Summer is here, and with that comes the heat! As residents of Southern Arizona, we know that having a properly-functioning air conditioner is the difference between surviving the summer and having a house that is uninhabitable. In that respect, we all share the same nightmare: not having cold air in the summer. Imagine, you’ve made it through a long day at work, picked up the kids, been to the grocery store, and have finally walked in through the door ready to settle in for the evening. Temperatures have reached over 110 and you’re looking forward to relaxing in your nice, cool home. So imagine the surprise in realizing that, when you walk in through the door and feel that its just as hot inside as it is outside, the air conditioner has broken down! In other parts of the country, this scenario would likely only result in some discomfort. However, in the desert where temperatures reach extreme levels this situation can be deadly. At these temperatures you are beyond risk of heat stroke and dehydration, and would likely have to be displaced from your home temporarily while you waited for a new air conditioner to be installed. Now in addition to the costs of a brand-new air conditioner, you’re facing costs of temporary living as well. So how exactly do we avoid a breakdown during the hottest months of the year? Here are the three best practices to consider when it comes to air conditioner care.

1.) Change the filter on your air conditioner monthly

While it may be an easy thing to forget, making sure that the filter on your air conditioner is clean will ensure that the parts within the unit remain functioning properly. As air flows into the unit, dust and debris from the outside are also brought in. This can build up over time and wreak all kinds of havoc on your air conditioner! The filter is put in place in order to protect the internal parts of the air conditioner from such build-up. When a filter gets dirty, it no longer works the way it should, and the dust and debris can flow through. In order to ensure that the unit functions properly and at full capacity, keeping the internal parts of your air conditioner clean is necessary. Dust buildup not only can lead to malfunctioning, but can also cause the air conditioner to lose energy efficiency. Over time, dust can affect the functioning of the parts within the unit, causing it to have to work harder and thus use more energy. The build-up can also lead to corrosion and degradation of the parts, which can lead to a lower life expectancy and breakdown later on down the road. Even if the life expectancy on your air conditioner is 10 years, that doesn’t mean it can survive 10 years without proper upkeep. As with everything, air conditioners require maintenance and the costs associated with that are far lower than major part replacements or having to buy a new unit completely. By opting for the minimal cost of changing the filters, you are saving your wallet from high energy bills, more costly repairs, or a complete unit replacement.

2.) Have an annual inspection conducted by a professional before the hot weather hits

In order to avoid a breakdown during the summer, taking care of your air conditioner and being sure that all the parts are functioning properly before the extreme temperatures hit is crucial. That way, you are ensuring that you will avoid any air conditioning crisis during the worst possible time of year. The time in which you have your annual inspection is dependent on the weather in your region, but it is wise to consider an inspection around 3 months before temperatures begin to rise. This allows you a grace period to deal with scheduling any repairs or unit replacements, as well as to prepare for any resulting expenses. For Southern Arizona in particular – sometime during January, February, or March is an ideal time for an inspection. This inspection should involve a technician checking to make sure that all parts are functioning properly, that there are no leaks, and that all parts are clean and corrosion free. As these months are usually cooler and outside of the window of extreme temperatures, you will be allowing yourself time to prepare for any repairs, or a total unit replacement before the situation becomes urgent in hotter temperatures. You won’t have to worry about being without air conditioning for long, and will have far more flexibility in scheduling an appointment than you would during the summer months.

3. Replace your unit on time

Most air conditioners have a life expectancy of around 15 years, however that does not mean that the unit will last that long, nor does it mean it will perform like new for that long. Especially in the desert where an air conditioner sees a lot of use, it’s wise to get your unit replaced if it is over 10 years old. In fact, one of the most common causes for a unit breaking down is a Freon leak due to corrosion, usually around the 10-year mark. Think of an air conditioner like you would a car – the more miles you put on it the sooner the likelihood of you needing to get a new one. Air conditioners are no different, and if air conditioners were cars in Southern Arizona, those cars would see a lot of miles. Aside from age, here are some other signs that it may be time to replace your unit:

1. Your unit frequently breaks down
2. You are experiencing fluctuations in humidity
3. You have high energy bills

These can be indicators that there is an issue with your air conditioner, and if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should call a professional to take a look at your unit for a diagnosis. If you do need a new air conditioner, there are many reputable brands available. Remember to ask your technician to see which brands and units fit your needs, and understand that financing is often available if need be.

