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5 Reasons Why an HVAC Maintenance Plan is Important

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Technician doing maintenance on a HVAC system

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it a million times: HVAC maintenance is vital!

We often don’t pay mind to our heating and cooling systems outside of adjusting the temperature. But an issue could be lurking right under your nose and it could go on to cause bigger issues down the line if it isn’t corrected. We recommend that homeowners should do an HVAC maintenance inspection at least once a year. 

Luckily, this process is made easy through your trusted heating and cooling experts. Many HVAC pros offer maintenance plans you can opt into so you can easily schedule out your yearly inspection. These plans can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. 

If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, WM Buffington is happy to be your go-to HVAC experts. Give us a call to find out more about our HVAC Maintenance Program! 

In this article, we’ll share the top 5 reasons why an HVAC maintenance plan is so important. But first, let’s discuss what to expect during your inspection so you know where your money is going.


What Happens During an HVAC Maintenance Inspection?

Your HVAC professional will come to the inspection with one major goal in mind: making sure your heating and cooling system(s) is running as efficiently as possible. They will also inform you of your system’s overall condition and any potential upgrades you could add on.

Here are some of the tasks your professional will complete during your appointment: 

  • Clean the interior and exterior of your indoor and outdoor units
  • Assure the thermostat and electrical connections are working properly
  • Check refrigerant levels and replenish if necessary
  • Replace air filter
  • Lubricate moving parts
  • Inspect ductwork for inefficiencies and leaks 
  • Clean out your heat exchanger


Top 5 Benefits of an HVAC Maintenance Plan

If you opt-in to an HVAC maintenance plan, you can expect the following benefits:  

1. It Can Save You Money 

Don’t let the fee to join up scare you away. In the long run, it will actually save you money. Heating and cooling problems can be expensive to fix. If you can get ahead of them during your yearly inspection, you might not have to invest as much money into fixing them. 

Regular HVAC maintenance can also extend the life of your furnace. Usually, a furnace will last up to 20 years. But that lifespan can be slashed significantly if you’re not keeping up with regular maintenance.

Plus, many HVAC companies, like ourselves, offer discounts on certain repairs/installations and also reduce regular costs on fixes or diagnostics.

2. You’ll Use Less Energy 

A healthy HVAC is an energy-efficient HVAC! When you get your system serviced, your HVAC professional will switch out filters, clean out various parts of your system, and check for any inefficiencies. Once your inspection is complete, you’ll be left with a renewed, more energy-efficient HVAC. This can be great for your wallet and the environment! 

3. Your Home Will Be Safer 

Cracked or damaged heat exchangers are one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide leaks. The colorless, odorless gas can even be harmful at low levels and can be deadly in high quantities. HVAC inspections can assure your heat exchanger is in good shape so you can sleep easy knowing your family is safe. 

HVAC inspections can also prevent possible disasters while you’re away. If you go on vacation during the cold months of the year and your system shuts down, it could potentially snowball into an even more unpleasant situation. A home without heat could lead to frozen pipes, burst waterlines, and flooding. All of this can be prevented by regular HVAC maintenance. 

4. It Can Improve Your Air Quality

According to the EPA, levels of airborne pollutants indoors could be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. Some common indoor allergens responsible for this include pet dander, dust, dust mites, and mold. Without proper ventilation, this can spell trouble for those with respiratory issues. 

These common indoor pollutants can collect in your filters and air ducts over time. Regular maintenance will assure your system is clean and properly circulating clean air through your home. 

5. You Can Avoid Major HVAC Problems 

By taking care of the little things, you’ll avoid larger complications. An inspection of your HVAC system is supposed to include checking the moving parts. If multiple parts need to be replaced and you didn’t know, this would likely lead to a malfunctioning HVAC system. You’d then be wondering, “why didn’t I just purchase that HVAC maintenance plan that could have saved me money?”

All in all, deciding to move forward with an HVAC maintenance plan can give you peace of mind. You can go about your day-to-day life confident you likely won’t be surprised by any issues. As we mentioned, most professionals agree that it’s best to schedule an inspection at least once a year. But you can even extend that to twice a year to achieve even more assurance that your HVAC system is running smoothly. 


How to Choose the Right HVAC Company for Your Maintenance Plan

Some people go with whoever shows up first on their list to hire as their HVAC company. Not you, you’re here doing your research, so let’s save you some time in discovering who should be your go-to HVAC contractor for the maintenance plan.

