If you live around Lowell like we do, you probably rely heavily on your water heater in the colder months of the year. Whether it be for cooking, bathing or helping heat the house, hot water is essential to the lives of most people, unless of course they don’t enjoy cooked food, hot showers or warm homes.

When it comes to hot water, our professionals at Milltown Plumbing in Lowell recommend the tankless water heater. This system, which heats up the water instantaneously as it passes through the appliance, can offer savings down the road and is also less likely to leave you stranded with a cold shower on those negative degree January New England mornings.

Below are a few key features of tankless water heaters to consider before putting any more money into your traditional unit.

1. Maintenance Costs: Traditional tank-based water heaters are built to last 10-15 years and can require multiple maintenance visits to keep them up and running. Tankless units, when properly installed, can last up to 20 years. This nearly doubles the lifespan of some traditional water tank units, and saves you money on both repairs and replacements down the road.

2. Space: Traditional water heats can be monstrous. Having to hold gallons of water, they can take up an entire corner in a basement, or if you don’t have a basement, valuable closet space in your living area. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, require almost no space.Since the unit holds no water save for the small amount in the heat exchanger coil to be heated, the appliances need little room to operate. Tankless water heats can be installed pretty much anywhere in the house, whether it be a smaller unit near a point of point-of-use (like a shower or sink) or a larger unit to act as a central heating source in a centralized location. Regardless of how you choose to install them, tankless water heaters can bring back your previously occupied basement and closet space.

3. Energy Costs: This may be the biggest benefit of all. Although the prices of gas and oil are currently on a downswing, energy is still on everyone’s mind. When properly installed, tankless water heaters offer a host of energy saving perks. These include reduced water usage from not needing to run the faucet or shower to get hot water, to improved energy efficiency when running a device that only heats the water you need. These small price cuts can seem low at first, but over the 20 year lifespan of a tankless water heating unit, they can add up to some serious savings.

If a tankless water heater sounds like the answer to your hot water needs, call Milltown Plumbing in Lowell today to have your hot water ready in an instant. Never fear cold water again!

By zach@admachines.com

Spring in Chelmsford isn’t quite like the spring we see on clothing commercials. Last week’s impromptu snowstorm was a not-so-subtle reminder that shorts weather isn’t coming quite as soon as we’d all like.

However, despite needing to keep your scraper in the front seat, spring really is on the way. Get started on your seasonal cleaning in Chelmsford by tackling a little HVAC maintenance.

There are some tasks Chelmsford homeowners can manage themselves while others are better addressed by a professional heating contractor.

One of the easiest and most effective spring cleanings steps Chelmsford homeowners take is cleaning or replacing their HVAC unit’s air filter.

Filters prevent pet dander, dust and other particles from entering into your HVAC system. As debris collects on the filter it starts to impede the flow of air to the unit. Follow your owner’s manual on how to remove and clean the filter. Usually warm soapy water and a dry towel are all you’ll need to get it clean.

Once you’re finished cleaning, or replacing your filter set up a reminder to do it again in 30 days. Chelmsford can get pretty muggy in the dead of summer which means you’re AC will be working overtime as well as it’s air filter.

Another “honey do” on the spring-cleaning list you can complete without the assistance of a heating contractor is remove trash, dead foliage and overgrown vegetation from the outdoor coil. Even with a cover on (which reminds us, spring is a good time to take the cover off so you don’t forget on the first hot day of summer and blow your whole air conditioning unit out. You’ll definitely need a heating contractor then!) debris can find it’s way in and around your outdoor coil. Clearing it away will improve the performance of your system.

While you’re clearing the outdoor coil you might be tempted to spruce things up with a little much. Please don’t. Your HVAC unit needs to “breathe.” Mulching around the bottom of the unit can restrict airflow.

Our last bit of advice is to call a heating contractor and schedule your yearly HVAC tune-up. Spring is a great time to have a professional heating contractor, like the techs at MillTown Plumbing, come and give your ac system the once over. Spring is lovely in this area, but it’s fleeting. You do not want to be one of the frantic people who call us when a massive heat wave hits Chelmsford in the middle of August. Avoid the future hassle, call us today.

By zach@admachines.com

We couldn’t think of a more inconvenient way to spend the rest of your summer than dealing with a drain clog, especially if it involves your sink drain in Nashua, NH. When you consider that we only have a month or so remaining for any summertime fun, you should be spending it having a good time with friends and family—not with messy, annoying drain clogs. But due to a lack of maintenance or poor decision making, plenty of homeowners find themselves having to make a call for plumbing service to fix their sink drain instead actually enjoying summer’s final weeks.

The team at MillTown is here to help you avoid clogging your sink drain in Nashua, NH. When you consider how often the sink in your kitchen is used on a daily basis, a single clog can really disrupt the day-to-day in your home. Our plumbers will work with you in ensuring clogs stay far away from your plumbing system not only so you can live comfortably in your home, but also so you know how to avoid clogs in the future.

Tips for Avoiding a Clogged Sink Drain in Nashua, NH

The next time you feel like your sink is on the verge of a major clog, you may want to consider taking the following actions:

• Use Hot Water: Periodically, pour hot water down your drains to loosen up any potential source of clogging. In a similar vein to how hot water will loosen up any filth on your dirty dishes, the same can apply for your sink drains, especially for any buildup of grease or cooking oil which would otherwise harden.
• Throw Away Expandable Foods: Sure, foods like pasta and rice may look like they won’t do any damage to your drains, but they can expand once exposed to water and create a massive clog. It’s always better to throw these food in the regular garbage. Have any remaining food scraps from your pasta dinner? Dump them in the trash instead.
• Keep Grease and Oil Away: As we mentioned before, oil and grease can build up within your drains and harden, making for a massive clog not even the most reliable plunger can handle. When you have grease and oil that needs to be discarded, store in a plastic bag and then dump in the regular garbage instead.
• Consider a Garbage Disposal: Thanks to a garbage disposal, any larger food scraps can be chopped up into tinier pieces that will easily pass through your drains diovan blood pressure medicine. You would just throw large pieces of produce down your kitchen sink and wish for the best, right? A disposal can decrease the risk of clogs significantly, as well as lower the amount of waste going to your landfill.

