Land & Property Archives - Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

How to Keep Your Heating and Cooling Costs Low

Tips to Reduce Utility Bills

The average household’s biggest energy expense is to heat and cool the home, so if homeowners are looking to save on their utility bills, heating and cooling is a great place to start. This post will share three tips homeowners might want to consider adopting at home to help lower monthly bills and save.

Use the Ceiling Fans

While it seems sensible to use a ceiling fan in the summer to help cool down a home and reduce the reliance on air conditioning, ceiling fans can be used with the heating system as well. By changing the direction that which ceiling fans spin, fans can help reduce heating and cooling costs no matter the season.

In the summer or when using air conditioning, the fan should be spinning counterclockwise as this will create a downdraft, pushing cold air down towards a room’s occupants. This allows homeowners to adjust the thermostat to save money without sacrificing comfort. In the winter or when using the heating system, simply reversing the direction of the fan to spin in a clockwise motion creates the opposite effect. This updraft helps circulate warm air around the room instead of allowing it to rise toward the ceiling and stay there, allowing the thermostat to be adjusted to save money.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

Another cost-saving measure homeowners can easily do at home is to make sure that their AC and furnace filters are changed regularly. A furnace or AC filter traps dirt, dust, and other airborne particles as the air passes through it. This means that when they aren’t changed for a long time, they get dirty and clogged, affecting airflow and causing the heating and air conditioning system to work harder and use more energy, raising energy costs.

Regular air filter replacements, typically every three months, are an important step to making sure that heating and air conditioning systems are operating efficiently and preventing heating and cooling costs from rising due to inefficiency. Replacing the filters will also help improve indoor air quality and protect the heater and air conditioner.

Opt for Smart Thermostat Installation

Installing a smart thermostat at home is another great way to add to the energy savings. Not only do smart thermostats give homeowners the ability to change their settings remotely through a smartphone app, but they also have many energy-saving features that can reduce utility costs while keeping the home comfortable.

Smart thermostats often also track a home’s heating and cooling energy usage history, which allows homeowners to see how changes they make affect their energy use. All these features help smart thermostats reduce a household’s energy use, which in turn helps lower a home’s monthly utility bills.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. has won the Wenatchee World’s Best award 8 times in a row while serving Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them for heating and air conditioning services in Wenatchee, WA.

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Easy Ways for Homeowners to Identify Water Leaks

How to Detect Leaks So a Plumber Can Be Called for Repair

Water leaks and burst pipes can cause massive headaches for property owners, including repair and water costs, water damage, major cleanups, and more. Fortunately, there are several ways for homeowners to catch leaks, so a plumber can be called to detect and repair them quickly. This article will offer guidance to help homeowners promptly identify water leaks, including signs to watch for, high water bills, and a running water meter.

Symptoms of a Leak

There are several signs homeowners might notice that can alert them to a leak in their homes. While standing water and puddles in or outside the home are obvious signs, property owners should also look for evidence of mold or mildew growth, water stains or wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, and low water pressure from plumbing fixtures.

Property owners should also pay attention to the sounds of running water when the plumbing fixtures and water-using appliances are not being used, as this is another sign of a leak. Water damage like damaged floors, sagging ceilings, and paint or wallpaper that begins to peel also point to a leak.

Higher Than Usual Water Bills

In addition to the previously mentioned signs of water leaks, homeowners should also watch their water bills. If a household’s water bills increase without an obvious increase in the household’s water usage, it can indicate a leak in the plumbing system that is wasting water.

If there’s a leak, there will be an increase in the home’s water usage, which results in higher water costs, alerting property owners that they should schedule plumbing repair as soon as possible to have experts locate the leak and fix it before further water damage and high water costs occur.

Running Water Meter When Water Isn’t Being Used

Homeowners can also check their water meters to determine if there is a leak. To begin, ensure all water inside and outside the home is turned off, including fixtures, appliances, and irrigation systems. Next, record the reading on the water meter, then wait 1-2 hours without using any water, and check the meter again. If the reading has changed, this indicates a potential leak.

