While owning a home can be very rewarding, it can also be overwhelming and expensive if maintenance is neglected. Performing regularly scheduled home maintenance can greatly reduce the chance of unexpected repair expenses and components failing. 

Although maintenance may vary by region and age of the home, try following this easy monthly schedule to keep your home shipshape and avoid major mishaps.

Repair any interior wall damage. Touch-up or repaint as needed.

Check for leaks or moisture seepage on ceilings, exterior walls and around the foundation. Have a plumber inspect and repair any leaks if you see seepage.

Check tile in bathroom and kitchen areas. Re-grout and cover with silicone sealer as needed.

Repair and seal damaged or loose counter-tops, if necessary.

Add copper sulfate to basement f loor drain and downspout drains to control tree roots in the main sewer line. If you think there is damage, contact a plumber.

At winter’s end, re-open any interior valves supplying outdoor water pipes.

Trim trees, bushes and shrubs. (Wait until spring-flowering shrubs have finished blooming.)

Inspect roof for damaged or missing shingles.

Schedule an air conditioning tune-up to ensure your unit is running at peak performance and as energy efficient as possible.

Check and replace caulking around windows, doors and siding joints.

Clean windows and their frames when installing screens.

Check house and garage for rotting wood, and repair as needed.

Clean or pressure wash exterior of the house.

Scrape, prime and paint any areas on house or garage as needed.

Clean carpets and seal hardwood floors. Repair or replace as necessary.

Look for visible signs of carpenter ants, termites and other destructive insects. Treat accordingly.

Check concrete drive, sidewalks, patios, and landings for condition and level. Repair as needed.

Check porch flooring and repair as needed.

Clean and reseal decks, fences or other structures made of pressure-treated wood.

Re-nail any loose siding or trim boards as necessary.

Add copper sulfate to basement floor drain and downspout drains to control tree roots in main sewer. If you think there is damage, contact a plumber.

Check weather-stripping on all doors and windows.

Have your furnace tuned-up in preparation for winter.

Check damper in fireplace for obstructions such as birds' nests.

Make sure all garage floor or driveway drains are flowing properly.

Inspect roof for loose or missing shingles and check flashing seals.

Inspect outdoor water fixtures and shut off interior valves supplying outdoor water to prevent them from freezing.

Prune bushes, trees and shrubs (except spring-flowering shrubs.) Clean and cover flower beds if necessary.

Schedule a water heater tune-up to drain off sediment and make sure your water heater is running as efficiently as possible.

Clean pipes. Plumbers suggest a routine cleaning every 12-18 months.

Thoroughly inspect home and plan for next year’s improvements.

Plumbing, and heating and air conditioning systems receive more wear and tear than other features of your home because they are in constant use. To keep your equipment running at peak performance and as energy efficient as possible it is necessary to perform monthly maintenance on these items. Following this checklist should help. But if you run into problems Hawthorne Plumbing, Heating & Cooling  is here to help.

Don't let your home fall into disrepair - check out our list of home repairs related articles below for more information on how to keep your home in top condition!

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While owning a home can be very rewarding, it can also be overwhelming and expensive if maintenance is neglected.

Keep Your Home in Top Shape by Following an Annual Maintenance Schedule

Waiting until the winter months to service your HVAC system can be disastrous. While a service call for annual maintenance can be an inconvenience, ignoring warning signs that your heating system needs maintenance can lead to thousands of dollars for unexpected repairs or replacement.

Watch for these four warning signs that your heater needs repair.

An unbalanced distribution of heat throughout your home could be an indicator that your heating system isn't working properly. Homeowners should check for dirty filters, blocked vents and low batteries in the thermostat, if applicable. If the problem continues, a service call may be necessary.

If your utility bills increase with no explanation during the winter months, it could be an indication that your HVAC isn't operating efficiently. Possible causes could be a faulty thermostat or malfunctioning heating elements. The issues could cause your unit to run longer than normal leading to higher monthly bills.

