One of our best furnace repair technicians, DJ,
went out to fix a Lennox Furnace (Model G50UH-36A-070-1) leaking gas in
Ankeny, IA. Yikes!
Luckily, the customer called Greens Appliance HeatingCooling. DJ was on the scene, quickly! (btw - we are
available 24x7 for these types of events)
He used soap
bubbles on all the furnace joints, and was unable to find any gas leaks
immediately. The gas powered furnace and water heater were both in a very
small closet and both had open burners!
We assessed the gas smell was
most likely coming from there. By the time we left, it ended well.
Monday, November 26, 2012
To Cover or Not to Cover; That 'tis the Question
It's time! Turn that thermostat from cool to heat. Box up the dehumidifier and put it in the garage. Service the furnace and cover the air condin.... WAIT!
Do you cover the outdoor unit? Let's ask the professionals!
Recently, we created a survey and gave it to the top 3 HVAC specialist at Green's Appliance, Heating and Cooling. Unlike the toothpaste commercials you may see where "4 out of 5 dentist recommend a certain brand", our specialist unanimously voted against the cover!
Covering the unit traps the moisture inside the coils, causing the unit to rust more quickly. If moisture is trapped inside your outdoor unit there's also the possibility that freezing temperatures may cause internal damage to motors, wires and control boards, resulting in high repair costs. Most covers that can be purchased at your local home improvement stores are plastic and do not allow a lot of air flow. This may result in replacing the unit a lot quicker than you want.
A breathable cover is recommend however if you are in a area that has a lot of trees or bushes. Under circumstances like these, the trees and bushes are dropping a lot of unneccessary mess in your outdoor unit. This may cause some difficulty in cleaning and extra cost later on in the future.
On technician recommended to put a piece of wood, such as plywood, over the top of the unit if debris is a concern. This would still allow the unit to breathe through the sides, keeping unnecessary mess out!
Only a breathable cover may be purchased from Green's. Please keep in mind though, if there isn't a concern for debris, we don't think you need it.
Do you cover the outdoor unit? Let's ask the professionals!
Recently, we created a survey and gave it to the top 3 HVAC specialist at Green's Appliance, Heating and Cooling. Unlike the toothpaste commercials you may see where "4 out of 5 dentist recommend a certain brand", our specialist unanimously voted against the cover!
Covering the unit traps the moisture inside the coils, causing the unit to rust more quickly. If moisture is trapped inside your outdoor unit there's also the possibility that freezing temperatures may cause internal damage to motors, wires and control boards, resulting in high repair costs. Most covers that can be purchased at your local home improvement stores are plastic and do not allow a lot of air flow. This may result in replacing the unit a lot quicker than you want.
A breathable cover is recommend however if you are in a area that has a lot of trees or bushes. Under circumstances like these, the trees and bushes are dropping a lot of unneccessary mess in your outdoor unit. This may cause some difficulty in cleaning and extra cost later on in the future.
On technician recommended to put a piece of wood, such as plywood, over the top of the unit if debris is a concern. This would still allow the unit to breathe through the sides, keeping unnecessary mess out!
Only a breathable cover may be purchased from Green's. Please keep in mind though, if there isn't a concern for debris, we don't think you need it.
Friday, November 16, 2012
I got a little change in my pocket
How many of you check the pockets of your pants before throwing them in the washer or dryer?
Show of hands.....
I didn't always, that is until I was responsible for the repairs on the laundry units. I use to have so much in them too. Anything from movie tickets to gum, or my parent's favorite: rubber bands for my braces in junior high.
What I didn't realize then but have learned over the years of working at Green's Appliance, Heating and Cooling is that it can be costly! There are many dangers to washers and dryers with leaving items in the pockets of our clothing.
Items can get into the pump of the washer. This can stop draining, cause noises, leaks and even premature failure of your washer. Repairs can range from $100 to $350 or more.
Did you know that a warranty does not cover this repair either? That's right. If there is debris in your BRAND NEW washer's pump, it's coming out of your pocket, pun not intended.
The most common item our appliance technicians find in a washer pump is pocket change. We'd like to save you from unnecessary repair costs and recommend you check those pockets!
Be careful washing rugs as well. Our technicians have found the rubber backing the pumps. They recommend taking items such as rugs to a commercial landromat, the machines are built for that kind of job unlike most residential units.
So if have change in your pocket going jingle lingle ling... save your money and laundry units and empty them out.
A couple examples from the past week relating to this topic are:
Washer machine repair, GE model# WCVH6260FWW: Our tech Paul was called out due to a washer stopping in the middle of cycles. He ended up cleaning the pump and sump, finding several objects. After cleaning the unit of the debris, he cycled the washer just fine.
