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No Belleville homeowner likes having to address the need for heating repairs, yet not enough of them take necessary steps to avoid them from happening. Getting proactive about preventative maintenance is an easy approach to take, in order to keep things up and running. Still, too many people view maintenance and tune-up work as an unnecessary expense.

Each fall when the weather starts to turn brisk and you make the transition from the air conditioner to heating, you expect your heat to simply work for you. Yet, without investing any effort into maintaining your heating system, it really is just a gamble. Don’t keep taking chances and putting off getting the maintenance that you need for your HVAC system, or you could be looking at costly repair needs.

How it All Works

When you invest into the minimal cost of maintenance, you save money, hassle and enjoy a number of other important benefits. Some of these include:

By letting experts take a look “behind the scenes” this enables an industry professional to spot red flags and fix them before they can develop into something more serious. This can help reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs and premature replacement.

Heating Maintenance and tune-up work is also how you can prolong the lifespan of your system while enhancing the performance. Your furnace could last as long as 20 years, but it certainly won’t come close without the necessary care invested into it.

Tired of elevated energy costs each month? Then you will be glad to see the investment that you put into getting maintenance will help lower your utility costs, sometimes by quite a bit. Experts can make adjustments that help your system perform better and this will make it possible for your energy expenses to decrease.

Getting maintenance also makes your system safer. There is no reason for you or your family to be at risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, or any other threat. Especially since a regularly scheduled tune-up could help prevent that.
Find a reputable expert to work within the Belleville area so that you can get the service that you need on a regular basis.

The Qualified Team for Your Project

At Morrison Plumbing, our Belleville Plumbers have over 30 years of expertise backing us up. We have the training, skills, and experience needed to troubleshoot and problem solve, both extremely handy when performing maintenance work. We look forward to having the opportunity to work with you and provide you with the superior quality service that you need.

If you are looking for a Belleville heating repair company, please call [hls_phone_number] or complete our online request form.

How Should You Judge HVAC Efficiency in Glen Carbon, IL?

When it comes to the numbers on your energy bills, no one wants to see those numbers grow higher and higher. However, as your system ages, it will lose efficiency. Furthermore, when HVAC efficiency starts to decrease, the numbers on your power bill will start to rise. When this happens, it’s time to think about replacing your system. But how can you track your HVAC efficiency to minimize the effects of outdated HVAC equipment? First, you can hire a qualified HVAC contractor to measure your system efficiency and provide necessary repairs. Additionally, your HVAC technician is sure to use some of the common measurements to report on the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Here are those measurements and what they mean for your HVAC efficiency…

1. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

MERV is a measure of the effectiveness of your air filter. What this actually measures is the size of the holes in your air filter, which is helpful when compared with the specs of your system. Filters with a high MERV rating have smaller holes, which means they filter out smaller particles. However, this tends to obstruct airflow, which could hurt your system efficiency. Change filters with a high MERV rating, frequently.

2. Heating Seasonal Factor Performance (HSFP)

HSFP is a measure that’s used to determine the efficiency of a heat pump. A high HSFP rating is a good thing and means that the total heat output is favorable when compared to the total electrical energy being used by the system. Unless you have HVAC training, you probably won’t understand how to calculate this number – best to call a professional.

3. Energy Star Rating

The Energy Star Rating is used to label machines that have been specially built for to conserve energy while offering no decrease in system effectiveness as mandated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This rating covers everything from laptops to refrigerators and, of course, heating and cooling equipment. Additionally, Energy Star products can be identified by a sticker on the machine, or you can find more information about Energy Start Products, here.

4. Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

The EER rating is used to measure cooling systems above a certain temperature. Mainly this measure tells how well your system functions during peak operation during hot summer days. Measured in BTUs, this is another number that it would be hard to find without an HVAC technician. However, some manufacturers and websites will have these numbers listed for more recent air conditioning systems. Talk to your local professional if you can’t find your number online.

5. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

Like EER, contractors use the SEER rating to measure the efficiency of a cooling system with one main difference. The SEER rating accounts for total usage over a 12-month period and is a more accurate depiction of overall air conditioning efficiency throughout the entire season. The Energy Star Rating includes this; however, if your system is older, you may find it difficult to locate this measurement.