When vetting for a contractor, keep this checklist in mind:

  1. Is the HVAC contractor local? Always hire a local contractor rather than going with a corporation. Local contractors tend to put more heart and effort into their work because they care more about how you’re serviced. On top of that, they also have a better understanding of the area and can make more diligent decisions and better recommendations.
  2. Does the HVAC contractor have good reviews? Why would you go with an HVAC contractor with an aggregate rating of 3 out of 5 from 100 reviewers? Choose a contractor with a rating of 4 or above.
  3. Is the maintenance plan visible on the contractor’s website? You want all information in front of you before you call to get a quote. Once you call, you’ll most likely be looped into a sales conversation and may not be able to ask all of your questions. Be prepared already by researching the maintenance plan as it reads on the website.
  4. Does the maintenance plan include a full inspection of the entire unit and the full cleaning of the system? Full inspection and cleaning are must-haves. Why would they only have a look at the furnace without inspecting the air ducts for clean air?
  5. Is the HVAC contractor licensed and insured? Licensed and insured HVAC contractors are the only people you can trust to enter your home and expect nothing but the best service. If anything happens to your home while they are working on your HVAC system, the company can cover the costs through the insurance plan. Licensed HVAC contractors have proven their experience of dealing with HVAC situations in your local area.
  6. Does the maintenance plan include 24/7 emergency response and services? You have to be able to rely on your HVAC contractor. Otherwise, what’s the point of paying for a yearly plan if you aren’t on the top of the priority list?
  7. How much will this maintenance plan cost? Gather at least 3 quotes from your top picks of local HVAC contractors. You need to know exactly who is doing the best work at the best price.

Keep this checklist on hand as you search for the best HVAC contractor nearest your home. We hope you find the right business for the job!

What Are the Benefits of Smart Thermostats?

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What are the benefits of a smart thermostat?

In the midst of the frigid winter months, our heaters are a major part of our everyday lives. But whether we want to reduce the temperature when we leave our homes or simply get a better idea of our energy use, a regular thermostat doesn’t offer a lot of benefits outside of climate control. Smart thermostats can give a homeowner a lot more control over their heating/cooling system. 

A smart thermostat – also known as a connected, WiFi or communicating thermostat – is a device used to control a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. But it goes beyond mere climate control. A smart thermostat gives you the ability to automate your settings. It can also adjust the temperature based on the weather and your household patterns.


Key Benefits of Making the Switch to a Smart Thermostat:


Control Your System from Your Phone  

Smart thermostats give you the option to change your settings from just about anywhere. Through an app, you can adjust your heating schedule to your liking while you’re away. This can be a useful function if you’re away on vacation or heading home outside of your normal schedule. 

Can Minimize Energy Costs

One of the biggest draws to a smart thermostat is its ability to help you save money. You can use it to plot out your heating schedule around when people are actually home. Depending on the manufacturer, you can save roughly 10% – 20% on your current heating bill. 

Lets You Track Energy Use 

A smart thermostat also gives you a snapshot of your energy consumption. Through the app, you can get a better look at how much energy you use to heat your home and possible ways to improve and save even more money!

Long-Term Learning

Your smart thermostat can learn about your behaviors and adjust your heating and cooling costs accordingly. Some systems even come equipped with motion sensors to see when people are up and moving through the home. It will then determine when it needs to activate your HVAC. 

Voice Command 

A lot of smart devices are being engineered to make the user’s experience as streamline as possible. Smart thermostats are also following that trend. You can change your thermostat with your voice, making climate control that much easier. Hook up your Alexa to the new thermostat.

Tracks the Weather

We may change our thermostats based on the daily forecast. A smart thermostat does that for you. If a cold snap hits, it will adjust to turn your normal scheduled temperature up by a few degrees. 

Compatible With Other Smart Devices 

Many homes have a smart device for every room. Some can work in tandem quite nicely. Your smart thermostat can connect with your other devices to make climate control even easier. It can connect with your humidifier or air purifier and incorporate them into your schedule. 

Easy to Install

Best of all, as high tech as they are, smart thermostats are actually quite easy to install. In fact, they’re installed just like a regular model in most cases. But if you do have any issues, be sure to consult a professional. 


What To Consider Before Getting a Smart Thermostat 

There are a few things to keep in mind before you commit to a smart thermostat. In order to learn your preferences and schedule, some systems will require you to manually adjust the temperature at least a few times. From there it will adjust the temperature based on your feedback.

You should also double-check to see if your HVAC system is compatible with a smart thermostat. Most newer systems will be compatible. But if your system is 10 to 20 years old it will likely not work properly.

And finally, smart thermostats require a paired smartphone or tablet. Your thermostat will likely have an affiliated app that will allow you to control your system while you’re away. 


