Fighting Broken Systems

Is your heating, plumbing or HVAC equipment giving you problems? If you need an experienced team to rid you of your terrifying problems, look no further. We can combat any spooky heating and plumbing problems plaguing your home. This Halloween, take the opportunity to get in touch for any inspections or repairs.

Scary Noises

Is your plumbing system making awful noises? Does it make you scared to even think about trying to get in there and fix the problem yourself? Then leave the work to our experts. We can banish the problem noises from your pipes and get them running smoothly. Unusual plumbing noises don't scare us!

Slow to Heat

If your heat is slower than the undead, there could be a variety of problems. Your heat should come on promptly when you engage the unit. If it's taking awhile to warm up, or not warming up at all, you should talk to one of our technicians. You may need to do something as simple as adding some insulation or you may need your system updated.

General Discomfort

If your plumbing, heating or HVAC equipment is generally making you uncomfortable, give us a call. We come face to face with some of the worse systems in the Twin Cities, and we've lived to tell the tale. Your heating and plumbing woes are no match for our team. So, don't hesitate to contact us for all your service needs.

In need of plumbing or heating repair services? Give us a call today at 218-927-6828 or contact us online.

Getting Your Air Conditioner Ready for Fall

Sept. 22 will mark the official start of fall. And by then, your air conditioner will have been turned off for some time, and won’t be used again until May 2014, at the earliest. When you put away the pool toys and summer clothes, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner is ready for a few months of hibernation. Before fall hits Crosby MN, here are some things to do:

Service your air conditioner

If you’ve been putting off maintenance and service, then make sure to have these done before the first frost hits. The last thing you’ll want in May is to need your air conditioner, only to find it doesn’t work because of an issue that could have been fixed in September.

Clean the outside unit

If your unit is covered in animal droppings, dead bugs and other contaminants, remove them or else you risk them becoming permanently affixed to your system when not being used because of the Crosby fall.

Protect the outside unit

Since it won’t be in use for a few months, don’t let your outside unit be subject to damage from branches, snow and other potential problems. Get a plastic or vinyl cover, making sure what you choose is waterproof and can cover the whole unit.

Want to prep your air conditioner for the fall? Call us now at 218-927-6828 or Request a Free Estimate.

AC Tune Up Saves Operating And Maintenance Expense

A properly maintained AC system will operate more efficiently and with fewer repairs than a neglected system. More efficiency translates to less money spent for maintaining your comfort. If you are mechanically inclined and electrically qualified, you can do much of your own AC tune up. Unless you are already qualified as a heating and air conditioning technician, there are a few areas in which it would be better for you to seek the assistance of an expert. You will have to decide for yourself how much you can do and when it's time to recruit the talents of a qualified technician.

The first and easiest AC tune up item is replacing the air filters. Filters are best replaced monthly for maximum efficiency. Even in the mild seasons when heating or cooling is not required very often. You should never go more than three months before changing filters. Dirty filters are one of the main reasons for poor efficiency in heating and cooling systems, and a major cause of mechanical failure.

Next on the AC tune up list is installing a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one. Then you need to learn how to program it correctly. Once they are set up, there's little that you have to do unless you have a change in life style. Programmable thermostats will adjust the temperature for the best efficiency and comfort whether you are sleeping, awake, or away at work. A properly utilized programmable thermostat could easily save you ten percent of your energy bill.

Additional items to address in your AC tune up would be in lubricating all indoor and outdoor fan motors, checking the security of all electrical connections, verifying the correct refrigerant charge, and checking the efficiency and safety of any combustion processes in your heating system. Most home owners and building owners aren't qualified to take care of all these items, and should utilize a qualified professional Aitkin HVAC service company.  If you would like assistance in performing your AC tune up in Aitkin, MN or the surrounding areas, click here.

A Few More Summer Air Conditioning Tips

We've helped you out with saving money while using your air conditioning unit, and we've also told you how to keep your air conditioner running. Now we're adding a few more tips for you to really get the most out of your AC in the summer heat.

For instance, it's important to know exactly how powerful your air conditioner is and how big the room is that it's located in. The power of an air conditioner is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU, the more cool air an AC can pump out. Check out page 3 of this Energy Star document to see how many BTUs you'll need to cool a certain room size.

Another tip; did you know that running a ceiling fan in conjunction with the air conditioner can make you feel between 3 and 8 degrees cooler? Even better, an air conditioner can cost as little as a penny per hour to run, so you won't be breaking the bank by adding this feature to your air conditioned room.

