What Should My Home’s Humidity Level Be?

Posted on December 4, 2019 by Jason

When it comes to heating and cooling, homeowners have many questions. We’ve heard them all – but one of the common ones we hear in the wintertime is “What should my home’s humidity level be?” We also hear, “How do I measure my home’s humidity level?” Luckily, at Herrmann Services we have the answers.

Why Is the Humidity Level Important?

Head colds, sinus infections, sore throats, coughs…they’re all more common in the winter. But did you ever stop to wonder why? Because our furnaces run all winter long, the air inside our homes gets drier and drier. Also, because we keep our homes shut tight to conserve energy and keep the heat in, not much fresh air enters your home in the winter. You may be surprised to learn that humidity plays a big role in keeping your family healthy in the winter. Low humidity affects the skin causing dryness, cracks, inflammation and peeling. Eczema flare-ups can be common as well. Low humidity is also associated with respiratory tract infections. (U.S. National Library of Medicine)

What Are the Symptoms to Look For?

If the humidity level drops too low, flu viruses are able to survive longer and be transmitted more easily between people. Mucous membranes in the nose and throat dry out, increasing your discomfort and susceptibility to colds. Breathing drier air can also contribute to sore throats and coughs as well as exacerbate symptoms of asthma and allergies. Dry itchy skin, cracked lips, and bloody noses are all more common in drier air as well. If you notice high incidences of static shock, your home is too dry. Look for any of these symptoms to tell you your home needs more humidity:

Itchy throats
Bloody noses
Dry coughs
Chapped and cracked lips
Dry, itchy skin and eyes
Dry, cracking wood and furniture
Static shock
Allergy and asthma flare-ups

Why Do Humidity Levels Drop in the Winter?

As outdoor temperatures drop during winter, humidity levels drop as well. Why? The answer is simple: Cold air has less capacity to hold moisture than warm air does and lower outdoor humidity levels translate to lower indoor humidity levels. This lack of moisture in the air is what creates low humidity levels.

How Do You Measure Your Home’s Humidity Level?

Measuring the humidity in your home is easy. Simply head level is to head to your nearest home improvement store and purchase a hygrometer. Place this indoor humidity monitor in the room you want to test and follow the instructions. The hygrometer will show your home’s humidity level in a percentage.

What Humidity Level Is Best During Winter?

Problems are most prevalent when the humidity level drops below 30%. The ideal home humidity level is around 40-50%. This will reduce the symptoms listed above as well as lower the likelihood of static electricity. Your home will feel more comfortable and you can minimize the health issues that are commonly linked to low humidity during winter.

Whole-House Humidifiers Keep Humidity Levels Normal

Now that you know why, what can you do to raise the humidity in your home? Luckily, one of the easiest ways to add humidity back into the air in your home is to add a whole-house humidifier. A whole-house humidifier is installed on your furnace and adds moisture to the air every time the furnace kicks on. It’s virtually maintenance-free other than changing the pad at the beginning of the winter season.

If you’d like more information about installing a whole-house humidifier in your home, give us a call at (513) 737-8423 or contact us online.

20 Electrical Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Jason

When you’re decorating your home for the holidays, electrical safety usually isn’t the first thing on your mind. But it’s important to make sure your electrical decorations are safe for your home and don’t pose a fire hazard. Broken wires, improper hanging methods, and overloading outlets can cause problems. According to the ESFI (Electrical Safety Foundation International) 25% of holiday fires are caused by decorations. That’s about 860 home fires. Don’t let your home be one of them. The good folks at Herrmann Services want to make sure your season stays merry, not scary, so we’ve made a list and we’d like you to check it twice. Follow these easy safety tips to keep your home and loved ones safe.

Hanging Decorations and Strands of Lights

The holidays are hectic, but don’t use that as an excuse to cut corners when decorating. Follow these rules and be safe:

Inspect Electrical Decorations for Damage
Cracked or damaged sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections can cause a serious shock or start a fire. Take the time to inspect it all.

Never Connect More Than Three Strands of Incandescent Lights
More than three strands may not only blow a fuse but can also cause a fire. You can connect eight to ten times more mini LED light strings together end to end while only using one electrical outlet. With traditional Christmas mini lights, you can only connect four to five sets, end to end. LED mini light strings allow you to connect 40 to 50 together, depending on the light count.

TIP: You may want to update your lights to LEDs. They produce considerably less heat and use less electricity too.