Heaters can make a variety of noises. Some sounds indicate normal aging, while others mean a component needs maintenance. Common sounds include "kettling" that sounds like boiling water, dripping or gurgling and tapping or banging. If you hear any harsh, metallic sounds, switch the system off until it has been inspected by a technician.

The expected life span of most heating systems is approximately 15 years. As the unit ages components begin to wear down and efficiency lessens. Even well-maintained systems need eventual replacement.

Check out our list of home repairs related articles below for more information on how to keep your home in top condition!

Keep Your Home in Top Shape by Following an Annual Maintenance Schedule 

4 Signs Your Heating System Needs Service

Waiting until the winter months to service your HVAC system can be disastrous. While a service call for annual maintenance can be an inconvenience

Autumn is the prelude for falling temperatures and wet weather. Even in warmer climates, increased moisture can wreak havoc on homes, especially plumbing, air conditioning and heating (HVAC) units. 

High winds and winter storms can bring damage and debris. Winterizing your outside utility components can reduce hassle for homeowners and prolong the life of various mechanisms operating inside the home.

Remove debris, such as leaves, twigs, and grass clippings from around the unit. Use a hose to wash off dead bugs, bird droppings and accumulated dirt. 

Let the unit dry completely before using it. Performing an annual cleaning helps prevent rust and dirty buildup that can shorten the life of your AC or heating unit

Install foam pipe covers on exterior pipes

Cut the pipe insulation to fit the length and diameter of the pipe and wrap duct tape around the insulation to hold it in place. 

Pipe covers and/or foam insulation can be found at any hardware or home improvement store, and prevents pipes from freezing in cold weather.

Check exterior doors, windows and entry points around pipes

Seal cracks, crevices and pipe entry points to prevent air and moisture from leaking into the home. To keep the cold weather out it’s also a good idea to replace weather stripping around doors and windows.  

Regardless of climate, homes should be checked and repaired yearly to prevent rust or mold from getting inside.

Clean gutters and spray down the downspouts to dislodge leaves and debris. Consider installing leaf shields or extensions on downspouts to direct water away from the home. 

Inspect and repair flashing and shingles. This will keep your roof and gutter system operating properly, and prevent an excess of water and leaves from building up around your newly cleaned and sealed HVAC unit, windows and doors.

Trim trees and branches that hang too close to the roof, windows, HVAC unit, or any exterior electrical wires to prevent damage and possible power outages. 

While you are getting ready for winter it’s also a good time to seal driveways, foundations and wooden decks to prevent moisture seepage.

These tips will help you extend the life of your air conditioning and HVAC units, keep you warm this winter and help reduce your power bill. For more information please Contact your local Hawthorne Plumbing Heating and Cooling Company.

Don't spend hours of your free time trying to DIY a home repair that you're not confident in. Check out our list of home repairs below for more information on how to get the job done right- the first time!

What is the Right Temperature for My Water Heater? 

Hawthorne Plumbing Heating and Cooling

Autumn is the prelude for falling temperatures and wet weather. Even in warmer climates, increased moisture can wreak havoc on homes, especially plumbing, air conditioning and heating (HVAC) units.

5 Easy Tips for Winterizing the Outside of Your Home

Autumn is the prelude for falling temperatures and wet weather. Even in warmer climates, increased moisture can wreak havoc on homes

Autumn is the prelude for falling temperatures and wet weather.

Homeownership can be very rewarding. It can also come with a variety of time and financial burdens. Not only do home owners have their mortgage, insurance, taxes and utility bills – they must also deal with the cost of annual maintenance and other required repairs.

A number of homeowners attempt to reduce expenses by tackling their own home repairs. For a majority of home projects, this practice is a good idea. However, there are some home repairs that should only be handled by professionals.

While changing an electrical outlet can be simple enough to do by watching a video on YouTube, new electricity, re-wire or an electrical box upgrade all require the skills and experience of a professional. 

