Indiana residents are all too familiar with frigid winters. During those months, HVAC systems work harder to keep homes warm and families comfortable. Because of the increased workload put on HVAC systems during this period, these systems are more likely to become damaged and potentially break down.  

Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to provide you with winter HVAC tips to better prevent that from happening. Just follow the tips below to ensure a functional HVAC system all winter long.

Why is Preventative HVAC Maintenance Important?

Preventive HVAC maintenance is important because it keeps your HVAC system in good working order. Benefits as a result of preventive maintenance not only includes comfort, it also reduces the need for costly repairs and lowers your energy bills. saving you money and conserving energy. With the possibility of a system breakdown during the winter, preventative maintenance goes a long way to help mitigate that possibility. 

HVAC Maintenance Tips for Indiana Winters

To keep your Indiana HVAC system better prepared for the winter, start by putting these tips into practice: 

1. Clear all registers and vents.  Start by making sure all registers and vents in your home are clean and free of obstructions. Furniture and rugs often cover or block these vents. Blocked or clogged air vents prevent air from circulating properly throughout your home. Thus, making it harder to warm your home. 
2. Replace your air filter. Harsh winters or not, clean air filters are a key component of a functioning HVAC system. Because of the increased workload on your HVAC system during the winter, air filters become dirty and clogged at a faster rate. If your air filters are reusable, you should regularly inspect them to make sure they are clean. For non-reusable air filters, change them monthly for optimal HVAC performance. 
3. Set your thermostat for energy efficiency. To boost the energy efficiency of your home, setting your thermostat for certain situations is a great way to do that. Some suggestions include not putting your thermostat above 70 degrees while you’re home and keeping the temperature between 60 and 62 degrees while you’re sleeping. Also, avoid overriding your thermostat’s pre-programmed settings and resort to a blanket instead of adjusting the temperature. 
4. Seal ductwork. Sealing your home’s ductwork prevents large amounts of wasted energy. You’re going to need the best performance out of your HVAC system during the winter. That’s why sealing your home’s ductwork is helpful. 
5. Listen for any strange noises. The presence of new and unpleasant sounds or smells coming from your HVAC system is never a good sign. This often indicates your HVAC system is struggling to fulfill its duties. This normally means the furnace is dirty or in need of repairs. 
6. Test the thermostat & heating unit. About a month before the winter season comes around, test your thermostat and heating unit. Cycle through the thermostat’s functions and make sure it’s responding correctly and set the heat to a specific temperature to make sure heating isn’t an issue. This will give you an idea of the current state of these components and if any repairs are needed before winter comes around. 
7. Ensure your home is properly insulated. One of the biggest factors to help keep your home comfortable during the winter months is insulation. Insulation can help prevent the loss of heat and keep it within your home, maintaining desired temperatures and increasing energy efficiency. Make sure areas like the attic, roof, and gaps around doors and windows are properly insulated. These areas in particular are the main culprits of lost heat. 
8. Schedule an HVAC system inspection. Get in the habit of scheduling an annual HVAC inspection in the fall. Scheduling one in the fall helps mitigate the possibility of a system breakdown during the coldest months of the year. These inspections also keep your system in working order and help diagnose possible issues as they arise. 

Importance of a Pre-Winter Furnace Tune-Up

A pre-winter furnace tune-up is important for these reasons: 

Decrease Risk of Breakdowns

Scheduling a tune-up for your furnace in the fall helps decrease the risk of a breakdown. No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night only to realize their home is an icebox. 

Lower Your Energy Bills

A furnace tune-up in the fall makes sure it’s clean, oiled, and ready to deliver the best results. In turn, lowering energy bills without sacrificing comfort. 

Boost Indoor Air Quality

Winter happens to be a season with heightened chances for carbon monoxide poisoning. Neglected furnaces are often the cause. Furnace tune-ups check for gas leaks, assess CO levels, and take other steps to boost the indoor air quality of your home. A win-win situation across the board. 

Extend the Life of Your Furnace

Furnaces commonly last in between the 10 to 15-year range. But, furnaces that aren’t given the proper maintenance often fail sooner. Routine maintenance brings about reliable performance, no matter the season. On top of that, adding years to your system’s lifespan. 

