Water Well Maintenance Basics

The very first tip:
Don’t Try to Service Your Own Well

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

21 August 2018

Regular water well maintenance is important. Knowing and practicing the basics of regular well maintenance can reduce risks to your water supply and prevent costly repairs following an inconvenient breakdown.

Are you the proud owner of a private water well in Southern Maryland? Maybe you’ve moved out to the country to get away from city life and found yourself the owner of a water well for the first time. Prior to moving to the country, you were on city water or county water.

Now, the responsibility of maintaining your water falls on you. Or maybe you’ve relied on a water well most your life. Either way, you probably don’t have an owner’s manual that goes with your well. That’s fine, until something goes wrong and you need professional help. It’s at times like this that you’ll wish you knew some basics about water well system maintenance.

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At Jerry's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to provide you, our valued customer, with all the information and insights you want and need to maintain a safe and secure home for you and your family plumbersinwaldorfmd

- even if that means we don't provide the service we're explaining in this post.

Jerry's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning doesn't provide this service, but it's very important. So please contact local service provider to make sure this service is up-to-date in your home.

Water Well Maintenance

There’s a fantastic national organization whose express purpose is informing homeowners about groundwater and private water wells. It’s called the National Ground Water Association (NGWA). There’s little doubt they would recommend a homeowner using an owner’s manual in the first place to repair a private well.

In their publication … their very first tip is Don’t Try to Service Your Own Well, stating that: “When well owners try to service their own wells, they usually fail to solve the problem or make it worse.”

The very first tip is “Don’t Try to Service Your Own Well”

Eight Tips for Maintaining Your Well

We highly recommend you download and read this valuable PDF, Eight Tips for Maintaining Your Well, here.

On the other hand, the NGWA is a big proponent of preventive maintenance. They point out that it’s human nature to be penny wise and pound-foolish, particularly where privately owned water wells are concerned. The NGWA conducted a poll not too long ago, and the results confirmed what they expected: 80 percent of those responding had never had a water well maintenance inspection.

What often happens is that a small, easily correctable problem becomes a large, inconvenient, much more expensive problem. Treating your water well system this way would be like never having an auto mechanic look under the hood of your car until a catastrophic breakdown. Few people argue that preventive maintenance is unwise. The problem is that few people follow through on their own.

At Jerry's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to provide you, our valued customer, with all the information and insights you want and need to maintain a safe and secure home for you and your family plumbersinwaldorfmd

- even if that means we don't provide the service we're explaining in this post.

Jerry's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning doesn't provide this service, but it's very important. So please contact local service provider to make sure this service is up-to-date in your home.

Don’t ignore Water Well Maintenance

In summary, it’s very common for a homeowner who has a private water well to ignore it. If it’s doing its job and plenty of fresh water is supplied to their home, they simply tend to ignore their well. The fact is that a lot of homeowners don’t know the first thing about their well, how to maintain it, what signs to look for to identify a potential problem, etc.

Here’s a simple recommendation: The operative term here is maintain. Do not attempt to repair a problem. If you have any problems, questions or desire one of qualified technicians to inspect your well, just give us a call.

Download the Eight Tips for Maintaining Your Well
Learn the basics about water well maintenance
Take some simple steps to maintain your well yourself

The operative term here is maintain. Do not attempt to repair a problem. If you have any problems, questions or desire one of qualified technicians to inspect your well, just give us a call.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

Avoid AC Failure - Upgrade Your AC System

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Water Well Maintenance Basics

Contact Us

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

What the World Would Be Like If Air Conditioning Repair Didn’t Exist

Hint: It’d Be HOT
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

12 July 2018

Summer’s here and that means getting ready for a lot of things – cookouts, ball games, and hot weather. Record high temperatures mean using your air conditioning more than ever. If it’s not working, you may be calling someone for air conditioning repair faster than a toupee in a hurricane. But first you should know what the compressor is and what it does.

Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In the fourth and final installment of the series, we’ll review the most important aspect of air conditioning repair: the compressor, the heart of your AC system. We’ll tell you about the two features you need to ask for when getting a new compressor.

Watch the Video

air conditioning repair - Hot, Tired and Cranky

Fix My Compressor – The Heart of Your AC System

The compressor resides in the middle of the cooling process between the condensing and evaporating coils. Ideally, it takes the evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator coil and “compresses” it so that it can more easily give up that heat in the condenser coil.

Modern AC compressors use what’s known as a “scroll” compressor. It works in a circular motion to compress the refrigerant instead of an up-and-down, or reciprocating piston used in older, less efficient systems. Scroll compressors tend to be more reliable and efficient than reciprocating types. They have fewer moving parts than reciprocating compressors. This results in a smoother and quieter operation.

This AC Unit is Ready to be Replaced

Payne AC Unit

Carrier AC Unit

“Scroll compressors tend to be more reliable and efficient than reciprocating types”

Air Conditioning Repair – Two is Better Than One

Another feature to look for in AC compressors is two-stage operation. Single-stage compressors found in older cooling systems operate at only one speed. Two-stage compressors, as their implies, operate at two different speeds. This more closely matches the exact cooling needs of the home.

The two-stage compressor runs at a lower speed to remove excess humidity from the air when cooling demands are low. As the temperature rises, however, it can switch to its full capacity to keep you cool. Thus, two-stage systems operate more efficiently than single-stage systems, saving you money.

Carrier

Payne

As in many devices, the component that has the most moving parts, is subjected to heat and is cycled on and off frequently, is the component that will very often fail first. In your AC system, that component is the compressor.

When you decide to begin air conditioning repair, have your compressor checked-out by a licensed professional to see if it’s working as well as it should. He’ll be able to guide you in the right direction for repair or replacement to keep you cool this summer.

We’ve discussed the compressor – the “heart” of your AC system – in this article. Here are two important features to look for when replacing your old, inefficient, money-wasting compressor:

Make sure you select a unit that uses a “scroll” compressor – it’s quieter and saves money.
Get a two-stage compressor – it’s more efficient.

Replacing your AC system very often costs over $10,000 – so be sure to choose the right pro, the right equipment and the right thermostat.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

How to Avoid AC Failure In 3 Easy Steps

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What the World Would Be Like If Air Conditioning Repair Didn't Exist

The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance

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How to Save Money on Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

Contact Us

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

Forgotten Heroes of Air Conditioning Service

Coils and Fans – They’re Important, too
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

9 July 2018

Staying cool in the summer heat means making sure every part of your AC system is working properly. While some components seem more important, all parts need to work together to keep you cool. Your air conditioning service must include a review of the often overlooked parts that work in the background – until the fail.

Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In part three of the series, we’re reviewing the fan, the condenser coil and the evaporation coil. These parts are simple and don’t cause problems – until they do.

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Air Conditioning Service – Keep the Air Moving

Your AC system has a fan. No, not like that one. Like this one.

But both types of fans move air and moving air is vitally important to keeping you cool this summer.

Yeah, that’s more like it!

The fan moves air through you air condition system. We probably don’t need to explain much about how a fan works. They’re pretty simple and usually last for the life of your system. Even if they do fail, replacement is pretty easy for a pro.

Air Conditioning Service for your fan is easy, really. Just keep leaves and other debris away from it. And there’s no need to cover the AC unit, ever – even in winter. If fact, covering the unit may attract rodents that will build nests under there. A cover can also cause mold and mildew to build-up.

The truth is, your AC unit is built to withstand both hot summers and harsh winters – right out of box! No cover needed.

“Covering the unit may attract rodents that will build nests under there. A cover can also cause mold and mildew to build-up”

Condenser Coil

Evaporator Coil

All About Heat Exchange

The next two components are pretty simple as well. The condenser coil and evaporator coil are essentially long finned tubes that act as heat exchangers. The condenser coil sits outside while the evaporator coil is located inside your home.

