Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Cedar Rapids Blog’ Category

Is It Time for a New Thermostat?

Monday, May 6th, 2024

Thermostats are some of the most important components of an HVAC system. Think about it, how would you be able to interface with your heating system or air conditioner without a piece of equipment dedicated to that? This is what a thermostat is designed for.

Ever since the early days of human civilizations, people have needed ways to measure the temperature of objects, water, and air. The thermostat was invented ages ago, but only now has it become a modern home appliance that can be used to change the temperature to fit exactly what you need.

If you’re eager to learn about smart thermostats, Wi-Fi thermostats, and other thermostat installations in Waterloo, IA, then keep reading!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Cedar Rapids Blog, Thermostat Installation | Comments Off on Is It Time for a New Thermostat?

Is AC Maintenance Really That Important? A Breakdown

Monday, April 29th, 2024

We talk a lot about air conditioning maintenance on this blog and you’ve probably noticed our maintenance page displayed promptly on our website. It’s a service that we put a lot of effort into designing, after all, so we feel it should be easy for our customers to locate and evaluate.

But with all this being said, is it really worth the investment? Plenty of things in life aren’t really worth the money that we spend on them, but does air conditioning maintenance in Cedar Rapids fit into that category?

We can confidently say that it’s worth the cost, but we’d need to explain our answer a little bit. Follow along as we talk about the main benefits of investing in an AC maintenance plan, and why ours is the one to choose.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in AC Tune Up, Cedar Rapids Blog | Comments Off on Is AC Maintenance Really That Important? A Breakdown

Spring Plumbing PSA: Careful Where You Dig!

Monday, April 22nd, 2024

Your backyard can be a sanctuary during the warming spring months. The plants are starting to bloom, the trees are all budding, and it’s such a wonderful time to really start spending time outdoors. However, a fun adventure in your new garden can quickly turn into a catastrophe if you’re not careful.

Just a few feet underneath the garden beds and gravel pathways could be a potential leak just waiting to happen. From sewer lines to power lines and even your water lines, all of these important parts of your home run underground. So, if you’re looking to do any improvements to your home plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA, then you’ll want to follow this checklist to be sure you don’t cause any accidents.

Remember the age old adage: better safe than sorry!

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Cedar Rapids Blog, Plumbing | Comments Off on Spring Plumbing PSA: Careful Where You Dig!

No Cooling? A Step By Step Guide of What to Do

Monday, April 15th, 2024

People are used to immediate results when it comes to an appliance. You flip the switch and it should start working right away. Think about the lights in your home or your television, when you press the button or flip the switch, you can probably imagine how it’s supposed to react. This instant gratification is important because when a system doesn’t operate exactly as it should, you might start getting worried.

This is normal, but it can be stressful when it has to do with your cooling system. Air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA is pretty important, especially when hot temperatures are right around the corner. It feels like heatwaves are coming earlier and earlier each year, which means time is running out.

If you turn your system on and don’t feel any cooling, then be sure to follow our guide to alleviate any panic. It’s going to be okay!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , ,
Posted in AC Repair, Cedar Rapids Blog | Comments Off on No Cooling? A Step By Step Guide of What to Do

IAQ Tips: Making Your Air More Breathable

Monday, April 8th, 2024

Indoor air quality is often overlooked when compared to heating or cooling. After all, it’s much easier to detect a problem with your heater on a cold day when you’re literally shivering and chattering your teeth! Likewise, summertime temperatures are almost unbearable without proper air conditioning. But many people have the ability to get used to their indoor air quality, even if it’s not very good.

Humans are experts at adapting. Our nostrils and respiratory systems can allow us to breathe air that might be filled with dust, pet dander, viruses, mold, and other contaminants that are bad for us. We’d like customers to adapt in the opposite direction and become more used to clean, fresh air that feels more comfortable.

But how does one achieve this goal? Do you need an air filter or air purifier in Cedar Rapids? Do you need both? The answers to these questions might surprise you.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Quality, Cedar Rapids Blog | Comments Off on IAQ Tips: Making Your Air More Breathable

AC Refrigerant: A Brief History

Monday, April 1st, 2024

Refrigerant is a core part of air conditioning, and it’s something that has even been mentioned in the news in the past few years. As heat pumps become more popular in our area, refrigerant becomes the center of the discussion because of how much is required to meet American AC needs.