Reduce Your Repair Costs

Tune-ups catch developing problems early, giving attention to issues before they can lead to mid-season breakdowns and costly repairs. Regular maintenance is a much more affordable option compared to repairs that will make a serious dent in your wallet. 

Prepare Your Home with Our Winter HVAC Maintenance Service

Better prepare your home with our comprehensive winter HVAC maintenance services. Whether you need heating, furnace, or heat pump maintenance services, our expert technicians are ready to help today in areas surrounding Indianapolis like Carmel, Fishers, Lebanon, Pittsboro, and more.

At some point in a homeowner’s journey, residents will come across the common aggravation that is low water pressure. This leads to the pertinent question “Why is my water pressure low?”  There is a multitude of reasons for low water pressure, and knowing those reasons and the common background behind water pressure will alleviate homeowner stress.

What Is a Normal Water Pressure Level?

A normal water pressure for your house ranges from 45 to 80 psi. Anything below that level constitutes low water pressure. If you are feeling wary that your water pressure is low, use a test gauge that measures psi. This handy tool can be found at most hardware stores. To measure your home’s water pressure, screw the gauge onto the hose spigot on the outside of the home. Turn the valve on, and your reading will appear.

7 Causes of Low Water Pressure

1. Water Demand

A common cause for low water pressure can be due to high water demand within the household. When multiple taps are used throughout the house, this can drop the water pressure below a satisfactory level. Between the multiple taps being used throughout the home, the demand becomes too high, leading to low water pressure.

This can easily be fixed by making sure the use of water throughout the house is divided properly by staggering activities that rely on water consumption. Examples would be avoiding showers when running the dishwasher and making sure multiple sinks aren’t being used at the same time.

2. Closed Shut-Off Valves

The main water shutoff valve regulates the flow of water in a home. If your water pressure is low, it may be because this valve is partially closed. For your home to receive proper water pressure, it’s essential that these valves are open.

The main shutoff valve can be located near the outside hose spigot or inside the home in the utility room. Make sure the valve is turned all the way to the opened position. Harsh winters in Indiana can lead to issues for not only your shutoff valve but also other plumbing fixtures in a home. Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can assess the situation, determine the issue, and offer a long-lasting solution.

3. Plumbing Fixture Issues

Another issue that may cause low water pressure is fixture issues. One thing to keep in mind is the aerator on a faucet fixture. The aerator is designed to reduce an influx of water flow from the faucet without compromising water pressure. Aerators can be prone to buildup by limestone, rust, or dirt. This can be fixed by removing the aerators on your faucets and inspecting them for these issues. Reinstall the aerators once they have been cleaned to determine if the water pressure is now at a good level.

Fixtures themselves can also get clogged, and given that they are relatively inexpensive, replacing them is a viable option.

4. Broken Pressure Regulator

The plumbing system within your home contains a component known as the pressure regulator. This regulator keeps water pressure at a comfortable level in your home. Your water pressure may become low or high depending on if this component is broken.

The pressure regulator is a bell-shaped component near your home’s hose connection. You can adjust the pressure regulator accordingly depending on your home’s water pressure issues, whether high or low. High water pressure in particular can cause other problems like damaged faucets, showerheads, appliances, and water lines. Call a plumber if you believe your pressure regulator needs replacing.

5. Sediment Buildup

Sediment buildup within a pipe’s walls can lead to clogged pipes over time. Minerals flowing through running water can create buildup that will ultimately induce low water pressure. A common sign of this issue is initially observing good water flow that dwindles to mere drops.

Routine checkups by your plumber will help determine the current health of your pipes to curve the chance of sediment buildup being the root cause of your water pressure problems.

6. Corrosion

Corrosion issues pertain to homeowners with metal pipes. Corrosion develops over time within metal pipes and will restrict water flow. Corroded pipes may affect a small section of pipes within a home or the whole plumbing system.

Calling a plumber will help determine whether your pipes need cleaning or if they need to be replaced. Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can offer full pipe repair or replacement in the Indianapolis area.

7. Small Branch Lines

The vertical supply stack lines that come off the plumbing system are known as branch lines. These branch lines lead to different plumbing fixtures. Low water pressure can also mean that your branch lines are too small to satisfy your home’s water demand. The fix to this issue would be best suited for your plumber to gauge if your home needs bigger branches.

