Category: Resources

Do I Need Fall Plumbing Maintenance?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to emerge and the air turns crisp, it’s a clear reminder that winter is just around the corner. While you might be busy enjoying the seasonal festivities, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of maintaining your plumbing system during this transitional period.

Fall plumbing maintenance is essential to ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable throughout the colder months. Below, learn more about why it should be a priority on your fall checklist, and how Boelcke can help. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Reasons Why Fall Plumbing Maintenance is Important

  1. Preventing Frozen Pipes

One of the most significant risks during the winter is frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst and lead to extensive water damage. By insulating your pipes and ensuring they are in good condition during the fall, you can prevent this costly and inconvenient problem.

  1. Avoiding Costly Repairs

Regular maintenance helps identify and fix minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues can worsen over time, leading to expensive repairs. Fall is the perfect time to address these issues, ensuring your plumbing system is in top shape before the winter stress tests it.

  1. Ensuring Efficient Water Heating

As temperatures drop, the demand for hot water increases. Ensuring your water heater is functioning efficiently is crucial for comfort and energy savings. Fall maintenance includes flushing the water heater to remove sediment buildup, which can improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of the unit.

  1. Protecting Outdoor Plumbing

Outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Draining and storing hoses, shutting off outdoor faucets, and winterizing sprinkler systems can prevent damage and ensure they are ready to use again in the spring.

  1. Maintaining Gutters and Downspouts

While not directly part of your plumbing system, gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in directing water away from your home. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can damage your foundation and basement. Cleaning and maintaining them in the fall ensures proper drainage and protects your home from water damage.

  1. Improving Indoor Air Quality

Plumbing maintenance can also impact your indoor air quality. Leaky pipes and standing water can lead to microbial growth, which can affect the air you breathe. Addressing these issues during fall maintenance helps maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Get the fall plumbing maintenance you need from Boelcke.

Fall plumbing maintenance is a proactive approach to safeguarding your home against the challenges of winter. By taking the time to inspect, repair, and prepare your plumbing system, you can prevent frozen pipes, avoid costly repairs, and ensure efficient water heating. Additionally, protecting outdoor plumbing and maintaining gutters can save you from potential water damage. As you enjoy the beauty of fall, make sure to prioritize these essential maintenance tasks to keep your home safe and comfortable all season long.

By following these tips, you can ensure your plumbing system is ready to handle the colder months ahead. If you need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Boelcke to help with your fall maintenance at (269) 429-9261.

Save Water This Summer with These Tips

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

hands holding globe of waterDry spells can be a common occurrence during the summer months, and that can mean water shortages can happen. Homeowners who use a public water supply may be asked to conserve water by their municipality, or those with a well may be concerned about their system running dry. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep the water flowing.

In this article, we’ll share some tips for conserving water during the summer months, and how Boelcke can help with any plumbing concerns you might have. Keep reading below to learn more!

7 Tips for Conserving Water in the Summer

There are several ways homeowners can conserve water during the summer months, including:

  1. Water Early or Late: Water your garden and lawn in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
  2. Check Toilet for Leaks: Perform the toilet test by adding food coloring to the tank; if it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
  3. Shorten Showers: Cut down your shower time and turn off the water while soaping or shaving to save gallons.
  4. Use a Car Wash: Choose an automatic car wash that uses less water than hand washing.
  5. Dishwasher Over Hand Washing: Use a water-efficient dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes.
  6. Cover Your Pool: Reduce water loss from evaporation by covering your swimming pool when not in use. That way, you won’t have to add as much water to your pool.
  7. Collect Rainwater: Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering plants and gardens.

Implementing these simple yet effective strategies can lead to significant water savings. Not only does it help the environment, but it can also reduce your water bill during those peak usage months.

Make sure your plumbing is running smoothly with Boelcke.

At Boelcke, we’re pleased to provide complete plumbing services to homeowners, including plumbing repair, installation, and inspection. If you suspect that you have a plumbing leak in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, we can help take care of the problem quickly and get your toilets, sinks, and drains back in working order. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261 and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Sniffles & Sneezes? Indoor Air Quality Products Can Help.

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

happy woman smiling and holding catOnce the spring season returns to Michigan, people can count on warmer, sunnier days and landscapes in bloom. For allergy sufferers, spring can also mean the return of allergies. Allergens like pollen and mold spores are abundant during the spring months, and unfortunately, this can wreak havoc for those with allergies and other respiratory concerns.

While you can’t control the outdoor air quality, there are measures you can take to improve the air quality inside your home. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the indoor air quality products available, and how Boelcke can help you get cleaner, fresher air for your home. Keep reading to learn more!