Air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA is no different. Each system in our area runs using a specific type of refrigerant, and the model that you use will dictate that difference. But what if the prices of refrigerants change in the future? And how do you know if your refrigerant has been phased out before a problem arrives?

Now you’re speaking our language! Keep reading to learn about refrigerants. We’ll talk about what it is, what it does, the major types, and what the future holds for this interesting chemical.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in AC Repair, Cedar Rapids Blog | Comments Off on AC Refrigerant: A Brief History

2024 Tips for an Unpredictable Spring

Monday, March 25th, 2024

If we’ve learned anything about the last few years of weather conditions, it’s that things are becoming a lot more unpredictable. Some parts of the country have experienced record droughts while others have had flooding that hadn’t been seen for a hundred years. This is just par for the course now, and many of our customers are trying to figure out what they should do.

We’re happy to help customers prepare for a particularly unpredictable spring, and that includes tips on best practices, services we offer, and even new systems that could make a big difference. We just urge our customers to not neglect their HVAC systems in Cedar Rapids, IA, and to make sure that no matter how they prepare for the months ahead, they stay calm and collected.

When in doubt, just remember that we’re always available to help when you need it!

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Cedar Rapids Blog, Home Improvement | Comments Off on 2024 Tips for an Unpredictable Spring

It’s Maintenance Season in Cedar Rapids

Monday, March 18th, 2024

Don’t you just love how we get to experience all four seasons fully in Cedar Rapids? It’s easy to get used to, but there are many places in this country (let alone internationally) that only experience two or three seasons throughout the year. We get four amazing seasons that bring us snow, sunshine, rain, growth, and more.

But those seasonal changes mean we need to be even more prepared for the temperature swings we can expect from them. AC maintenance in Cedar Rapids, IA is your first line of defense against temperature changes and storms that might come sooner rather than later.

The following guide is going to give you the best benefits of scheduling maintenance this spring. And if done correctly, you can be proud that your AC system is in the best shape possible to keep you cool this summer when things finally get hot.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in AC Tune Up, Air Conditioning, Cedar Rapids Blog | Comments Off on It’s Maintenance Season in Cedar Rapids

When It’s Time to Choose Replacement: Our Comprehensive Guide

Monday, March 11th, 2024

Air conditioners and heating systems don’t last forever. If they did, we’d live in a much different world. But machines break down over long periods of time, from cars to HVAC systems, and this is just a physical reality of the world we live in. We don’t want to lie to our customers and tell them that their air conditioner will be fine going into its 16th year of service, but we also don’t want to be too pessimistic and force anyone into a replacement.

In truth, there’s a middle ground between repair and replacement, and customers need to find that for themselves. But there’s no reason why we can’t guide you!

Today, we’d like to focus on air conditioning replacement in Cedar Rapids, and more specifically, when it’s time to finally call it quits. A replacement could not only be the most cost-effective choice for you currently, but it could relieve a lot of stress and make your life easier going forward.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in AC Installation, Cedar Rapids Blog | Comments Off on When It’s Time to Choose Replacement: Our Comprehensive Guide

A Heat Pump Owner’s Guide to Spring

Monday, March 4th, 2024

Spring has come quite early this year, which means that we’re on borrowed time when it comes to preparation. Before you know it, the sun is going to be out and the temperature is going to rise above 70 degrees. Time really flies, and that wonderful weather is going to be an opportunity to make sure your heat pump is in good shape for the summer and fall.

So, next you might be asking, what should I be doing to help prepare my heat pump for the spring, summer, or fall? And this is a great question, one that we’d like to walk you through. The most important thing would be scheduling heat pump maintenance in Cedar Rapids, IA. But that’s not all, and there are a few important tips and tricks that could save you money and time in the coming months.

Let’s get into a practical guide to owning a heat pump in spring.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Cedar Rapids Blog, Heat Pump | Comments Off on A Heat Pump Owner’s Guide to Spring