Watch Bulb Placement
Make sure bulbs don’t touch supply cords, wires, cloth, paper, or any material that’s not part of the light string.
Use the Proper Clips for Hanging Decorations
Staples and nails can damage electrical cords and cause shorts.
Look for Certification Labels
Decorations not bearing a label from an independent testing laboratory have not been tested for safety and could be hazardous. Look for Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or Intertek (ETL). If you don’t see the label, don’t assume it’s safe to use.
Only Use Outdoor Rated Extension Cord Outside
If using outside, make sure to check that it is labeled for outdoor use.
Power Lines Can Be Fatal
If you are using a ladder to put up decorations, or when you’re hanging lights or decorations on trees outside, watch for overhead power lines. Know where they are before you start.
Always Turn Off Decorations When Going to Bed or Leaving Home
According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), half of all home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am. Don’t be a statistic.

Outlet Safety

We know it can be difficult, but try not to plug too many holiday decorations into your outlets. Also, make sure your outlets are GFCI in the kitchen, bathrooms, and outside.

Inspect Outlets before Using
If the outlet shows any signs of damage, such as black lines where the plug enters or sparks when you plug something in, don’t use that outlet and have a professional electrician inspect it.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Avoid plugging too many lights and decorations into an outlet. Overloaded circuits can overheat and start a fire. Read the package instructions, and never exceed the recommended wattage.

TIP: Circuits that frequently trip can indicate too many items are connected to the circuit.

Use GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlets Outdoors
A GFCI outlet is designed to cut off the electricity when it senses an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current. It keeps people from being electrocuted. They are recommended for outlets near water including outdoors and in bathrooms and kitchens. You can tell if yours are GFCI outlets by looking for the reset button (usually red) on the outlet.
Use Battery-Operated Candles
Open flame candles start almost half of home decoration fires according to the NFPA. Battery operated candles have no wires to be plugged in or hazardous open flames.

Extension Cord Safety Tips (Betcha You’re Guilty of Violating a Few)

About 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. In addition, 4,000 people a year are treated in emergency rooms for injuries associated with extension cords. Not all injuries due to extension cords are electrical. Half of them involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains as a result of people tripping over the cords. Follow these rules for using extension cords.

Inspect the Cord
Look for cracks, loose connections at the ends, or damaged coverings and loose or bare wires. Throw away any cords that are in poor condition.
Check for Indoor/Outdoor Rating
If using outside, make sure the extension cord is labeled for outdoor use.
Use GFCI-Protected Outlets
Plug outdoor electrical decorations into GFCI-protected outlets to prevent shock.
Protect Cords from Damage
To avoid shock or fire hazards, cords should never be smashed by furniture, forced into small spaces such as doors and windows where they can be pinched, placed under rugs, located near heat sources, or attached by nails or staples.
Watch Out for Water
Keep outdoor connections above-ground and out of puddles.
Don’t Stretch Extension Cords over Walkways
This can cause a tripping hazard. It’s best to run extension cords alongside walkways when possible.

Other Common Hazards

Space Heaters
Space heaters result in far more fires than central furnaces. Never leave one unattended or around pets or children without supervision. Make sure it is not near carpets, rugs, drapery, bedding or anything else flammable.
Carbon Monoxide
This is one of the most preventable hazards. Install a CO detector in your home today. They are inexpensive and plug right into a wall outlet. It can save your life!

Always have a working fire extinguisher on hand, and know how to operate it. We hope these tips will keep you safe this holiday season. If you need any electrical help, just call us at Herrmann Services at (513) 737-8423 or contact us online.

$3,600 Raised to Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Jason

We would like to thank our customers, as we were able to do it again! Every October, a percentage of all our sales are donated to the Pink Ribbon Girls. This past year we were able to write a check for $3,600.00. In addition to the percentage of sales, we also have several loyal customers who donate to the organization as well.

What Is Pink Ribbon Girls?

Pink Ribbon Girls is a grassroots 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help ease the minds of individuals and families affected by breast cancer by providing direct services and support. They have two separate programs, Simply Fight! And NO Age NO Stage. Both of these programs are in the Cincinnati and Dayton metro areas. A few ways they assist the affected families is by providing meals, transportation, housecleaning, and peer support.

How PRG Uses Donations to Support Those Affected by Breast Cancer

Diana Featherstone of Pink Ribbon Girls expresses her appreciation by saying, “We are so thankful for the support of Herrmann Services. Every dollar raised through this campaign goes towards providing free direct services such as meals, housekeeping, and transportation to women going through breast cancer treatment right here in Southwest Ohio. With their commitment, we can ensure that No One Travels This Road Alone!”