Monitor Your HVAC With Your Smart Thermostat

Some smart thermostats such as the Google Nest take HVAC maintenance to a new level. They give users the option to monitor their system right from their smart device. If an issue does arise, they’ll be notified immediately. Catching potential HVAC problems early can save a homeowner a lot of time and heatless evenings.

If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area and you find yourself in need of a thorough HVAC inspection, WM Buffington is at your service! We offer a range of high-quality offerings to cover any potential issues with your home’s heating and cooling system. 

Contact Us!

Why is The Heat Not Working in my House?

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Woman bundled up – why is the heat not working?

With winter right on our heels, our heating systems are about to shake off the dust and kick into overdrive to keep us warm throughout the coldest months of the year. But, unfortunately, the wear and tear of heating up your home will eventually catch up to your heating system. 

There are an abundance of reasons your heat might not work. Getting to the bottom of the problem will depend on what heating system you run on, how old your system is, and a number of other factors.

Let’s dig into some possible reasons why your heat isn’t working.

If Your Heater is Blowing Cold Air… 

This could be as simple as making sure your thermostat is set to the right temperature and mode. Be sure you’re set to “auto” instead of “fan-only”. This could result in your system cycling through cold air without heating it. 

If the thermostat settings aren’t the issue, your next step will be to check your filter. It’s important to change the filter out about every three to six months. If you neglect to change it out when it collects too much dirt and debris, you could compromise the effectiveness of your furnace. This could lead to your system blowing out cold air.

Another reason your system could be blowing out cold air is a lack of adequate fuel. Whether you have a gas or electric heater, it requires a source of energy to keep it running. If you have a furnace be sure it isn’t disconnected to a power supply or low on fuel. 

If fuel isn’t the issue, check to see if your pilot light is on. Igniting it should solve the problem. If you can’t get it lit, make sure the gas valve is turned on. If it is, it might be time to call in professional help. 

If Your Controls Aren’t Working…

Problems with thermostat control could just be the result of a low battery or bad wiring. Try to replace the batteries and see if the issue persists. If you’re still having trouble, it might be time to reset the thermostat. This process will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer. But, generally, here is what those steps might look like: 

  1. Turn off your thermostat.
  2. Locate the circuit breaker attached to your thermostat. Switch the proper breaker off.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds and switch the breaker back on.
  4. Turn your thermostat back on.
  5. See if the thermostat lets you control it again. 

This is just one way to go about resetting the thermostat. Be sure to consult your user manual to determine what the best way to reset your thermostat is. 

If Your System Is Only Heating Part Of Your Home…

This can be another issue caused by a dirty filter. If you notice certain parts of your home not getting heat, your first step will be to see if your filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. Next, give your ductwork a look. Sometimes, unevenly distributed heat can be the result of improperly installed ducts or air leaks. 

When some contractors install or replace HVAC ducts, they may not do exact measurements and opt to eyeball the size of their materials instead. A lot of the time they can achieve ductwork that does the job but just not as efficiently as possible. This can potentially cause uneven heat distribution.  

Poorly installed vents or simple wear and tear can lead to an air leak in your ducts. To check for a leak, head to your basement, attic, or crawl space and follow these steps: 

  • First, turn your air up to make it easier to locate a potential leak. 
  • Visually inspect the ductwork for any cracks or fissures. 
  • Check the duct joints where two ducts meet. Leaks commonly develop in these spots.
  • Use a lit incense stick or smoke pencil to detect air movement. This is a great tool to help you find smaller leaks. Walk along the ducts and further examine any spots you notice the smoke swirling in an unusual manner.

If Your Heat Won’t Shut Off…

Check to see what mode your thermostat is set to. Be sure it’s on “auto” and not “on”. This setting will assure your system will turn off when your home reaches the proper temperature. 

If it is set to the right mode, you might have an issue with the thermostat wiring. Normally, you can pop open the cover to find the wiring. Check to see if everything looks to be plugged in and the wires are screwed into the correct terminals. If the wiring is correct, you might need to replace the thermostat. 

If you adequately troubleshoot the thermostat and your heat still won’t shut off, there might be an issue with the furnace blower. This can be the result of a cracked motor or frayed belt. Usually, issues with the furnace blower will be fairly complicated to fix.

To prevent these issues from occurring, contact your local HVAC company and ask about annual maintenance plans.

Call in WM Buffington 

If you do everything within your power to fix your heating and find that you need some backup, WM Buffington has your back. We offer a no-obligation estimate for complete system replacements and home energy audits. We’re ready to tackle any and all of your HVAC issues.

Don’t Forget Maintenance!

A lot of issues that arise with heating systems are preventable. At a minimum, you should have a professional look at your HVAC system at least once a year. This is another service WM Buffington is proud to offer. 

