SPS Mechanical Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Mullica Hill’

Choosing the Right Plumber

Monday, July 25th, 2022

Everyone dreams of having an amazing and trustworthy plumber that knows their name and can be counted on when things go wrong. This is so sought after, that you’ve probably heard the stories of independent plumbers who provided honesty and hard work, which propelled them into being extremely successful.

While this might sound like a rare thing, or something that only used to happen, the truth is that you might be closed to a trustworthy plumber than you think. It’s not just opening the phone book and taking a wild guess at plumbing companies. You can usually tell how trustworthy or customer-friendly a plumber will be by looking at some of the things they offer and how they react to reviews.

We’d like to prepare you for your next plumbing repair in Mullica Hill, by helping you strategize on ways to choose a great plumber.

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Why Should I Schedule a Ductwork Inspection?

Wednesday, August 27th, 2014

Without your ductwork, there is no delivery of cool (or warm) air to your home. And with faulty ductwork, the air delivery can be compromised. Because your ductwork lives behind walls, in attics and through crawlspaces, it can be easy to forget about it. Unfortunately, like other parts of your air conditioning system, your ductwork can develop holes and cracks, and sections can become damaged and disconnect. One of the best ways to avoid large problems with your ductwork is to schedule an annual inspection with your annual maintenance appointment. And should you need duct cleanings service for your Mullica Hill property, SPS Mechanical, Inc., has the professionals to get it done.

What Is a Ductwork Inspection?

A ductwork inspection can be a thorough visual inspection, in which camera equipment is used to inspect the entirety of your ductwork for problems; an inspection can also consist of testing your ductwork for leaks, which is a much more precise process that determines exactly what ducts may be leaking air.

How Is Duct Testing Done?

There are two ways in which duct testing can be done: the pressurized subtraction method and the duct testing method. With the pressurized subtraction method, a high-powered fan is set up in a doorway and connected to pressure gauges. Your entire space is then pressurized with the fan, first with the ducts open, then with the ducts closed, to help determine where air leaks may exist.

The duct testing method uses a calibrated fan to gently pressurize the ducts. While it does this, gauges measure the airflow through the ducts to determine if there are leaks, and if so, measures the leakage. Instead of a large, high-powered fan, the duct testing method utilizes a smaller portable fan with calibrated digital pressure gauges that connect to the blower of your indoor air handler. All ducts are sealed for the test and the fan is turned on to pressurize the system. The gauges tell what the pressure is, and if the pressure is found to be outside acceptable limits, repair and/or sealing of the ducts will most likely be recommended.

Why Schedule a Ductwork Inspection?

Your ductwork is an integral part of your air conditioning system. Problems from your ductwork can decrease energy efficiency and indoor air quality, as well as stress your AC system. Scheduling a duct inspection can help determine whether or not you need duct cleaning or repair in Mullica Hill. Have questions? Call SPS Mechanical, Inc., today and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

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Air Conditioning Repair: How Damaged Coils Affect Operation

Monday, May 27th, 2013

Our air conditioning systems are complex, comprising various components, connections, and mechanisms, all of which work cooperatively to provide respite from the heat outside during the cooling season. As you probably already know, one of the major components of your system is the coils. The coils in the outside unit are known as the condenser; those in the indoor unit known as the evaporator. While they are both coils, they have very different—some might say opposite—functions. Refrigerant circulates through these coils, pressurized as they are by the compressor pump. The refrigerant condenses in the condenser coil by dissipating heat, and evaporates in the evaporator coil by cooling air, hence their respective names. But when the coils become damaged, they can dramatically reduce the ability of your air conditioning system to function properly. For air conditioning repair in Woodbury, NJ, call the experts at SPS Mechanical today!

Let’s take a look at how damage coils affect operation:

  • Evaporator coil: Your evaporator coil is responsible for cooling the air that is then sent throughout your ductwork. It is usually shaped like a pyramid with the bottom open, so that any condensed water that accumulates in the process can drip into the condensate pan. If it’s covered in dust or debris, then the coils become much less effective in cooling the air and absorbing the heat its heat. If they are damaged, it can lead to improper dehumidification and frozen coils.
  • Condenser coil: Your condenser coils typically wrap the enclosure of the outdoor unit, to maximize heat dissipation, which is also assisted by a vertical exhaust fan. Its purpose, as already mentioned, is to disperse the heat of the gas refrigerant, which has been highly pressurized and heated by the compressor. Because the temperature of the refrigerant is hotter than the outside air, the heat quickly dissipates. If this process is disturbed by damage the coils, this dissipation cannot take place. This can result in warm air coming through your ducts.