Quick DIY Fixes

If low water pressure strikes your home, it can be a daunting task of what to do. Thankfully, there is a list of quick do-it-yourself fixes anyone can do before restoring to a local plumber.

Check Your Shower Heads

A simple solution to low water pressure issues can be checking your shower heads. Your shower head may have developed too much buildup. If different faucets and taps throughout your home have different water pressure levels, this is the best place to start.

Soaking your shower heads with vinegar and then cleaning them regularly afterward can help clear up depository buildup.

Drain Your Water Heater

Water heaters can also develop sediment buildup. Homeowners should regularly practice draining their water heater once a year. If this isn’t practiced, this can take years off of your water heater’s lifespan. Turn off the water heater first, then drain the tank.

Clear Debris From Pipes

Miscellaneous debris can cause your pipes to get clogged. As mentioned above, clogged pipes can cause low water pressure. A cable or snake drain that’s fed down your pipes can do a great job of unclogging your pipes. Doing this task regularly is a healthy way to help the timespan and efficiency of your home’s pipes.

Fix Low Water Pressure with the Expert Plumbers at Chapman

If these DIY tasks haven’t fixed your water pressure issues, it’s probably time to contact a local professional. Low water pressure can be caused by a degree of issues. Indianapolis area residents can have faith in the certified professionals at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for their plumbing needs that range from routine inspections, pipe replacements, cleaning, repair, and more to fix low water pressure in your home. Schedule an appointment with Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.

If you’ve ever experienced your dishwasher backing up into your sink, you know how frustrating and messy it is. This common household issue can stem from something as simple as a clog to more serious plumbing issues. 

Let’s take a look at common reasons why your dishwasher might be backing up into your sink along with practical steps to address the problem. Whether it’s a minor blockage or a more complex plumbing issue, understanding the causes and knowing what to do next can help you resolve the issue swiftly.

Why Your Dishwasher Might Be Backing up Into Your Sink

Understanding the underlying causes of this issue can help you tackle the issue effectively. Several factors may contribute to this problem, ranging from minor clogs to more serious plumbing issues. Here’s a brief overview of possible reasons why your dishwasher is backing up into your sink.

Clogged Sink

Experiencing a clogged sink is not only an inconvenience but can also lead to your dishwasher backing up into the sink. Several factors contribute to sink blockages, ranging from food debris and grease buildup to plumbing issues. A clogged sink impedes proper drainage, causing water from the dishwasher to back up into the sink.

Obstructed Dishwasher Drain

Is your dishwasher overflowing with water and causing a leak? It could be due to an obstructed drain that causes water to back up into your sink. Culprits like food scraps, grease, or even forgotten utensils can form a blockage in your dishwasher drain. When the dishwasher drain gets clogged, water backs up into the sink, turning your kitchen into a wet mess.

Jammed Garbage Disposal

Is your dishwasher flooding your sink? The culprit might just be a jammed garbage disposal. If your garbage disposal is jammed or malfunctioning, it can disrupt the drainage flow, leading to water backing up into the sink. Dishwashers often share drainage connections with garbage disposals, making them more susceptible to the consequences of disposal issues. A backed-up sink is just the tip of the iceberg; a jammed disposal can exacerbate the situation, causing water to overflow into the sink and beyond.

Blocked Air Gap

Is your dishwasher causing water to flood into your sink unexpectedly? The issue might be a blocked air gap. A blocked or improperly installed air gap can disrupt drainage flow, leading to water backing up into the sink. Dishwashers rely on air gaps to prevent backflow, making them vulnerable to issues when the air gap is blocked. When the air gap is blocked, water from the dishwasher seeks refuge in the sink, turning your kitchen into a splash zone.

Contact the Local Plumbing Professionals at Chapman

Looking for reliable plumbing solutions in Indianapolis or a surrounding area? Look no further than Chapman Plumbing. With a team of experienced professionals, Chapman offers a range of expert plumbing services to address all your needs. Whether it’s fixing a clogged sink, resolving dishwasher backups, or tackling more complex plumbing issues, Chapman has you covered. Our plumbers are dedicated to providing top-notch service and ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with Chapman today!