You can even sign up for our Planned Maintenance Program to stay on top of any issues that arise with your system before they can catch you by surprise. You can sign up for either a one-time or two-time yearly visit.

Get in touch for a free estimate!

An Easy Guide to Installing a Refrigerator DIY

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How to install a refrigerator

Is it time to replace that old refrigerator in your kitchen? If your answer was “Uh yes, it’s actually past due for replacement” then you’re probably wondering what that process looks like. Well, luckily for you, replacing your refrigerator is a fairly manageable process you can most likely complete on your own! 

If You Need to Install a Refrigerator, Follow These Simple Steps:

1. Unpack and Move Your Refrigerator

This first step may seem obvious but it’s important to acknowledge how difficult this part of the process can become if you don’t plan ahead. We suggest taking the time to unpack your new refrigerator before you bring it into your home. This is typically a far easier process if you have some elbow room. Be sure to hang on to the packaging until you know your fridge works just in case you need to return it. 

Once you get it out of the box, it’s time to move it into your home. The easiest way to get it inside will be to use a dolly. If you have a big refrigerator, consider taking off the doors. This will allow you to move it through doorways a little easier.

We recommend having a friend to assist you since refrigerators are heavy and you don’t want to get injured.

2. Plug It In and Slide It In Place  

Next, it’s time to move the refrigerator into place. Before you slide it in, double-check that your measurements are accurate. Be sure you have enough space behind and on either side of the fridge. The air gap behind it is most important as it allows for excess heat to move away from the machine. You can refer to the manual to see how much space your refrigerator needs but typically, 1-2 air space between the fridge and wall is preferable.

Once the measurements are confirmed, you can plug in the refrigerator. Next, clear the area of any debris. Before you push your fridge in, be sure to untangle any wires and push them against the wall so they don’t get damaged. 

3. Let It Cool Down For Few Hours

And now we wait! Most refrigerators take around 4-6 hours to cool down from room temperature. But some can take up to 24 hours. This will all depend on the brand, size, and weight of your refrigerator. Set the refrigerator temperature to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the manual to know the manufacturer’s recommended temperatures.

How To Install a Refrigerator with a Water Supply Line

Does your refrigerator include a water line for an ice maker and drinking water dispensers? Don’t worry, it’s not too much harder to install! 

Here are some supplies you’ll need:

  • A tee fitting adapter
  • An adjustable wrench 
  • Pliers
  • 1/4-inch water supply tubing (this will typically be included with new fridges)
  • Rags and a bucket 

Here are the additional steps you’ll need to take before sliding your fridge into place: 

1. Determine Where You Can Tap a Water Line and Plan Your Path 

First things first, locate your water source. This will vary depending on where your refrigerator is located. Ideally, there may be an existing water supply line at the wall or coming through the floor in the slot where your refrigerator will go. But if that’s not the case, you have a few other options. 

If you don’t have an independent water line for your refrigerator, the next course of action is to tap into the line that feeds either your sink or dishwasher. Choose the supply line closest to your refrigerator. 

Once you decide where you’re going to source your water from, plan out where you’ll place the tubing. If there’s an independent line, you won’t need to do much. But if your water source is on the other side of the kitchen, you may need to consider feeding your tube through cabinets. Every installation will differ depending on your room’s layout. 

2. Turn Off Your Water Line

Just like in any plumbing project, it’s important to turn off the water line before you do anything else. If you’re planning on tapping into your sink water line, you can typically find the shut-off valve underneath the sink or near the water heater. 

3. Tap Water Line

Before you get to work tapping into your supply line, assure there’s no sitting water in the faucet feed line. Double-check that you turned off the supply line and run the sink until all the remaining water is gone. You don’t want that water pouring out all over your project!

Next, place a rag or bucket under the water supply tubing to catch any remaining water. Now you can safely detach the faucet supply tube from the valve with a wrench. If you don’t know the proper wrench dimensions you’ll need, get an adjustable wrench.

Once you free up the valve, install the tee fitting adapter to the outlet port. Tighten in place with a wrench. Now reattach the faucet feed line to one side and the refrigerator feed line to the second side. Tighten both with a wrench.

4. Run Tubing and Connect to the Water Supply and Back of Your Fridge 

After you finish up at the water supply line, run your tubing through to the back of the refrigerator. If you’re going through cabinets, be sure to run your tubing above storage and behind drawers. This will prevent any potential damage to the line.  

Connect the supply line to the refrigerator and tighten with pliers. Once everything is connected you can open the shutoff valve. Double-check all of the connections to assure there aren’t any leaks. 

