Category: Land & Property

This Halloween, Prevent an Electrical Scare

Homeowners Should Avoid Electrical Problems When Decorating

Electrical problems can pose major threats to a household during Halloween. Malfunctioning wiring or broken lights and decor can put families at risk. However, homeowners can help prevent and catch electrical problems by following tips from electricians as they decorate their homes for Halloween. 

Tips to Prevent Issues With Electric Decorations

Halloween is a fun and festive time, and holiday decorations can add to it. From inflatable pumpkins and ghosts to fun holiday lights, decor can make homes welcoming. It can also create safety risks and potential electrical hazards. To avoid risks when decorating for Halloween and the following holidays, homeowners should take the following precautions:

  • Check lights and decorations for damaged wires, loose bulbs, or other issues, and don’t use them if found. 
  • Avoid damaging wires with staples or nails, and find a safer way to hang lights and decor.
  • Only use lights and electric decorations outside that are made for outdoor use. 
  • Turn off lights and decor at night before going to bed or leaving the home. 
  • Prevent putting holiday decor near open flames, fireplaces, or space heaters. 

Homeowners can also hire electrical professionals for holiday light installations to ensure everything gets done as safely as possible and looks great. 

Avoid Overloaded Electrical Outlets 

overloading outletsWhile decorating the home and yard for Halloween can be fun, it can also cause overloaded outlets and circuits. This can lead to electrical risks as too much power is drawn from a single outlet or circuit. Instead, homeowners should spread out the power draw when decorating by using different outlets and circuits to power lights and electric holiday decorations.

An electrical circuit overload can cause dangerous situations, like electrical fires or shocks, so homeowners should also watch for signs of an overloaded circuit, including:

  • Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
  • Dim or flickering lights
  • Burning smell
  • Sounds such as buzzing, cracking, or sizzling

Watch for Symptoms Electrical Repairs Are Needed

electrical repairHomeowners should call an electrician for electrical repairs at the first signs of an issue to keep their home and family safe. Some signs of electrical problems that homeowners should watch for include:

  • Damaged or fraying wires
  • Outlets give off sparks or are hot to the touch
  • Outlets are scorched and have burn marks
  • Burning smell or smoke
  • Unusual sounds 
  • Lights flicker or dim
  • Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses 

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for electrical and holiday lighting services in Wenatchee, WA. 

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When to Schedule Evaporator Coil Cleaning

Signs You Need Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning

A common complaint HVAC contractors hear from homeowners is that their air conditioner is running, but the house is not cooling down. This, along with other signs, can signal that the evaporator coil needs to be cleaned or serviced. The evaporator coil lets air conditioners remove hot air from a house and disperse cold air throughout the property. If it’s not working correctly or is dirty, the home may not be able to cool to the setting on the thermostat. 

Property owners should schedule evaporator coil cleaning services if they notice their HVAC is not correctly cooling their house, frost on the coil, or if the air conditioner is running longer than usual to cool the home properly.

Inadequate Cooling 

hotOne of the first symptoms homeowners may notice that can indicate a dirty evaporator coil is if the house seems warmer than it should be. If the air conditioning system fails to cool the home, homeowners might start adjusting the thermostat or fear that there’s a major issue with the air conditioner. However, this could be due to dirty AC coils. 

AC evaporator coils can fail to correctly cool a house if there is frost or ice on the coil, if it’s corroding or damaged, or if there is dust, dirt, or debris built up on it. Homes can also fail to reach the proper temperature if there is a refrigerant leak from the coils. If homeowners notice this symptom, they should call an AC contractor to inspect the system and perform evaporator coil services if needed.

Frost or Frozen Coils

frostIf frost builds up on an evaporator coil or they are completely frozen, it can require professional coil cleaning services to remove it. Frozen evaporator coils can occur when they get dirty, preventing them from getting the airflow they need to function. The frost must be eliminated and the coils cleaned for an AC unit to work right and cool a home. 