Questions about system measurements? Contact a Morrison technician to inspect your system and make energy efficiency recommendations.

Which Toilet Replacement Parts are Collinsville DIY Projects?

Broken toilets are never ideal. However, they’re even less ideal when you’re expecting company. Also, it can be a pain to have to call a plumber every time you need toilet replacement parts installed. If you truly have no idea what you’re doing, it’s best to leave the job to the local plumber to ensure it gets done right. Furthermore, you can save time and money by replacing parts yourself, if your skill set allows it. But how do you know which ones can be replaced DIY and which repairs need a pro? Here’s a breakdown of the parts of your toilets that could break down, and how to go about fixing them.

Fill Valves

This part of the toilet is responsible for refilling the tank after it’s been flushed. Additionally, the most common types of valves include float valves and cup valves. Also, this part is relatively inexpensive, but you’ll need to know what type of valve you have to ensure proper replacement. This repair could easily be a DIY project. However, call a professional if you have trouble – it could save you repair costs down the road.

Flush Valves

This valve is responsible for disposing of the water in your tank.  This is another repair that’s, both, cheap and can be done by yourself. However, you’ll need to find a part that’s compatible with your toilet, which could be a task if you have an older model. Talk to a local plumber to help if you’re lost.

Flappers

This is part of the flush valves and, many times, is the cause of the problems when you have a toilet that won’t stop running. This is another cheap part – it comes with directions, and you should be able to install this part by yourself.

Flush Levers

This is the toilet handle that you press to start the process of flushing the toilet. Many times, the chain that connects that lever to the flush valve breaks. If it’s not detachable, a replacement handle is your only option. But, don’t worry, this inexpensive part can be replaced no problem.

Water Supply Connectors

This is the water line that connects your toilet to the drainage system in your home or business. A broken water supply connector could cause a plumbing disaster if not taken care of immediately. This is best left to the professionals to ensure it gets done correctly.

Toilet Seals

This part of the toilet connects it to the floor and can be difficult to replace. It involves unbolting the toilet from the floor and could be a complex job. Best to contact a local plumber for this one – just in case!

Whether you’re doing your own repairs or calling a professional, make sure you always shut off the water to your toilet before doing any repairs. Forgetting this little step could cause a major flooding problem – and then, you’ll have no choice but to call the local plumbers!

What to consider when hiring a Columbia, IL HVAC company

Nobody likes it when their comfort systems break, especially in the throes of a Columbia, IL cold snap. Blustery winter weather and frigid temperatures may leave your home as the only placed that you can seek refuge. However, when those systems break, you’ll need the help of an experienced HVAC company to get you back up and running before the temperature drops below freezing in your living room. But how do you know who to call when, seemingly, there’s an HVAC company on every block? Here are the things you should consider when it comes to hiring the right HVAC company for your home or business!

Identify the Problem

The first thing you’ll want to do is identify the problem. While most HVAC companies can do a little bit of everything, your specific problem may be best handled by someone who specializes in that area. For example, some furnace companies specialize in duct cleaning and use special equipment to maximize their effectiveness. When it comes to any special repairs that you need, find an HVAC company that specializes in them.

Is it an Emergency?

Can you wait for repairs? Make sure you find a company that offers 24-hour service, so you can get the repairs you need fast at any time of the day or night.

Consider Price

For something like a seasonal tune-up or programming of thermostat settings, it can be smart to go with the company that offers the cheapest price; these are easy services that should be handled by almost any HVAC technician. However, if you’re having something expensive done, looking at the price may not always be your best option – you’ll want to go with the heating contractors that have the best reputation for service.

Read Testimonials

Don’t just hire the first company you find that advertises great service – everyone advertises great service. Do your best to find testimonials and reviews that help you get a picture of who you’re hiring to work inside your home.

Hire Morrison Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Morrison offers repairs, based on your schedule, from friendly technicians that take the quality of their services seriously. Whether you need repairs at 12 am or pm, we’ll be there fast to provide the repairs you need.

