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Author: Amanda Triolo

Most Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Are you concerned about winter plumbing problems? Grasshopper Heating & Cooling keeps your home safe with reliable plumbing repair, inspections, and maintenance. Keep reading to learn about how you can avoid these issues.

Frozen Pipes Across Your Property

Your indoor and outdoor pipes become vulnerable once outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. When your pipes freeze, it can rupture your water supply lines, sewer lines, and more. It can cause damage to your yard if it bursts outside your home.

Protecting Your Pipes From Freezing Temperatures

How can you protect your pipes from cold weather? Take the following preventive measures to prevent freezing in cold temperatures:

  • Disconnect hoses and drain water from them before storing them.
  • Turn off any water lines that provide water to your outdoor spigots.
  • Leave your outdoor faucets open all winter.
  • Install pipe insulation in your outdoor plumbing or any pipes in your exterior wall.
  • Cover your outdoor drains with weather-proof sleeves.
  • Have pressure relief valves installed on water lines.

Drains That Clog Frequently

When you have a frozen drain line, it can affect your drains throughout your house. Drains are like arteries; when they have buildup or minor clogs, they can’t handle the same water flow capacity. Your drains won’t empty as quickly and will back up or clog frequently.

Fixing and Reducing Your Risk of Clogging Drains

When your kitchen sink drains clog in the winter, try pouring boiling water down them. You can also run the garbage disposals to help troubleshoot winter plumbing problems. If neither of those works, you should call a plumber for help.

You can protect outdoor drainage systems or metal drains in the same way you protect your pipes. Implement the following habits:

  • Avoid sending fibrous (fruit peels), grainy (coffee grounds), starchy (rice), and fatty substances (cooking oil) down the drain.
  • Regularly clean your garbage disposals.
  • Don’t use chemical drain cleaners (they corrode pipes).
  • Install a catcher in your drains to reduce the amount of soap scum and hair entering your pipes.

Your Water Heater Runs Out of Hot Water

If your water heater can’t produce enough hot water, showering feels challenging. Does your hot water last about an hour before running out? You may need to drain it or install a bigger model.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Water Heater

How can you protect your water heater from winter issues?

  • Consider whether upgrading to a tankless model can better meet your needs and give you a longer supply of water.
  • Schedule annual maintenance check.
  • Install a water heater blanket.

Your Sump Pump Backs Up Frequently

Consider it one of the worst winter plumbing problems when your sump pump fails. You’ll need your sump pump to keep your basement dry if you’re anticipating a large snow melt. Schedule repairs quickly.

What Are the Best Ways to Care for Your Sump Pump?

How can you protect your sump pump from freezing in the winter?

  • Schedule regular maintenance.
  • Confirm your basement has a steady supply of warm air.
  • Insulate its discharge line.

Issues with a Frozen Septic System

A septic system remains vulnerable to freezing in the winter. From the septic tank’s access cover to the septic pipe outlet, if any portion freezes or clogs, you’ll see backups in your home. You should schedule immediate help even though the frozen ground makes winter repairs more difficult.

Can You Prevent Your Septic Tank From Freezing?

How can you help prevent your private sewage system from freezing?

  • Insulate your septic tank cover and tank by laying a straw over it.
  • Pump your tank before winter.
  • Never drive on your tank or drainage field, especially in the winter.

Snow Melt That Floods Your Basement

Melting ice and snow buildup can flood your basement. The invading water could cause damage to your home if you don’t have proper drainage. You can’t always predict what level of snow and ice will cause a problem.

How to Prevent Problems From Snow Melt

Take the following precautions to prevent basement flooding:

  • Patch cracks with hydraulic cement.
  • Install and maintain a sump pump.
  • Immediately clear snow in a five-foot radius around your foundation.

Schedule Reliable Plumbing System Services Today

Do you need help fixing or preventing winter plumbing problems? Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can fix all plumbing issues.

We provide a wide range of services, from replacing pressure relief valves to repairing your home’s main drain line. We help prevent mold growth and damage to your home with preventive maintenance and prompt repairs for water leaks.

How High Can I Turn Up My Thermostat?

If you’re sensitive to cold winter weather, you may ask, “How high can I turn up my thermostat?” At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we know how your heating system operates and help you keep it in excellent condition. Keep reading to discover the ideal temperature for winter comfort and long-term savings on your energy bills.

How Your Thermostat Interacts With Your Heating System

Your thermostat works by sensing the ambient temperature in your home and comparing it with your temperature set point. In the winter, if you’ve set your thermostat to heating mode, it activates your furnace when it notices the ambient air is lower than your desired temperature. In the summer, it does the same thing but activates your cooling system instead.

