Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Posted on May 15, 2012

Each winter, our homes take a bit of a beating, as we bundle up inside and shield ourselves against the biting winds and piling snow drifts. But once spring and warmer temperatures arrive, it is an excellent time to get outside and observe what repairs may need to be done now, before the next round of harsh weather conditions arrive. Use this spring home maintenance checklist from Wm. Henderson Maintenance to thoroughly check your home’s exterior, and take note of repairs that can be completed now to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Windows: Carefully inspect the weather stripping and caulking around your windows to ensure that each one has a tight seal. This will help you to get the most out of your heating and cooling.

Chimneys: Check your chimney to insure that no stones or bricks have fallen out, and that there is no vegetation growing in between cracks. If you do see these signs, they are an indication that water has infiltrated the masonry. Also keep an eye out for a chalky white calcium-like deposit called efflorescence, which indicates that your masonry joints are absorbing water rather than repelling it. Your masonry joints will need to be resealed with a clear water-resistant masonry sealer.

Plumbing: You’ll soon frequently be using your hose, so check your outdoor plumbing to make sure it is operating correctly and free of leaks. Check all of your exterior faucets, hose bibs, water valves, and irrigation systems.

Roof: Strong winter winds may have lifted or removed shingles. Inspect your roof to make sure your shingles all lay flat against the roof, and that flashing is in place around roof vents, vent pipes and skylights. Also, make sure that your gutters are free of debris so they can effectively collect spring and summer rains.

Cooling System: Now is the time for your “ounce of prevention” when it comes to your air conditioning system. Schedule a pre-season checkup to get your air conditioning unit in top shape before you start running it regularly.

Foundation and Exterior Walls: Check your foundation from top to bottom for cracks in the masonry, which will need to be filled with a special epoxy, not just regular caulk. Also, inspect your exterior walls, especially under eaves and near gutter downspouts, for water damage.

Proper care and maintenance can prevent your home from incurring large, expensive problems in the long run. So take advantage of the nice spring weather now, and inspect the exterior of your home for trouble spots.

With these tips to get you started, you will be ready to do the work necessary to have your home and air conditioning system in peak condition throughout the summer. This will prevent costly repairs during the warmest months of the year, saving you money. Call Wm. Henderson for your air conditioning checkup today.

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When to Replace Your Water Heater?

Posted on May 1, 2012

Water heaters seem to last forever, but when they do finally give their last hot shower, the whole family knows it! And, that is the number one way most people find out that their water heater needs to be replaced. But, that is obviously not the best way to find out. Instead, you need to keep track of the condition of your water heating system yearly, as you perform maintenance. Instead of listening for the shriek from a family member coming from the shower in the morning, keep an eye out for the following symptoms that it might be time to get a new water heater.

Keep track of how old you water heater is. A good electric water heater has about 8-12 years of efficient life in it. A gas heater lives a little longer, providing about 10-15 years of hot showers. If your water heater is much older than this, chances are your heating and electric bills are steadily rising as the heater ages. This is a great time to start looking for a new model.

Take note of the water that is coming out of the faucet. If the water is tinted in any way, then you know that the tank is becoming corroded and the life of the system is at its end. Get ready for a replacement, because rust in the water is a sure sign that something is bad and getting worse quickly.

During your yearly inspection, make sure that the area around the heating tank is dry. Often times as water heaters age, they will rust and then leak. Wet spots around the tank indicate that a leak (slow or otherwise) is taking place. If this is the case, it’s time to consider a new water heater.

Nothing defines a modern civilization like its access to hot water on demand. As simple as water heaters are, they are by far the number one systems in the home cherished by homeowners. Nobody knows this better than Wm Henderson, who, for more than 35 years has brought hot showers back to Delaware County and Mainline PA homeowners time and time again. If your hot water heater has expired, or if it is showing signs that it is time for replacement, give us a call. We have the expertise to know when a water heater is ready to go, and which replacement is right for you. Call us today to get started.

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Spring is Coming: Have you Had Your AC Serviced Yet?