When cooled liquid refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil, hot air from inside “evaporates” that refrigerant, turning it into a vapor. It’s just like when liquid sweat evaporates on your skin and makes you cooler. The heat from you home has now “transferred” to the evaporated refrigerant.

On the other end of the cooling cycle, the fan blows relatively cooler outside air across the condenser coil transferring heat from the compressed refrigerant to the outside air. Because heat is lost from the refrigerant, it “condenses” back into a liquid.

Carrier

Payne

In this article, we’ve discussed the three parts of your AC system that often get overlooked – the fan , the condenser coil and the evaporator coil. They’re all pretty simple and usually don’t cause many problems. But looking over each of these components must be part of normal air conditioning service.

In the next and final article in this series, we’ll review the compressor, the heart of your AC system. And we’ll tell you about the two features you need to ask for when getting a new compressor.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

How to Avoid AC Failure In 3 Easy Steps

Forgotten Heroes of Air Conditioning Service

What the World Would Be Like If Air Conditioning Repair Didn't Exist

The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance

R22 Refrigerant Replacement - 3 R’s You Should know

How to Save Money on Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

Contact Us

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance

That’ll Keep You Up at Night
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

4 July 2018

When it gets hot, it’s vitally important to focus your air conditioner maintenance on the single most frequent cause of AC failure. Refrigerant – the life-blood of your system – is often the culprit when AC systems fail.

Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In part two of the series, we discuss the refrigerant, what it does and what you need to know to stay safe and in line with environmental regulations. Knowing the important facts of what refrigerant does can help make sure you’ll be cool all summer long.

Watch the Video

Air Conditioner Maintenance - Girl in the snow

Air Conditioner Maintenance Step #1 – Check for Leaks

The most common reason an air conditioning system fails is that the refrigerant has leaked out. You may know that evaporation is a cooling process. Think about how your body cools itself when it’s hot outside. When you perspire, your sweat “evaporates” and cools you down.

In an air conditioning system, refrigerant replaces sweat in this example. Evaporating refrigerant cools the hot air in your home. Without refrigerant, there’s no evaporation. No evaporation means no cooling, leaving you hot – perhaps in more than one way.

“If your AC unit is more than seven years old, you should consider an upgrade to one that uses R-410A”

R-410A Refrigerant

Recently, refrigerant R22 (also known as Freon), used in older AC units, has begun to be phased-out in favor of more environmentally friendly R-410A, sold under the trademarked names Suva 410A, Forane 410A, and Puron. If your AC unit is more than seven years old, you should consider an upgrade to one that uses R-410A. Find out why you should upgrade your AC refrigerant here.

R-410A absorbs and releases more heat than R-22 so your newer air conditioning compressor runs cooler, reducing the likelihood of overheating, burnout and failure. And because R-410A functions at a higher pressure than R-22, new compressors need to be built stronger so they’re more durable and therefore last longer.

Efficient & Environmentally Friendly

Compressors made for R-410A use synthetic lubrication. R-22 compressors use mineral oil. Synthetic oil is more soluble, lasts longer and maintains its operating viscosity under load. All that adds up to a system that operates more efficiently, reducing wear and tear on the compressor.

In addition, R-410A offers greater efficiency, saves money in energy costs, and is much better for the environment.

4 Reasons to Select R-410A Refrigerant

In this article, we discussed the first step in your air conditioner maintenance schedule, the refrigerant. More specifically, R-410A refrigerant, why it performs much better than its predecessor, R22, and why you should consider upgrading your compressor to one that uses R-410A. Here’s a recap of R-410A’s features:

R-410A compressors run cooler.
R-410A compressors operate more efficiently.
R-410A compressors are more durable and last longer.
R-410A saves money, and is better for the environment.