Resetting your gas or electric furnace is a simple task that can often resolve common issues such as a malfunctioning thermostat or a tripped circuit breaker. Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, knowing how to reset it can save you time and money on unnecessary service calls. Keep reading to learn how to safely reset your furnace to keep your home comfortable when it’s cold outside.

What Is a Furnace Reset Button?

The furnace reset button is a crucial safety feature within your home’s HVAC system, allowing for rapid shutdown in case of overheating or malfunction. When triggered, it cuts power to the furnace to prevent potential hazards. However, frequent tripping of this button signals an underlying issue such as overheating.

Why You Might Need to Restart Your Furnace

During the colder months, maintaining a functional furnace is crucial for indoor comfort. In certain situations, such as when the furnace becomes overheated, a reset may be necessary to ensure proper operation. This action halts the furnace and allows for a safe restart, preventing potential issues like a tripped circuit breaker. Here are some reasons why you might need to reset the furnace:

• Fuel Depletion: Running out of fuel can cause the reset button to trip. Check the fuel tank and refill if empty before attempting a reset.
• Closed Gas Valve: A closed gas valve connection can impede furnace operation. You may be able to remedy this problem by opening the valve manually.
• Flame Sensor Problems: Malfunctioning flame sensors can trigger a reset. In such cases, we advise contacting Chapman for a prompt inspection and efficient repairs.

Where Is the Reset Button on a Furnace?

The reset button on a furnace serves as a vital safety feature. It’s typically colored red or yellow for easy identification and is commonly found inside the blower compartment. Remember that it’s normal for furnaces to require occasional resetting, especially in response to overheating. If the furnace frequently requires resetting, you should have it inspected to address any underlying issues.

How to Reset a Gas Furnace 

Resetting a gas furnace involves several key steps to ensure safe and effective operation. 

1. Ensure the Pilot Light Is Out: Verify that the pilot light is extinguished before proceeding with the reset.
2. Adjust the Thermostat Setting: Reduce the thermostat temperature setting to its lowest level.
3. Power off the System: Switch off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the corresponding breaker in the circuit box.
4. Shut off the Gas Supply: Shut off the main gas supply to the furnace, keeping the pilot gas supply line open.
5. Relight the Pilot Light: Use a lit match to relight the pilot light by holding it near the pilot flame jet’s opening.
6. Restore Power and Gas: After relighting the pilot light, turn the circuit breaker and the main gas supply back on.
7. Press the Reset Button: Hold down the reset button for approximately 30 seconds.

How to Reset an Electric Furnace 

Resetting an electric furnace involves a few different steps, which are outlined below.

1. Power off the System: Turn off the power supply to the furnace. Locate the corresponding breaker in the circuit box, and turn it off also.
2. Find the Reset Button: Locate the reset button. It’s typically found inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor.
3. Press the Reset Button: If the reset button pops up, press it down to reset the furnace. Exercise caution as the housing may be hot.
4. Replace the Cover: Once the reset is complete, return the cover to the blower compartment.
5. Power On the System: Turn the power back on by flipping the breaker switch in the circuit box.

Top-Notch Furnace Services in Indianapolis and Surrounding Areas

Chapman Heating and Air has served Indianapolis and its surrounding communities with exceptional HVAC and plumbing services for over four decades. We offer comprehensive services, including furnace repair, installation, maintenance, heat pump repair and installation, and indoor air quality solutions. Whether you’re facing furnace issues or seeking to enhance indoor comfort, our team is dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient service. Contact our team of expert technicians to schedule an appointment today.

Although it’s great to get outside on nice spring, summer and fall days, Americans typically spend about 90% of their time indoors where the concentration of contaminants and pollutants are two to five times greater than the air outside.

When you’re cooped up inside, natural airflow is limited. For this reason, it’s important to ensure that the air quality in your Indianapolis home is at a high level, especially for those who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Even with your HVAC system running, you are still going to be exposed to much of the same air throughout the day.

What this means is that anything inside your home that compromises air quality is going to stay inside and circulate. Poor air quality can cause illness, trigger allergies and asthma or just make it harder to breathe.

To help keep you and your family healthy year-round, here are a few tips for keeping your indoor air quality fresh and clean.