The frost will prevent the evaporator coil – and the air conditioner – from working correctly, as it will prevent air from properly flowing through the component. Frozen evaporator coils can also occur if there is a clogged and dirty air filter or a refrigerant leak. 

The AC Cycles Are Longer

Another sign homeowners might notice that can indicate the evaporator coil needs to be cleaned is if the air conditioner runs longer than usual or is necessary without turning off. These longer cycles can cause the AC unit to overwork itself, producing higher energy bills. 

A dirty evaporator coil can prevent an air conditioner from turning off sooner by hindering the unit’s ability to correctly cool a house due to frost, dirt, dust, or other debris build-ups. It can also run longer if there is an issue in the heat exchange process or a malfunctioning thermostat sensor that prevents the AC from knowing when to turn off. Homeowners should contact a professional to determine if coil cleaning or services are needed if they notice these issues. 

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. has received eight consecutive Wenatchee World’s Best Awards serving Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. They offer trustworthy recommendations, a satisfaction guarantee, and fast, tidy service. Call them today for evaporator coil cleaning, repair, or replacement in Wenatchee, WA.

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Plumbing 101 for Homeowners

Plumbing System Basics Households Need to Know

While many homeowners might think they know about their plumbing system, they might not know as much as they need to. They use their plumbing fixtures daily, like their faucets and shower heads, but they might not know how to recognize the signs of plumbing problems that can lead to significant water damage, high water bills, and plumbing emergencies. 

To avoid these problems, plumbers recommend that homeowners understand some information about their plumbing, like how to identify problems in their plumbing system, how they can save on water costs, and why it’s essential to schedule plumbing maintenance services. 

Save Water With Plumbing Fixtures

tubPlumbing fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets are essential to households. Family members use these fixtures daily and rely on them for hygiene. However, these fixtures can result in wasted water and increased water bills if they start to leak. Any leaks should be fixed quickly to save money, but there is more that can be done to save on water costs. 

Homeowners can save on their water use by replacing their old and inefficient plumbing fixtures with new, water-efficient fixtures. Some of these water-saving devices include:

  • Low-flow, water-saving toilets come in many different varieties, but all use less water per flush than standard toilets. 
  • Dual-flush toilets save water by providing two different flushing options depending on whether the waste is liquid or solid to conserve water.
  • Water-saving, low-flow showerheads use less water while still providing comfortable water pressure. 
  • Faucet aerators are installed in faucets to mix air with the water to reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure. 

Signs Indicating a Plumbing Problem

billPlumbing problems can result in significant water damage, high utility bills, and costly repairs for households. From clogs and leaks to malfunctioning water heaters, many issues can occur in plumbing systems, and it’s important for homeowners to catch them early to mitigate their effects.

Some common symptoms that can indicate a problem with the plumbing include:

  • Visible leaks, puddles of water, or water damage signal a leak in the plumbing
  • A spike in the water bills can point to a leak somewhere in the plumbing system 
  • Slow-draining sinks or bathtubs can indicate a clog or blockage
  • Clogged toilets can indicate a blockage in the toilet trap or in the sewer line 
  • Low water pressure can be due to a blockage or a leak 
  • Foul odors from the drains or toilets can indicate an issue with the sewer line 
  • Running toilets can be due to a faulty flapper valve 
  • Discolored water can indicate there is corrosion or rust in the pipes or water heater 

The Importance of Plumbing Maintenance

One crucial thing for homeowners to remember is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance services. These visits can help plumbers identify and repair minor issues before they get larger, helping households avoid plumbing emergencies. Maintenance can also save homeowners money and extend the life expectancy of their plumbing. 

During maintenance appointments, plumbers will perform an inspection of the system, including performing the following tasks:

  • Inspect the faucets, showerheads, toilets, and other fixtures for damage, leaks, or dripping.
  • Examine the sink, shower, and bathtub drains for clogs. If any blockages are present, plumbers will remove the buildup. 
  • Check the water pressure coming from the plumbing fixtures. 
  • Inspect the pipes for signs of leaks or damage.
  • Examine the water heater to ensure it’s operating correctly, and check for signs of corrosion.
  • Drain and flush the water heater and check the anode rod.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. They offer fast, tidy service, comprehensive diagnosis, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Wenatchee, WA.