The Problems of an Excessively High Thermostat Setting

Concerning your HVAC system in the winter, is higher always better? If you set your thermostat too high, you could experience the following issues:

  • Higher energy bills: The higher you set your temperature, the longer your furnace or heater runs and the more money you spend keeping your house warm.
  • Lack of optimal comfort: Even if you like an excessive level of warmth during the winter months, you’ll reach a level where you, or other people in your house, feel uncomfortable.
  • Increased wear and tear: A higher temperature means more frequent heating system use and increased wear and tear. You’ll replace your device early, and experience decreased energy efficiency.
  • Uneven temperature distribution: When you set your thermostat too high, it won’t keep every room in the house at the same temperature. You’ll experience pockets of cold and warm air.

The Best Winter Thermostat Settings to Save Money and Enhance Comfort

If you’re asking, “How high can I turn up my thermostat,” instead reframe your question. What setting helps you obtain a warm comfort level but can still save you money on heating your house? Remember, you don’t have to rely only on your home’s temperature to keep you warm!

The Best Temperature for Energy Savings

The United States Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day. This can save energy by running your furnace or heater to obtain a minimally comfortable temperature.

While it may seem daunting, the department also suggests lowering your thermostat setting to 60 degrees at night while you sleep or when you leave your home. This will help you conserve energy more by keeping your target temperature at a minimal setting for safety.

Creating a Comfortable Living Space With a Lower Set Temp

Does 68 seem too low for a comfortable indoor temperature? You can optimize the savings on your energy costs by relying on the following methods for staying comfortable:

  • Wear multiple layers of warm clothing like sweatshirts and hats.
  • Use blankets, heating pads, or
  • Consider using a space heater, though carefully read the instructions for safe use.
  • Eat hot foods like soup and chili and drink coffee or tea for extended periods.

Helping Your Heating Systems Stay Energy-Efficient

What’s one answer to “How high can I turn up my thermostat?” When you take steps to save energy by increasing the efficiency of your home, the benefits will spread to your air conditioner use, too.

Choose the Right Thermostat

When you install smart thermostats in your home, you can control your thermostat settings from your phone. Did you forget to turn the heat down before you left for work? It’s never too late to save money by lowering it.

Do you need a more affordable thermostat solution? A programmable thermostat can provide similar convenience. While you can’t operate most programmable thermostats from your phone, you can still set them on a specific schedule.

Insulate Your Home

Heat loss can significantly hinder your home’s energy efficiency, especially at night when the temperature drops. When you insulate your home exterior and interior walls, you prevent the heat from escaping and can run your heating system less frequently. Always consider upgrading old insulation a smart investment.

Invest in Regular Maintenance

Annual furnace maintenance is the best thing you can do for your HVAC system. Your heating and cooling system will run more efficiently and keep your home more comfortable. It also saves you money by reducing the frequency of repairs.

Schedule Services for Your Heating System Today

Are you satisfied with the answer to, “How high can I turn up my thermostat?” When you partner with Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we keep your furnace, heat pump, and air conditioning in peak condition. No matter what temperature you keep your thermostat at, we’ll optimize its efficiency and your savings.

To book an appointment, call (518) 545-3271 or contact us online.

Why Your Furnace Won’t Turn Off

When cold winter weather is invading your region, you need your furnace to heat your home and deliver energy efficiency. If you are wondering why your furnace won’t turn off, it’s time to reach out to professional repair technicians for help with diagnosing the issue.

Learn more about why your heating system won’t stop running and how our heating technicians can solve this problem.

Common Reasons for a Constantly Running Furnace

Even though it might feel warm and toasty in the home when the furnace is running constantly during extremely cold weather, this signifies a significant problem with the unit. Several different reasons may explain the reason for a constantly running furnace. You can consider these troubleshooting steps to try to diagnose the problem when the furnace is constantly running.

Broken Thermostat

If your thermostat is not measuring temperature properly or is sending incorrect signals to the furnace, it might never shut down. 

Check the settings on the thermostat controls to make sure someone didn’t turn it to a high temperature setting. Use a separate thermometer to measure the actual temperature in the house and compare it to the desired temperature measurement on the thermostat settings.

Thermostats typically last about 10 years. If you have an older thermostat, it may be time for a replacement.

Clogged Air Filter

If you have a clogged air filter inside the gas furnace, it inhibits the ability of the system to move air. A lack of air movement causes the heating system to work harder, which could lead to parts inside the heating unit breaking down prematurely.

The dirty air filter may block the movement of heated air throughout the home, leading to cold spots in different rooms.

You should change a dirty filter every three months in the HVAC system at a minimum.