Unfortunately, we don’t get to choose when disaster strikes. We can only prepare for it the best we can and try to be aware of issues as they arise, so that they cause as little damage as possible. The tips listed above will help you do just that. By changing the filter on your air conditioner monthly, you’re ensuring that the parts within the unit stay as clean as possible so that they stay functioning properly. If something still breaks, you’ll know about it during your annual inspection in the spring time, when the temperatures are still cool and there is time to make repairs without having to worry about the heat. By staying on top of the time period in which the unit needs to be replaced completely, you are also helping to avoid any surprise breakdowns as best as possible.

While things can still go wrong even when you’re doing everything right, following these tips can at the very least lower the chances of that happening. Air conditioners are one of the more expensive appliances in a home, yet are also one of the most essential when it comes to keeping us safe from the extreme heat. Nobody likes dealing with repairs or possible replacements in the first place, and it’s like salt in a wound when it happens with such a big ticket item. In that sense, wouldn’t you much rather not be caught off guard when something goes wrong, and have time on your side? If your unit has yet to be inspected this year, be sure to beat the heat and call for an annual inspection today!

You did it: you booked the flight, wrestled all week with the kids to get packed up for your vacation, and now you are finally in the cab on the way to the airport. You are the master of all things vacation; a super parent. This feeling continues during your entire trip, all the way up until you open your front door after all the traveling is said and done, and you are hit with a rude awakening. In all the hustle and bustle of getting ready to leave, you completely forgot to set your thermostat lower to save on energy while you were away and didn’t even notice that your 5-year-old left the bathroom faucet running after he was done washing his hands. Forget about all that R&R that you caught up on while you were away, because now it (and a lot of extra dollars) are being spent on your astronomically high electric and water bills – and that’s assuming you aren’t facing costs due to flooding and water damage from any overflow in the sink!

This is an extreme scenario of course but unfortunately, it’s not all too uncommon. It’s situations like these that are prompting more and more people to convert their houses to smart homes. What is a smart home you may ask? Smart homes are named such because they have automated systems that can control anything from lighting, water, heating and cooling, entertainment systems, and even appliances. Often times, these systems can be monitored and controlled right from your phone; even when you are at work or traveling. Having complete control over your home 24/7 can help you avoid emergencies and help you save on regular costs of utilities.

Two such systems that can help turn your home into a smart home are the Nest Learning Thermostat (Nest) and Flo Water Leak Detection System (Flo). The Nest Learning Thermostat handles climate control, while Flo controls water usage. In our vacation scenario above, your 5-year-old has left the faucet running before your family leaves for the airport. Let’s take a look at how a system that controls water like Flo could have helped.

Part of Flo’s installation into your home is connecting it through an app, which will send you information right to your phone. As Flo is installed to the main line of your water system, it is able to detect things like pressure, flow, temperature, and usage. Every day, Flo performs a water system inspection to make sure that your home is leak free and will send you the report through the app. In addition, you are able to check the status of your water usage as it is happening and are able to shut off your water; even from remote locations. Had you had the Flo system in this scenario, you would have been able to see right away that water was still flowing in your home and have been able to shut it off, no questions asked. Water still may have been wasted but it’s nothing compared to water running for a week! Your child may get a stern talking-to but your sanity and your wallet are spared yet another day in avoiding a catastrophe.