These are just a few of the issues resulting from damaged coils. For expert air conditioning repair in Woodbury, NJ, call SPS Mechanical today! 

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Benefits of an Energy Audit

Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Saving energy is not only about conserving natural resources, it’s also a way to potentially save money. A professional energy audit is a great way to diagnose and improve the efficiency of your home. SPS Mechanical has an expert team of energy specialists who use a variety of equipment to measure your Sewell, NJ home’s energy usage and discover ways you can improve your energy-efficiency. We’ve put together a few of the benefits of energy audits to raise awareness of how important it is for homeowners.

What Happens During An Energy Audit?

Common energy audit services include using a blower door test to assess the integrity of your ductwork. A blower door is a large fan mounted on an exterior door which pulls the air out of your home and lowers the air pressure. The high pressure outside air will then seek out even the smallest leaks and cracks in your home. This test determines what improvements can be made to your home insulation, ductwork or window and door seals in order to improve your air quality and energy-efficiency. SPS Mechanical will also take a close look at the insulation in your attic. This is one of the major areas of heat loss. In the winter, your hot air will go right through your ceiling if your attic is improperly insulated. In the summer, hot air will sit up in your attic and seep into your home.

Benefits of An Energy Audit in Sewell, NJ

In general, an energy audit is an essential step to take in order to improve your home. Here are some benefits of an energy audit:

  • Save between 20% and 30% on your heating and cooling costs.
  • Reduce your environmental impact.
  • Maximize your home comfort.
  • Save on electricity bills.
  • Increase the value of your home.

With such great benefits, a professional energy audit makes a lot of sense. You can not only save money but also improve the comfort of your home as well as reduce any negative impact on the environment. For more information about getting an energy audit in Sewell, NJ, call SPS Mechanical today.

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Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Common User Errors

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Whether you’ve just bought your air conditioner or have ran it for years, you may not realize that it requires a certain amount of care to run smoothly and to minimize repairs. In short, there are some common user errors that many homeowners do that may have adverse effects on their systems. While we certainly don’t expect you to know the details of the air conditioner’s operation, a little bit of know-how goes a long way towards extending the life of your system and improving the comfort of your home during the summer months. For more information about air conditioning repair in Swedesboro, NJ, call SPS Mechanical today!

  • Forgot to change the air filter: Regularly changing your air filter is one of the things that even the least technicial of us can learn to do. It’s important to the integrity of our system. While the air filter is there to prevent the passage of pollutants and dust from entering your living space, when it becomes dirty or clogged, it can actually begin to impede airflow, which can result in damage to other parts of the system, in addition to inadequate cooling.
  • Bigger is not better? No, it’s not. Your air conditioner needs to be appropriately sized to your home. This depends not only on the volume of air in your living space, but also on the quality of your insulation and the orientation of your home with respect to the sun. Choosing the largest possible system with the hope that it will easily handle your cooling needs may only lead to excessive cold air and frequent short cycling, which can dramatically reduce your energy-efficiency. You need a professionally sized system that will maximize your efficiency without sacrificing performance.
  • Maintenance is unnecessary: You might think that if your AC is under 5 years old, then it doesn’t need anything. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is a common user error. Routine maintenance and cleaning by a professional is the best way to ensure that your cooling system operates effectively and efficiently for years to come. Without it, however, the efficiency of your AC can dramatically depreciate.

These are just a few of the mistakes that can lead to problems with your air conditioning. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask a certified professional. For air conditioning repair in Swedesboro, NJ, call SPS Mechanical today! 

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HVAC Tip: Benefits of Duct Cleaning

Monday, March 25th, 2013

Ducts circulate the heated and cooled air from your HVAC system throughout your home. They exist inside the walls and underneath your floors. Duct cleaning, therefore, is an essential part of maintaining the health of your heating system. At times, you may feel that the indoor air quality of your home is suffering, that the filtered air is no longer as fresh as it once was, or that you smell something musty. All of these can be indications that you may benefit from a duct cleaning by a local Sewell, NJ HVAC contractor.