Be Careful with VOC Cleaning Products

VOC (volatile organic compounds) are solid or liquid cleaning products that emit potent chemicals when used. As you can probably guess, chlorine bleach, furniture polish, aerosol sprays, oven cleaners and rug cleaners are all very common household VOCs.

When these kinds of cleaners are used without precaution, the chemicals can linger in the air and can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and more.

Whenever possible, use VOCs outside to keep them out of your indoor air circulation. If you must use them indoors, make sure you are in a ventilated area, like your bathroom or kitchen, and can push the chemically tainted air outdoors.

Open Windows When Weather Permits

When the weather is nice, turn off your air conditioner or furnace and let in some fresh air. Open windows can help with circulating fresh air throughout your home. Giving your HVAC a little rest can also help with your energy bill.

Just be careful if you suffer from pollen allergies. While this allows for clean air to enter, it also opens the door for pollen and other outdoor allergies to enter, so act accordingly.

Keep a Healthy Humidity

During the warmer months, dust mites and mold thrive in high humidity levels. If left unchecked, these pollutants and contaminants can take hold and taint your indoor breathing air. Dust mites, mold and mildew are extremely common allergies and can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.

You may not think about humidity during the fall and winter months, but it is just as important. Low humidity levels create dry air, which helps with the spread of viruses such as the cold and flu.

Maintaining a humidity level of 30 to 50% year-round will keep humidity levels in check. Utilizing a dehumidifier in your home during the summer and a whole house humidifier during the winter will keep your humidity levels at a comfortable level.

Regularly Clean, Vacuum, Mop and Dust

Maintaining a clean home is important in keeping air quality high. Dust, dirt, pet dander and other particles can build up and easily be kicked up from regular home activities.

Although dirt, dust and dander aren’t dangerous, they can make breathing difficult and result in coughing and sneezing as well as triggering other allergy and asthma symptoms.

Vacuum carpets and furniture, use cleaning supplies without harmful chemicals and dust and mop on a regular schedule to prevent build up.

Install an Air Purifier

For an extra level of protection, Chapman recommends installing a whole house air purifier or UV light air cleaner to your home’s HVAC system. These units can catch pollutants and contaminants such as pet dander, tobacco smoke, dust and allergens so they don’t re-enter your home’s air supply.

It’s also important to change your HVAC filter regularly, typically about every three months. Make sure to read your owner’s manual to find the right changing interval for your system.

Contact Chapman for Indoor Air Quality Solutions

If you’re prepping for fall and winter and want to make sure your air conditioner and furnace are ready to tackle the tumultuous seasons, give Chapman a call, or contact us online for an inspection or to install indoor air quality solutions in your home.

If you’ve lived in Indiana for any length of time, you know the month of April is full of pop-up rain showers and thunderstorms. All of that rain tends to lead to flooding and, if your basement is prone to flooding, you’ll want to take precautions in order to keep your home and possessions safe and dry.

Why Does My Basement Flood?

Many families in Indianapolis and beyond find themselves facing the same problem every time it rains , a flooded basement. This can lead to a variety of issues, including mold growth, damage to your belongings, and structural damage to the building. But why is it happening?

If your home has a sump pump, you shouldn’t find that your basement is flooding consistently. A sump pump’s job is to effectively pump water away from the home’s foundation. A failing sump pump, though, won’t be able to pump water away from the home, allowing water to pool into your basement.

However, the cause of consistent flooding can go beyond sump pump issues. Water pooling, sewer backup, and water damage to the foundation of the home can all be at fault. To have your basement inspected and to determine what the cause of your spring basement flooding is, get in touch with a professional.

Emergency Power Source

Spring basement flooding will often cause electrical outages. It’s important to be prepared by installing an emergency power source. Install a generator to provide emergency electrical service for your furnace, refrigerator, and septic tank pump in case power is lost. 

If you do not have a generator installed, you could find yourself running into flooding, frozen pipes, or a flooded septic tank. These issues can cause even bigger and more expensive problems down the road.

Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump is vital to keeping your basement dry and pumping water away from your home. This device pumps groundwater from heavy rain out of the pump pit in your basement. If you don’t already have a sump pump, you will need to have one installed. 

If you already have a sump pump, but you still find that your basement is flooding, get in contact with a plumbing professional. They can inspect your sump pump to determine if it is still working and, if it’s not, they’ll be able to replace it.

