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Top 5 Common HVAC Problems and How to Avoid Them - Shakley Mechanical

Are you tired of dealing with frequent HVAC breakdowns? Have you been looking for ways to avoid costly repairs and increase the lifespan of your HVAC system? If yes, then you're in the right place. At Shakley Mechanical , we've been providing top-of-the-line HVAC services in Ashland, Ohio for over a decade. Keep reading and we'll discuss the top 5 common HVAC problems and how to avoid them. Dirty Air Filters One of the most common HVAC problems is dirty air filters. These dirty filters can restrict airflow and force your HVAC system to work harder, increasing energy bills and killing your system. To avoid this problem, it's recommended to change your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage. Always be sure to check before replacing! Refrigerant Leaks Refrigerant leaks are another common problem that can result in poor cooling/heating performance, higher energy bills, and even, in some cases, compressor failure. To reduce the risk of refrigerant leaks, it's c...

The Ultimate Guide to Clog Prevention

  Drains can become clogged easily: Here's how to prevent that!  Any drain, whether it's located in the shower or the kitchen, is susceptible to clogging. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is quite common. With the right tips, you can drastically reduce the chances of damaging your drains.  Tip #1: Reduce Food Scraps  Drains are not made to process large amounts of food (or large amounts of anything, for that matter).  Before rinsing off your plate, it is wise to scrape off what you can over the trash can so that your drain is left to deal with the remnants it can effectively process. We recommend adopting this as a household rule, and if necessary, purchasing a drain strainer that will collect the food before it enters the drain.  Tip #2: Don't Rinse Grease and Fat Down The Drain  This is a tricky one. If you can't use your drain to dispose of hot grease, where does it go? First, you should let the grease cool down. Once it cools, it usually takes on a s...

My A/C Stopped Working: What Now?

When your A/C goes out, follow these tips below.  Your air conditioning unit is always valuable, but this is especially true in the summer months. You depend on it to work properly daily,  and you don't expect it to break. So what happens when it goes out?  Keep Cool  When you air condition unit  is broken, your cool air supply is gone. Unfortunately, this will cause some sweaty discomfort. However, there are a few things you can do. For example, unless it's necessary, do not turn on anything in your home that generates heat. This means you shouldn't use a hair-heating tool like a straightener or curling iron, and you probably shouldn't take a hot shower. The stove is another large heated appliance, so avoid it: go out to eat, use the grill, etc. Lastly, a very common misconception is that opening the windows will make you feel cooler. However, in the hot summer months, the air outside is usually hotter than the air inside. By opening the windows, you allow the ...

4 Common Summer Plumbing Issues

Basement flooding is one of the most common summer plumbing problems. Summer is already here, but there's still time to be prepared for the most common plumbing issues. Here are a few to watch out for:  Flooded Basement  Summer brings many great things: sunshine, warmer weather, and pool days. But, it can also bring some pretty severe weather. With the summer storms comes heavy rain, which increases the likelihood of flooding issues. The best prevention cure is sump pump maintenance. If your sump pump is working incorrectly, reach out to your local HVAC business as soon as possible.  Washing Machine Leakage or Overload In the summertime, most people are home more. The kids are out of school, teachers are on summer break, and it's also time to take off those vacation hours. This also means you'll be doing more likely, and it's possible your washing machine could get overloaded.  Because your washing machine is using so much energy, it's a good idea to keep a close e...

Ductwork Failure: When to Call an HVAC Professional

Shakley Mechanical provides quality HVAC services in Ashland, Ohio. If your air-ducts have not been maintained or installed correctly, you may need to call a professional to ensure proper functioning. Often air ventilation and duct issues go unrecognized, but during this time of year, these problems may be easier to spot. For instance, you might be able to tell that there's a problem based on temperature changes in your home. This is a result of poor air quality. Here are some other signs of ductwork failure: Unpleasant Odors  If your home smells unpleasant, there could be multiple reasons as to why. One reason could be that there is an animal infestation taking place in your air ducts. Because home heating is regulated through the ducts, animals will often take comfort in these warmer areas. If you're detecting a strange smell, you may want to check your ducts for signs of unwanted rodents, birds, and critters. Drafty Temperatures  Chilly temperatures are often a symptom of l...

3 Unexpected Signs You Should Call a Plumber: Commercial Plumbing

  Plumbing repairs might seem unnecessary but can go a long way in protecting your business. You might be thinking, “If I had a plumbing issue in my business, I would know about it, right?” Wrong. Not all plumbing issues are obvious, and even if they are, you may need professional help. There is likely more at the root of the problem than you can see. Your commercial plumbing system is highly complex in comparison to residential plumbing, and many people rely on its efficiency. Although these systems are built with this in mind, damages do happen and when they do, they can spell out disaster. Here are a few signs that can help you recognize these potential issues right away: Irregular Water Temperature  Water temperature is often overlooked in commercial businesses, but its regulation is vital for the health of your customers and employees. Irregular water temperature could cause scalding and serious bacterial infections that may lead to permanent illnesses or death. If you no...

Metal Roofing: What You Need To Know Before Purchasing Sheet Metal

  Shakley Mechanical fabricates sheet metal in Ashland, Ohio, and surrounding areas. We’re taking a break from discussing our common practice of plumbing and air conditioning/heating repair. We are also a large supplier of sheet metal, which you may or may not know has become an extremely popular material in producing quality roofing in the last ten years or so. Metal roofing is no longer just a staple of commercial businesses, but also residential homes because of its beneficial properties. These include: Longevity  Asphalt roofing is common with residential housing today. It's typically more affordable than metal roofing upfront, but it also costs quite a bit when you consider that asphalt roofs need regular maintenance, and have a much shorter lifespan than the alternative. Asphalt roofing only lasts up to a maximum of 20 years, while metal roofs last, at minimum, 40 years, with some reaching the lifespan of 70 years old! And, they need little maintenance. With this in mind...