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Install Childproof Outlets to Make Your Home Safer

Keep Children Safe With Tamper-Resistant Outlets

When parents childproof their homes to protect their young children, there is a reason preventing them from sticking items in electrical outlets tops the list. Kids are often drawn to outlets because they are at eye level when crawling or playing on the floor, which can be extremely dangerous.

Each year, around 2,400 children are injured by electrical outlets, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. Electrical outlets can cause shocks, burns, and even electrocution. Parents can help avoid these problems by installing childproof outlets. These will protect their children and prevent them from sticking objects into outlets. This post will discuss tamper-resistant receptacles and their benefits.

How Do Childproof Outlets Work?

Childproof outlets are necessary for homes with young children, but what is a tamper-resistant outlet? Tamper-resistant outlets have built-in safety mechanisms to make them childproof. They have self-closing covers to protect children, making it different for children to place objects in outlets.

More technically put, the outlets often have spring-loaded shutters. These covers remain closed unless there is equal pressure applied to both shutters at the same time. If those shutters are not engaged simultaneously, they will not open. This makes it difficult for children to insert objects into the outlets. While plugs will be inserted so both shutters open at the same time, it’s difficult for toys or other items a toddler would stick in an outlet to engage both slots simultaneously.

Benefits of Childproof Outlets

benefits of childproof outletsWhen toddler parents shop for childproof outlet covers and childproofing devices, they have many options. And some of them might not even be safe options. Popular options of outlet plugs or caps can be choking hazards if a child removes them. Childproof outlets offer parents a safer solution.

The shutters prevent toddlers from sticking toys and other objects into the slots, reducing the risk of electrical shocks and injuries while not being a removable choking hazard. These outlets offer protection against electrical hazards and give parents a convenient and easy way to protect their kids without needing to purchase and add outlet plugs to each outlet.

Signs to Replace an Old Outlet

signs to replace an old outletFor outlets to work correctly, homeowners must replace them if they malfunction. Some signs that can indicate the need to install new outlets are:

  • The outlets are damaged or show signs of wear and tear, including cracked faceplates.
  • The outlet has loose connections and the plugs are falling out.
  • The outlet only provides intermittent power.
  • The outlet is hot to the touch.
  • The outlet is old, and it’s time to replace it.

If any of these issues are detected, an electrician should be called to perform outlet replacement services.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. has eight consecutive Wenatchee World’s Best Awards while serving Wenatchee, WA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat rate pricing, honest recommendations, and same-day service. Call them today for child-proof outlet installation in Wenatchee, WA.

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This Year’s Holiday Decorations Don’t Have To Break The Bank

3 Easy Ways To Save Money During the Holidays – and Still Have a Bright and Festive Home

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the spreading of festive cheer. Decking the halls, giving the gifts, baking the cookies, turning the front yard into a glowing winter wonderland – it all amounts to a lot of warmed hearts and smiling faces. And with this year’s heightened challenges and anxieties, now’s the time when a little holiday cheer is most needed.

But with so much uncertainty and a fluctuating economy, it’s also a time for people to hang on to as much of their hard-earned cash as possible. Here are a few tips to help save money and still spread the joy this holiday season.

Make the Switch To Energy-Saving LED Lights

Anyone who’s about to dig out their boxes of decorations to start the process of untangling those ancient string lights – go no further. LED holiday lights are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which produce light by heating a tiny metal filament, LED bulbs generate almost no heat. In addition to making LEDs safer in general, this also makes them highly efficient because they waste virtually no energy in the form of heat. 

Though they are a bit more expensive than traditional string lights, they’ll save loads of money in the long run – upgrading to LED bulbs can reduce energy usage by around 90%. They also last about 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs and are less likely to burn out or come loose. As an added bonus, their near-lack of greenhouse gas emission makes them better for the environment.