Wrong Size of Furnace

If you moved into a home with an existing furnace that will not shut off, it’s possible that the furnace is too small. It simply cannot move enough hot air throughout the square footage of the home to reach the thermostat’s temperature setting.

If you recently expanded your home’s size through remodeling, figuring out why your furnace won’t turn off might relate to the now larger home.

The only way to fix this issue is replacing the existing furnace with a larger capacity unit.

Furnace Blower Motor Issues

If the heat pump or furnace blower is not functioning properly, it may inhibit the furnace’s ability to circulate air through the system. The thermostat might not send a signal to the furnace to shut off because the warm air is not moving through the home properly.

A professional Clifton Park furnace repair company can investigate this problem and fix it.

Loss of Heat Outdoors

If you do not have the proper level of insulation inside the home, it’s possible that the furnace simply cannot keep up during extremely cold weather. The home is not holding the heat inside like it should because of the issue with insulation.

Perhaps someone left open windows or doors in the home, and cold air is entering the home at a fast rate. Walk through the home and check for broken windows and open doors.

Consequences When a Furnace Won’t Turn Off

Typically, a furnace will run up to 15 minutes per heating cycle before shutting down for a few minutes. It can then start the new heating cycle.

When the furnace doesn’t shut off, it’s still delivering heat to the home. You might choose to ignore this issue because the furnace is still running.

However, the furnace cannot continue to operate this way without suffering a failure at some point.

Some of the problems you might experience when the furnace will not shut down include:

  • Higher energy bills
  • Home that’s too warm
  • Shorter furnace lifespan
  • Potential fire hazard
  • Increased risk of carbon monoxide exposure
  • Furnace breakdown

All these problems show the importance of having repairs done as quickly as possible to the HVAC system when your furnace won’t turn off.

Let Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Help You Understand Why Your Furnace Won’t Turn Off — and Fix It

Don’t continue to put up with a furnace that wants to run continuously. Let our experts diagnose why your furnace won’t turn off and do something about it. 

Our professional HVAC technicians at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling are ready to help with all your heating system needs. We do not cut corners when repairing and maintaining your furnace. To set up an appointment or to learn how we can help you with your furnace problem, call us today at (518) 545-3271.

Exploring Heat Exchangers: How They Work and Why They’re Essential

Just about every household HVAC system uses a heat exchanger. Other, larger mechanisms may use them for temperature maintenance and energy conservation, but how do these components work?

There are two things people want to know when exploring heat exchangers: how they work and why they’re essential. Grasshopper Heating & Cooling’s staff hold the proper licensing and training for these types of HVAC technologies. Here are the basics regarding heat exchangers and why they make your property’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems work.

What Are Heat Exchangers, and Why Do We Use Them?

You’ve learned about three basic states of matter – gasses, liquids, and solids – that can each contain thermal energy. Heat exchangers transfer heat between gasses and liquids. That ability to “exchange” heat is how manufacturers can design machines to stay at a reasonable temperature as they operate. 

Overheated HVAC components start fires, cause explosions, and lead to catastrophic system failures, so heat transfer is vital. The main reason a unit’s heat exchanger is so essential is that it reduces safety hazards and prevents injuries in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Another reason heat exchangers are critical is that they’re how some appliances heat and cool – one example is a heat pump.

Types of Heat Exchangers

You only need to know two basic things when exploring heat exchangers: how they work and why they’re essential. However, heat exchanger types are important, too. These are the four common heat exchangers technicians use:

#1 Shell-and-Tube

This version utilizes several tubes inside a cylindrical shell, with liquids running through each of these two areas. Heat energy inside the tube liquid transfers to the shell liquid, cools, and returns to the system. Shell-and-tube exchangers work best in power plants and oil refineries for controlled fluid heating.

#2 Plate-and-Frame

Plate-and-frame heat exchangers rely on stacks of thin, grooved plates with gaps between them for liquid. The large surface area on the plates increases their thermal efficiency, so the liquids exchange thermal energy through the plates. Food and chemical processors use plate heat exchangers to stabilize fluid heat levels with little to no loss in liquid pressure.

#3 Air-to-Air

Many air-to-air heat exchangers use refrigerant, a substance that changes from gas to liquid and back again. Refrigerant heats up when under pressure, and to cool it, HVAC systems will blow cool air over the coils or reduce the pressure levels. Most air conditioners and other ventilation systems use fans to blow hot or cold air over the refrigerant tubes to exchange thermal energy.

#4 Double-Pipe

Double-pipe exchangers have a smaller pipe inside a larger one. They work like the shell-and-tube heat exchanger on a smaller scale. A system like this works best for smaller industrial plants or as temperature management for certain renewable energy systems.