Is Your Local Plumber Licensed to work in Belleville, IL?

When it comes to your plumbing system, repairs and maintenance can be complicated and dangerous jobs. Additionally, attempting DIY plumbing repairs could bring the local plumber out for more expensive service. From installation of new appliances to repairs for burst pipes in the winter, it’s good to know a licensed, local plumber that knows how to solve any of your problems. Furthermore, when it comes to hiring a plumber, who you choose is important to the quality of work you receive. It’s always a good idea to find a local plumber that’s fully licensed, bonded and insured to ensure the best possible service at your home or business. Hire a professional plumbing company in your home to see these benefits…

Licensed Plumbers

Smart homeowners only hire licensed professionals to work in their homes. Additionally, a plumbing license guarantees that your plumber meets the state criteria. While these things may vary from state to state, a plumber must do the following to obtain a plumbing license:

• Pass a Criminal Background Check
• Complete Prerequisite Training
• Pass a Licensing Exam
• Provide Proof of Commercial Insurance

Make sure you ask your plumber for proof of licensure!

Commercial Plumbing Insurance

You never know what you’ll get when someone comes to work inside your home. A plumber with full insurance means that the plumber, the company, you, your home and your family are covered in the event that something goes wrong while repairs are being made.

Surety Bonds

A surety bond covers things that a commercial insurance policy might not include poor work, items stolen by employees, and more. A fully bonded plumbing company ensures the protection of your home and your belongings if something goes wrong.

Code Violation Correction

All states and municipalities set forth certain codes to follow when building commercial or residential structures. In fact, your local plumber should know these codes and correct any violations they see. Failing to abide by the codes may render your home unsafe or even void an insurance policy.

Morrison Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides plumbing services to those in Belleville, IL and throughout the Metro East. Offering true 24-hour emergency service and friendly customer care, it’s no wonder people all over choose Morrison first!

Sometimes, a developing plumbing leak will be obvious. If there’s a puddle of water on the kitchen floor whenever you run the dishwasher or use the sink, or if you notice stains on the ceiling directly under your upstairs toilet, you’re probably going to need to deal with some leaky pipes. Occasionally, these are leaks that can be handled by individuals. However, it’s a better idea to hire a plumber. Plumbers are experts and know exactly how to fix your leak with a minimum of effort and cost.

Other times, you may not see any visible signs of a leak despite its presence. There is such a thing as hidden leaks, and they could cost you. According to the EPA, the average household can hide leaks amounting to 10,000 gallons per year, and 10% of houses have leaks that lose 90 gallons of water per day. Not only is this bad for your house, but it’s also bad for your wallet and the environment!

Before you can fix a leak, you first have to identify it. Below are some of the best tips and tricks for identifying hidden leaks in your home.

Watch your water bill

You water bill reflects the amount of water that goes into your home and out of a faucet – it doesn’t necessarily reflect the amount of water YOU use. Busted pipes or a leaky faucet can cause your house to consume more water, which in turn causes your water bill to shoot up. While your water bill will fluctuate from season to season, if you see a dramatic increase with no explanation, it’s time to call your plumber.

Check your water meter

This is one way to confirm a leak before you call the plumber. The water meter shows in real time how much water is entering the house. Shut off all the water in your home – if the meter is still moving, it means there’s a leak somewhere. Morrison Plumbing can help you locate, diagnose and fix hidden leaks.

Use your senses

Mold and mildew grow easily in bathrooms because of the warm, damp environment. But if you see mold or mildew collecting in corners or growing away from the shower, this might be a sign of a hidden leak. Check for a musty smell as well. If it persists after cleaning, this could be a sign of a plumbing leak.

When it comes to plumbing, don’t wait before calling in professionals. Leaky pipes can cost homeowners thousands in increased water costs and damage that can accrue over time. Morrison Plumbers services Cahokia, Illinois and the surrounding areas – if you are worried about a leak, visit MorrisonPlumbing.com to set up an appointment. If you’re seeing signs of a plumbing leak, the best thing you can do is to take care of it immediately.