Different Types of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Products

Different types of IAQ products address specific concerns. Some homes may require only one solution, while others need a multi-pronged approach. Learn more about the different kinds of IAQ products below:

  • Air Sterilization: Air sterilization products help to remove mold, mildew, pollen, and bacteria from the air in your home, keeping the air you and your family breathe free from many of the contaminants that can cause respiratory concerns.
  • High-Efficiency Filters: Your HVAC system has a standard filter that can help keep your equipment cleaner and free from particulate matter, but it doesn’t necessarily provide the advanced filtration allergy sufferers need. High-efficiency filters are able to remove pollen, dust, dander, and other particles from the air in your home, helping you get the cleaner, fresher air you need.
  • UV Lights: Ultraviolet (UV) lights can effectively eliminate a whole host of pathogens in your HVAC system, including spores, mold, and bacteria, making them especially beneficial for anyone who suffers from respiratory conditions. They are installed by your technician directly in your heating and cooling system.
  • Humidifiers: When the air in your home is too dry, it can cause irritation to your eyes, nasal passages, and throat, and that can cause allergy symptoms to become even more uncomfortable. Overly dry air can benefit from the installation of a whole-home humidifier.
  • Dehumidifiers: Conversely, air that is too damp can also cause respiratory concerns for some and create an environment that encourages mold growth. In homes that are too damp and humid, a dehumidifier can help remove the excess moisture from the air.

A qualified HVAC professional will be able to help you get the right solution and combination of products for your home, helping you and your family enjoy cleaner, fresher air this spring – and all year through.

Can Boelcke help me get better IAQ for my home?

When you need indoor air quality solutions from a qualified specialist for your home, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your indoor air quality needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Annual Heating Maintenance is Important – Here’s Why.

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

cozy fall window with leaves, pumpkin, and candleAutumn has arrived, and while it’s definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year in Michigan, it also means that cooler temperatures will arrive sooner rather than later. Most homeowners use this time of year to take care of any household maintenance and repairs that need to be done before the winter arrives, such as cleaning out the gutters and sealing any drafty areas around doors or windows.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

This is also a great time of year to make sure your home’s heating system is in good working order. The best way to do that is by getting it the annual maintenance it needs. When you choose to have your heating equipment maintained yearly, you’re helping to ensure that your family won’t be without heat once the temperatures dip down, and your system will be able to perform both effectively and efficiently.

Is there anything I can do to help my heating system perform better?

While professional maintenance is very important for a variety of reasons, let’s talk about a few things you can do as a homeowner to help your heating system perform better this year, and into the future:

  • Consider a thermostat upgrade. If you have an older, dial-model thermostat, it’s definitely time to consider replacing it. Today’s thermostats not only help you regulate the temperature in your home more easily, but they can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for when you’re home, away, and sleeping, while smart thermostats can “learn” your family’s habits and can easily be connected to your other smart home devices.
  • Change your furnace filters regularly. During frequent system operation, your furnace filter can quickly become dirty and clogged. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and can diminish your system’s efficiency. Check your filter at least once a month to make sure it isn’t clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, and change it out if it is. If you’re not sure how to change your filter, your HVAC professional can help you.
  • Make sure the area around your furnace is clean. Make sure there is plenty of space around your heating system – don’t stack storage containers or other items against your furnace. Sweep any dust or debris away from your equipment, as it can easily be drawn into your ducts and circulate around your home. Along the same lines, make sure to keep the area around registers clear – if obstructed, it will be harder for your heating system to deliver heated air efficiently throughout your home.

Do I still need to get professional maintenance each year, too?

The short answer is yes. There are many reasons why you should get professional heating maintenance every year for your home, including:

  • Better heating system efficiency
  • More effective home heating
  • Maintenance of equipment warranty
  • Fewer expensive repairs
  • Longer system life
  • Improved indoor air quality

Can Boelcke help me get the seasonal heating maintenance I need?

Definitely! Our skilled technicians can help you get the heating maintenance you need. They’ll perform a tune-up that ensures your system is cleaned and lubricated, so it runs smoothly. And they’ll take care of any minor concerns before they become larger — and more expensive — repairs. By getting the heating maintenance you need for your system, it can run more efficiently — helping you save on energy costs.

When you need heating maintenance from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

The Holidays are Here Again – Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly.