Handling wires without the knowledge required could risk a fire or serious injury. It is best to find an electrician in your area capable of handling the job to ensure it is completed correctly.

There are some plumbing jobs such as a faucet replacement or a dishwasher installation that can easily be handled by the ambitious homeowner. 

When it comes to running new pipes or dealing with multiple piping systems at once, however, a professional is your best option to avoid water leaks. Should a leak go unnoticed, it can create mildew or mold buildup – leading to even worse and more expensive issues.

Your heating and air conditioning are a lot more complicated than you may be aware. Improper repair and maintenance could lead to a larger system problem. To avoid loss of air or heat right when you need it most, it is best to hire a local expert for regular service.

Taking care of your home is an essential part of being a homeowner. While you may enjoy the occasional do-it-yourself project, there are some things you should definitely leave to the professionals at Hawthorne Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Visit our home repairs related articles below for more information on how to keep your home in top condition!

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Homeownership can be very rewarding. It can also come with a variety of time and financial burdens. 

Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Tackle Yourself

Homeownership can be very rewarding. It can also come with a variety of time and financial burdens.

Hawthorne Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is dedicated to helping residents and businesses of the Greater Las Vegas and Henderson, NV areas maintain high standards of plumbing, sewer and water convenience.

With summer here and hitting hard, problems with plumbing can be all the worse...especially when they interrupt showers, create backed up drains or create toilet problems. 

Here are a few of the most common plumbing problems for summer and basic maintenance ideas to help prevent them.

Clogged sinks are a common plumbing problem

In many facilities, especially restaurants. Sink drains can become backed up by washing items such as large pieces of food, paper waste and toothpicks. 

Add in soda, coffee and grease, which can all build up along the side of the piping, and you create a gunky mess that prevents water flow. 

Be sure to place a trash can near the sink to discard unwanted items before they make it into the drain. It is also a good idea to install a strainer or screen to stop waste from entering your drains.

Especially in large facility buildings and warehouses where there is a lot of potential debris. 

Between dirt and other garbage that gets swept into the drain, floor drains can back up quickly if not taken care of properly. It is important to install a basket to stop trash before it enters pipes as well as general education on proper procedures for clean-up.

Plumbing leaks are caused by all kinds of things

Rapid changes in temperature can cause pipes to expand and contract. Storing items near pipes, such as under a kitchen sink, can lead to constant bumps and shifts that can create leaks. 

Rust, corrosion and broken seals are also common. The best way to remove the risk of leaky plumbing is to have a proper preventative maintenance plan. This is especially important during summer months, when water usage generally tends to increase.

- and significantly affect home comfort. Most often, toilets become clogged when individuals’ flush items that should be thrown away. 

To reduce the possibility of unwanted flushes, have trash receptacles plainly visible for use and use water filtration systems filter sand and debris from incoming water. Businesses should try installing air dryers instead of using paper towels.

The most common problems with water heaters are thermostats

- thermal-expansion tanks, shut-off valves and pipe leaks. To prevent issues with your system, a strong preventative maintenance plan is important. 

Every six months (for businesses) to a year (residential homes) flush out the water heater to remove sediment, which can burn out the heater elements. This is especially helpful if you are in an area with hard water.

For professional plumbing advice and assistance, contact your local plumbers at Hawthorne Plumbing, Heating & Cooling!

Don't let a little thing like a broken window or a leaky roof turn into a major headache. Check out our list of home repairs related articles below for more information on how to handle these issues yourself. You'll be glad you did!

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Are you having trouble disconnecting a gas stove? Here's a short guide on how to do it the right way.

Disconnecting gas ranges might be complicated, but it is still a doable job. Whether you want to disconnect your gas stove because you wish to give it a thorough cleaning, you want to replace a damaged hose connector, or change the gas appliance. You can do it all by yourself without throwing money.

Before you disconnect a gas stove, it would help to check for leaks first and turn off the gas flow to that specific supply line. Moreover, if you follow the proper steps, it won't require much time.