Thanks to Our Amazing Customers

“It’s really exciting to be able to give back to our community. I am proud that so many of our customers wanted to be a part of this fundraiser.” said Jason Herrmann, the Service Manager of Herrmann Services. The first year, Herrmann Services was able to donate $2,500 to the Pink RIbbon Girls and the contributions have only increased since then. This year, our goal is to donate more than $3,600!

Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for teaming up with Herrmann Services in fighting for a breast cancer cure. Without you, this campaign would not be a success!

6 Fall Tips to Keep Your Home Cozy & Safe

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Jason

The secret to keeping your home cozy throughout a chilly Cincinnati winter is all in the preparation. You have to plan to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. The team at Herrmann Services has created this checklist to help you cover all the bases when it comes to comfort. Follow these tips and you’ll stay snug and warm till the daffodils start to bloom.

Keep Old Man Winter Outside Where He Belongs

The first goal is keeping the cold air out. Here are some things to address:

1. Add Weatherstripping around Your Windows and Doors

Check the weatherstripping around all of your windows and doors and replace it if it is showing signs of brittleness or is smashed down flat. If you don’t have weatherstripping, it’s easy to install and affordable too. Just pick some up at your neighborhood home improvement store. This quick and inexpensive fix can dramatically reduce your heating bills this winter. Plus, it will help you save on your air conditioning bills next summer, too.

2. Check Your Attic Insulation

This is one of the smartest investments you can make in your home. According to the Energy Star website, “If you added up all the leaks, holes and gaps in a typical home’s envelope, it would be the equivalent of having a window open every day of the year!” Wow! When you think of it that way, it really makes sense. Insulation can also settle over time, so if you haven’t checked yours in a while, now is a great time to make sure you have enough. These tips show you where and how to check your home for the right amount of insulation.

The next step is keeping warm air in. That means making sure your furnace is running at peak efficiency and will continue to heat your home effectively. There are two things you can do to ensure it will work all winter without a problem.

Your Furnace Needs Some Love

Your furnace sits all summer, but as your air conditioner runs, it collects dirt and dust from the air all summer long. It’s important to start with a clean filter to help your furnace run efficiently. Not to mention, a dirty furnace filter doesn’t keep your air very clean and your home will be closed up for months at a time during winter.

3. Change Your Furnace Filter

Changing the filter in your furnace is a quick, inexpensive task that can make a noticeable difference in your utility bills and the lifespan of your furnace. All of the air going into your furnace and coming back out passes through the filter. If your filter is clogged with dirt, it slows down that airflow and can cause pressure and heat to build up within your furnace. At the very least, a dirty filter will lessen the efficiency of your furnace. Plus, changing your air filter helps to prevent more serious problems down the road, like breakdowns that can cost you a lot more money than regular maintenance would.

4. Schedule Your Furnace Tune-Up

Now is the time to get your furnace tune-up. During a furnace tune-up, a technician will check the electrical connections, calibrate the thermostat, check for carbon monoxide leaks, and make sure your furnace is operating properly. An annual tune-up can reduce your utility bill by making sure your furnace is running efficiently and it will also reduce the chance of a breakdown in the middle of winter.

Don’t Forget These Critical Items

There are a couple of other areas you want to make sure you don’t forget to check before winter. While these aren’t as related to the temperature in your home, they are certainly critical pieces of home equipment that shouldn’t be overlooked.

5. Check Your Sump Pump before the Fall Rains

A sump pump is one of your home’s most critical machines. Once your basement or lower level is flooded, it’s too late to make sure it’s working properly. Make sure to check it every couple of months. It’s fast and easy to check. Just follow these instructions. Checking your sump pump before the big rains can save you a lot of hassle and a lot of money.

A great addition to your sump pump is a battery-backup sump pump. Unfortunately, when thunderstorms are often accompanied by power outages, which means your sump pump can’t work without electricity. A battery-backup pump will run whether there is electricity or not and can even kick in to help your main pump if demand becomes too much for it.

6. Change Batteries in CO Detectors & Smoke Alarms

Another critical item to check is your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. Did you remember to do this in the spring? It’s a good idea to replace the batteries in all of your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year. Nothing is more important than keeping your family safe.

Check these 6 areas this fall and enjoy a warm, cozy, and safe home this winter!

Contact us today at (513) 407-5177 to schedule a furnace tune-up or a sump pump repair or replacement.