New York’s Leading Company for HVAC Care

That’s all you need to know when exploring heat exchangers: how they work and why they’re essential in your property’s heating and cooling. If you’re in New York, learn more by calling (518) 252-7939 or visit Grasshopper Heating & Cooling’s contact page for a free quote today!

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking Underneath?

Garbage disposals might just be a modern marvel. The appliance eliminates slimy food remnants after you rinse your dishes and place them in the dishwasher. At some point, however, you may find yourself facing an unexpected mess in the cabinet beneath and suddenly asking, “Why is my garbage disposal leaking underneath?”

Read Grasshopper Heating & Cooling’s diagnostic guide on how to fix a leaking garbage disposal unit. It takes more than some plumber’s putty to plug that leak, so be sure to keep the team’s number on speed dial.

What Causes a Leaking Garbage Disposal?

A garbage disposal unit might leak because of the following circumstances:

  • Regular use: Garbage disposal leaks happen more frequently as the disposal ages. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll replace that old disposal.
  • Too much garbage: Rinsing too much or excessively large portions down the sink drain might clog and build water pressure. Eventually, the pipes will spring a leak.
  • Inappropriate food waste going down the sink: Things like coffee grounds and apple cores wreak havoc on the disposal machinery. It’s best to avoid them.

Homeowners who aren’t sure how to safely navigate garbage disposal problems don’t have to worry. Plumbers like Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can check that the unit is connected properly to the kitchen sink drain and flush clogs to prevent garbage disposal leakage.

How to Find Leaks on Garbage Disposals

“Why is my garbage disposal leaking underneath?”

You can often pinpoint the problem area on a leaking garbage disposal unit if you run cold water from your sink into the sink drain. Open the cabinets and watch the water leaking from the exposed plumbing. Put a bucket beneath the sink to catch the running water.

Where does the leak come from? The average garbage disposal unit is cylindrical with a cone-like tapered top. It should be connected or adjacent to the sink plumbing. Identify whether the disposal leak drips from the top, side, or bottom of the appliance. Then, read below to learn how a trained plumber might fix a leaking garbage disposal unit.

Leaks at the Top Might Be the Sink Flange

The sink flange is the metal mounting ring that connects the sink with the disposal. Many homeowners find their flange to blame for the leak.

Check for loose metal connections and tighten or re-attach them to solve this problem. You might also discover cracks across the disposal casing, allowing water to seep through the structure.

Leaks on the Side Are Because of Loose Drain Lines

Typically, the garbage disposal drain pipe connects to the dishwasher drain pipe. That dishwasher hose connection empties food remnants into the garbage disposal drain. Then, the waste collection travels to the sewage system through a second drain pipe.

The existing drain line connecting the unit, dishwasher hose, and sewage drain has a metal clamp on each connection to secure the pipe materials. Is that clamp secure? Professionals will inspect these drain pipe lengths for holes or cracks that might cause a leak, too.

Leaks From the Bottom Are Because of Damaged Seals

If the garbage disposal is leaking from the bottom, it might be because one of the internal seals or the rubber gasket has loosened or broken. A broken seal allows water to escape from the bottom-most portion of the unit.

A plumber from the team at Grasshopper might replace that internal seal or fix it with some plumber’s putty. However, you’re usually better off having the whole disposal replaced.

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking Underneath? Other Reasons for a Failing or Leaky Garbage Disposal

Leaks aren’t the only issues that arise in garbage disposals. For instance, the mounting assembly can slowly loosen, masking a garbage disposal leak and other problems. The reset button may also get stuck, cutting power to the garbage disposal.

In any situation that involves power, like a reset button or breaker box, it’s best to leave repairs to the professionals. Otherwise, you could risk electrical shock and other injuries. For safety reasons, get a skilled plumber like Grasshopper Heating & Cooling to repair things and help you prevent future leaks.

Call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling to Fix It!

“Why is my garbage disposal leaking underneath?” Why not contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling for answers and relax knowing you have all the professional disposal unit service you need? We can replace parts, put in your new garbage disposal installation, or issue garbage disposal repairs to ensure it can run efficiently.

Whether you need professional help with a garbage disposal flange, unresponsive reset switch, or clogged drain lines, call 518-545-3271 to schedule your plumbing service with us!

Why Did My Garbage Disposal Stop Running?

You run your garbage disposal after rinsing the dishes to pulverize any food waste left in the drain. But the garbage disposal stopped working, much to your dismay. “Why did my garbage disposal stop running?” you mutter, wondering where you left your allen wrench and needle nose pliers.

Read Grasshopper Heating & Cooling’s brief garbage disposal guide below to quickly troubleshoot the problem. Our plumbing experts know what makes this appliance fail and shared their knowledge.