But you would have to take some safety precautions to conveniently and immediately do the job by yourself without the need to call a professional. So, let's explore what those steps are.

To get the gas disconnected simply, reach behind the stove, and check the gas shutoff valve on the gas lines. Generally, there's a shutoff valve before the stove and a flexible gas line. So, if you find it turn the lever to cut the gas supply to the kitchen completely.

If you are unable to find the gas shutoff valve, building codes require them to be located within 6 feet of the gas appliances. So, if you smell gas, you won't have to spend time finding one. Just look for the pipes connecting the gas outlet with the stove.

For a countertop stove, you'll find the valve inside the cabinet below the countertop.

Next, remove the connection hose and move it out of the way. Once you've turned the gas off, make sure that there are no signs of a potential gas leak.

Make a solution with one part dish soap and two parts water. You can check for leakage by spraying this soapy water on the gas line connection.

If bubbles start forming, there is confirmed leakage, so turn the valve more tightly. You may have to use a pipe wrench to secure the valve tightly. In order not to damage the pipe connected to the valve it is recommended to always use a backup wrench behind the shutoff valve facing the opposite direction.

However, if no bubbles are formed, and there is still a lingering gas smell from the connection hose, it doesn't mean that there is a substantial leakage.

You can open the windows and doors of the kitchen to overcome the smell of gas and let the fresh air inside.

Until you haven't replaced your gas stove, a good step is to cap the gas pipe with a threaded cap.

Capping will prevent a major gas leak inside the house in case someone accidentally hits the gas shutoff valve during the working process.

In addition, if you are worried about a potential leak, you can turn the gas main connection off. This will put you at ease while replacing your old stove or installing a new one.

While removing an old stove, make sure to do it carefully without damaging the floor. You don't want to replace the flooring anytime soon because it will be an additional cost.

Have a large piece of flat wood prepared and place it in front of the stove till you can grab and gently jostle it a little so the stove can clear space away from the building wall and you can move it freely.

There might be a possibility that it cannot tip because of the anti-slip safety gadget connecting it to the wall. But continue sliding your stove till the device's edge gets separated from the anti-slip frame.

A conventional gas stove may have an outlet nearby for its electricity mechanism, as the majority of them are designed with electronic starters to lower the need for pilot lights. After this, locate the wire and unplug it.

If the stove is installed in a cabinet, clear the cabinet before entirely removing the gas stove.

Use an appliance dolly to safely remove the gas stove as it will save the wooden planks of your flooring and definitely your back.

After you've all the above steps and are ready to install a new stove, there are a few things to pay heed to. Use a pipe thread sealant (pipe dope) which is approved for natural gas lines.

You can easily find a pipe thread sealant in your local hardware store. This pipe dope will create a seal between the valve and the new pipe, creating a better connection than the previous one.

After installing the new connection, make sure to check for leaks in the gas line with soapy water and keep the gas line turned off until you are not assured if there is a leakage or not.

Gas stoves can last up to 15 years, while electric stoves only last an average of 13 years. But if you want to keep them in the best order, make sure to wash your electric stove regularly so it can last longer.

Does gas require electricity to function?

Rather than using electricity, a conventional gas stove requires producing electricity for its start mechanism. They do this with the help of a thermopile integrated into the pilot light.

Thermopile produces electricity needed to shut off the isolation valve or open the valve.

When to call a professional plumber or gas company?

In a worst-case scenario, when you think you have a gas leak or there is a danger of explosion, call your gas company or a plumber who is certified to disconnect gas stoves. If you're looking for plumbers in Las Vegas, we're a phone call away.

They will do a more secure job than an amateur one.

How can you locate the closest shut-off valve?

Search the shutoff valve by simply tracking down the air path to the basement. If you are still unable to find the breaker, just look above or below the gas meter. You'll find most valves there and can easily turn off the gas supply to the entire house.

Don't let your home fall into disrepair! Check out our list of home repairs related articles below for more information on how to keep your home in top condition.

