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Heater Troubles? Don't Turn to DIY Tricks

These DIY Pitfalls Could Make a Small Inconvenience into a Huge Issue

When faced with a heater problem in the digital age, it's so easy to punch the problem into Google and go from there. But actually, if one doesn't have specialized knowledge of heaters and how they work, a seemingly easy fix can turn into a huge problem.

If one notices that their heater, furnace, or another appliance isn't working properly, they should contact a professional heating technician. Their years of experience and insight can address the problem without endangering the home's integrity.

Here are some reasons to consider professional help.

One Could Misdiagnose the Issue

Misdiagnosing an appliance's problem can create two issues:

The initial problem goes unaddressed: Some problems need immediate attention – or else they risk endangering both the home and its residents. Consider this scenario. Suppose that one uses a boiler that converts water into steam to heat the home. Yet, one of the pipes might be frozen. If left unaddressed, the pipe could burst, leading to flooding damage, mold growth, and inconvenience.
The DIY measures are done incorrectly: One may perform the repairs incorrectly in trying to fix the problem. For instance, they might strip a bolt, making it difficult to remove, or they can accidentally sever a wire. This can create problems upon problems.

Heating professionals require years of training to get certified. When a heating professional inspects a home's heater for problems, they will apply the latest techniques to correct the issue. One can rest assured that they will employ repairs based on research––and not what a random person on Google suggested.

The DIY Repair Could Take Much Longer Than Expected

When the home's heater stops working, residents want the issue fixed as quickly as possible. Yet, DIY heater repair measures could take a simple fix into a day-long endeavor. Consider this scenario.

A heater isn't functioning properly because of a leaking pipe.
A homeowner identifies the leak as being caused by a loose nut.
The homeowner goes to the store and gets a wrench to tighten the nut.
The wrench isn't the right size and strips the bolt.
The homeowner goes back to the hardware store and gets another wrench.
The nut is stripped, however, making tightening impossible.

Now, the system needs more extensive repairs than it initially required––and while this is all happening, the home's temperature is dropping. When a furnace repair technician steps onto a scene, they have all the tools to get the job done. What's more, they can easily identify a problem and work on it as soon as possible.

Homeowners’ Insurance Does Not Cover DIY-Related Issues

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department notes that while homeowners don't have to have insurance, most banks and lenders will require insurance before they issue a loan. A homeowner’s insurance usually applies to "covered perils," like snowstorms and other natural disasters.

Homeowner's insurance does not cover issues arising from a homeowner's negligence – including faulty DIY repairs. This could lead to one paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket to remedy a once easy fix.

About G.F. Bowman Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. takes a firm stance against DIY repair methods for one reason; it compromises a furnace's safety. They are a family-owned and operated business that provides honest, reliable services to those living in both Cleona and Harrisburg, PA. Call today for expert heater repair services in Harrisburg, PA.

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Don't Let a Faulty Water Heater Ruin the Holiday Season

Common Water Heater Repair Signals

The last thing any homeowner wants during the excitement of the holiday season is a water heater emergency. Especially with the temperature dropping, warm water is essential this time of year. Here are the telltale signs that a gas water heater needs repairs or replacement so that homeowners can enter this time of year fully prepared for colder temperatures.

How To Tell if a Water Heater Needs Repair

There are a few ways to learn if a water heater needs repair or professional inspection.

Change in warm water: If a homeowner notices that the warm water does not get as hot as it typically does, or if the hot water does not last as long, there are a few things they can check to determine if the water heater needs to repair. First, they should check the water heater's temperature settings to make sure it was not accidentally changed. They should also determine if they have been using more hot water than normal. If neither of these seems to be the issue, it is likely a water heater problem.
Rusty water: While rusty water can be a sign of pipe problems, it can also be a sign that the water heater itself is damaged and rusting. In this case, it is best to have a professional take a look.
Odd noises: If homeowners start hearing clanking or other odd noises coming from the water heater, it is most likely from sediment build up. Water heaters make a normal amount of noise on their own, but if homeowners notice a change such as popping or banging, they should have it inspected.
Leaks: If homeowners notice a change in their hot water and a pool of water forming below their water heater, it is likely caused by a leak and is a sign that the water heater must be repaired.

What Causes Faulty Water Heaters?

There are a few reasons water heaters can become faulty, including:

Age: The average lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years. If it starts becoming faulty around that age, it will most likely need to be replaced.
Rust: If the water heater starts to rust, it can start to cause issues such as the aforementioned rusty water and, if not treated, may cause irreversible damage.
Sediment: Sediment buildup is cause for not only pipe issues but also water heater issues. When the water is heated, sediment can settle in the tank, leading to issues.

If these issues sound familiar, homeowners should likely reach out to their local plumbing companies to schedule an inspection.

When Should Water Heaters Be Replaced?

If water heaters start to act faulty or reach the age of 10 years, it may be time to replace them. While there are a few ways mentioned above to determine if a water heater needs to be repaired, it is best to have a professional look to determine if those repairs are manageable or if the water heater needs to be replaced.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

With more than 50 years of experience, the G.F. Bowman, Inc. team not only has a thorough background but is constantly learning the newest technologies in their field. Dedicated to quality service so that their customers can have peace of mind knowing they are in the right hands. Call now for quality water heater services!

