Month: January 2023

All You Need to Know About Frozen Pipes in Colorado Springs

The recent snowstorm that swept through most of the United States, has made its mark on many residents that live in the northern and mid western regions of the country. It hasn’t failed to make itself known in Colorado Springs as well. After all, it has been bone chilling cold in the last week, hasn’t it? 

This blizzard has been so impactful that it brought along much damage to many homes that were in its path. In this article, the plumbing repair techs from One Source Home Service will discuss the damaging effects such blizzards can have on the plumbing system of a home. More specifically, we will provide all you need to know about frozen pipes, and what to do when they occur.

How Do Pipes Freeze?

The pipes in your home can freeze when there are quick drops in the temperatures. This recent blizzard brought with itself very freezing temperatures that changed the atmosphere and Colorado springs very quickly. If your home is poorly insulated, or your thermostats are too low or turned off completely, it is likely that your pipes will freeze as a result of this cold blizzard. 

Most plumbers in Colorado Springs will recommend that you take proper precautions in order to prevent such events happening in your home. Read on to learn how you can prevent frozen pipes in your plumbing system.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes?

So what can you do to prevent frozen pipes?  Recently we wrote a blog about how to winterize your plumbing and prepare your pipes for freezing temperatures. Winterization is a process that helps you protect your pipes from potential damage of the cold. 

As you prepare for winter months, and the many storms that are awaiting us in Colorado Springs, we recommend having a plumbing repair tech assess the readiness of your plumbing system. Consider having the following elements of your home checked: 

  • Quality and condition of plumbing insulation – this helps keep the pipes warm and away from direct exposure to the freezing temperatures. 
  • Potential clogs in the pipes – when pipes are frozen, any remaining clogs will add to the pressure of the ice inside the pipe. 
  • Proper thermostat settings – even if you’re leaving your home for the winter, your thermostat must be set a low enough temperature to keep the pipes warm and protected from the cold. 

Though these steps may seem cumbersome, dealing with a frozen pipe can be an even greater inconvenience. Call a plumber in Colorado Springs today to have your plumbing winterized. 

How to Tell if a Pipe is Frozen?

If you aren’t a certified plumber, like the ones at One Source Home Service, it may be difficult to tell if a pipe is frozen. Below are a few of the telltale signs that point to frozen pipes within your home.

  • Bulging or cracked pipes that have ice coming out of them
  • An accumulation of frost or ice around a pipe
  • Poor smells coming from the drain or a faucet
  • Poor water flow, or lack thereof
  • Strange, sounds like, whistling, banging, or bubbling when you flush the toilet

These are all signs that your pipes are frozen. We want to caution you against one more sign that requires immediate assistance. If you see any water or puddles on the ceilings or walls, you must call an emergency plumber immediately. This will cause extensive damage to the structure of your home and may even cause mold. 

What to do About a Frozen Pipe?

Frozen pipes can put you in quite the pickle. However, we do have some tips for you to follow in order to resolve the situation. Try one of these steps to see if you can thaw out your pipes on your own: 

  • If the frozen pipe is visible and easy to reach, use your hair dryer or space heater to thaw out the ice. One thing that you shouldn’t do is use a flammable device that has an open flame against this pipe. Doing so can cause a fire.
  • If you know that there is a frozen pipe that you can’t reach, make sure to turn off the main water supply. This will prevent any more pressure on that pipe and prevent it from bursting.
  • After successfully thawing out that clogged, frozen pipe, check it for any water, leaks or damage.

Award Winning Plumbing Repair Services in Colorado Springs

Finally, the easiest suggestion we can give you is to contact your local plumbing repair service to assist you with your frozen pipes. One Source Home Service is available 24/7 to provide you with the best plumbing repairs in the city. We are just one phone call away from restoring your plumbing back to its original, full-functioning state. Call us today at 719-359-5292.

Benefits of Having an EV Home Charger

If you own an electric vehicle, then you are spared the trouble of having to find a gas station along your commute to fill up. However, instead of regular gas, you are now tasked with having to charge your car. As electrical cars become more common, many professional establishments like malls and corporations provide charging stations to allow these types of car owners to charge their cars while parked on company property. 