Install a Backup Sump Pump

Even the most reliable piece of equipment can malfunction and fail. That’s why it is important to invest in a backup sump pump system. A backup sump pump, even a battery-operated model, can begin working if the main sump pump is out of commission. This will greatly reduce your chances of basement flooding. Some systems even come with additional security features like an alarm that will alert you if the battery-operated sump pump has started to work.

Preparation is key to protecting your home and everything in it. By properly preparing for heavy rain with the installation of a backup sump pump, you’ll ensure that your home stays safe and dry. 

Contact Chapman for Sump Pump Installation

Spring storms can really take a toll on your basement. Flooding costs homeowners thousands of dollars on average each year. Get in contact with Chapman today to discuss your options and to determine how you can protect your home from the damage caused by flooding.

If you deal with basement flooding year after year, it’s time to do something about it. Call us at 317-943-8717 for more information about sump pumps, or schedule an appointment with us today.

Homes in Indianapolis and beyond look forward to the warm weather brought by spring. After spending many months cooped up inside during the colder winter months, many families will jump at the first chance to spend some time outside in the warm weather. As spring arrives and the weather gets warmer, however, those within your home will likely deal with symptoms caused by seasonal allergies.

One of the main causes of seasonal allergies, cottonwood, can cause a variety of allergy symptoms. However, cottonwood can also cause serious and expensive problems with your home’s air conditioning system.

What is Cottonwood? 

Cottonwood is the little white tufts of cotton that have been floating through the air. They come from cottonwood trees. Notorious for causing allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion, cottonwood can wreak havoc on your family if it manages to get into your air conditioner’s condenser coils. However, it can also cause issues to the AC system itself.

Unfortunately, one cottonwood tree can cause hundreds of dollars worth of damage to your air conditioning unit. Cottonwood produces small and fuzzy bits of cotton that fly around outside and can latch onto your air conditioner coils. They can easily be sucked into a condenser coil and cause reduced airflow across the coil. 

Over time, this will cause your air conditioner to become less energy efficient. It will have to work twice as hard as it normally would, causing you to pay more money for the same, or even less, cool air than you might usually have. These problems can build and could potentially even result in an overheated compressor, requiring you to have an expensive replacement installed.

How to Protect Your AC Unit

Don’t wait until your air conditioner is beyond the point of a simple repair. The easiest way to get rid of a cottonwood problem is to have your air conditioner professionally cleaned as soon as possible. You might think this is an easy task to handle yourself, but we strongly recommend the help of a professional. If you try to clean off the coil yourself, you might embed the cottonwood seeds deep into the coils and make the situation worse. 

Air Conditioning Cleaning Services

Certified HVAC technicians understand how every make and model works because they have received the proper training. Your air conditioning technician should be able to inspect your system, determine if cottonwood is causing any airflow problems, and properly clean out the cottonwood. 

Beyond being incredibly important to your home’s comfort during the warm weather, air conditioners are very expensive to replace if you try to fix the issue yourself and cause further damage. Trying to fix the issue yourself might end up damaging your machine beyond repair. To avoid causing irreparable damage, get in touch with a professional.

Contact Chapman for Air Conditioning Services

Don’t let the increased amount of cottonwood in the air ruin your air conditioner. Solve the problem by calling an HVAC service technician to properly clean your machine. They will make sure your coils are cleaned without doing more damage to your AC unit. Save yourself the time and money, and pick up the phone and call Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning at 317-943-8717 or schedule a service appointment online today!

Just when you thought you were through dealing with allergies, here comes fall to rain on your parade. Although triggered by some slightly different things, fall allergies are just as common , and just as annoying , as spring allergies.

However, like spring allergies, the causes can be easily identified and dealt with. So, to save you from excessive coughing and sneezing this fall, here are some of the most common fall allergies and how to deal with them. For indoor air quality solutions to help fight indoor allergens, contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today.

Ragweed

Although pollen is definitely more of an allergy concern in the spring, there is one plant in particular that wreaks havoc during the fall: ragweed.

High pollen counts for ragweed peak in late August through September and can cause headaches, sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes and more. These fall allergy symptoms are commonly referred to as hay fever.