Now, as for you forgetting to turn the thermostat down, how about could Nest have helped? This one has a little less severe consequences than leaving your water running while on vacation. However, this can still cost you a lot in unnecessary expenses. The Nest Learning Thermostat works similarly to Flo in that it sends you reports to an app installed on your phone. Not only would you have had the option to turn the temperature down manually through the app, Nest probably would have done it for you. Nest can tell when you are at home or away by using your phone location and sensors. When the house is empty, Nest turns itself down to “Eco Temp” in order to save on energy while you are away. Not only that but say there was an extreme weather change while you were gone. In cases of extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures, the Nest has built-in safety features that ensure that your home won’t suffer any damage due to weather. So even if you never looked at your phone while you were away, Nest would have your back. Problem taken care of and your energy bill stays low.

That’s not all these two systems can do. A faucet that is left on is obvious, but how about a leak that is happening somewhere behind your walls, in your attic, or under your floors? And what if you are simply trying to stay on top of your utility bills and cut down on water and/or energy bills? While these systems are handy in case of emergency, they are designed to help you with every day events such as these. Let’s look at how these two systems can help you in everyday life.

As mentioned before, Flo runs an inspection on your home every day to ensure that your home is leak free. This includes places that you can’t see! Instead of finding out you had a leaky pipe in your attic after you start noticing water damage and a drip coming from your bedroom ceiling, noticing right away can save you the extra costs of repairs (and of course, keep your water bill from suffering!) In the event of more serious pipe damage, like a burst, Flo will shut off the water for you, again saving you money on extra repair costs and water bill. Flo can also keep you up-to-date on what’s going on with your pipes and will let you know if you are at risk for having leaks through its daily inspection. Things like water pressure and temperature can cause leaks under certain conditions. Flo will let you know of this so that you can fix the problem before it becomes an even bigger one. In terms of water conservation, Flo tracks your water habits so you are able to better control them.

Running late and your teenager won’t get out of the shower? You can literally shut off the water with the push of a button from your phone. Going on vacation but need to make sure that the irrigation system continues working to water those award-winning roses? You can control that from your phone. Have a toilet that has a tendency to run? You can fix that from the convenience of your phone. When it comes to managing the water system in your home, the sky’s the limit on what Flo can do for you.

While Flo is controlling your water, on an everyday basis, Nest is also working hard to ensure that you are comfortable and being energy efficient. Aside from having the built-in safety features, Nest learns your preferences as you turn it up or down. Over time, Nest will learn what you like and adjust itself for you. Using this information, it creates a schedule that fits your needs and saves you energy. To keep you even more energy wise, it will show you how much energy you use each day and give you tips on how to conserve. Imagine a home where it’s never too hot or too cold. Wouldn’t that be perfect? Or what if you liked it warmer in the morning and cooler in the evening? Wouldn’t it be great if your home could adjust itself automatically to fit your needs?

Smart tools like these have made saving on energy and water that much easier. When it comes to the peace of mind that they can bring you, the price is limitless. Turning your home into a smart home not only can help you avoid huge catastrophes but helps you save on the everyday costs of life. A home is a huge investment so why wouldn’t you want to know more about what’s going on behind the scenes? Call us today for your FREE plumbing inspection and to learn more about how to turn your home into a smart home with the Nest Learning Thermostat and Flo Water Leak Detection System!

Excellent, the crews were prompt polite, clean, efficient and courteous. In the past I have found that most large companies rest on their laurels so to speak. I know now why Cummings plumbing is still a large plumbing company. They provide good service at a reasonable price for the work and get the job done quickly. Most of the time there were four trucks and at least six service members working on my project. The repairs were expensive expensive but a new much needed furnace was also installed at about half the price I was expecting it to be. The discount on the furnace was much appreciated. I would also like to thank MG for cleaning out my hot water heater while he was here, The next project is a new HVAC system, I think I know where I will go for that project. Jane G.

It’s Getting Cold Out There!