Though these charging stations may be convenient, we aren’t always at work to be able to charge the car, especially with the rise of telecommuting in recent years. Plus, most companies limit their charging stations to 2-3 per lot and they aren’t always available. In this article, we will cover some of the reasons why buying an EV home charger will benefit you.

Why Invest in an EV Home Charging Station?

It isn’t a secret that such charging stations are not cheap. Not too many of us look forward to shelling out thousands of dollars on home equipment, however, this investment will go a long way in serving you and your car.

Better Care for Your Car

Now, some electrical vehicle owners may ask, “What’s the big deal? Can’t I just charge my car by plugging it into the electrical outlet at home?”  Although it is a possibility if you don’t have anything else at home and you’re short on time, it isn’t the most efficient method of charging a car. 

Your car is a very large unit that requires charging. The electrical charging delivered through a normal outlet will take a long time to charge your car, approximately 10 hours or so. The longer the car is plugged into the outlet, the hotter it will get and create electrical hazards. 

This method of charging isn’t safe for your car battery or the electricity system in your home. Therefore, investing in EV charger installation would be your best bet to prolong the life of your car and electricity.

Quicker Charging 

The bottom line is that EV home chargers are built with the specific technology and parameters to charge an entire car in the most efficient way possible. This is why when you invest into your own home charger, you will find that charging your car is a much faster process. 

Home chargers will save the day whenever you are in a pinch and are in a rush to get on the road, but your car needs a little bit of juice to get you from place to place. And in today’s fast-paced world, this happens more often than not. Your future self will thank you for making such an investment that will take care of your car’s health and save you a lot of time and stress.

Easier Manageability of Charging

EV home charging stations are very technologically advanced and because of that, they are easy to manage. Depending on the system you choose, you will be able to control it with the help of an app on your phone. This will allow you to turn the charging station on and off and monitor the progress of the charge. If you are someone who loves convenience, this feature will be especially beneficial to you. Let’s face it, most of us have jobs, family obligations, and many other responsibilities during the day that prevent us from physically checking the progress of our charging. Make your life easier by investing in EV charging stations.

Save Money

Lastly, and most importantly, having a charging station at home, will save you money. Because EV home chargers provide more efficient charging, you won’t need to use up as much electricity to do so. You can also choose to charge your car during off-peak hours when electricity rates are cheaper. This will save you money in long run on electricity and also help you maintain the battery life of your vehicle for a longer period of time. 

Quality EV Charger Installation in Colorado Springs

Are you considering buying an EV charger for your home? Contact One Source Home Service for the best charger installation services in town by calling (719) 532-9000.

Signs for Electrical Outlet Repairs

Electrical Outlet Repairs

Electrical outlets are something we give a little consideration, too, until they are broken or are in need of repair. In today’s article, we will cover some of the most common signs that you need electrical outlet repair in your home. These signs aren’t always obvious, however, they are important to take note of as they occur in your home. Remember that anything electrical in your house can pose a risk to your health if it isn’t cared for properly. Consider the safety of your home as you read these next few points and don’t hesitate to reach out to an electrical repair specialist for help.

1. It Simply Isn’t Working

Do you have a dead outlet in your home, or one that isn’t working at all? This is quite a nuisance, especially when you have only one outlet per room that you can use. The common reasons for a non-operable electrical outlet are loose wiring, damaged wire, insulation or burned out wiring. Sometimes the connectors in the electrical outlet are also loose, causing it to not produce the electrical delivery that we hope to get. 

Clearly, this is something that would have to be investigated by an electrical outlet repair technician in Colorado Springs who will be able to narrow down the problem and fix it.

2. Loose Electrical Outlet Box

Another common sign that you need to repair your electrical outlet is when the electrical outlet box is loose. This happens for a multitude of reasons. For example, sometimes the contact points get damaged and become loose. This normally happens over a gradual period of time but if the repair is neglected, the outlet will begin to spark when it is being used.