How You Can Tell You Have a Broken Garbage Disposal

Press the reset button when the garbage disposal stops working. This might help reboot it without a big fuss. Otherwise, look out for the following additional symptoms:

  • The garbage disposal smokes.
  • You hear a humming noise.
  • The sink water is draining slowly.
  • You can see leakage coming from the drain line.

These issues typically indicate something amiss deep within the system. But what do they mean, and how do they contribute to the garbage disposal not working?

Clogged Garbage Disposal Drain Trap

The problem might originate from the depths of the drain trap. The sink’s drain piping probably has excessive food waste trapped inside if the garbage disposal is not working. You need to unclog the sink drain pipe with a cup plunger to loosen and free the debris.

Otherwise, the issue might be deeper inside the drain system where the discharge drain line expels waste substances. The discharge tube or discharge pipe collects food debris from the disposal trap.

You might have small blockages in the discharge line or sink’s plumbing system with boiling water, baking soda, and white vinegar. But you should avoid pouring chemical drain cleaners down the sink since they can corrode plumbing materials.

Power Supply Problems

Electrical issues are sometimes responsible for a broken-down garbage disposal. Some examples include:

  • A tripped circuit breaker: Power surges following an outage can trigger the circuit breaker in charge of your garbage disposal. Check the breaker box for flipped switches and restore power to them.
  • Loose connections: Burnt wires or an unplugged power cord keep electricity from flowing the device. Securely plug the cord back in or request help from a plumber to tackle wire damage.
  • Flipped reset button: The reset switch acts like an internal breaker. If the reset button flips in the wrong direction, it cuts electrical power.
  • Malfunctioning disposal switch plate: You likely have a switch installed on a wall that lets you turn the disposal on without opening the sink cupboard. Sometimes that switch doesn’t work correctly and keeps power from flowing to the appliance.

Jammed Flywheel

“Why did my garbage disposal stop running?” You wonder, scratching your head as the garbage disposal hums without pulverizing food. The garbage disposal is not working because the flywheel might be stuck in one position. Tiny particles, like coffee grounds, can become wedged in flywheel.

One small, precarious piece of food can keep the unit from doing its job. You can try to free the foreign objects by inserting a wooden spoon into the drain. Tap the spoon on the blades to encourage the item to loosen. Tongs might work for larger substances.

Motor Issues

A motor frying, overheating, or dying might be to blame if your garbage disposal stopped working. Motors fail for numerous reasons, including:

These issues almost always require a skilled plumber’s keen eye.

Preventing Garbage Disposal Problems

What can you do to protect your garbage disposal and prolong its lifespan? Our team has a few recommendations based on our experiences in fixing these convenient appliances:

  1. Use a drain strainer. Drain strainers are metal covers that fit over the drain opening. You can lower the cover onto the opening before rinsing plates and cookware to capture large food particles.
  2. Rinsing the lower grinding chamber with cold water. Let cold tap water flow through the drain system after every disposal use. This leaves a clean pathway for your next operation.
  3. Grind more modest amounts of food. Never grind more than one cup of food at a time. Doing so could overheat the system.
  4. Dispose of destructive substances in other ways. Things like egg shells, rice, oil, and celery can destroy a garbage disposal faster than anything else. Read through a list of things to throw away versus grind up with the disposal unit.

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling Fixes Out-of-Order Garbage Disposals

“Why did my garbage disposal stop running?”

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can figure it out. We can also install a new garbage disposal unit if your old one burns out. Call 518-545-3271 for service from NATE-certified plumbers.

What Is the Best Deodorizer for Garbage Disposal?

Your kitchen’s garbage disposal can collect many bad smells given the amount of food scraps and liquid that pass through it. If you want to keep it smelling fresh, you might be wondering, “What is the best deodorizer for garbage disposal smells?”

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling shares some ways you can clean your garbage disposal and eliminate foul odors. Discover simple methods to get rid of any nasty garbage disposal stench and keep your home smelling clean.

Prevent Smells in the First Place

Why does your garbage disposal stink? You might not think about the food waste you’re sending down the sink but try to be mindful of items that end up in the disposal. As the scraps build up inside, they can form harsh odors that waft throughout the kitchen.

You can use various natural remedies to eliminate smells but the best course of action is to prevent them in the first place. Avoid putting the following items into garbage disposals to keep them from smelling:

  • Grease: Pouring grease down the drain not only makes increases the risk of the garbage disposal clogging but also allows different substances to stick. You’ll not only have to deal with a clogged drain but also harsh odors.
  • Runny foods: You’ll have to clean your system thoroughly when runny foods like eggs or honey get stuck inside the disposal.
  • Small food particles: You might not think that ground coffee beans or other small items would cause a smell, but they contribute to clogs and require a good clean.