By zach@admachines.com

Financially smart and environmentally friendly homeowners are increasingly installing ductless mini-split systems in Nashua, NH homes. Mini-split systems are proving to be among the most efficient air conditioning systems, which makes them attractive to owners of both large and small homes alike.

Why Are Ductless Mini-Split Systems in Nashua, NH So Effective?

New England summers can be brutally hot and humid, especially in New Hampshire. Yet however effective central air systems are, they have the drawback that they heat or cool the home in its entirety. Stand-alone air conditioners, while offering the ability to only cool specific areas, are often bulky, noisy, and not very pleasing to look at.

That’s where a ductless mini-split system can offer a number of distinct advantages over both of these types of ACs. A mini-split system basically consists of the compressor unit, which is placed outside the home because it’s noisy, and as many as four indoor air units that can be installed in the various rooms of the home. This is so effective because:

1. A mini-split system enables zoning, which means the different areas of the home can be cooled to different temperatures. This is extremely beneficial to households where family members have different temperature-related comfort levels, for example in the case of a family with young children who are more susceptible to cold. It also allows you to only cool those rooms that are in use, which saves a considerable amount of energy.
2. A mini-split system is cleaner. Since it uses heat pump technology, a mini-split system doesn’t actually cool the air. Instead, it concentrates the cold air and blows it into the home, making the entire process more environmentally friendly.
3. A mini-split system is cost-effective. Because it uses less energy, it saves considerably on your energy bills when compared to central air.

Call MillTown to Learn More About Mini-Split Systems in Nashua, NH

If you want to learn more about mini-split systems and how they can benefit you, contact MIllTown. We’re happy to explain the details to you and explore the best options for the comfort and efficiency of your home.

By zach@admachines.com

If the snow is finally melting, then spring is almost here, and it’s time for some much-needed plumbing maintenance. All the accumulated ice and snow not only wears down your home but potentially buries damages that won’t see the light of day until its above freezing. Your plumbing is no exception, and with the incoming showers, it’s best to be prepared. Nobody wants to trade off frozen plumbing for leaky, busted pipes, and a flooded basement. Luckily, with the right maintenance, you don’t have to.

How You Can Keep Your Home Dry This Spring

Whether you experienced any trouble during the winter season or not, spring can be just as damaging and unpredictable. Water from melted snow can leak into cracks and crevices, resulting in costly water damage. Appliances like your sump pump and water heater may have overworked themselves to keep your home warm and dry. Worst of all is your plumbing, which has just survived the threat of freezing and bursting. The good news is that you can prevent a plumbing catastrophe no matter what time of year, here’s how.

• Check for leaks. Leaks can happen anywhere, which is why it’s important to thoroughly inspect your pipes and water fixtures. Look around your home. Make sure there is no water dripping out or around the connections, especially when a fixture is not in use. You can often find exposed pipes underneath cabinets or in your basement. Some leaks may be hard to find, but you can usually spot the warning signs. If you find a leaky fixture or pipe, water pooling in places they shouldn’t be, or constantly hear running water, you should contact a plumber immediately.
• Inspect your sump pump. Your sump pump may have overworked itself this winter to keep your basement flood free, which means it could be due for some maintenance. Make sure to fill the basin to the top with water, your sump pump should start immediately. If it doesn’t, then something is in need of repair. If you remove the basin, there’s a grate at the bottom that needs cleaning. It may also be worthwhile to have a plumber inspect your sump pump, as well as other water appliances.
• Clean your drains. Clogs are a nuisance for you and your plumbing, and they can happen anytime. It’s always a good idea to consistently clean your drains, as it can not only prevent clogs but bigger plumbing problems. Avoid chemical drain cleaners when cleaning the drains, as the chemicals used can eat away at your pipes and destroy expensive coatings on your sinks and counters. Hot water, dish soap, baking soda, vinegar, and citrus peels are all safe alternatives.
• Don’t forget your water heater. Besides the sump pump, spring is a good season to tune up your water heater. It’s recommended that you service your water heater every six months to ensure it functions properly. A water heater in need of maintenance, or worse, a damaged water heater, is at risk of bursting and flooding your basement. Make sure to flush the tank of any sediment deposits and debris that could have built up inside. An inspection can also help detect any potential problems before they get serious.
• Look for any damages. The winter season can be a lot on your home, which is why it’s a good idea to inspect for damages as soon as possible. The extreme cold, ice, and snow could have damaged your home’s exterior and plumbing. Check for any cracks, leaks, or broken connections which could have been caused by a frozen pipe. The longer a broken pipe is left untreated, the worse your plumbing can get, call a plumber right away if your plumbing is damaged.
• Inspect your basement plumbing. Not all of your plumbing is hidden inside the walls. While you’re busy inspecting your appliances and water fixtures, it’s important not to forget the basement plumbing, as well as what’s underneath your house. Check any exposed pipes for potential damages. If you notice wet spots, pools of water, or smell mold, you most likely have a leak that needs urgent repair.

Prepare for Spring Showers

Nobody wants to deal with a plumbing catastrophe, but they can happen. That’s why proper plumbing maintenance is important, especially as you’re going from one wet season to another. The spring season can be just as tough on your plumbing without the right preparation, so it’s important to prepare before it arrives. Keep your home dry and plumbing happy by scheduling an inspection with a plumber today.

By zach@admachines.com