Find out how you can easily disconnect your gas stove. It is not as difficult as it seems and only takes a few steps.

How to Disconnect a Gas Stove?

How to Disconnect a Gas Stove

Many people get concerned when they notice an electrical burning smell coming from their furnace. Naturally, you will feel quite worried if your furnace smells like burning, but there are many reasons why this might happen that are actually quite normal. This article will cover them and what you can do in each case. 

If it's been a while since you turned your furnace on (for example, if the cold season is just starting), chances are your furnace has accumulated a few layers of dust during its dormant period. This dust and particles tend to settle on internal components such as the burners and the heat exchanger. When you turn it on, you might instantly notice your furnace smells like burning.

Burning dust is one of the most common reasons why your furnace smells. It is also normal and not a safety hazard and will usually go away a few hours after the dust burns entirely.

However, if it's been a few hours since you turned your furnace on, and it still smells like burning, it's time to look at other possible culprits to explain your heating and cooling system malfunctioning. 

If your furnace smells like burning, one possible reason would be a clogged or dirty air filter. When this happens, the blower motor in your heating system has to work harder to keep pushing the air through the filters, which can result in overheating. An overheated blower motor can explain why your furnace smells. 

There is a Foreign Object in the heating System

If you notice a burning plastic smell, this could mean a foreign object (such as a plastic toy or a bottle cap) has made its way to your heating system. As the plastic burns and melts, it can emit that characteristic and awful burning plastic smell. This smell can be harmful to your health, so you should contact an HVAC professional immediately. 

Your Components are Overheating and There is a Risk of Electrical Fire

If you notice an electrical burning smell, there might be a reason to be concerned. This could mean that an electrical fire could have happened (or is happening), and you no longer have a safety feature protecting your home from burning components. Call an HVAC technician without haste. 

You Have an Overheated Fan Motor Causing a Gunpowder Smell

If your furnace is giving off a gunpowder smell, you could be facing an overheated motor. In this case, you should shut down your heating system immediately as it could be a serious problem. Have a technician visit your home and repair your furnace immediately.

If you have an oil furnace and you notice smoke when the burning smell starts, this could indicate a problem with the oil filter. You want to make sure the heating system does not overheat, so the best idea is to call an HVAC technician that can turn the unit off and carry out repairs. 

When trying to determine the origin of a burning smell, it's always better to be safe. A professional will be able to quickly determine the cause (your furnace filter, a cracked heat exchanger, a clogged air filter, issues with the combustion process, accumulated dust, etc.) and let you know if you are facing a potential major safety hazard. 

Hot plastic burning can be detrimental to your health, and a burning metallic smell could indicate issues with your components and hint at overheating. You could also actually be facing a more complex issue such as carbon monoxide or natural gas leaks (a natural gas leak will have more of a rotten egg smell). 

Although you can expect a burning dust smell when you first turn your furnace for the season, if the smell persists, you should immediately turn off your system. Determine if the smell continues and contact an HVAC specialist for a potential furnace repair. 

Hawthorne PHC is a family-owned and operated plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and water filtration company based in Nevada. If your furnace smells like burning, we can help you determine the cause and quickly carry out any necessary repairs. Our technicians are available 24/7.

Don't let your furnace leave you out in the cold – check out our list of related articles for more information on how to keep your home warm all winter!

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If your furnace smells like it’s burning, don’t panic. Here are the most common reasons for this happening and how to fix them. 

Why Your Furnace Smells Like Burning

Heat pumps pass refrigerants through the different components to remove unwanted heat and improve energy efficiency. Since refrigerants are toxic and flammable, there are heavy regulations in place to ensure they don't cause harm to people or the environment. But how does refrigerant in heat pumps work, and are there any that have zero ozone depletion potential?

What’s Heat Pump Refrigerant, and How Does It Work?