Get All the Baking Done At Once

Another way to cut down on needless energy expenditure is to consolidate as much of the holiday baking and cooking as possible into one efficient marathon session. Whether the home’s oven is gas or electric, the cost of preheating and baking over and over again can really stack up. It’s far more efficient to get the oven hot, keep it hot, and fill it with all the gingerbread, snickerdoodles, and family favorites it can handle. If the oven has a convection setting, even better – the hot air inside will be continually circulated, further maximizing efficiency.

A similar principle applies to those big holiday feasts. It’s best to develop a plan that will allow multiple dishes to be baked at once to minimize cooking time in general. It also helps to use the microwave when possible, as it is generally the most energy-efficient appliance in the kitchen.

Use Automatic Timers for Electric Decorations

Plugging both indoor and outdoor decorative lights into a timer-operated power strip not only saves money but also eliminates the hassle of manually plugging and unplugging the lights every night (and remembering to do so). Keeping outdoor decorations lit into the wee hours of the night consumes energy and benefits almost no one – except perhaps the occasional nocturnal critter on its way through the yard. 

Additionally, a timer can reduce the risk of fire in a home if someone forgets to turn the Christmas tree off before leaving the house or going to bed. Having the lights turn on around sundown and turn off a little after bedtime is an ideal energy-saving schedule, but this can easily be customized to the homeowners’ preferences. 

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

For years, Patriot has been Wenatchee, Washington’s one-stop-shop for home services. Patriot believes in delivering outstanding professional service and top-quality work at an honest and affordable price, which is why they provide financing options, membership plans, and a 100% guarantee on every job. It’s no wonder local residents trust them with all their electrical services in Wenatchee. As an award-winning and highly-reviewed local business, they also support numerous charitable organizations in their community. 

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3 Steps To Avoid Scary Plumbing Emergencies This Fall

Don’t Be Haunted by a Plumbing Emergency 

Plumbing is central to a comfortable home. The shower, toilet, dishwasher, and laundry all rely on a sound plumbing system. A burst pipe or malfunctioning system could be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. As the weather turns colder, it’s important to take a few steps to avoid any costly plumbing emergencies. 

It may seem like a home’s plumbing system is working flawlessly, but it’s still important to maintain regular upkeep to avoid any disasters. Here are three steps to avoid costly plumbing emergencies. 

Keep Gutters Debris Free

gutter

It’s not the most fun housekeeping job around, but it is very important for regular upkeep. After any relatively big wind or rainstorm, homeowners should take a look at their gutters and make sure no leaves or debris are present. It is absolutely imperative to clean gutters after leaves fall and before the first snowfall if a homeowner lives in a cold climate. If homeowners neglect this task, it can lead to rotten boards, peeling paint, or larger plumbing-related issues. 

If a homeowner opts to do it themselves, the best way to clean the gutters is grabbing a ladder, a garden trowel to scoop the debris out, and some gloves. It may be tedious and unpleasant, but the homeowner needs to make sure all parts of the gutters are cleared out and hosed down when the cleaning is completed. 

Protect Your Pipes From the Cold

Oftentimes, homeowners will talk about keeping the heat at a certain temperature to avoid frozen pipes during the winter. This is true, but insulating pipes can assist in preventing frozen pipes. This is a popular tactic for homeowners with pipes in the attic, basement, or anywhere that is otherwise less insulated; however, it can assist pipes anywhere throughout the house.

plumber

The most popular type of pipe insulation is foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves. This insulation helps the pipe stay closer to the temperature of the water and not the air around the pipe, but it will not completely prevent frozen pipes. When pipes freeze, they expand and put pressure on the pipes, which can lead to a burst and a hefty bill from the plumber or expensive renovation costs.  

Remember Routine Drain Cleaning 

Another important thing for homeowners to consider is how often they get their pipes cleaned. It’s recommended that a professional clean a homeowner’s pipes every year to prevent future issues and enjoy the benefits. A clean drain means fewer bad odors, a longer drain life, and faster draining.