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Don't Be Spooked by Bathroom Remodeling

Tackle Any Bathroom Remodel With the Help of a Professional Contractor

DIY has taken the world by storm. From kitchens to bathrooms, there seems to be a Do-It-Yourself solution for everything. But sometimes, DIY isn't the best option. When it comes to complex tasks like a bathroom remodel, hiring an expert will save homeowners time, energy, and money while getting long-lasting results.

Keep reading to discover why hiring a professional is the best choice for a bathroom remodel project.

Prevent Injuries With a Professional

Bathroom remodeling involves some pretty major tools and lengthy processes. Removing tile, replacing a tub, and even installing drywall all take unique tools and man-power most homeowners can't supply. More importantly, most remodeling projects are dangerous. Professionals are licensed to use every tool in their bag and have the proper protection supplies to prevent injury.

Homeowners who take remodeling projects on by themselves risk injuries from sledgehammers, falling debris, drills, saws, and more tools and scenarios. Professional plumbers are covered by insurance whenever they experience an injury, but homeowners face the medical costs of their incidents. Working with a professional protects the homeowner from injury and painful medical costs.

Get the Job Done Right for the Right Price

When working with a professional, homeowners can expect quality work for a guaranteed price. Getting a written quote and description of the job from a hired contractor ensures that homeowners will know what the project will cost, preventing sticker shock and keeping the homeowner on the project's budget. Professionals know what to expect from remodeling and can give honest, reliable quotes and opinions on projects. They can make budget-conscious recommendations to help suit any budget.

More importantly, professional plumbers come with licenses and certifications that warranty their skills and work. Remodels must abide by state and federal building codes, which professionals are well versed in and required to follow. Homeowners can expect a professionally done job to be done right the first time and prevent surprise costs from popping up.

Save Time by Hiring Someone Who Already Knows What They're Doing

A reliable and honest plumber charges clients based on a contracted agreement and knows that wasting time wastes money. When a professional is hired, their priority is to do the job right the first time. Most plumbers warranty their work, and if a job is done incorrectly, they will correct it at their own expense. It behooves a professional to do the work right the first time, and to do so, a good plumber stays on top of their training and certifications to make sure they're ready to handle any plumbing task.

Ultimately, a shorter job means a more economical project. Working with an experienced plumber can shorten project time and cost, making the remodeling process less stressful.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. Is Ready To Help!

There's nothing worse than stressing about plumbing. G.F. Bowman, Inc. knows just how much plumbing problems can bother a homeowner. That's why they are proud to offer quality work to make their customers' lives a little easier. Since 1967, G.F. Bowman, Inc. has provided affordable, reliable bathroom remodeling in the Cleona and Lebanon, PA area.

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Don't Forget About Thanking HVAC Technicians this Thanksgiving

Why Thanking HVAC Technicians is Important

Since the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the celebration of Thanksgiving has been an important tradition in this country. It’s a sacred time when family and friends come together to give thanks for the many blessings in their lives. It’s also a reminder of the importance that communities place on gratitude and appreciation.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, it’s a good time to reflect upon the individuals that help to make your life better and to show them gratitude for what they do. While they’re often underappreciated, HVAC technicians play a major role in keeping your family comfortable and healthy year-round. As such, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to fully appreciate what they do and to show gratitude for their work.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

While it’s not talked about a lot, indoor air quality has a big impact on your quality of life. Most individuals spend more time in their homes than anywhere else, and indoor air quality is usually lower than outdoor air quality.

As a result, it’s important to work to keep your indoor air quality high. This is particularly true if you or members of your family have allergies or respiratory issues. The good news is that if your HVAC unit is well-maintained and working properly, it will maintain your indoor air quality.

So, while you might not think about it much, your HVAC technician does, and it’s your technician’s ongoing efforts that help to keep your indoor air quality as high as possible. This is important to keeping your family healthy and comfortable, so make sure that you thank your HVAC technician for helping to maintain your indoor air quality.

Just the Right Temperature

In this time of extreme temperatures, it’s important to have a heating and cooling system that can keep your home comfortable even on the hottest or coldest days. Keeping your home at a steady and comfortable temperature with adjustable thermostats amidst rapidly changing and extreme outdoor temperatures are something that is easy to take for granted.

It’s through the efforts of HVAC technicians, who work in extreme temperatures, that you are able to trust that your home will be comfortable no matter what the outdoor temperature is. So the next time that you walk into your cozy home on an especially cold day, take a moment to appreciate the work of your HVAC technician that made that possible.

Searching for Heating Services Near You

As cold days approach, it’s not surprising that one of the most commonly searched phrases is “heating services near me.”

Thankfully, there are HVAC technicians working in local businesses throughout the country that are readily available to meet customers’ heating needs, whenever they arise.

Not only does this help you to stay comfortable, but it also gives you the peace of mind to know that should you ever have a heating issue in the middle of winter, there are technicians close by that are available 24/7 to make sure that your home stays warm.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. Is Your Dependable HVAC Company

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been providing the Harrisburg area with quality heating, cooling, and plumbing services since 1967. With experienced technicians and a commitment to excellent customer service, they have been the area’s trusted plumbing and indoor comfort experts for over 50 years.