Finally, if your air conditioning unit is 10 years old or more, you might be in a better position if you just completely replaced it. Newer AC units (the ones that are Energy Star compliant) can actually use 10% less energy than older air conditioners. The energy savings you experience could actually end up paying for the new unit over time.

Interested in having a new Aitkin MN air conditioner installed, or does your current AC need maintenance? Call Northern Air Plumbing and Heating today at (218) 927-6828.

Keeping your AC Running

Summer can be a tough time for your air conditioner. When the temperature shoots up, you put a lot more stress on the AC, which requires it to be in good shape. If it's not, it's possible you could experience a breakdown. There are 23 specific air conditioner problems that account for 93% of failures, but the good news is this; 16 of these problems can be prevented with proper maintenance.

• Changing your air filter every 1-3 months can go a long way in preventing long-term damage to your air conditioner.
• Keeping the area your AC is in clear of any debris can also help.
• Taking a look at your drain line to make sure it is draining moisture properly will help keep your AC running smooth, and prevent damage to your home's interior.

Above all, it's a good idea to call a professional HVAC company to do a checkup on your unit. Aitkin MN air conditioner specialists Northern Air would love to help! Give us a call today at (218) 927-6828.

Air Conditioning: Why Your A/C Is Freezing

Despite the high heat outside, the pipes on your air conditioner can freeze. When this happens, your air conditioning unit can experience issues that might cause it to not work properly.

The reason the pipes freeze is because the refrigerant temperature in the indoor coil is lower than the freezing point of water, and it shows when you see ice on the outside suction line. Usually, this is due to poor air flow through the evaporator coil, which is caused by dirt in either the:

1. Air Filter
2. Blower Wheel
3. Evaporator Coil
4. Ductwork

Another reason your pipes might be freezing is because of low refrigerant, but only consider this once you eliminate the four options above. 

How do you stop the pipes from freezing?

1. If it's because of low refrigerant, have your air conditioning company recharge it. 
2. If there are leaking lines, then you'll need to have those fixed. 
3. Have your air filter, blower wheel, evaporator coil and/or ductwork cleaned out. 
4. Regularly change your air filter, at least on an annual basis. 
5. You may have to have the blower replaced if it's not running at the correct speed. 

Need help figuring out your problem? Call Aitkin MN Air Conditioner repair company Northern Air Plumbing & Heating today at 218-927-6828.

Money Saving Air Conditioner Tips

Summer officially starts next month, which means hotter temperatures are going to make their way into the Aitkin MN region. While many welcome the summer season, those who have to pay the electric bill every month may not be as excited; an air conditioner can increase your energy usage, after all, which then increases the amount you have to pay the electric company. Luckily, there are a few tips you can use to cut down on the amount of energy your air conditioner consumes.

Regular maintenance and service.
Keep the number of an air conditioner service specialist handy (perhaps Northern Air?) and have your air conditioner checked out regularly. If your A/C is running at a less-than-optimal level, it could be consuming way more energy than a healthy system.

Clean your air conditioner.
Be sure to keep your system clean, and change any filters on your air conditioner. A clean-running system is a happy one, and won't spike up your electric bill as much as an A/C that's performance is being affected by dirt, debris, and other interference.

Replace your windows.
Do you have single pane windows in your home? Now might be the time to replace those. They're more drafty and less energy efficient than double paned windows, and force your air conditioner to work harder than it should have to in order to keep your home at a cool, consistent temperature.

Interested in having your existing air conditioner checked out, or a new one installed in your Aitkin home? Get in touch with Northern Air Plumbing & Heating at (218) 927-6828.

Plumbing: Preventing Winter Plumbing Issues

Safeguarding your plumbing against the winter can save thousands on possible repair costs. Here are the four most common plumbing issues we run into, and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Under the sink

Many homes have the kitchen sink installed on the outside wall. While you get a lovely view, you also may get frozen water lines. Insulating your pipes is the first precaution you should take to prevent pipe freezes. Also, keep your cabinet doors open so warm air can flow inside, thus preventing pipes from freezing.

Frozen pipes

During the winter, experts suggest over 1 million pipes freeze and burst. The No. 1 cause is a lack of insulation, but improper insulation can cause exposed pipes to freeze during the cold months.

Cold showers

An unexpected cold shower is a sure way to catch the flu. A lack of hot water in your water heater can be the result of one or two things: a faulty part or low temperature settings. While you can raise the temperature, replacing the part should be done by a professional Crosby MN plumber.