The quality of air you breathe in your home or business ultimately depends upon the cleanliness of your ducts. By checking for excessive dust and other debris in your ducts, from the air handler through the various conduits, take-offs and branches, dampers and plenums, all the way to the diffusers and grilles, a duct cleaning professional can ensure the efficiency and  effectiveness of your heating and cooling system. The first step in this process is to pay attention to various indicators:  the need to sweep or dust more often, if you experience headaches or congestion when you wake up in the morning, blocked airflow in parts of your home, or a stale odor when turning on the furnace or the air conditioner. If you or any of your family members experience any of these problems, please call a local Sewell, NJ HVAC professional. Cleaning your ducts will not only give you some relief, but also some peace of mind. There is no substitute for knowing that your heating system is in top form during the cold months.

Think of duct cleaning as important to the health of your home as mopping the kitchen floor, or vacuuming the bedroom. Protecting the integrity of your home is as simple as scheduling a professional duct inspection and cleaning. Call SPS Mechanical today.    

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Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems in Cherry Hill

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Most of use our kitchens every day to make food, wash dishes and to spend time together. That’s why it’s always such a big deal when something goes wrong with one of your kitchen’s components. At SPS Mechanical, we know how important your kitchen is and we make it our goal to get you back on track as soon as possible. We’ve worked with lots of customers throughout the Cherry Hill area providing complete kitchen repairs. We thought it would be helpful for our community if we put together some of the most common kitchen problems and what causes them.

Garbage Disposal Problems in Cherry Hill

The garbage disposal in your kitchen takes a lot of abuse on a daily basis. It has to grind up all kinds of food and garbage. Even though it is a pretty tough piece of equipment, it is also one of the most commonly abused. The most common garbage disposal problem is clogs as a result of someone putting something down there that they shouldn’t. Here are a few of the most common sources of garbage disposal clogs in Cherry Hill: pasta, potato skins, bones, paper towels, celery and grease.

Kitchen Plumbing and Pipe Leaks in Cherry Hill

One of the most common causes of kitchen plumbing leaks or pipe leaks is bad installation. We get calls for service all the time to homes whose kitchen plumbing is leaking. This normally happens near the sink, dishwasher or refrigerator where there are plumbing lines. Other common problems are clogs from hard water or other food waste and cracks in the pipes from age.

If you need kitchen plumbing repair in Cherry Hill, make sure you call SPS Mechanical today. Our plumbers in Cherry Hill have years of experience and training working with all types of kitchen plumbing problems. Call us today!

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Plumbing Tip: Common Plumbing Noises and What to Do About Them

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Here at SPS Mechanical, we get a lot of phone calls from our Woodbury, NJ area customers about plumbing noises. There are many plumbing noises that are not cause for alarm and can be taken care of with a few simple steps.

The three main plumbing noise complaints that we get are, water hammer, whistling pipes, and creaking pipes. This post explains the potential cause and repair for each.

Water Hammer

Water hammer is a loud banging noise that is caused by abruptly turning off the water. This usually happens because there’s a leaky air cushioning in the pipe. This is an easy fix for a Woodbury, NJ plumber. An air chamber valve can be installed so that when the water is turned off, the valve closes and compresses the air. This slows the water down gradually so that there’s no hammering noise.

While it may seem like a minor issue, water hammering noises that are left unattended can eventually lead to water leaks and deterioration of the piping material. If you hear more of a chattering or rattling noise, there may be a loose pipe rubbing against another pipe or other metal objects. Call a professional plumbing contractor if you hear any hammering or rattling noises in your pipes.

Whistling Pipes

Both water hammering and whistling noises are caused by the momentum of the water flowing through a pipe that is too small to handle a large volume of water. Attaching a pressure reducing valve will eliminate both noises and help with other issues in the plumbing system as well. Whistling could also be caused by sediment buildup, so you may need a drain cleaning service.

Creaking Pipes

Another common noise that is often reported in homes is a creaking sound in walls or floors. This is caused by the expansion and contraction of hot water pipes. When hot water flows through the pipe, the pipe expands to some degree, and when the hot water is turned off, the pipe cools and contracts. This accounts for the creaking noise often heard by homeowners. A plumber can insulate the pipe or make a space in the surrounding building material, such as cutting a notch in the wood, to allow for the expansion of the pipe.

If you have questions or hear any of these noises, call a Woodbury, NJ area plumber at SPS Mechanical. We’ll diagnose the issue and have it fixed in no time. We are always happy to answer any plumbing questions, so call any time.

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