The wind is howling, you’ve broken out the coat and mittens, staying buried under blankets in the morning seems more and more appealing…it’s officially that time of year again! With the weather as nice as it is here in Arizona, it’s easy to forget about things like furnace and water heater maintenance. As much as we would like to pretend it’s sunny and beautiful year-round here in Tucson, we can’t deny that when it’s cold, it’s COLD. A broken water heater or furnace is definitely an inconvenience while the temperatures are low, but more importantly, it’s a safety issue. There can be severely dangerous outcomes of a water heater or furnace malfunctioning, so for that reason proper use and maintenance are key.

In our August 1st entry, we talked about how a water heater works and what could cause it to malfunction. For more the full article, click here. For now, here are the highlights of that entry:

A water heater is like a giant teapot. How quickly you have hot water is dependent on four factors:

1) The water temperature
2) The amount of water
3) How much heat is applied to the water
4) The type of heat being applied

These four factors work together in a delicate balance, and if knocked out of equilibrium, can lead to catastrophic incidents like a water heater explosion. Things that can knock these factors out of balance and thus cause a major incident are improper installation, lack of maintenance, and leaks and malfunctions. The sediment that builds in the bottom of your tank over time also is a major contributor to water heater issues. In order to avoid any accidents caused by malfunction, be sure to have a professional perform a safety check on your water heater and drain the sediment from it at least once a year. Additionally, water heaters should be replaced every 10 years, so if yours is older than that, it’s time to get a new one!

While making sure that your water heater is serviced seems just like one more thing to add to the never-ending list of chores that come with being a homeowner, the aftermath caused by 40 gallons of boiling water shooting in every direction is well worth avoiding. And, if your water heater is gas powered, having that safety inspection could help save you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning due to any gas leaks.

We’ve gone over what can happen when things go wrong with a hot water heater but what about with a furnace? In the worst-case scenario, explosion or fire can result from fuel leaks or excessive heat buildup due to faulty or malfunctioning parts. If you have a gas furnace, like most people, carbon monoxide poisoning to you and your family can also happen if there are any gas leaks. These are some pretty serious risk factors here.

The way a furnace works is pretty simple. In a gas powered furnace, the air is warmed up inside the furnace by a pilot light and several burners that heat what’s called a heat exchanger. Basically, the heat exchanger is a chamber in which the air is heated to the temperature specified on the thermostat, and from there is blown through the vents of your home. The heat exchanger is only found in a gas furnace. With an electric furnace, however, the air is heated by a series of conductive coils.

While it all sounds pretty straight forward, furnaces have a lot of components that can break, and any diagnosis or repair should be conducted by professionals only. As with anything, regular maintenance can help keep your furnace running the best it can. Having a professional change your furnace’s filter monthly (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer) and conduct a safety inspection annually can help keep you and your family safe from dangers like fires and explosions! Furnaces have a life expectancy of around 15 years, so be sure to replace it as needed!

When it comes to water heaters and furnaces, the old adage applies: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling is committed to the safety of you and your family. Check out our winter special below, and as always, call today for a FREE plumbing safety inspection.

PHX: 480-500-1960 or TUS: 520-333-2121On day one, our regular technician, Jordan, met the installers at our home to walk them through the project. These gentlemen were the utmost professionals. Installing a 5 ton HVAC system on the roof of a 67 year old home was not a quick job. They removed and hauled away the old equipment. They took their time, were SO courteous, and left my home in immaculate condition. When the job was finished they made sure that I understood how to work the Nest thermostat. Manny Sr., Manny Jr., Marcos, Fredo, Carlos, and Pedro ~ you gentlemen are the BEST! Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling has our loyalty and business for life!

The Hazards of Hard Water

Hard water is known to be both a nuisance and a major problem to most Arizona homeowners. It affects your skin when you’re bathing, your laundry when you’re doing wash, and your plumbing. It’s especially problematic to your plumbing, not only causing it to look awful, but it is a cause of major plumbing malfunctions.