Posted on April 24, 2012

If you’re a Pennsylvania homeowner and you haven’t had your AC serviced yet this year, then you need to call on Wm Henderson and his team of trained AC professionals. Spring is the best time of year to ensure that your air conditioning system is working as well as it can, because once summer hits, our crews get busy. A well functioning system will save you money, due to both fewer breakdowns and increased energy efficiency. That’s peace of mind anyone can believe in.

Our maintenance technicians will perform a thorough check-up on your AC system, starting with inspecting the filter and changing it if needed. Besides checking to make sure that your filter is in good shape, we can ensure that you are using the correct filter for your home size and air quality needs.

After checking the filters, our technicians will make sure your drain pan is clean and clear. The drain pan on an AC unit can collect all types of dirt and debris. It is important to the life of your cooling system to make sure that this drain doesn’t collect mold and allows water to move away freely.

Lastly, our technicians will service your conditioner coils and make sure they are clean. Typically, this takes a bit of pressurized water, but for extremely dirty coils there are solutions that are used to remove stubborn dirt.

For over 35 years, William Henderson Maintenance has been helping homeowners keep their home systems running smoothly. At Wm Henderson, we love to be proactive, because we know that it costs far less to keep a system operating well than it does to replace worn out parts. Don’t hesitate, call us today and we’ll get your AC ready to run for the summer.

 

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Before You Build, Know Where Your Pipes Are?

Posted on April 2, 2012

Building a new addition, a new shed or garage, or a new landscaping structure to your home is an exciting, but sometimes daunting task. It takes many professionals to see any of these projects through from start to finish. Having multiple people working on a single project requires a great deal of communication to ensure that the project goes smoothly, with a minimum amount of change orders or do-overs. William Henderson, Inc. knows that in all such improvements, it’s vital to know where your pipes are both inside and outside your home.

Understanding the layout of the city’s sewer system and how it relates to your property is essential. If you are about to build in any location around your home, knowing where your sewer lines are located will prevent costly damage to your pipes. Perhaps more important, though, is that it will ensure that the pipes continue to be accessible in the event that pipe repair becomes necessary. If your new structure needs plumbing, it is also necessary to consider how the new pipe will connect with the main line. Since water will not flow uphill, it is vital for the pipe leading out of the structure to the main pipe does not go deeper underground than the sewer main. Otherwise, the sewer main might back up into the lower pipe.

For new construction, you’ll also want to make sure that you don’t plant landscaping to close to sewer mains. Tree roots constantly seek out water, and a leaking or moist sewer line is a great source of nutrient-rich water that trees love. Once a root finds its way into a sewer, they will cause cracks and blockages, and an expensive plumbing repair job. Obviously, we want to avoid that whenever possible.

Getting the design of all of your structures in sync with the property on which they are built is something best left to the professionals. If you have questions about where sewer lines or water mains are, either in the road or on your property, William Henderson Maintenance is here to help. We’ve been helping Pennsylvania homeowners in Delaware County and the Mainline build on their property for the past 35 years, keeping their dream additions from becoming nightmares. We know all the important building codes, and understand the problems before they arise. Call us today to get started.

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Spring Maintenance Checklist

Posted on March 23, 2012

Spring is an exciting time for everyone. With summer just around the corner, we begin to daydream about warm days and summer nights, barbecue picnics, pick-up sports and lazy afternoons. But, before you schedule your leisure activities, it’s important that you get your spring maintenance checklist in order. There are a lot of small things you need to take care of to ensure that your home is ready for the warmer weather and William Henderson maintenance technicians have a list right here to get you started.

Start inside the home and make sure your main systems are ready for shut down or start up. Your heating system will need a quick spring cleaning to ensure it is ready when the winter season comes back. Make sure you replace any HVAC filters you have. Don’t forget to look at your water heater as well. Even though it runs year round, spring is a good time to check in and see everything is functioning properly.

After checking your indoor systems thoroughly, it’s time to move outside. Winter is hard on the exterior of your home and it’s a good idea to walk around your home to make sure that your storm windows, roof shingles and siding are all still intact. Storm windows in particular are important to ensure your home is retaining heat efficiently. This is crucial in the winter, and it is also important when the hot summer months hit, so that your air conditioning unit is cooling your home as efficiently as possible.