If pipes aren’t cleaned frequently, bigger and more expensive issues may arise. A professional can monitor the age of the pipes during their regular cleanings, ensure no pipes overflow, and make sure no pipes get blocked from backup. It’s crucial for homeowners to have a reliable, local plumber to trust with regular maintenance.  

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a reliable Wenatchee, WA emergency plumbing company. They are available for 24-hour service and can help homeowners limit damage and restore functionality to their homes. Contact them today to learn more about emergency prevention and care.

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The Right Time To Upgrade the Electrical Panel

Upgrading the Electrical Panel

Like the HVAC unit and hot water heater, electrical panels often go unnoticed unless they stop working. Electrical panels, however, should be checked from time to time. If homeowners wait until these panels are screaming for attention, they could have a significant problem on their hands. It’s important to replace them when they’re ready, not when they demand it, to avoid any disasters.

Upgrade If They Notice Faulty Wiring

electrical panel

Faulty wiring is one of the most dangerous elements that warrant the replacement of the electrical panel. Suppose that wiring is sparking, misfiring, or not turning on the appliances. In that case, homeowners need to immediately shut off the electricity to the house and fix their electrical panel. When they fix the panel, they’ll be able to change the wiring simultaneously and ensure a safe and functional job.

Faulty wiring can cause sparks to occur behind the panel and create a fire that starts inside the home walls. By replacing the panel, homeowners address the faulty wiring and ensure everything is up to code. The best way to go about this is to contact a professional, as these replacementscan be dangerous.

Upgrade When Installing New Appliances

thumbs up

If they have older electrical panels in the home, it’s good to keep in mind that they were installed to handle appliances requiring a certain amount of electricity. As homes are upgraded or remodeled and new appliances are created, homeowners could benefit from upgrading their electrical panel. This way, newer appliances won’t have an issue integrating with the electrical system, and the panel will handle it. 

No one wants a panel dealing with a surplus of power and constantly throwing the breaker. The one way to ensure that this doesn’t happen is by upgrading the electrical panel to handle the greater degrees of power required by newer appliances.

In general, homeowners need to plan on replacing the electrical panel every 25-40 years on average to keep up with their house’s needs. If they’re moving into a home or currently live in one with a panel of this age, it would be a good idea to replace it before they start running into problems.

Upgrade When Adding Circuit Breakers

fixing a electrical panel

Circuit breakers function as a way to keep the home safe while using electricity. If homeowners have an electrical current that gets too high, the circuit breaker will trip, preventing electricity from flowing to their home. It’s a safety feature that they can’t live without.

If they find themselves installing or adding circuit breakers to the panel, it could be good to upgrade the entire panel instead. By upgrading the panel, homeowners provide their homes with the ability to access the energy flow they need without causing circuits to trip or appliances to cease working. 

An upgraded panel is key to enjoying a house with all the electricity homeowners need daily.

Local, Expert Electricians

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. proudly provides electrical services in Wenatchee, WA. They offer comprehensive diagnoses, personalized recommendations, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For any plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work in the home, their local experts will provide trustworthy recommendations and quality workmanship to get their customer’s life back on track.

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Preventing a Clogged Toilet Drain

clogged toilet

Tips for Preventing Clogged Toilet Drains

Clogged toilet drains are perhaps the worst of all. If you’re lucky, the water doesn’t overflow onto the floor, creating a mess you don’t want or need. Having a plunger handy is a must for every household, but what do you do when a plunger doesn’t work? Is there anything to do to prevent a clogged toilet drain? In this article, you’ll discover the answers to both the questions. Plus you’ll find plenty of information on how to avoid the mess of a clogged toilet drain.