In the next article in this series, we’ll discuss the fan, the evaporation coil and the condenser coil, the forgotten heroes of air conditioner maintenance.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!

Call NOW!

Jerrys Plumbing

Call Us for All your Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Needs

(240) 530-0458

How to Avoid AC Failure In 3 Easy Steps

Forgotten Heroes of Air Conditioning Service

What the World Would Be Like If Air Conditioning Repair Didn't Exist

The Secret About Air Conditioner Maintenance

R22 Refrigerant Replacement - 3 R’s You Should know

How to Save Money on Air Conditioner Cleaning Service

Contact Us

Address:
11822 Pika Drive
Waldorf, MD 20602

Phone:
(240) 530-0458

Business Hours:
24/7

How to Avoid AC Failure

In 3 Easy Steps
Air Conditioning Components Most Likely to Break Down this Summer And Make You Hot, Tired and Cranky

Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

28 June 2018

Summertime means high temperatures returning once again and if you want to avoid AC failure, it’s as easy as 1-2-3.

Air conditioning systems may seem complex – and they are! In this series, we’re going to talk about the five main components: the compressor, fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and the refrigerant. If you want to avoid AC failure, you need to know how these components interact and how to guarantee a functioning system.

In part one of the series, we discuss three things you should do to make sure your air conditioning system continues to run at its best. Make sure you have a trained pro look over your system. Make sure you only use top quality components. And make sure you use a modern thermostat to properly control everything.

Watch the Video

Avoid AC Failure – Use a Pro

When it gets hot, everyone becomes an air conditioning expert. Beware of the guy who shows up at your door because he’s “working on your neighbor’s AC” and offers to “check out your system while he’s here?”

Have your current AC unit inspected by a licensed professional. They will be able to size-up your system quickly and tell you honestly whether your system is adequate or if it should be upgraded.

Before you let anyone into your house and especially before you hire anyone to work on your AC system, check out their credentials, experience and background. Ask them about the licenses required in your area. And check out online reviews.

Often there’s only a fine line between a real pro and someone that only appears to be professional. And that line can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing and haven’t properly prepared to walk on it.

” Before you hire anyone to work on your AC system, check out their credentials, experience and background. “

This AC Unit is Ready to be Replaced

Jerry Deason

Avoid AC Failure – Quality First

If you do need a system upgrade, be sure the new system is from a company known for quality. There are many “bargain” units out there that have a higher-than-average failure rate. Find out which units have the best ratings, choose one you like and have it installed.

Older units often show signs of diminished efficiency which may mean that it’s more economical to upgrade your system.

Here’s a list of signs that you might need a replacement cooling unit:

The cost of repairing your old unit is half of the cost of a new, more efficient one
Your old unit needs frequent repairs.
Humidity isn’t controlled properly, signaling operating issues
Your old system is out of warranty
Your old AC system is more than 10 years old

Look for a system with a SEER rating of 16 or higher, is built for durability and operates quietly (quieter than a common hair dryer).

Payne AC Unit

Carrier AC Unit

Avoid AC Failure – Thermostat

Make sure your thermostat is the equal of your new AC Unit. Older thermostats don’t have the newest technology to help you save money when the AC is running.

New thermostats “learn” your cooling habits over time to save you money. Energy-saving features save an average of 15% on cooling bills.

Look for a thermostat that turns itself down when you leave, using your phone’s location to know when you’re away. And get one that can be controlled remotely from your phone, tablet or laptop so that you’re always in charge no matter where you are.

Hi-Tech Nest

Nest at Home

We’ve discussed the three steps you must consider to make sure you stay cool all summer long:

Make sure you have a trained pro look over your system.
Make sure you only use top quality components.
Make sure you use a modern thermostat to properly control everything.

In the next article in this series, we’ll discuss the life-blood of your AC system – the refrigerant. Recent changes have made even relatively new systems obsolete.

The licensed technicians at Jerry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning are available to deliver quick and friendly service. Call Us Today!