While outside, take the time to inspect your air conditioning unit. Even if you covered the unit during the winter season, there is a strong possibility that debris and corrosion accumulated during the winter months. If necessary, replace the filter with one that is appropriate for your home size and air quality needs. Vacuum out the drain tray to ensure that condensation can easily leave the unit. Finally, inspect the coils to ensure that they are clean and clear.

Wm Henderson has helped Pennsylvania homeowners for 30 years prepare their homes for summer. We know that spring is the best time to check all of your homes appliances; before the rush of other homeowners and before something breaks down. The appliances in our homes work hard for us and it’s in your best interest to put a little effort in to keep them operating efficiently.

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Is Your Home Ready for Spring?

Posted on March 16, 2012

As old man winter packs up his bags and heads farther north, it’s time to turn your attention to your home. Spring cleaning happens everywhere and takes up a great deal of our time. But, don’t just concentrate on airing out the home and getting the garage and yard ready for the summer. Your home systems need spring cleaning as well. Systems that have been dormant all winter need a quick inspection and cleaning before they take on the summer season. Also, heating systems that have worked hard all winter, need a proper shut down in order to be ready for next winter. William Henderson maintenance is here to help get your home ready for warm weather.

Checking the systems in your home prior to its operational season ensures that the system will work correctly. During the winter, air conditioners can pick up all kinds of debris in the drain pan and on the coils causing the appliance to run inefficiently or not at all. A finely tuned system will give you lower utility bills, call for fewer repairs and give you peace of mind to enjoy the summer.

The maintenance of heating and cooling systems doesn’t stop with the appliance itself, though. Prior to summer, it is important to inspect the ducting system of your cooling system to ensure that there are no leaks. In addition, it’s a good idea to survey the outside of the home, to make sure storm windows and screens are intact. Winter weather can be hard on the outside of home, and a quick survey of the outside can go a long way in being prepared.

Wm. Henderson has over 35 years of experience preparing homes for all 4 seasons. In our experience we’ve learned that the old adage is true, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. It’s cheaper too. Calling maintenance professionals to prevent a system from breaking down is more cost-effective than calling one to fix a system. So let William Henderson maintenance professionals tend to your home this spring. We’ll let you know what you need to relax and enjoy your summer this year.

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Things You Should Inspect on Your AC Unit before Summer

Posted on March 7, 2012

No matter how long the winter may seem to drag on, spring is always right around the corner. Not long after that, the days of summer begin to transform our homes into sweltering boxes of humidity and heat. That’s usually the time homeowners begin to think about turning on their air conditioner. In order to run their best, though, air conditioners need a little pre-summer maintenance so they can operate at peak efficiency throughout the summer. William Henderson, Inc. has a few basic tips that can get you started in the right direction.

Always make sure that the unit is disconnected from power before you begin any type of maintenance. Start your maintenance by ensuring that the filter is clean and ready for operation. Ample access to unrestricted air is important to all appliances, and air conditioners are no exception. Also make sure that you have the right type of air filter for your home and needs.

You will also want to ensure that your drain is operating properly. It’s a good idea to make sure the drain is clean and clear of dirt and other debris. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to reach into the drain pan to suck up any debris that has collected. A clogged drain can lead to mold and mildew issues and hamper the effectiveness of your air conditioning unit.

Finally, it is a good idea to the clean the air conditioner coils. Using a simple garden hose, you can wet the coils rinsing off any particles that may be stuck. There are also coil cleaning products that make this process easier. Let the solution sit on the coils for a short period and then rinse them off with clean water.

The simplest solution to maintaining your air conditioner, however, is to call William Henderson maintenance. We have over 35 years of experience helping Delaware County and Mainline homeowners care for their heating and cooling systems. And we have learned over all these years that prevention and preparation can save you money, time and hassle when it comes to keeping your home systems operating smoothly. Call us today to get started.

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Things to Check for in an Old House

Posted on February 27, 2012

Old homes have a charm and character that you seldom get with new construction. Very old homes often have an architecture and presence grounded in fine craftsmanship and history. Many times, these old homes are able to connect to the owner in both their layout and feel. The construction methods and materials used to create the home are often far superior to what is used by today’s home builders. William Henderson, Inc. knows that for all the character and charm of an old home, however, there are real concerns about the systems inside that home.