What to Do in a Plumbing Crisis

If you're having a plumbing emergency, the first thing to do is to ask yourself, "Do I need an emergency plumber?" There are many jobs that require an expert plumber, like a toilet backing up or a new pipe being installed, but then there are jobs that require an emergency plumber, like water running nonstop from a faucet or a toilet flooding your home.

Before contacting any plumber, the first thing to do is to turn off the water or the water line, if you can. Doing so will halt further water damage, and also stop the water flow. Once this is done, survey the area. If the problem was an overflowing toilet, you should be fine until the morning or next business day, so long as you don't flush.

However, if the crisis cannot be put off, be prepared before you contact an emergency plumber, and be ready to have information available and to answer questions. Try to identify the problems as closely as you can. The more specifics and details you provide, the better the plumber will be able to assist you by gauging the emergency and the cost of repairs.

If you don't have a preferred Crosby MN plumber, call several. This way, you can obtain several quotes, as there can be significant price differences. Ask for quote of the service call, as some may charge for just coming to your home, even if no work is done. Try to obtain an estimate for the total cost. Some will not want to give one over the phone, as they may rather assess the situation first. But, you might be able to get a rough estimate and get an idea of the price. 

Plumbing Tips

Have plumbing problems? Keep the following in mind when performing plumbing repairs:

• If you find your pipes are making a sound when you turn on the water, then you may need to add straps or somehow cushion them.
• When your water hammers, check for loose pipes.
• Prevent pipes from freezing by keeping a little bit of water running from the faucets.
• If your shower head is leaking, and you find the leak to be where the head meets the arm, replace the washer to alleviate the issue.
• Before trying to unclog a drain, check that the drains stopper is fully opening, and is free of hair and debris.

Having plumbing issues? Contact Nisswa MN plumbing experts Northern Air Plumbing & Heating at www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

Tankless Water Heaters Facts

Not sold on tankless water heaters? Here are some facts to consider:

• A tankless water heater has no hot water storage, and saves a considerable amount on electricity and water costs
• They generate a nonstop, on demand supply of hot water
• Tankless heaters last at least 20 years, compared to 10 years for traditional models
• They are about the size of a suitcase and mount on the wall
• Most have a proven track record of success and are made in America

The Northern Air Plumbing & Heating staff is Aitkin County MN tankless water heaters experts. Learn more about our services at www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

More Tankless Water Heaters FAQ

Looking for answers about your tankless water heaters? Check out the list below:

Why does my tankless water heater exhaust have white smoke coming out of it?

When the exhaust temperature during cold weather is hotter than the air outside, the fumes condense in producing water vapor.

I opened the tap, but I don’t have any hot water. Why?

Make sure gas, water and electricity are connected. If so and you continue to have issues, contact a plumber.

It’s taking forever to get hot water. Why?

This is a function of the distance between the heater and the usage point. This wait is a pain, and wastes water and electricity. To rid yourself of issues, consider where the heater is placed or:

• Add a cold water line recirculating system to common points of use
• Use a recirculating line that keeps hot water flowing through a loop
• A small electric hot water tank that contains only a few gallons

Northern Air Plumbing and Heating knows tankless water heaters. We are an Aitkin County MN tankless water heaters contractor. Contact us today by visiting www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

Tankless Water Heaters FAQ

Here are some common tankless water heaters questions:

What is a tankless water heater?

Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless ones only heat water as demand, thereby supplying a continuous flow of a hot water.

Can it be installed in the same place as my old water heater?

Yes. They are compact and easy to install, and can be placed into a utility room, garage, basement or other room. They are mounted onto a wall to avoid taking up useful space.

Do they have lower operation costs?

Most have an Energy Factor of .82, while tank water heaters have a .65 EF. A higher EF is one reason why tankless ones cost much less to operate.

Do they work well with hard water?

It’s recommended hard water be softened or filtered, as lime scale can build up in lines with hard water.

Can they be installed in a mobile or manufactured home?

Unfortunately, most can’t and if they are, the warranty tends to be avoided.

Brainerd MN plumber Northern Air Plumbing & Heating can assist you with your plumbing needs. Contact them now by visiting www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

Plumbing FAQ

 Here are some of the more common questions we get about plumbing:

Can’t I just fix my leaky faucet or clogged drain?

Even though the issue might be seem like an easy fix, you may not know everything a plumber does. Plumbers are expert craftsmen at installing and repairing pipes and other plumbing fixtures. They can diagnose and solve all problems related to your water systems.