Try Baking Soda and Vinegar

What is the best deodorizer for garbage disposals? Experts swear by the proven home remedy of mixing baking soda with white vinegar. All you have to do is pour about a half a cup of baking soda into the kitchen sink drain followed by a half a cup of vinegar.

These basic pantry ingredients form a chemical reaction that will fizz inside your garbage disposal and eliminate existing scraps or particles. Wait a few minutes and then flush out the smell and remaining fizz with hot water.

Utilize Ice With Salt and Vinegar

Cleaning your garbage disposal and getting rid of unwanted odor is as simple as grabbing some ice cubes, rock salt, and vinegar. These household staples are ideal for cleaning debris inside the walls of the disposal so your kitchen doesn’t stink. They combine to scrub any kitchen waste while a hot water rinse completes the process and leaves you with a fresh-smelling sink.

Follow these steps for effective at-home garbage disposal cleaning:

  • Place two ice cubes into the drain.
  • Put either three tablespoons of rock salt or a cup of vinegar into the garbage disposal.
  • Turn on the system and let it operate for a minute.
  • Turn off the disposal and then rinse it with warm water.

Manually Scrub the Garbage Disposal

When you run water from your kitchen faucet and can’t escape the smell coming from your garbage disposal, it’s a telltale sign that it’s due for cleaning. But what is the best deodorizer for a garbage disposal? You don’t have to look further than items already inside your kitchen.

Run cold water into the disposal and then start cleaning it with dish soap and a bottle brush. Manual cleaning allows you to get rid of stubborn food particles and the odor that they emit.

Use Deodorizing Citrus Fruits

While ice, baking soda, and rock salt can effectively clean a garbage disposal, many homeowners prefer to use citrus fruits like:

  • Lemons
  • Oranges
  • Limes
  • Grapefruit

The acidity of these fruits is powerful enough to cut through lingering bacteria and best of all, you’ll enjoy a wonderful, fresh citrus smell after cleaning. Cut up some of the produce, including the peel, and stick slices of fruit into your garbage disposal. Let the system run for a few seconds as you let some cold water run.

If you don’t have any fruit on hand, you can pour some mouthwash into the disposal and let it run to safely get rid of waste and build-up. Mouthwash is also powerful enough to eliminate bacteria without damaging the equipment.

Enhance Your Kitchen Plumbing With Grasshopper Heating & Cooling

After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “What is the best deodorizer for a garbage disposal?” Everything from baking soda and vinegar to citrus fruits can help freshen up your kitchen sink and keep your garbage disposal clean. For help repairing or installing this vital plumbing fixture, reach out to Grasshopper Heating & Cooling at (518) 545-3271.

How Do You Unjam a Garbage Disposal?

Your kitchen’s garbage disposal prevents clog-forming food waste from going down your sink drain. However, a jammed garbage disposal can fail to ground up food and leave you dealing with unwanted odors and poor plumbing. How do you unjam a garbage disposal and get it working properly?

The plumbing experts at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling share the process they follow when handling malfunctioning disposal units. Reading this information lets you know what to expect during a typical repair service.

Evaluate Any Performance Problems

Before you contact a plumber for repairs, it’s important to figure out what’s wrong with your unit. Take note of the issues you’re experiencing, such as:

  • A humming sound when the system runs
  • A slow-draining sink
  • The light switch won’t turn on or off
  • A leak at the bottom of the disposal

Contact a plumber and explain what’s happening with your system. They can typically figure out what’s wrong with your unit based on the symptom and fix it quickly.

Gather the Appropriate Tools

When troubleshooting measures aren’t enough, how do you unjam a garbage disposal? Plumbers tasked with fixing jammed garbage disposals need to gather various tools, including:

  • An Allen wrench
  • A hex wrench
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Screwdrivers
  • A sink plunger

This equipment will come in handy when the system can’t grind up food particles or you hear the motor hum.

Rule Out Electrical Issues With the Circuit Breaker

Ask an expert, “How do you unjam a garbage disposal?” and they’ll tell you the first step often involves basic electrical troubleshooting. A quick inspection will let a plumber know if the problem stems from faulty electrical systems, such as a tripped circuit breaker or a power cord that isn’t connected directly to the wall outlet.

As long as there isn’t water leaking from the bottom of the unit, specialists can restore power to the system by adjusting the internal circuit breaker or plugging it into an electrical outlet. Most disposals have a reset button as well that you can press to restore its function. You’ll often find the reset power switch at the bottom of the garbage disposal.

If the disposal still doesn’t work, it’s worth exploring replacing an old fuse box or electrical service panel. When all electrical components appear fine, plumbers may have to remove a hard object that’s stuck inside the sink’s drain.