Dryer repair: LG model# DLE7177WM: Jamie was dispatched to a customer's home who was having a noise complaint. Jamie found a penny stuck in the drum seal on the rear of the drum which was grinding on the back plate. Checking their pockets could have saved them a pretty penny.
Show of hands.....
I didn't always, that is until I was responsible for the repairs on the laundry units. I use to have so much in them too. Anything from movie tickets to gum, or my parent's favorite: rubber bands for my braces in junior high.
What I didn't realize then but have learned over the years of working at Green's Appliance, Heating and Cooling is that it can be costly! There are many dangers to washers and dryers with leaving items in the pockets of our clothing.
Items can get into the pump of the washer. This can stop draining, cause noises, leaks and even premature failure of your washer. Repairs can range from $100 to $350 or more.
Did you know that a warranty does not cover this repair either? That's right. If there is debris in your BRAND NEW washer's pump, it's coming out of your pocket, pun not intended.
The most common item our appliance technicians find in a washer pump is pocket change. We'd like to save you from unnecessary repair costs and recommend you check those pockets!
Be careful washing rugs as well. Our technicians have found the rubber backing the pumps. They recommend taking items such as rugs to a commercial landromat, the machines are built for that kind of job unlike most residential units.
So if have change in your pocket going jingle lingle ling... save your money and laundry units and empty them out.
A couple examples from the past week relating to this topic are:
Washer machine repair, GE model# WCVH6260FWW: Our tech Paul was called out due to a washer stopping in the middle of cycles. He ended up cleaning the pump and sump, finding several objects. After cleaning the unit of the debris, he cycled the washer just fine.
Dryer repair: LG model# DLE7177WM: Jamie was dispatched to a customer's home who was having a noise complaint. Jamie found a penny stuck in the drum seal on the rear of the drum which was grinding on the back plate. Checking their pockets could have saved them a pretty penny.
The Giving Tree
The GIVING Tree
Every year Green's Appliance, Heating and Cooling, Inc selects a family in need as a giving project at Christmas time. We choose a local family that is in need of help or assistance, whether they be going through a tough time or in this years case has chosen to put their needs a side and help others. The family we have chosen this year is such an amazing story, we decided it's their time to receive the blessings of giving.
The owner of Green's ran into this family this past summer at the gas station up the street from our office. She recognized the mother of this family to be an employee of this gas station. A kind woman that most employees from Green's has met passing by, a woman that the phrase "do not judge a book by it's cover" really means something. Behind this woman is a wife and mother of 6 and so much more. As the owner paid for her fuel she engaged this woman and her husband in conversation. Their clothes were worn and modest, their vehicle was old and they gazed at day old donuts that they were contemplating purchasing for one of the children's birthday treat and if they could afford this purchase. As the owner was leaving the store she noticed their van was filled with children. Feeling benevolent, she walked over to the van to sneak a $20 bill and Dairy Queen certificates, it was then she realized 6 children sat in this vehicle, awaiting to see what surprise mom and dad would be bringing out for a birthday treat.
Three months later, we learned that this family had sold everything they owned with the exception of the some clothing, pots and coffee mugs. They had moved to Texas to start training for the Mission field. Their plan; once trained they would serve in an orphanage in Mexico.
Touched by their story of selflessness it was obvious which family to choose this year.
The owner had exchanged emails with this woman during their encounter months earlier when it was discovered they shared the same faith. Luckily for us we were able to make contact with this family. The mother, who doesn't always have Internet access, was checking her email the day we sent the request to bless them. She shared with us their story of not being able to find a place to live yet but have been blessed by members of their church who have allowed them to stay with them. She expressed the difficulty of trying to find a home to rent for two adults and 6 children. She continued to tell us how they've been helping the homeless in the town they reside in, picking them up for church and feeding them. Her children, ranging from 5 years old to 15 years old, all take part without complaint. Her husband recently received a job at a local fast food restaurant as a maintenance personnel and she was working as an assistant manager at a gas station again. She was excited to tell us that the gas station was thinking of opening another store in Mexico, close to where they hope to be in a year.
All of us here at Green's are pumped to help out this well deserving family. We put the tree up with ornaments, each dedicated to a member of their family and their individual needs. Even though we know their needs are great, their requests were humble. We hope to provide an amazing Christmas for this family.
We hope that this story encourages others to give as well. Maybe not as big of a project like we have chosen here but anything to help a neighbor, a friend, a member of your family or community.
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