as the windows—yes, you probably don’t have any closed. But it never hurts to check.

If none of these issues seem to be present, but your system still isn’t performing the way you want, it could signal a bigger problem. Time to call a trusted HVAC company.

Ditch the bottled water
A lot of people pay for bottled water because they think it tastes better than what comes out of their tap—but what if you could make your house’s water just as good as anything you can find in the store, while also helping to reduce the millions and millions of plastic bottles that are tossed out each year?

You can, with a reverse-osmosis system. And as a bonus, you won’t just save money on bottled water, you’ll reduce the need for recycling, too. Add a water softener and you can possibly prolong the life of certain appliances and things like shower heads as well; those can degrade over time due to mineral buildup. For more detail, check out our water filtration page.

Don’t get caught off guard this summer
If your HVAC or water systems could use a tune-up before we get into the heat of summer—or if you just want to make sure they’re in good shape—give us a call at 509-662-6262. It’s better to catch small problems now, before they become big ones!