February 2023 - One Source Home Service

Why Is Refrigerant Fluid Going Up in Price?

Refrigerant fluid is a component that many air conditioning and refrigerating systems cannot do without. It plays a crucial role in the cooling process, and its price is crucial in determining the overall cost of running these systems. In recent years, refrigerant fluid prices have been rising, which has raised concerns among consumers and businesses alike. As the top AC repair techs in Colorado Springs, we at One Source Home Service have been watching these trends for the last few years. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for the rise in refrigerant fluid prices.

Reasons for Increase of Refrigerant fluid Prices

Shortage of Supply

One of the primary reasons for this rise in refrigerant fluid prices is the shortage of supply. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including increased demand, production, shutdowns, and natural disasters.

The main culprit of this shortage is the phaseout of R410A, a form of refrigerant fluid that has been banned for production or importation in the United States. Although it is banned, the demand for refrigerant stays the same and the supply struggles to keep up. This has resulted in higher prices for consumers and businesses alike, including AC repair in Colorado Springs.

Increased Production Costs

Another reason for the rise in refrigerant prices is the increased cost of production for the refrigerant fluid “R-454b,” which is now being used in lieu of R-22 and R410a. Refrigerant production involves complex processes that require expensive equipment and specialized expertise. The rising cost of raw materials and energy has also contributed to the increase in production costs. This in turn has led to higher prices.

Regulations

The refrigerant and HVAC industries are both heavily regulated, and this has had a significant impact on prices. Governments around the world have implemented policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and refrigerants are often targeted in these efforts. The regulations have resulted in a reduction of supply, which has contributed to the increase in prices. Thus, you may run into ever increasing prices on refrigerant fluid services provided by AC repair techs in Colorado Springs. Those prices are not charged simply for the sake of the AC company; there is a real need and competition for the existing refrigerant fluid supply.

Government regulations play a big role in the cost of HVAC supplies and equipment. Check out our blog to learn about the key regulations surrounding HVAC units in respect to the new SEER2 update.

Increased Import Costs

Another factor that has contributed to the rise in refrigerant fluid prices is the increased cost of imports. Those refrigerant fluids that are still being used are in high demand. Due to this high demand, more and more countries are importing refrigerants to meet their needs. However, the increased cost of transportation and tariffs has contributed to the rise in prices for consumers and businesses alike.

Increased Demand for Natural Refrigerants

As people make the transition from the old version of the refrigerant fluid, R410a, the demand for natural refrigerant continues to increase each year. Many people have already made the switch to natural refrigerants, such as propane and ammonia. These refrigerant fluids are considered to be more environmentally friendly than synthetic refrigerants, and are increasingly being used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The increased demand for natural refrigerants has driven prices, as the supply has struggled to keep up with the demand.

AC Repair in Colorado Springs

The refrigerant fluid prices continue to rise, it is important to remember that refrigerants are a crucial component in many air conditioning systems. The increased cost is often outweighed by the benefits these air conditioning systems provide.

Plus, many great air conditioning repair companies such as One Source Home Services offer high quality services at a price that you can afford. If you are in need of AC repair in Colorado Springs, do not hesitate to reach out to one of our technicians who will be able to assist you in restoring the comfort of your home. Give us a call at (719) 751-5366.

4 Benefits of Using Heat Pumps

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is so vast with its scientific and technological advancements, that it can be frequently overwhelming to choose a system that will work best for your home. As the top conditioning experts in Colorado Springs, we at One Source Home Service know all there is about these advancements, and are prepared to share our knowledge.

In today’s blog, we will be discussing the benefits of considering a heat pump system for your home. Read on to learn more about this unique and environmentally friendly way of bringing comfort to your home

What is A Heat Pump?

A heat pump uses Mother Nature’s natural resources in order to provide our homes with the heating or cooling that is required. This is an underground system that is made up of a network of pipes. These pipes extract the needed energy from the ground and use it as fuel to cool or heat the home.

Why Install a Heat Pump System?