This liquid (or in some cases, gas) is used in the refrigeration cycle to remove unwanted heat from locations such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion device. The most common refrigerants have a low boiling point (at least when compared to water) and can evaporate quickly. This is why they are so efficient; because they use minimum thermal energy to cool the components.

Is Air Conditioning Refrigerant Bad for the Environment?

Most refrigerants are not just toxic; they are also flammable and have a significant global warming potential. This is why these liquids are heavily regulated by authorities.

Are There Refrigerants With Low Global Warming Potential?

The short answer is yes! The ideal refrigerant is non-toxic and non-flammable, as well as eco-friendly and recyclable. Older heat pump systems required refrigerants made with sulfur dioxide, methyl chloride, or ammonia. The next generation of products, however, see compounds that lack chlorine and have a much lower environmental impact.

The Problem With Traditional Refrigerants CFC and HCFCs

Certain refrigerants were commonly used in heat pumps. Two main earlier blend examples are CFCs (or halocarbons) and HCFCs (or hydrohalocarbons). Unfortunately, both substances have been proven to be harmful to the environment and are now listed on a phase-out plan under the Montreal Protocol implemented in the 1990s.

Refrigerants that use substances that exist in nature are called natural refrigerants. These natural chemical compound liquids usually have a lower impact and are excellent options for long-term cooling system refrigerant replacement.

Benefits of Using Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants

All refrigerants can be divided into specific groups. This is done based on their toxicity or combustibility. For example, R410A and R134A both have low toxicity and are non-combustible. Propane (R290), on the other hand, needs to adhere to several safety measures because it is both.

Newer heat pump refrigerant options produce less fluorinated greenhouse gases, but this is not their only advantage. Other benefits of using refrigerants that don't damage the ozone layer include:

Lower energy consumption: Newer refrigerants can perform much better than older, chemical ones. This means that your heat pump will require less power to run just as effectively.

Faster temperature recovery: Hydrocarbon refrigerants can help your air conditioners to recover temperature more quickly and maintain them more easily, too.

Readily available: There is a wide range of new, environmentally-friendly refrigerants that give higher efficiency and can easily replace your existing chemical alternatives.

What to Do If You Have a Heat Pump Refrigerant Leakage

If you notice your heat pump has short cycles, an ice build-up, or is becoming less efficient, you might be facing a refrigerant leakage issue. By being aware of this problem, you will be able to take preemptive measures and keep your heat pump in good condition.

Common signs of refrigerant leakage include:

Ice buildup on the evaporator coil: Moisture from the leak can form ice and affect the functioning of the heat pump. As a short-term solution, you can scape off the ice. Then, call an HVAC technician.

Inefficient pumps: Perhaps the clearest sign of a problem with your refrigerant, an inefficient heating, and cooling system, hints at an issue with this liquid.

Short cycles in your heat pump: If your unit runs erratically, this might mean your refrigerant is leaking. An abnormal pattern means you need to immediately check the system.

Rise in humidity indoors: When you notice humidity in your home, you are most likely witnessing the dehumidification process failing - which implies you might have a refrigerant leak.

Hawthorne PHC is a company based in Nevada and specializing in plumbing and HVAC systems. If you have issues with your heat pump refrigerant or air conditioning, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer same-day service to all customers. Call (844) 236-0190 to get a free quote. 


Looking for more information on home repairs? Check out our related articles below for more tips and advice.

<u>heat pump refrigerant</u>

Heat pump refrigerant is a key component of air conditioner systems and equipment. This working liquid is highly regulated. So what is it, and why is it important?

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Keep Your Home in Top Shape by Following an Annual Maintenance Schedule

4 Signs Your Heating System Needs Service

5 Easy Tips for Winterizing the Outside of Your Home

Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Tackle Yourself

Summer Solutions to Common Home & Business Plumbing Problems

How to Disconnect a Gas Stove?

Why Your Furnace Smells Like Burning

What You Need to Know about the Refrigerant in Your Heat Pump

Why Your House Smells Like a Sewer?

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