Although it is curb appeal that initially attracts us to a house, aesthetics should really play a small part in your decision to purchase an older home. What should be taken into account are the systems inside that home like the plumbing, electrical, heating, insulation and ventilation. These are the systems that will make your home enjoyable throughout the year.

When you first inspect a home it is a good idea to look at all the exposed, easily accessed portions of these systems. A visual check without being hands on will inform you of the condition they are in. Are water pipes and sewer drains rusting? Are there water spots anywhere in the home? Does the electrical box look outdated and are the outlets three-pronged? Does the attic have insulation? How old is the heating system? These are facts you can determine very quickly to get an idea of the shape of an older home.

Taking the time to check the systems of your home is a great place to start, but to get real accurate information you need to hire a professional like William Henderson Maintenance. We will quickly and efficiently take a survey of your equipment and systems and make suggestions on upgrades that will make your home comfortable and save you money. An old home is charming, but new systems are what make a good home great.

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How is the Indoor Air Quality of Your Home?

Posted on February 20, 2012

Natural and industrial allergens are all around us. They come from the cars we drive, the businesses in our small town and our backyards. We have little control over the quality of the air outside our home, but we can make a conscious decision to test, monitor and ensure that the air inside our home is healthy for us and our families. This is a job for professionals like those at William Henderson Maintenance.

All kinds of allergens are important to keep out of the home. Almost everyone is allergic to dust and pollen and other industrial allergens, but everyone is allergic to a different degree. For some people, a slightly elevated pollen count will exasperate asthma or other symptoms. For others, only extreme industrial allergens will cause them to have problems. Regardless of the reaction, installing an air conditioning and purifying system can mean the difference between a comfortable or an uncomfortable home.

There are two specific methods for removing allergen particles in the air; mechanical air filters and electronic air cleaners. Mechanical air filters use screens or tightly woven filters to trap and collect allergen particles as air enters your home. Electronic air cleaners uses electrostatic energy to attract the particles in the air. This keeps the allergens from circulating within your home.

William Henderson Maintenance has over 35 years of experience installing and maintaining air conditioning and purifying systems in all types of homes. Our work with Delaware County and Mainline area homeowners over the past three decades has given us the experience to design, size and suggest what system will work best for you and the allergies you have. Don’t wait; let Wm. Henderson Inc. test the air in your home. Your health and the health of your family are worth it.

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Are Your Ducts Insulated?

Posted on February 20, 2012

There are many ways to save money on your heating bills as winter drags on, but many people only focus on the main part of their heating system: the furnace. By purchasing a high-efficiency furnace that can heat your home, you can save a lot of money in the long run, but it’s not the only part of your heating system that can stand improvements. With nearly 35 years of experience helping Delaware County and Mainline area homeowners save on heating bills, Wm. Henderson Heating knows that uninsulated heating ducts are a huge cause of heat loss and an overlooked way to lose money during the winter.

It’s common sense to spend time and energy to make sure that you have well insulated windows to keep out old man winter. Many homeowners will install weather stripping around their doors to keep out drafts and ensure that they have well sealed storm windows to add an extra layer of insulation. In fact, all homeowners know that insulation is the number one way to save on heating costs in the home. But, very few homeowners take the time to insulate their heating ducts.

As you can imagine, uninsulated heating ducts leak warm air into cold crawlspaces and uninhabitable wall cavities, where it’s not wanted. Since the ducting system in a typical house can be hundreds of feet long, there is good chance that some stretch of the system is spilling warm air into places of your home that don’t need to be heated. Not only does this waste energy, but your furnace also has to work harder to heat your home, because the hot air is not making it to its destination.

Let Wm. Henderson Maintenance visit your home, inspect your system and give you advice about how you can improve the efficiency of your heating system. We have a great deal of experience with all types of forced air furnaces, venting and ducting. A quick call can save you a great deal of money over the long rung and keep old man winter outside where he belongs.

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