Isn’t this just a fancy, expensive system that most homeowners can do without? While there are many great air conditioning systems on the market, heat pumps offer a unique opportunity for homeowners to save money, conserve the environment, and live in a more comfortable home. Below we break down some of the Key benefits of using a heat pump instead of a traditional air conditioning unit.

Lower Operational Costs

At first glance, installing a heat pump system can look rather expensive. After all, there are a lot of hours of labor and equipment required to carry out the installation process. However, in the long run, the heat pump will cost you less in monthly operational costs and maintenance fees.

Because heat pumps do not use electricity or gas, you will begin to see a decrease in your energy bills. Additionally, heat pumps require less maintenance than the other air conditioning systems on the market. Thus, the total amount of money saved will make the installation costs worth it down the road.

Less Noise

Do you ever get tired of the loud noise your air conditioning unit makes? Whether you have a central air conditioning system, or a multi split, the relief you get after turning the unit off is remarkable.

Heat pump systems are installed below the ground. So when they are doing their work, the noise level is blocked off by the ground and the insulation around the system’s pipes. Therefore, you will not experience the kind of noise level that you would typically get from a traditional AC unit.

Environmentally Friendly

As an environmentally conscious air-conditioning company, we at One Source Home Service love heat pumps because they provide each homeowner the opportunity to participate in sustainable practices.

Heat pump systems use renewable energy to provide the comfort your home requires. Thus, they are far more energy efficient and healthier for the planet. Additionally, they do not emit as much harmful chemicals into the air as do some gas-powered furnaces and other heating systems.

Higher Property Value

With the many benefits that are offered by heating pumps, your installation project of this system will ultimately result in a higher property value of your home. Many home buyers are interested in features that will help them save money in the long run and take better care of their planet. Plus, the additional comfort levels provided by heat pumps Are very convenient and hard to pass up.

Because many power authorities and legislative systems are interested in conserving energy, there are many grants and programs available for those homeowners who have heat pumps and other earth friendly appliances. Those who want to take advantage of these programs will be especially drawn to your property that already has a heat pump system installed.

Contact One Source for Your Air Conditioning Needs!

Are you considering a heating pump system for your home? If so, contact One Source Home Service for your air conditioning and heating and needs. We have a specially dedicated team that will help answer all your questions and set you up with a technician who will help you find the right HVAC unit for your home. Contact us today at (719) 399-5126.

Common Types of Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing is great to have in the home until it begins to act up. The greatest nuisance, most homeowners fear is a plumbing leak. They are messy, stressful to deal with, and often require costly repairs. Regardless of how you feel about these leaks, you should be prepared for them, so that when they occur, you will know how to fix them. As the leading plumbers in Monument, Colorado, we at One Source Home Service know all there is to know about plumbing leaks. Below, we share the common types of leaks to expect around your property at one point or another.

Leaks to Expect Around Your Property

Pipe Leaks

The most common types of leaks are probably pipe leaks. These are the types that happen underneath the sink in the kitchen or the bathroom. They are particularly annoying and require immediate attention because the sink is inoperable until the leak is repaired.

Pipe leaks occur due to corrosion in the pipes or broken seals. Sometimes applying a bit of plumber’s putty will help get the leak resolved, which is fairly easy to do yourself. But, if that doesn’t work, you will need to contact one of the plumbers in Monument, Colorado to help you out.

Slab Leaks

Though all leaks can be a mini nightmare, none of them are quite as stressful as a slab leak. These types of leaks develop beneath the concrete foundation of the home. The water lines are located so close beneath the slab that if they leak, the water will seep through the slab, which is how this occurrence received its name.

Slab leaks are very concerning as they can cause great damage to the foundation, the walls, and floors. The ongoing leak will result in higher water bills and can lead to mold if it isn’t caught early enough. Unfortunately, this repair isn’t a simple DIY project. You will need an expert, local plumbers in Monument, Colorado will be able to assist you in resolving this issue.

Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are messy and even hazardous, potentially causing a fall in the bathroom which leads to injuries. Such leaks are often the result of a deteriorated flush valve which can be found at the bottom of the tank. This valve must seal properly and if it doesn’t water will into the toilet bowl and spill out.

Obviously, when you see this happening, do not use the toilet until a plumber in Monument had the chance to fix it. Otherwise, things will get messy real quick and you will be dealing with a flooded bathroom.

Water Fixture Leaks

A leaky faucet can be a very wasteful and expensive problem in the home. It wastes a lot of water if the leak goes on without being addressed properly. That waste costs a lot on water bills and is harmful to our environment.

Faucet leaks are caused by one of the following problems:

Damaged cartridge
Broken washer
Water pressure
Malfunctioning O-ring
Deteriorated valve seat

Now, we understand that you’re not a plumber in Monument, Colorado and trying to figure out the cause of your leak isn’t your forte. However, One Source Home Service has a whole team dedicated to troubleshooting such issues. Check out our blog to understand if your water leak truly requires repair.

Sewer Leaks

The least pleasant leak of them of all is a sewer leak. These types of leaks are a slippery slope to a whole host of other issues. You will see an increased water bill and your home and property will have that unmistakable sewer smell. If the leak isn’t tended to in a timely manner, you’ll find new creatures on your property in the form of pests and rodents of all kind who will settle there like faithful tenants.

Unless you’re an expert in plumbing repair, sewer leaks aren’t something we recommend fixing on your own. Schedule a repair service as soon as you can to avoid all the issues that come with sewer leaks.

Plumbers in Monument, Colorado

Are you in need of plumbing repair for a leak around your home? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out to the leading repair service at One Source Home Service. We’re available 24/7 for any and all plumbing repairs. Call us at (719) 745-8838.

Does My Home Really Need Aeroseal?

Recently, One Source Home Service began offering Aeroseal Duct Sealing Services. These services are very technically advanced and innovative, causing many people to assess whether they really need them in their homes. After all, not everything new and shiny is all that necessary. However, in the case of Aeroseal, nothing can be further from the truth. As the local air conditioning experts in Colorado Springs, we will provide the top four reasons why your home is the perfect match for Aeroseal.

When Aeroseal is a Must…

Aeroseal is a very advanced sealant that is made with durable materials designed to seal in cracks, gaps, and leaks in the ductwork system. This is the HVAC industry’s latest and greatest technology that will significantly improve the performance of your air conditioning unit and some of the other aspects of your home. Read on to learn why Aeroseal is a must for many homes in Colorado Springs.

Increased Accumulations of Dust

Have you been noticing large accumulation of dust around the house when the air conditioning unit is working? Some dust is totally acceptable and expected, but when it piles up at an alarming rate, it is a cause for concern.

Those accumulations are often explained by faulty issues within the air conditioning system. The biggest reason for them is poor quality ductwork that has cracks and gaps. When the air is pushed through those ductwork, it must first be filtered before being released into the home. But, if it seeps through the ducts beforehand, that unfiltered, dirty air will infiltrate each room with dust and mugginess.

If this goes on for a prolonged period of time, you may experience symptoms of allergies, asthma, and other upper respiratory issues. These problems can affect not only you, but your family members and pets as well. Aeroseal is a highly effective and more permanent solution to this problem.

Inconsistent Temperatures

Poor quality ductwork can also contribute to inconsistent cooling and heating temperatures throughout the home. If there are any cracks in the ducts, the air will obviously escape and not hit the areas that were originally designed to be treated by the AC unit. You will feel colder or hotter in certain areas of the home as a result.

This issue will continue to go on until the ductwork is replaced or repaired. The best way to resolve this problem is to have something as durable as Aeroseal applied throughout the ductwork system. It will provide a reliable and durable sealant that will help you enjoy optimal levels of comfort at home.

Lower Efficiency AC Unit

Thanks to the availability of Aeroseal Duct Sealing Services, homeowners can now get away with buying less expensive and less efficient air conditioning units. This is because the high quality of Aeroseal can go a long way to make up for those lower efficiency rates of your unit. This is a win-win situation that will allow you to ensure optimal air quality at home and save money on initial installation costs of your unit. If you are in the market for a new AC unit, consider treating your ductwork system with Aeroseal prior to the installation.