Not All Toilet Drains Are Created Equal shrug

Conventional toilets use gravity to flush waste away. When you flush the toilet, the water from the tank flows into the bowl and forces the waste down the trapway. This method relies on a siphoning action that is jump-started by the jet at the bottom of the toilet. Most of the time, this works well,  but conventional toilets have narrow trapways that can clog easily. Newer toilets types on the market, such as washdown toilets, have shorter and wider trapways. As a result, they rarely clog.

But washdown toilets aren’t the only ones that can claim the no-clog title. You can also get a toilet designed to work with a pressure-assist system. As you can guess, this type of toilet uses enhanced water pressure to prevent clogs. The only issue is they tend to be a little louder than a conventional toilet. Plus, new toilets come with water-saving options that can help you save money while decreasing your water usage. The most common is the dual flush toilet, which uses less water to flush liquid waste than it does to flush solid waste.

Toilet Clog Removal Techniques

When a toilet clogs and a plunger won’t do the trick, it’s time to call a professional. If you have clogs regularly, you may have a larger issue than just an inefficient toilet, and a plumber can assess the situation. Some clogs can be eliminated with the use of a snake, which is essentially a flexible, tough tube that you can put down the drain to remove the clog. Some snakes can damage the porcelain of the toilet, so plumbers use snakes made for use in toilets.

Some plumbers can also use a high-pressure jet of water to unclog the toilet. This is called hydro-jetting and works well because it clears all residue on the sides of the pipe or toilet, decreasing the chances that you’ll have another clog soon after.

plumbing clog

How To Prevent Clogged Toilet Drains

The first way to prevent clogged toilet drains is to make sure everyone in the house knows what not to flush down the toilet. This is especially true if you have children in the house. Only waste and toilet paper should be flushed. And, for toilet paper, make sure the kids aren’t using too much. If you have a septic system, make sure to use toilet paper that is ‘septic-safe’ to prevent expensive issues.

If you have toilet clogs on a regular basis, get your plumbing inspected by a professional. In fact, this is something you should do annually at the very least. A plumber can get a feel for the overall health of your plumbing system and give you steps to head-off any big issues. Lastly, you can have a no-flush toilet installed by a plumbing professional. But before deciding on a new toilet, consult a plumber to make sure your pipes can handle it.

Trust a Local Expert service

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. has been proud to serve the Wenatchee, Washington, area for years. They provide a 100% guarantee on all of their services, as well as 24/7 service. Their numerous awards and customer service reviews tell the tale of a company that cares about the customers they serve and the work they do.

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The Answers to All Your Fuse Box Questions

Expert Tips on Fuse Boxes

The fuse box in your home is likely considered to be the lifeblood of your house. Without a properly working fuse box, your daily life is significantly hindered. Repairing it without the help of a professional, though, could take things from bad to worse. Say there is a severe thunderstorm, and you go down to check on your fuse box.

When you get downstairs, you notice a burning smell and it’s coming from your fuse box. In this scenario, you would want to call an emergency electrician as soon as possible. If you would like to learn more about how to fix and remove a fuse box, continue reading below.

Tips for Removing a Fuse Box

how to removeRemoving a fuse box can seem a little daunting because there is a lot of preparation involved, but once the prep work is done, removing the box is fairly simple. First, each electrician will have a list of materials needed to accomplish the job.

Once all the materials are gathered, the electrical service provider will have to be contacted, and the electricity will have to be shut off on their end. Next, all the fuses are removed with a screwdriver, and the wires are unhooked with the pliers and left in place. After this, the fuse box is unscrewed from the wall and removed.

You might think you can accomplish something like this on your own with the help of a YouTube video, but that is not the case. As mentioned above, removing a fuse box might seem fairly simple, but without the help of a professional, things could quickly turn dangerous.

Tips for Fixing a Fuse Box

Most of the time, when a fuse box needs repairing it is a fuse within the box that needs to be replaced. This is a job that is solely meant for a trained professional as it is dangerous and can lead to injury or even death.

how to fix

As always, there is a set of materials required for the job. These materials will vary depending on the type of fuse that is being replaced, but some of the necessary materials are:

  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver Set
  • Fuse Puller (Optional)
  • Safety Equipment
  • Replacement Fuse

The electrician will first ensure that the power supply is cut off for optimal safety on the job. Then the process of removing a fuse is similar to that of removing the fuse box. The fuse is removed with a screwdriver or fuse pullers and unhooked from the wires with pliers.