Many water meters also have a leak indicator to help homeowners identify a water leak. The leak indicator on the meter is typically a small triangular dial or silver wheel, which moves as water flows through the meter. If the leak indicator is turning while all water is off, this confirms a leak that needs to be addressed. Scheduling water leak detection and repair services at the first signs of an issue can help homeowners limit the damage and costs associated with a leak.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a residential plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee, WA, and the surrounding areas. They provide comprehensive diagnosis, trustworthy recommendations, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for burst pipe and leak repair in Wenatchee, WA.

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Electrical Home Improvements to Make in 2024

Start the New Year With Beneficial Home Upgrades

With a new year comes the desire to start fresh. One of the best ways to do this is to add new upgrades to a home, including electrical system enhancements that can benefit the household. This article will recommend electrical upgrades that can benefit homeowners and their households significantly.

Install Ceiling Fans

Installing ceiling fans is one way to save on energy bills and add increased comfort to a home. They offer the following advantages:

Energy efficiency: Ceiling fans help keep homes comfortable without using the HVAC system more than necessary. They can be used with the heating and cooling system in both summer and winter by changing the direction the fan blades spin.
Better air circulation: Fans help circulate the air throughout a house, preventing homes from becoming stuffy.
Additional cooling: Fans can make rooms feel cooler without actually changing the temperature of the room or needing to run the air conditioner more.
Flexible controls: Some ceiling fan models have a remote control to allow homeowners to adjust the fan speed and lights easily.
Lighting options: Most ceiling fans have built-in lights, allowing homeowners to use the fixtures as both a light and a fan.

Upgrade the Indoor Lighting and Switches

An electrical upgrade many homeowners overlook is upgrading the indoor lights and switches. These are relatively simple changes that can make a big difference in a house. Some popular and beneficial lighting upgrades include:

Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED lights. LED lighting is more energy efficient and can last longer, saving homeowners money.
Smart lighting systems allow homeowners to control the lighting from a smartphone or with voice control.
Dimmer switches let households create ambiance in rooms and let homeowners save on energy bills by only using the amount of light they need in a room.
Recessed lighting adds a modern and sleek look to homes while adding a lot of light.
Pendant lights or chandeliers over kitchen islands, dining room tables, or entryways add to a home’s decor.

Add an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

If homeowners have an electric vehicle, adding an EV charging station to their home can be incredibly convenient. One of the biggest inconveniences of owning an electric car is finding a place to charge it and waiting for it to charge. Owners might have to wait for a charging station to open up and then sit in their car until it finishes charging. An electric vehicle charging station installation at home can help people avoid these problems and allow them to charge their cars while in the comfort of their own homes.

An EV charging station installation at home can also save money over time, as charging at home can be more cost-effective and affordable than public charging stations. Homeowners can charge their vehicles outside of peak hours when the electricity rates are lower. Other cost incentives property owners can enjoy are an increased home value and even potentially some tax incentives. It can also result in time savings. Homeowners will not need to spend time searching for a public charging station. Instead, they can charge it overnight and start their day with a fully charged car.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is a plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical company serving Wenatchee, WA, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward, flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and trustworthy recommendations. Call them today for electrical services in Wenatchee, WA.

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Fight Back Against the Cold, Dry Season With a Whole-Home Humidifier

Benefits of a Humidifier Installation

While homeowners might expect to be cold during the winter months, they might not anticipate the other impacts of cold weather, like dry air in their houses. When this happens, it can cause surprising issues like dry skin and respiratory problems. This post will explain the benefits of installing a whole home humidifier, including reduced allergy and asthma symptoms, more hydrated skin, and even healthier plants.

Improve Respiratory Health

When heaters operate to keep homes warm and safe all winter, it can result in dry air in houses. This can cause coughs, sore throats, and increased asthma and allergy symptoms for family members. These symptoms can be reduced with a whole-house humidifier installation. Some of the health benefits of a humidifier include:

Adding moisture to the air helps prevent the respiratory tract from drying out
Prevent nasal passages from becoming irritated, reducing allergy and asthma symptoms
Reduced cold and flu symptoms
Reduce the spread of respiratory infections and viruses
Improved sleep for household members

If households notice increased respiratory issues or allergy symptoms this winter, they should contact an HVAC technician and consider a whole home humidifier installation.