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

The holidays are that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather in your home for food, festivities, and fun. While this season is for special times with those you love, it can also be the time of year when your home’s plumbing system has to work extra hard to keep up with the demands of a full house.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

Nobody wants to think about experiencing a plumbing issue in the midst of a celebration. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your plumbing running smoothly. In this article, we’ll talk about five steps you can take to steer clear of plumbing issues during the holiday season, and how Boelcke can help if there’s a problem. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Problem-Free this Holiday Season

  1. Know what to throw away. In the midst of a busy holiday meal, it can be tempting to scrape plates into the sink. However, this can lead to buildup in your drains, which inevitably can cause your sink’s plumbing to clog. Make sure your sink strainers are in place, and scape plates and serving dishes into the garbage.
  2. Keep your garbage disposal clear. There are certain foods that you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal. Bones, eggshells, fat, grease, and string vegetables like celery and squash should not go in your disposal. They can clog your unit, or cause issues with the blades and motor.
  3. Avoid toilet clogs and overflows. You know what’s safe to flush down your toilet, but your guests might not. As a rule of thumb, items like baby wipes and diapers, personal products, cotton balls, swabs, pads, and cigarette butts should never be flushed down the toilet. Clogs can happen, though, so it’s always a good idea to have a plunger nearby.
  4. Properly dispose of grease. Grease is the word when it comes to common drain problems. Dumping grease down the drain is never a good idea, as it can solidify and cause a clog. Not to mention, grease attracts anything else that might slip down your drain, such as food particles and hair, causing a large clump in your drain pipes. Pour grease into a can that can be disposed of when it cools, or wait for grease in pans to solidify and scrape it into the trash.
  5. Give your drains some extra TLC. Because your sinks and tubs will likely be working overtime this holiday season, you can help keep your drains in good condition with some common household items. Baking soda and vinegar can help keep drains running freely. Start by running hot water down the drain. Next, pour a solution of 1 cup of baking soda, one cup of water, and one cup of vinegar into the drain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and flush with hot water.
  6. Keep the hot water flowing. When you have guests staying over during the holidays, and you’re working hard to prepare those fantastic holiday dinners, your hot water heater is working overtime, too. It’s good practice to have a professional plumbing service, like Boelcke, inspect your hot water heater annually to make sure it’s functioning properly. And, if your hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Can Boelcke help me if I have a holiday plumbing problem?

Despite your best efforts, you could run into a plumbing issue that needs professional attention. That’s where Boelcke comes in. We provide a complete range of plumbing services, so no matter what your concern may be, we can help get your toilets, sinks, and drains back in working order promptly and professionally.

We can even help you get ahead of the game by inspecting your plumbing and fixing any problems that might be a cause for concern once your holiday guests arrive. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different bathroom plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Air Conditioning Maintenance – It’s A Good Thing!

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Most people are busy, and having one more thing to remember can seem like a nuisance. But one thing you definitely should keep in mind as a homeowner is annual air conditioning maintenance. Spring is here, and warmer weather is right around the corner – so you’ll want to be sure your AC system is up to snuff and ready to keep you and your family cool and comfortable all summer long.

Of course, it’s easy enough for us here at Boelcke to tell you that you should get annual maintenance for your air conditioning system. But without explaining why it’s so important, you might not really be too concerned about it. However, there are many good reasons for getting your AC system the preventive maintenance it needs, which we’ll explain further. Keep reading to learn why calling to schedule your air conditioning maintenance today can save you a lot of stress and hassles down the road.

When you choose AC maintenance for your home, you’re choosing peace of mind.

With AC Maintenance, cool comfort is in our hands.
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
Ask A Tech

Anyone who has ever experienced an air conditioning breakdown on the hottest day of the year will tell you, it’s no picnic. Depending on the severity of the situation, you’ll likely have some downtime in the instance of a major repair or worse yet, the need to replace your entire system. By getting annual maintenance, however, you’ll also get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your AC has been inspected, cleaned, and tuned up. Additionally:

  • Your system will run better. A well-maintained system is more effective and efficient. Dirt and debris are cleaned out of your system, and that allows it to do its job much more easily. As a result, it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home as cool as a cucumber – and that can help you save on energy bills.
  • There will be a record of your system on file with us. Why is this important? First of all, it can help keep your system warranty intact. Most manufacturers require that equipment receives regular maintenance in order to maintain the warranty, and failure to do so can void it. Secondly, by keeping a record of maintenance and any small repairs, should your system stop working properly, our technicians will have an idea of any past problems, helping them troubleshoot more quickly.
  • The air in your home will be fresher and cleaner. Your air conditioning system collects all sorts of particulates, like dirt, dust, and pollen. Not to mention, the evaporator coils in your home are a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. As you can imagine, a dirty system can cause all of these undesirable elements to be circulated around your home. By getting annual maintenance, you can rest assured that coils and filters will be cleaned – and your home’s air will be fresher and healthier.

Getting the annual maintenance you need is easy, too – just call Boelcke!

At Boelcke, we’re pleased to provide annual maintenance agreements that help keep your system running smoothly and help you and your family stay comfortable. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to set you up with a maintenance program that works for you, and get your AC maintenance scheduled!