Installing the new fuse, however, is where the dangerous work truly begins. If you aren’t a trained professional, you should never try to replace a fuse in your fuse box. The risk is far too great and it could potentially cost you your home in the end.

Advantages of Upgrading Your Fuse Box

If you are experiencing frequent problems with your fuse box, like overheating, there is a good chance it is time for an upgrade. Upgrading your fuse box has numerous benefits, with little to no downfall.

upgrading a fuse boxSome of these benefits include:

  • A Safer Flow of Energy to the Home
  • Reduces Risk of an Electrical Fire
  • Reduce Homeowner’s Insurance
  • Save Cost on Energy Bills
  • Upgrading Amps Allows for More Appliances to Be Used

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. Can Help

The professionals at Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. work hard to ensure the safety of the residents in Wenatchee, WA. They understand the frustrations associated with electrical issues in the home. That is why they offer top-notch electrical services to have issues resolved in a timely manner. Call today to schedule your next appointment!

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Could Cold Air Be Causing Your Cough?

Understanding the Causes Behind a Dry Cough

So far, 2020 has been taken with worry over viruses and airborne bacteria. Many people in the world aren’t allowed to leave their houses unless they are getting groceries or something else that is essential to their livelihood.

That said, if you do venture out to the grocery store, the last thing you want to be caught doing is coughing or sneezing. You may not be sick at all, but when the air is cold and dry you tend to cough more because your throat gets irritated. You may not realize it, but your home could be in need of an AC filter replacement.

If you are someone that coughs when the air is cold and dry and you are isolating yourself in your home, then it’s important to keep your home warm and moist enough to keep you from coughing. Continue reading to learn more about the issue.

What Makes You Cough?

The list is seemingly endless as to why you are coughing. The time of year plays a major part in this. In the spring, a lot of people start sneezing and coughing because their allergies flare-up. There are numerous other reasons, though, including:

  • coughingAsthma
  • A Post-Nasal Drip
  • Acid Reflux Disease
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • A Cold
  • The Flu

One of the most common reasons people cough when they aren’t sick is due to cold and dry air. Air that is cold and dry will cause your throat to become irritated and force you to cough to try and reverse this feeling.

Unfortunately, the more you cough, the more your throat becomes irritated. There are ways to combat this, though, and there has never been a more important time to do this than now.

Increase the Temperature in Your Home

Chances are, you are spending more time in your home right now than you normally do. It is crucial to keep your home’s temperature and air quality in the best condition in order to keep you and those in your household safe from sickness.

Not only this, but it is important to keep your household safe from coughing as well. As mentioned above, everyone is in the midst of a weird time when coughing in public is severely frowned upon and causes panic in those around you.

home temperature

Turning up the temperature within your home is a great way to help reduce cold air coughing. When the temperature is a little warmer it causes natural moisture to return into the air, which will save your throat and reduce your coughing. Additionally, it can help lower your energy costs as your unit will work less in your home.

Investing in a Humidifier

humidifierAnother great way to reduce coughing during this time of year is to purchase a humidifier. Maybe you are someone that cannot stand to be in a house that is any warmer than what you naturally keep it set at.

If turning up the temperature is out of the question, another great way to add moisture into the air is to have a humidifier running at all times. That said, if you combine these two methods, you will see the greatest results.

Turning up the temperature and supplementing moisture in the air with a humidifier are the two best things for anyone that suffers from a cold air cough. You will likely see a major difference within the first couple of hours.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. Is Here for You

Leave the frustrations for someone else. When you are dealing with plumbing or HVAC issues, Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. works hard to keep your home working properly and to keep you safe, all year. Make sure to start the path to a healthier home environment.

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