Rotate the Blades and Impeller Plate of the Garbage Disposal Unit

A foreign object may prevent the motor shaft and blades from rotating properly. To correct this issue, your Clifton Park plumber needs to move a disposal wrench back and forth on the outer edge of the unit beneath the sink. With the system still in the off position, they can take a wooden spoon or broom handle and put it into the disposal to dislodge the stuck impeller plate.

How do you unjam a garbage disposal with tight blades? If there is any standing water left in the sink, plumbers will pass it through the drain with a plunger. They then loop an Allen wrench through the blade access hole and carefully rotate it until the blades begin to move with ease.

Use Safe Garbage Disposal Practices Going Forward

Now that you know what goes into unjamming your garbage disposal, it’s important to prevent this issue from happening again. Make sure you use the unit safely with the following practices:

  • Avoid putting tough food scraps into the unit: Banana peels, chicken bones, eggshells, and other waste can all damage garbage disposals. Keep your system safe by placing them in the trash bin instead of down the drain.
  • Run cold water when you turn the disposal on: Cold water prevents any fat or grease from liquifying and clogging your drain.
  • Use the system regularly: Letting the unit sit idle for long periods makes it prone to rust and corrosion.
  • Keep the blades sharp: Pour a cup of ice into the disposal and run it every so often to help sharpen the blades.

Other maintenance tips include using the reset button when necessary and replacing a worn-out shredder ring.

Let a Professional Plumber Fix Your Faulty Garbage Disposal Unit – Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling

At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we can answer all of your questions about kitchen plumbing, including, “How do you unjam a garbage disposal?” and “What are ways to keep a garbage disposal from smelling?” Reach out to our licensed plumbers if you’re having issues with any of your kitchen plumbing fixtures, including a jammed disposal. Call (518) 545-3271 to request immediate service.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Heating System

Comparing the heating system options for your Albany home can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t help that almost everyone has an opinion about the “best” way to keep your home warm, but in actuality, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What’s right for someone else’s home might not work in yours.

Although your budget is undoubtedly a big part of the decision-making process, there are other factors to consider when choosing a heating system. To get started, focus on these considerations to ensure you get the most cost-effective and energy-efficient equipment. 

What To Think About When Buying a New Heating System 

To get the most for your money and enjoy consistent and reliable heat, compare your options using this checklist. 

Size and Heating Capacity 

Can the heating system warm your home the way you want it to? A system that’s too small won’t produce enough heat, while an oversized furnace will use excessive energy. Your home’s square footage and number of rooms are part of the calculation, but HVAC professionals also take into account your home’s orientation, insulation, and the number of people who live there when calculating the perfect heater size. 

You cannot overlook climate suitability, either, as one of the factors to consider when choosing a heating system. New York winters can be brutal, so a heating system that can keep up with frigid temperatures that consistently drop well below freezing is non-negotiable. This usually means a traditional combustion furnace is the best choice for most homeowners.

Heat pumps offer exceptional energy efficiency, but because they work by transferring heat, they’re not always the best choice for an area that frequently experiences subzero temperatures. 

Energy Source 

Heating systems can get energy from oil, gas, or propane, as well as electricity. When choosing your system, you’ll need to compare the cost of running the furnace as well as the availability and convenience of the energy source. If you already have an oil or propane furnace, you may opt to stay with that style since you likely already have the storage tank in place. 

Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy rates furnaces using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating to measure the energy efficiency of furnaces, and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) to rate heat pumps. The higher the efficiency rating, the less it costs to operate the system. 

Overall Cost 

The price of the furnace or heat pump isn’t the only expense to consider. Look at how much you’ll spend to own it, including installation costs and maintenance requirements, when comparing options. Some systems might seem expensive upfront but are actually more affordable over the life of the unit.

Get Help From the Local Experts 

Albany, NY, homeowners who need help making sense of the factors to consider when choosing a heating system can get help from Grasshopper Heating & Cooling. 

Call (518) 252-7939 and one of our experienced HVAC professionals can help you navigate these issues and find the perfect solution for your needs and budget. 

Our crew will manage the installation, too, ensuring flawless operation and thermostat compatibility so your home stays comfortable, despite the cold weather. 

Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which Is Best for Cold Climates?

Maybe your old natural gas furnace has finally breathed its last, and you’re wondering whether you should replace it with a similar model or spring for one of those heat pumps you’ve heard so much about. Gas furnace vs. heat pump: Which is better for home heating?

Both systems have perks and drawbacks, and we’ll cover all of these below to help you choose between a heat pump vs. a gas furnace.