So how do you repair a loose electrical outlet box? This is normally a very simple process that even those who do not have an electricians license can perform. The first thing to do is to make sure that the power is turned off at the circuit breaker to that specific outlet. Then, unscrew and remove the receptacle from the outlet box. Unscrew the terminal screws and take a look at the wiring. If the wiring appears to be damaged, you will need an electrical outlet repair technician to come out and help repair the damage.If the wiring appears to be alright, attempt to tighten the outlet screws if they are loose. If needed, add an electrical spacer on top of the screws to keep the outlet in place. Then place the outlet plate back and its position and secure it tightly. If this doesn’t solve the issue, contact an electrical repair technician as soon as you can.

3. The Outlet Shocks When in Use

Have you ever been shocked by one of your outlets as you were trying to plug something in? It is a rather unpleasant feeling, right? Well, this could be the cause of a loose terminal screw on the receptacle. This happens when the terminals are damaged or frayed during the installation or over the course of the outlet’s use. Outlet shock will continue to be a problem every time you try to use that outlet. Because of that, we highly recommend that you contact an electrical outlet repair service to have the issue resolved.

As we all know, outlet shock is electrical shock, which can potentially be a very dangerous situation for anyone involved. This shock can quickly turn into cardiac problems like heart arrhythmia or defibrillation. Thus, do not take this issue lightly and take the proper precautions to have it repaired. 

Electrical Outlet Repair in Colorado Springs

Have you noticed any of these signs in the condition of your electrical outlets? If so, don’t hesitate to contact One Source Home Service, the home of the best electricians in town. We are a team of certified and experienced home service techs who will be able to restore your electrical system back into working order. Give us a call today at (719) 532-9000.

SEER2: Your Questions Answered

seer vs seer2

At One Source Home Service, we know one thing: technology is always changing, especially the technology of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. And with those changes come changes in the various government regulations surrounding the operation and installation of HVAC systems. 

As Colorado Springs’ leading experts in all things HVAC, we do our best to stay on top of these regulations in order to deliver the highest quality services while staying within those regulations. In this article, we will cover one of the newest, upcoming changes: SEER2. 

FAQs About SEER2

We have been watching all the recent developments in SEER2, which is an update on SEER. Below we answer the most common questions that our customers will have about these important changes. If you have more pressing questions at any point, feel free to contact your local HVAC technician or One Source directly. 

What is SEER2? 

This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2. During the cooling season, this ratio measures how much heat an air conditioner removes from any air-conditioned space. The implementation of this ratio requires a special form of testing (M1) that ensures that the SEER2 ratio on your AC equipment is as low as possible. 

What Do These Changes Mean for Me?

It’s really hard to stay engaged in a conversation about these changes if you don’t know what they mean for the average AC user. Basically, the lower the SEER2 is, the better the efficiency of your HVAC system. This means that if you buy an HVAC unit with the implemented ratio, it will last you longer, and its energy expenditure will keep your energy bills at bay. However, this also means that the prices of HVAC units will increase due to the improved efficiency rates. 

How Does SEER2 Impact HVAC Prices?

As we already briefly mentioned, SEER2 will contribute to an increase in HVAC unit pricing. The additional testing explains this increase that the unit has to go through in order for it to qualify for installation. However, it does provide enhanced cooling at a better efficiency rate while also maintaining exceptional indoor air quality. Basically, the lower the SEER2, the more you will pay for your new unit. These changes will all go into effect starting January 1, 2023. 

SEER vs. SEER2

Up until this point, SEER has been a standard that HVAC units had to ensure that it is at an optimal efficiency rate. However, with the implementation of SEER2, this ratio is more than just a standard; it becomes a mandatory requirement that also employs the use of M1 testing. This new standard makes the rating much lower than SEER, at about 4.7% lower than what it used to be. 

Though this change does result in high HVAC unit pricing, it is important to remember that those increased prices will only impact the initial purchase and installation costs. Over the long haul, this improvement will save you money through the decrease in your monthly energy bills and increased longevity of your unit. 

How Does SEER2 Impact My Region? 