So what exactly is hard water? Arizona’s water has a higher level of calcium and magnesium in it. This, over time, causes calcification. It’s easy to recognize calcification because you’ll be able to see the rock-like white and green build up on your faucets, spigots, and even in your shower heads.

Believe it or not, this calcification process is responsible for creating stalagmites and stalactites in caves. This same process is happening inside of your pipes on a daily basis.

As you can see from the image, after years of this happening, the opening for water flow becomes so narrow that even something as small as a single square of toilet paper can get caught and cause a major plumbing issue. Unfortunately, this image is not uncommon in Arizona homes.

We often find that calcification in pipes is the culprit for a lot of home plumbing issues. Not only do they cause your pipes to clog, they can puncture the actual pipe, causing sewage to leak into the ground around your home; which is a health hazard for you and your family.

Once this calcification reaches a certain point, the only thing that can be done to reverse it is to do a re-pipe of your home; which will end up costing you thousands of dollars.

Not only is hard water a hazard to your plumbing, it’s also bad for your home in general. Here’s how:

• Hard water doesn’t taste very good. Most people who have hard water realize that the water tastes “dirty”. This is because of the extra minerals. To fix this problem, they end up buying bottled water from the store; an additional expense.
• It causes clothing to feel rough or scratchy. By adding extra mineral deposits onto clothing, after laundering, the clothing is often left feeling rough and scratchy without the use of some form of fabric softener. Again, the purchase of fabric softener is an additional expense.
• Hard water is harsh on the skin. Arizona is already known to be a dry climate because we live in the desert. But hard water just makes it worse; requiring more skin care products, like lotion, to keep our skin soft. More additional expenses.
• Hard water can ruin your appliances. Do you have a coffee maker that you use? Ever notice how the appliances never seem to last? That’s because the calcium builds up in those pipes as well, causing malfunctions of expensive appliances. The list of expenses keeps climbing.
• Dirty looking dishes. Have you ever washed glasses only to notice water spots and dirty looking plates after they’ve dried? Hard water is the culprit for causing it. To fix this, most people will buy a dishwashing aid rinse (like Jet Dry) or rewash the dishes. Either way, this adds to the ever-climbing expenses to fix the problems that hard water causes.

As you can see, hard water is responsible for a lot of things that happen in your home on a daily basis; all minor inconveniences that you’ve just grown accustomed to. But the biggest problem of all that hard water will cause is the need to re-pipe your home. This will be a major expense; costing you thousands of dollars, time, and inconvenience.

Now that you know what it is, how do you fix it? The solution is simple: a Water Softener.

A water softener replaces the calcium and magnesium in your water with sodium or potassium. The difference between calcium and magnesium ions and sodium or potassium ions is that the sodium and potassium ions do not cause scaling or calcification. The water softener filters and distributes water that is conditioned to provide your home with the best water.

By having a water softener installed, you basically mitigate all of the issues listed above.

Call us to come and do a FREE water analysis and provide you with an estimate on what it would cost to have a water softener installed into your home.

Kenneth and Danny jetted all the waste lines in our house out to the street sewer. They flushed out an unbelievable amount of nasty sludge from under our island kitchen sink. Our house is only 12 years old and we bought it 9 months ago. The slow draining kitchen sink has been an issue since shortly after we moved in. After jetting the waste lines, they scoped the lines with a camera and proved to us the pipes were clear The Cummings Plumbing technicians were extremely professional, clean and thorough.

Earlier that day, we had a nationally-known competing plumbing company out, who told us they put a camera through the lines, and that we had a “belly” in a couple of our pipes–that the original lines probably had not been properly backfilled. (They never actually showed us the video.) They told us that correcting the problem would mean jackhammering up our ceramic tile floor and re-laying the pipes. It turned out, there was no bellying in the pipes at all. And, their estimate for jetting all the waste lines was more than twice what the Cummings estimate was! Turns out that the competing company is “commission based” on their sales, whereas Cummings techs are paid by the hour. I’m SO thankful that our realtor recommended calling Cummings for a second opinion!