Skincare Benefits

If homeowners notice their skin is dry and flaky, or if their knuckles and fingers are cracking, it can indicate they have dry air in their house. A humidifier can add moisture to the air and help reduce these effects by better hydrating the skin. Some of the benefits a humidifier provides for skin and lips include:

More moisture to keep skin from drying out
Reduced symptoms of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
Help injuries like skin cuts, irritations, or abrasions heal faster
Help prevent lips from chapping and cracking
Reduce signs of aging by keeping skin moisturized

Increased Health for Indoor Plants

Perhaps an unexpected benefit of adding a whole-home humidifier is healthier indoor plants. If the air in a house is too dry, it can cause plants to wilt, lose leaves, and suffer from diseases. Installing a humidifier can prevent these issues with indoor plants and keep them healthier. So, if homeowners have trouble keeping plants alive, this can help.

Humidifiers can help plants flourish, preventing browning, drying out, and dead leaves. They can also keep plants healthy by preventing diseases and pest infestations. With added humidity in the house, tropical plants, in particular, will live longer and grow better, giving homeowners more options when selecting houseplants.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. has eight consecutive Wenatchee World’s Best Awards. They provide flat rate pricing, same-day service, and financing. Call them today for humidifier services in Wenatchee, WA.

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When to Install a Water Softener and Their Benefits

Hard Water Basics Homeowners Need to Know

If homeowners find themselves having to replace appliances that use water more frequently than expected or scraping residue and buildups off of their plumbing fixtures, this can indicate that they have hard water. Hard water refers to water that has high concentrations of minerals, and the majority of homes in the U.S. have it. It is typically caused by calcium and magnesium dissolving in groundwater, and it can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system and create other issues for a household.

Hard water doesn’t pose health risks to families but can affect plumbing appliances, clothing, and other items. To avoid these problems, plumbers recommend that homeowners install a water softener. This post will explain how these systems work, their benefits, and what symptoms of hard water homeowners should look for.

How Water Softeners Treat Hard Water

Water softeners can effectively remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from a home’s water supply. One common type is a salt-based water softener, also called an ion exchange water softener, because it uses an ion exchange process to remove the minerals that cause water hardness.

The first step in this water-softening system involves water flowing into the water-softener resin tank. Here, the water encounters resin beads. These are negatively charged and will hold onto the positively charged ions in the hard water. The water is softened by exchanging these ions for sodium ions, and it can then travel through the home’s plumbing system. Water from the brine tank then enters the resin tank to create a brine solution. Then, a backwash cycle is performed to rinse away accumulated minerals in the resin bed.

Signs a Home Has Hard Water

Property owners should identify the signs of hard water that indicate water softener installation would be beneficial to protect their plumbing systems and appliances. One of the first signs homeowners might notice is a scale buildup on plumbing fixtures. Property owners commonly see this while cleaning. If they frequently scrub white residue from their plumbing fixtures, it can indicate hard water.

They might also notice lower water pressure in the shower and faucets. Mineral buildup inside the pipes and fixtures can restrict the water flow. This buildup can also occur inside plumbing and appliances that use hot water, causing additional wear and tear and shortening their lifespans.

Other common signs of hard water are spotting and cloudiness on glasses and dishes even after washing them in the dishwasher, or clothes and laundry that fade quicker from being washed in hard water. Family members might also notice their skin or hair is dry. If homeowners notice these signs, they have hard water and should consider installing a whole-house water softener.

Why Homes Can Benefit From Whole Home Water Softeners

When a household has hard water, it can benefit from installing a water softener system. These systems can help prolong the lifespan of plumbing appliances and fixtures by preventing a buildup of minerals that can hamper their performance. A water softener can even improve the efficiency of appliances that use water, like water heaters, which lowers operating costs.

They can also save time cleaning as homeowners won’t have to spend as much time scrubbing mineral residue off fixtures or rewashing glasses and dishes to remove spots. Homeowners can also experience healthier, more hydrated skin and hair, better water pressure, and longer-lasting clothing.

About Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc.

Patriot Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. has won 8 consecutive Wenatchee World’s Best Awards while serving Wenatchee and the surrounding areas. They offer fast, tidy service, financing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water softener services in Wenatchee, WA.

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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

While 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

Homeowners 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

One 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

If 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

Plumbing 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

Plumbing 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

When 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

For 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.