Isn’t it just better if I install a new sink, toilet or fixture?

There’s no doubt many homeowners are more than capable of handling these jobs. You can even receive instructions from some of the bigger chain stores. For the bigger projects, however, you should have it handled by a professional plumber. You don’t want to wind up stuck in the middle of a bathtub or shower installation.

What can I do about low water pressure?

The loss of pressure could be caused by several things: a malfunctioning shut-off valve, crimped water line or deposits in older pipes. If it’s just you and not your neighbors, it’s probably between the water meter and your house. A qualified plumber will be able to find the problem and inform you about your options.

How do I tell if my toilet is leaking?

Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Check the bowl in a few minutes, and if you see the color, then you have a leak.

What’s the best way to unclog my garbage disposal?

Be very careful when attempting to unjam the disposal. Insert into the bottom of the disposal an Allen wrench and crank it to free up the jam. If this doesn’t work, then call a professional plumber to figure out the problem.

Brainerd MN plumber Northern Air Plumbing & Heating can help you with all your plumbing needs. Get in contact with them today by visiting www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com. 

Water Heater Efficiency Tips from Northern Air Plumbing & Heating

Your water heater is the reason you get to have that hot shower every morning. We often overuse this appliance, not even realizing it until it’s too late. At Northern Air Plumbing and Heating of Aitkin MN, we’ve noticed that customers who adhere to the following tips often don’t need water heater repairs as much.

The average water heater last 12 years, but many stop working before that. However, the following tips will ensure that your water heater gets the life it deserves: 

• Frequently checking the pressure relief valve will help avoid costly repairs or a new water heater. It should be located on the unit’s top or side. Place a bucket at the bottom of the pipe. If water doesn’t come out or flow, contact a professional like Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. 
• Drain the tank to expel sediment that may have assembled at the bottom. Be very careful as the water may be hot. Consult your manufacturer’s manual for proper drainage procedure.
• You can save anywhere from 4-9% on heating costs by placing an insulating water jacket around your water heater.
• Another way to save current and future costs is to lower the appliance’s water temperature. This will also slow down mineral and sediment accumulation in the heater and pipes. 

Bid on Sinks & Carbon Monoxide Detectors from Northern Air Plumbing & Heating

Northern Air Plumbing & Heating has teamed up with KKIN Radio to offer the following items for auction at a big discount: 

-          A certificate for a 25” x 22” white molded marble sink. Normally retails for $130, but can be yours for $65.

-          A certificate for a 20” x 22” white molded marble sink. The bidding begins at $136 for this item that normally retails for $275.

-          Carbon monoxide detectors. Retail is $85, but can be yours for $45.

The auction takes place on air every Wednesday morning from 10:03 a.m. to noon. For a full list and more details on the auction, visit KKIN’s auction page. For all your plumbing and heating services in Aitkin MN, visit www.NorthernAirPlumbing.com today.

Northern Air Plumbing & Heating Now Takes Payments Online!

Don’t have the time to mail a check or send in cash? No problem! Northern Air Plumbing & Heating now accepts online payments!

You can pay your bill online with PayPal. To utilize this service, please visit our Make An Online Payment page.

Contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating today at 218.927.6828 or receive a FREE ESTIMATE for any of your Aitkin air conditioning or Minnesota plumbing needs!

Why Choose Northern Air Plumbing & Heating?

When it comes to your needs for Aitkin plumbing, MN HVAC or Minnesota air conditioning, you have plenty of options.

So, why should you choose Northern Air Plumbing & Heating? We feel our plumbing and HVAC work speaks for itself, but here are a few other reasons why you should make Northern Air Plumbing & Heating your choice for Aitkin residential plumbing or MN commercial HVAC:

• Family owned and local, serving Aitkin MN heating needs for over 18 years
• Licensed, bonded and insured
• We uphold and defer to the Minnesota Plumbing and Building Codes
• ONE YEAR WARRANTY for all work
• We stand behind our workmanship
• We do what is right for your needs
• MN plumbing and Aitkin HVAC for all projects, small to big
• Quality plumbing products and plumbing service for a fair price
• Friendly service with a smile and handshake!

Don’t take our word for all this. Read what our customers have to say about us on our Testimonials page.

Contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating today at 218.927.6828 or receive a FREE ESTIMATE for any of your Aitkin air conditioning or Minnesota plumbing needs!

Don't Overspend on Your Heating and Energy Cost!