How to Avoid It

The best way to avoid pollen allergies in fall is to keep your windows closed as often as possible. Sure, the cool weather may make it tempting to open up your car and home windows, but the more they are open, the better chance they have of making their way into your home.

Pollen can also cling to your clothes and shoes if you spend a good deal of your day outdoors. An outdoor mat to wipe your feet off with is a good way to keep them out as well as regularly washing your clothes.

Ultimately, the less that you are exposed to ragweed and the pollen that comes with it, the less fall allergy symptoms you will experience.

Pet Dander

Pet dander is one of the hardest allergy causers to deal with. Some pets constantly shed and make dealing with hair and dander a real nightmare. Pet dander can also get everywhere: underneath the furniture, behind cabinets, on your clothes, on your furniture, etc.

Unchecked pet hair and dander, even for those who aren’t particularly allergic, can cause coughing and sneezing throughout the house.

How to Avoid it

The best way to keep pet dander at bay is to frequently vacuum, making sure to get behind cabinets and under furniture. Make sure no stone is left unturned! In order to lower levels of pet dander, it’s crucial to get the pet dander out from all the potential hiding spots. You can also help limit the spread by keeping pets off of furniture and beds as much as possible.

Also, be sure to frequently brush cats and dogs , outside if possible , to remove any shedding or loose hair. Regular bathing can also help in the removal of loose hair and dander.

Dust Mites

These microscopic critters are one of the most common triggers for seasonal allergies. They feed on the tiny flakes of dead skin that humans produce every day and are almost impossible to completely get rid of because they can work their way deep into the fibers of your furniture.

While they are almost ever present, the waste they produce is a common allergen for many people and can cause sneezing, coughing and other fall allergy symptoms. Dust mites are also known to trigger symptoms for those with asthma.

How to Avoid it

While they are tremendously difficult to remove, there are some easy ways to keep them at bay. Despite what their name may imply, dusting and vacuuming alone is not enough to remove them. Regular washing of bed sheets with hot water will remove excess skin build-up and keep them away. In cases of severe allergies and asthma, it may also be wise to invest in a mattress cover to prevent them from finding their way into the fibers.

Dust mites thrive in 70 to 80 percent humidity levels, so one of the best ways to reduce their numbers is to reduce humidity levels in your home. When using your air conditioner or dehumidifier, keep humidity levels around or below 50 percent.

Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew build-up, like dust mites, is another allergy trigger in the fall. Mold and mildew can grow in areas of your home that are prone to moisture and humidity such as basements, attics, laundry rooms and bathrooms.

Those with mold and mildew allergies have symptoms very similar to hay fever and can also trigger asthma. Fortunately, mold and mildew are a lot easier to prevent and address.

How to Avoid it

If you stay attentive and alert, you can eliminate all causes of mold and mildew throughout your house. Keeping humidity levels low are key, especially in basements and attics, so make sure your dehumidifier is turned on.

Bathrooms can be the most troublesome areas, but making sure you have fans running during showers and baths will help remove moisture in the air. Fixing any leaks in your plumbing will also help keep excess moisture at bay. The less moisture in the air, the less likely that you’ll develop cases of mold and mildew.

Contact Chapman’s for Indoor Air Quality Solutions

If you need help eliminating allergens this fall, contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today! We have a full line of indoor air quality solutions to keep your home’s air supply clean and healthy.

Summer downpours can wreak havoc on basements. Whether you live in a new house or an old one, no house is completely safe from a flooding basement. And trust us, no one wants a wet basement!

Just one to four inches of water in your basement can cost up to $10,000 to repair and dry. That doesn’t even enter the water damage caused to your floors, walls, technology and the possible damage to priceless pieces of furniture, photos and other heirlooms.

A flooded basement can cost a small fortune. The best way to prevent basement flooding from occurring is to prepare as if a flood could always be right around the corner.

Preparing for a flood before it happens is the only sure-fire way to avoid having to deal with and pay for the devastating damage of flooding basements. Fortunately, the plumbers at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offer up some simple tips you can take to avoid them all together and keep your basement dry and safe.

Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts

We know it’s a dirty, nasty chore, and no one likes doing it, but cleaning your gutters is more important than just keeping your house looking nice.