How Do Gas Furnaces and Heat Pumps Work?

Gas furnaces work by burning gas to generate heat. Like an electric furnace, gas furnaces use heat exchangers and blower systems to push warm air through your home’s ducts. Gas furnaces only provide heat, so you’ll need to buy an air conditioner to keep your home cool during the summer months.

Heat pump systems, on the other hand, provide both heating and cooling, so you won’t need to purchase a separate air conditioning system. Air-source heat pumps draw warmth from the outside air, while a ground-source heat pump extracts heat from the earth. Some models can take warmth from other heat sources, such as water.

Which Is Best for Our Local Climate?

First, the bad news: Electric heat pumps don’t perform as well as gas furnaces in certain climates. They’re more suitable for moderate climates because they don’t operate efficiently in below-freezing temperatures. In areas that get extreme cold, like New York, gas furnaces tend to be the better pick.

However, you can get the best of both worlds with a dual-fuel heating system, which includes both a heat pump and a gas furnace. This is a great pick for a cold climate like New York’s. A dual-fuel system will use the furnace to provide more heat during extremely cold weather, and the heat pump will provide supplemental heating when you need less heat due to milder temperatures.

Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump: What’s the Most Budget-Friendly Pick for Keeping Your Home Warm?

There’s no sugarcoating that heat pumps are more expensive than gas furnaces. For the upfront cost, you’ll pay anywhere from $7,500* to $20,000*. Furnace installation costs are generally lower than they are for heat pumps, too, unless you need gas lines installed in your home.

Thanks to tax credits and rebates, though, you can shave thousands off the installation cost of a heat pump. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides a credit for 30% of the cost of an energy-efficient air-source heat pump, up to $2,000. You can pair that credit with the $1,200 credit for other home improvements, such as an energy-efficient air conditioner or boiler. After incentives, you could pay as little as $10,000 to $12,000*.

Monthly energy costs are another factor to consider. Although natural gas is cheaper than electricity when it comes to local energy prices, a gas furnace can’t compare to a heat pump or dual-fuel system. An electric heat pump, on average, boasts 300% more energy efficiency than a gas heating system. That’s because it takes heat energy from the ground and air instead of burning fuel.

*based on a national average and not necessarily the exact cost you may pay for this service. Please schedule a free estimate to get a more accurate quote.

What Do Maintenance Requirements Look Like?

Whether you choose a furnace or heat pump, you’ll need to pay for annual maintenance. An HVAC technician will ensure that your heat pump system or furnace is running smoothly so it’s ready to produce hot air when the outdoor temperature plummets. They’ll verify system efficiency and be able to spot small issues with your HVAC system before they require costly repairs.

Maintenance is especially important for gas heating systems because they burn fuel to generate heat. Burning natural gas produces carbon monoxide, and if there’s a leak in your system, this poisonous gas can seep into your home.

If you don’t want the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning hanging over your head, settling the heat pump vs. furnace debate is easy. A heat pump system relies on electricity, not gas, so there’s no risk of a deadly carbon monoxide leak.

Are Heat Pumps More Environmentally Friendly Than Gas Furnaces?

When winter arrives in colder climates, homeowners run their gas furnaces almost nonstop. Gas furnaces generate carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses, which do a real number on the health of the environment.

If you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint, there’s no question that a heat pump is the way to go. Newer heat pumps excel at moving heat for a fraction of the energy cost, and they don’t rely on combustion to meet your heating needs. If you pair your heat pump with a clean energy source, such as wind, hydro, or solar, you could completely eliminate emissions from the system. You’ll enjoy impressive energy efficiency while doing your part to protect the planet.

Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re still having trouble deciding between a heat pump vs. a gas furnace, here’s a quick recap to help you settle the debate.

  • Gas furnaces burn fuel to heat your home, while heat pumps rely on electricity.
  • Heat pumps don’t work as well as furnaces in chilly climates, but you can pair a heat pump with a furnace to get around that limitation.
  • Heat pumps are more expensive than furnaces, but thanks to tax incentives, you could shave a few grand off the cost of a unit.
  • A heat pump costs much less money to run than a gas furnace does. By installing a heat pump, you could slash your annual energy bills by hundreds.
  • Unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps don’t burn fuel, so there’s no risk of a carbon monoxide leak.
  • Heat pumps are far more environmentally friendly than gas furnaces.

Still Can’t Decide Between a Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump? Let Us Help You Make the Call

If you still aren’t sure whether to go with a heat pump or a gas furnace, Grasshopper Heating & Cooling is here to help. We’re your one-stop shop for the installation and maintenance of furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners in Clifton Park.

Call (518) 545-3271 to schedule furnace or heat pump installation today.

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