No matter what time of year it is, when it comes to heating and air one of the most standard complaints is the cost. Sure, we want to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but we would rather not pay exorbitant prices to do so. As a result, we have products like programmable thermostats, extra insulation, radiant heating systems, solar panels and many other energy efficient items installed in our homes in hopes that we can keep energy costs low and comfort levels where we want them.
Unfortunately, despite our efforts it still seems that energy costs are not getting that much lower. This is often because while we are feverishly working at the things we can see or perhaps know to look for, there are a number of steps we have overlooked. So, to bring those common energy spenders to the forefront, be sure to avoid the following:

• Leaving the furnace or air conditioner salesperson talk us into a larger unit than is necessary. In reality, this actually makes the system inefficient and wastes energy.
• Having a gas or electric comfort system that is not as powerful as it should be; this is especially common in older homes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, an all-electric heating system should have an AFUE rating no lower than 78% and no lower than 75% for gas heaters.
• Not having the ducts checked for leakage when having a new heating and cooling system is installed. If there is air seeping out, then it's money you could be saving!
• Thinking that since heat rises, it is not necessary to use insulation in the attic, this includes not fully insulating the floors over a basement or crawlspace, or between walls and windows.
• Not using ceiling and portable fans to improve the comfort levels. These types of fans use very little electricity and help to keep the air circulating. In most regions of the country, you can actually set the thermostat to 85 degrees and still keep the home comfortable. Just by circulating the air in your home you can set the thermostat 5 degree higher than you normally would.
• Not checking the caulking around doors and windows on a regular basis. If there are any cracks, then you are losing cool/warm air.

A few things to do, to lower energy cost are:

• If you have an older refrigerator, consider replacing it with an energy efficient model. Studies show that older models (pre 1983) actually cost 2-3 times more to use than newer models. Also, if you have a refrigerator in the garage, consider either getting rid of it or moving it indoors as its location alone requires it to work harder to keep cool.
• If you have windows on the west and south side of your home, plant deciduous shade trees and plants as they will help keep out heat during the warm months and help retain heat during the cooler ones.
• Replace traditional light bulbs with CFLs.

Learn more about saving on heating and energy or request a free estimate from Northern Air Plumbing & Heating of Aitkin, MN. Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.

The Pros & Cons of Having a Tankless Water Heater

If you are interested in alternate heating sources, chances are, you have considered a tankless water heater. After all, like many of the alternative heating solutions, tankless water heaters are touted as a great option. But are they really right for you? If you are still trying to determine what type of alternative energy system is best for your home then consider these pros and cons of a tankless water heater.
Advantages of the Tankless Water Heater:

• You have unlimited hot water. Since the water is heated while passing through the system you don't have to worry about the tank getting emptied. However, flow rate is determined by how much hot water can be produced without letting up.
• Tankless hot water heaters require less space. They can be mounted on a wall or internally in a building's structure.
• There is less risk of water damage. Because water is stored in a tank then you don't have to worry about leaks or ruptures. However, it is imperative that the lines to the tank are properly and correctly secured and mounted so be sure to have a tankless water heater professionally installed.
• You have consistency of the water's pressure and temperature. You will need to talk the installer to ensure that the unit is set according to your needs and preferences, though. Regarding the temperature, like a traditional water heater, the tankless system is inversely proportional to the rate of the water flow- the faster the flow the less time the water spends being heated.
• Tankless water systems are not dependent on the water pressure that is going to the shower, faucet or other location. Unlike an underground system which often has lines that require the water to go against gravity to get to a location, a tankless system is not affected by gravitational challenges so the system does not have to work as hard to "transport" the water thus saving you money.

Disadvantages of a Tankless Water Heater:

• Hot Water! When you turn on the faucet in a home that has a tankless water heater, be prepared for scalding hot water. You will need to turn the hot water incrementally-especially for bathing or dishwashing.
• The cost of installation is high-especially if it is done after the home is built- and it can take as much as 10 years for the installation cost to be offset by the usage costs. In addition, it can be necessary to change over the valves, voltages, BTU and other aspects of an existing water heating system.
• It can be difficult to get cooler temperature water as there is sometimes a gap between the cold water and hot water system.
• A tankless water system is not always compatible with recirculation systems as the tankless water heaters are inactive when not in use and to be implemented to work with convection based systems will use more energy and defeat the purpose of having a tankless system.

Contact Northern Air Plumbing & Heating to receive a free plumbing & heating estimate.

Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing & Heating. Click for search engine optimization and search engine marketing or visit WebDrafter.com's Blog.