5. Prep Your Water Dispenser 

Last but not least, check to see if your water dispenser is working properly. Once you confirm that you can properly dispense water, run out a gallon or two through the newly installed line. Throw out this first batch of water. Your refrigerator will start making ice in about 24 hours. Throw out the first two batches of ice as well. This process flushes out chemicals and tastes that come from the manufacturing process.

If You Run Into Any Problems, Call in Support

Is running the water line to your new refrigerator proving to be more of a challenge than anticipated? Do you need a new water line installed? Our team can help! No plumbing service is too big or too small for WM Buffington. We can assist with a range of plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance. 

If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, our team of heating, cooling, and plumbing pros are at your service! Take advantage of our free, no-obligation estimate! 

Contact Us Today!

How to Prevent Your Kitchen Sink Disposal from Breaking (With Troubleshooting Tips)

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Kitchen sink garbage disposal with water running

The garbage disposal is an integral part of any kitchen. As such, they tend to take on a lot of intense use. It’s easy to forget that they can break down until that fateful day finally arrives.

A well-maintained garbage disposal should last up to 15 years before the blades dull or the motor breaks down from natural use. But if you’re careless with what you throw into it, you could shorten its lifespan, or at the very least, create a clog. 

What Can Clog Your Garbage Disposal

As tempting as it is to put anything and everything down the garbage disposal (because it’s “garbage,” right?), there are a few things you should opt to throw down the drain. One of the best ways to avoid potential issues is to know what those items are. 

Avoid putting these items down the garbage disposal:

Eggshells: There’s a misconception floating around that eggshells are good for your garbage disposal. This is false. Although the actual shell won’t cause any issues, the membrane that lines the inside can lodge in the rotor of the machine. 

Coffee grounds: Another garbage disposal home remedy you may have encountered is putting coffee grounds down the drain to reduce odor. While it can make it smell better, coffee grounds will eventually form a thick paste that can prevent the blades from moving. 

Animal bones: Your garbage disposal isn’t built to break down such tough material. If you throw bones down it, you could burn out your motor. 

Onion skin: Just like the membrane of an eggshell, the slippery skin of an onion can get caught up in the rotor or even obstruct the drain. This can lead to a clog. 

Fruit pits: This sort of hard, ridged food waste can burn out your motor just like bones. A good rule of thumb is to avoid putting anything hard down the garbage disposal. 

Oil: Over time, oil will coat your pipes in thick, greasy layers and form a block. It won’t necessarily harm your disposal directly but it will lead to overall complications in your kitchen plumbing. 

Rice or pasta: When you send these types of food down the garbage disposal, they form a thick paste which can block up your pipes.

Trash: Aluminum, plastic, and glass have no place in your garbage disposal. Throw it in your trash can.

Cleaning chemicals: This is a big no-no. Don’t get tempted to reach for Drano at the first sign of a clog! Throwing chemicals of any kind down the drain can create more damage to your plumbing or even harm you and your family.

How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly 

One of the best ways to keep your garbage disposal running in tip-top shape is to maintain it well. Don’t allow any of the items listed above into the system. Break up anything you do put down the garbage disposal to make its job a little easier. The less work it has to do, the longer it lasts.

A regular cleaning routine can do wonders for your garbage disposal too. You can create a cleaner by combining one half-cup of baking soda and one half-cup of vinegar. Pour it down the drain and let it soak for 10 minutes. Next, turn on the hot water and run the garbage disposal.  

What to do When Your Garbage Disposal Gets Clogged 

It can be a giant headache when your garbage disposal goes out. As soon as we can’t readily clear our plates of food, it becomes apparent how often we really use it. It’s a frustrating process trying to figure out how to fix it. But more times than not, the solution is likely easier than you may think. 

Troubleshooting Tips 

  • Before working with your garbage disposal in any capacity, turn it off and unplug it. 
  • Try to rest it. There’s usually a button located at the bottom of the machine. 
  • Get the blades moving to loosen up the clog. You can hand crank the blade by sticking a long tool down the drain and moving it side to side until you feel the blades move freely. You can also get the blades moving by inserting an Allen wrench into the slot at the bottom of the machine. 
  • If you feel the blades move and it’s still not working, it might be time to replace the entire unit. 
  • When all else fails, seek professional help from a plumber. 

Call on WM Buffington For All Your Plumbing Needs

If you’re having kitchen sink issues you can’t seem to fix, we’re here to help! Our team of experts will get you up and running in no time! We offer 24-hour services, repairs, and maintenance. From quick service to affordable prices WM Buffington has your back!

Reach out for a no-obligation, free estimate today! If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, you can count on WM Buffington to make short work of your plumbing and heating problems! 

Call us today!

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