Growing Energy Bills

If your energy bills are continuing to skyrocket, there may be more reasons for it than the increasing prices on almost everything these days. Leaky ductwork signals the AC compressor to work harder to produce the same temperatures, but with an increased amount of energy expenditure. When this happens, high energy bills are inevitable and will continue to drain your household budget until you take the proper actions.

If this scenario is familiar to your situation, we encourage you to contact an air conditioning technician in your area. They will be able to assess the health of your ductwork system and provide the necessary recommendations to enhance its efficiency.

Contact One Source for Your Aeroseal Services

Have you been considering Aerosealing for your home? Contact One Source Home Service to learn about the options available to you. Our highly skilled technicians will be able to answer all your questions and ensure that your home is as comfortable as possible.

When and How to Clean Your Drains

Periodically, there comes a time when homeowners face the problem of clogged plumbing fixtures and pipes that require a bit of time to clear out. If you’re a new homeowner or even renter, you may be faced with such a dilemma at this time. In today’s blog, we will discuss when drain cleaning is needed and how to go about doing this task. Read on to find an answer to your clogged drain issues.

Signs for Drain Cleaning

So when should you be cleaning your drains? Below we outlined some of the common signs of drain cleaning and provided some tips on what to do about them. Most of these issues can be fixed with a little bit of elbow grease. If you are still unsure of what to do or are not feeling confident in your abilities, remember that high quality drain cleaning services are available through One Source Home Service at any time.

Backed-Up in Plumbing Fixtures

When the kitchen sink has a backflow of water coming through when the dishwasher is running, this can be a very messy issue. It will dirty your sink and sometimes overflow on the counter. A few quick pulses of the disposal usually does the trick in clearing this back up.

Sometimes you might witness a back up in the bathtub or toilet, and that can signify a sewage back up. This issue will need to be resolved by a plumber who will provide the emergency draining cleaning to rectify the situation.

A lot of sewage issues count as emergency plumbing situations. Check out our blog to learn more about the common signs for emergency plumbing repairs.

Sink Drains Slowly

There’s nothing like having to race to brush your teeth and wash your face against a sink that isn’t draining fast enough. That is annoying and quite frustrating when all you want to do is get on with your day.

Luckily, there are ways to fix this situation by using a drain cleaning solution or by using the following DIY method:

Boil some water and pour it down the drain
Scoop in half a cup of baking soda into the drain followed by a cup of vinegar
Allow the mixture to fizz for a few minutes
Pour another pot of boiling water down the drain once more

This process will help loosen up any film or hair stuck in the drain, allowing water to drain freely once more. If these steps don’t help, make sure to contact a draining cleaning service as soon as you can to avoid damage to your plumbing system.

Sewer Odors

Most of us prefer to avoid the unpleasant sewer odors and that’s understandable. These smells are common when sinks haven’t been used in a while. Try running a bit of water to lubricate the pipes and wash out the smell. If it doesn’t go away, there may be a deeper problem with your plumbing system which will need to be investigated by a local plumber. Don’t prolong hold off the repair and contact a plumber before incurring substantial damages to your home.

Pests in Pipes

Clogged drains sometimes attract pests, especially if the clog leads to a burst pipe in the sewer lines. We encourage you to contact an emergency drain cleaning service to have them investigate the cause of these pests, particularly if they are rodents because they multiply very quickly. Plus, further damage will occur if this issue isn’t resolved promptly.

Pests are often a sign of sewer leaks. Read our blog to learn what else to look out for when investigating a possible sewer leak in your home.

Contact Us for Emergency Drain Cleaning Services

Are you in need of help with cleaning out your drains? Contact One Source Home Service today to receive a quick resolution to your dilemma. We are available around the clock to help restore your plumbing system back in order. Call us at (719) 532-9000.