Clean gutters let rain water flow uninhibited through the gutter, down the downspout and away from your house’s foundation. Cleaning your gutters of any gunk or leaves prevents water from building at the base of your house and seeping into your basement.

A good rule of thumb is to direct water at least 3 feet away from the foundation, so an extension and/or troughs are never a bad idea. So, grab your ladder and gloves and get cleaning!

Check Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is a vital piece of equipment for any basement. Installed at the lowest point in your basement, water flows downhill and fills up the sump pit until it is triggered to push the water to the nearest sewer or retention pond.

You never want to realize your sump pump isn’t working when you’ve got a basement full of water, so make sure to regularly check your unit. It’s as simple as slowly dumping 5 gallons of water into your sump pump and waiting to see if it moves the water.

If it isn’t working properly or something seems to be going wrong, make sure to call Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to take a look. It could be a quick fix or maybe time to upgrade.

Inspect Your Foundation

Older houses often run higher risks for basement flooding simply because of wear and tear that can occur to interior and exterior foundations over time. Cracks in basement walls and floors are extremely common.

If your home has been around to see the last couple of decades , or even centuries , make sure to take the time to give it a proper inspection.

Simple epoxy, masonry sealer and similar products can be used to repair foundation cracks and small damages that will let water find its way into your basement.

But, like dealing with plumbing and other home appliances, leave the big stuff to the pros. Some things that can seem like relatively small problems or simple fixes can end up being some of the most complex problems when it comes to foundation issues.

Use Window Well Covers

Window wells for your basement are a great way to let in natural light and fresh air, but they become swimming pools when the rain gets too heavy.

If your windows aren’t properly sealed , and even if they are , the excess amount of water build up can lead to leaks.

One way to ensure your window wells don’t fill up is through installing window well covers. These simple covers are easy to install and come in a range of material and prices as low as $20 at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Call Chapman’s for Sump Repair or Installation

Finding a basement full of water is no time to start thinking about preventing a flood. These simple checks can save you thousands! Contact Chapman’s today if you suspect an issue with your foundation or sump pump to ensure that your basement will stay safe and dry.

During the rainy Indiana spring, summer and fall, one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have in your home is a sump pump.

Although important, sump pumps are an underappreciated part of essential home plumbing. We get a lot of common questions about sump pumps regularly, so we wanted to share with you Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing’s answers to the frequently asked plumbing and sump pump questions.

What does a sump pump do?

A sump pump’s purpose is pretty straight forward: it keeps water out of your basement and home and prevents flooding. Water that builds up around the base of your home because of sloping driveways, sidewalks or patios or full gutters.

Since water flows downhill, a sump pump is installed at the lowest point in your basement or crawl space. This ensures the collection of as much water as possible. Rain water is built up in the sump pit and then pushed to the nearest retention pond or storm drain , away from the house.

How can I tell if my sump pump is working?

The best way to test if your sump pump is working (before it’s too late) is to test it yourself. Fill a 5-gallon bucket of water pour it into the sump pit.

As it fills, it should active the float trigger. After a few minutes, the water should drain and the pump should shut itself off.

If you’ve surely activated the float trigger and no water runs, the pump continues to run well after the water has been drained or you hear any strange noises coming from the sump pump, it may be a good idea to have it looked at. Try testing it every couple months, especially if it’s an older unit.

How long will a sump pump last?

The average lifespan of a sump pump is around 10 years. However, depending on how frequently it is used, checked and maintained, it can be longer or shorter than that.

If you begin to notice persisting issues such as your unit not kicking on during heavy rain or a professional diagnosis a serious issue upon inspection, this is one piece of equipment you can’t afford to wait to have repaired or replaced.

The cost of a new sump pump nowhere nears comparison to the amount of money it can cost a homeowner to deal with flood damage and repair in the basement of their home.

Can I install a sump pump myself?

Even for the most experienced DIYer, the proper installation of a sump pump is a tall order.

Proper installation not only requires a good knowledge of plumbing but the right tools and knowledge to safely break through foundation and earth and then the actual installation of the plumbing.

Much like HVAC care and installation, it is highly recommended that you leave the installation of your sump pump and other plumbing equipment to the professionals like Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing.

Our service technicians aren’t only properly equipped, they have expert knowledge on how to quickly, efficiently and best install your equipment to ensure it is ready to work when you need it most.