This new standard will impact Colorado Springs, the entire state, and all the current cooling systems offered on the market. Whether the unit you purchase complies with this new policy depends on the date it was manufactured. Colorado’s residents use various air conditioning options, including heat pumps, condensing units, single packaged units, and evaporator coils. 

Each cooling system will have its own required ratio. Regardless of the cooling product you purchase, if its manufacturing date was prior to January 1, 2023, it will most likely not be built with this new upgrade. As a result, their initial cost will be lower. However, it is important to consider the full ramifications of choosing a unit with a lower SEER2 or an older SEER rating. This will impact not just your wallet but the value of your home as well.  

Contact One Source for All SEER2 Questions

SEER2 isn’t all that simple to navigate but with the right HVAC expert, all your questions will be answered. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC unit and have questions regarding these changes, contact One Source Home Services for assistance today at (719) 532-9000.

4 Fun Facts About Furnaces

furnace repair

If you’ve ever met a furnace repair technician from One Source Home Service, then you probably noticed how enthusiastic they are about all things furnaces! This is for a good reason. First, as seasoned heating experts, we have come to appreciate the comfort furnaces provide. Second, this is the topic we know most about as furnace repair technicians. To share our enthusiasm, we want to give you five surprising and fun facts about furnaces. 

1. Furnaces Originated From Ancient Rome

Rarely do people think about the origin of furnaces, but their invention’s history goes back to ancient Rome. The first heating system known to mankind is known as a “hypocaust,” which warmed the doors and walls of houses. 

The first version of furnaces as we know them today was invented in England by William Strut in 1805. His invention later evolved into a gas-powered furnace, which Alice H. Parker, an African American inventor in New Jersey, developed. Thanks to this initial design, scientists could further develop the furnace into what it is today. 

2. Lifespan of Furnaces in Colorado Springs

Furnaces are very durable and long-lasting. Depending on how well you maintain your furnace, it can last up to 18-25 years. The longevity is fairly impressive, allowing you to have one furnace as you raise your family and guide your children into adulthood. However, as was already stated, proper maintenance is key. You must have your furnace inspected at least once a year for potential repairs to keep it in the best condition. 

Food for thought: How old is your furnace? Does it look like it could be in the prime of its life or as old as the ones in ancient Rome? Checking the age of your furnace is fairly simple. There should be a label on the front of the unit with its manufacturing and installation date. If it is getting older, contact furnaces services in Colorado Springs for a consultation for a possible replacement. You can also check out or blog, where we talk about the signs that it is time for a furnace replacement. 

3. Furnaces are Made of Three Parts

Furnaces are made of three main parts; a burner, a heat exchanger, and a blower. If any of these parts break, your furnace will fail to provide the necessary heat to your home. Because of this, it is essential to keep up with furnace maintenance services. 

One of the biggest signs that something is wrong with your burner is when you hear a loud popping sound. This indicates that it is clogged up with gas buildup and must be cleared out.

If your heat exchanger is having issues, you might feel a vibration coming from the furnace or see increased energy consumption on your bills. 

Sometimes blowers become loose, and when that happens, their parts will scrape against the furnace while it works. If this goes on long enough, the blower fan can break and cause significant damage to the entire system. When this happens, you will need to replace your furnace in Colorado Springs. 

Check out our blog for more reasons why your furnace might be loud. 

4. Furnaces Keep Humans and Plumbing Pipes Warm

Furnaces are very important for keeping us humans warm throughout the Colorado winters. But they also help us preserve the plumbing systems by keeping the pipes from freezing during the cold winters. Without the warmth provided by furnaces, we would have been facing many challenges with burst plumbing pipes yearly. 

However, despite having furnaces, we still must ensure to winterize the plumbing system in preparation for the freezing temperatures. On our blog, we have an article that covers this important topic. 

Leading Furnace Service in Colorado Springs

Is your furnace in need of repair or replacement? Look no further than One Source Home Service for your furnace needs! As award-winning home repair service providers, we provide top quality repairs, installations, and maintenance services for all regional heating systems. Contact us today to learn about the services available to you at (719) 532-9000.

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