2 Water Heater Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Posted on August 5, 2019 by Jason

helpful water heater tips for Cincinnati homeowners

Your water heater is an essential item in your home. It is responsible for heating your tap water at the sink as well as providing hot water for bathing. If you’ve ever had to take a cold shower, the value of a water heater cannot be exaggerated! Here at Herrmann Services, our plumbers repair, service, and replace water heaters all the time. There are a few tips that we’d like to share with homeowners that will help ensure your safety, save you money, and increase the lifespan of your water heater. So here, without further ado, in no particular order, are the water heater tips for homeowners.

If you need your Cincinnati water heater repaired or are looking to install a completely new unit. Head over to our Water heater page!

Check Your Water Heater Temperature

One of the biggest mistakes we see is that the water heater is set at a higher temperature than is safe. The default setting for most manufacturers is 140°F. If you’ve never adjusted the temperature on your water heater, this is probably where it is set. This is especially important in homes with small children who have a tendency to turn the water on and stick their hands under the faucet without testing the temperature first. Scalding water can cause serious harm. We recommend 120°F at the fixture or lower to keep kids safe. Setting your temperature lower will save you money as well.

Get a Water Heater Tune-Up

Most homeowners don’t realize that a water heater tune-up will not only help with your water heater’s efficiency, it will also extend the life of the unit. Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater. This sediment settles on the bottom, where, incidentally, the burner sits. The sediment insulates this burner and makes it harder for it to heat the water in the tank. During a maintenance check, He/she will also to flush the sediment out of your tank.

Whether you have gas or electric water heater, minerals in your water will build up in your tank causing corrosion. Tanks are equipped with an anode rod specifically for preventing rust. The rods are made of steel and usually coated with magnesium or aluminum. Your plumber will replace the rod when necessary as well as check for faulty or leaking temperature and pressure valves and replace them. A tune-up also includes cleaning the burner on a gas water heater. Having the burner cleaned annually will extend the life of the water heater.

Please feel free to pass these tips along to family, friends, and neighbors.

We hope your water heater continues to run flawlessly, but if your Cincinnati water heater ever needs help, has a leak, or is due for an upgrade to a tankless water heater, give us a call at (513) 737-8423 or contact us online. We will be happy to help!

Help! My AC Is DOA – Troubleshooting Tips

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Jason

Summer is tough on air conditioners here in the Cincinnati area. If you’re living with an older AC, it’s likely that you may run into trouble. But before you pick up that phone to call for repairs, try these AC troubleshooting tips from the team at Herrmann Services. It just may save you a service call!

AC Troubleshooting Tips

When your air conditioner isn’t working, it’s usually one of two issues. Either it won’t turn on at all, or it’s running, but not blowing cool air.

Try these tips before you call a professional.

The AC Is On, but the Air Isn’t Cool

Dirty Air Filter – Believe it or not, this can be caused by a dirty air filter. Check your filter to see how dirty it is and replace it if necessary. (Remember, it is important to change your filter once a month to ensure proper airflow and cooling.)

Ice Accumulation – Ice in the outdoor unit can also cause your AC to run sluggishly. If you see ice you should turn off the AC, turn the fan to the on position, and allow it to thaw for a couple of hours. Turn it back on. If it ices up again, you may need to call for professional help.

Clogged Condensate Drain – If you are still having trouble, check the condensate drain tube. Algae tends to build up in this tube, clogging it, and causing your AC to fail.

AC Won’t Turn On

If your AC is not kicking on, it could be a simple fix. Check these things:

Tripped Breaker – check your electrical panel to make sure that the breaker connected to your AC hasn’t been tripped. If it has, reset it. If it trips again, you may need a professional to come take a look at why your AC is drawing so much power.

Power Switch – look to see if the power switch on the side of your furnace is turned on. (Yes, there’s a power switch on the side of your furnace.) Sometimes it gets accidentally bumped.

Thermostat – check your thermostat to make sure that it isn’t set to the heat or off position. Also check to make sure that the batteries in your thermostat are not dead. (You’d be surprised how many service calls we answer and the problem is one of these two things. It happens.)

Check Your Condenser Unit (The Box Outside)

Don’t forget your air conditioner has another piece – the outside condenser unit. Look for these three problems:

A safety precaution first – The condenser is a 240-volt box, so turn off the power to it at the electrical panel before working on it. Also turn off the disconnect box located outside, near your unit. (It will either be a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker to shut off the condenser.) Allow about 30 minutes for the electrical charge that’s stored in the condenser’s capacitor to dissipate. Okay, now it’s safe to check the unit. We recommend letting one of our qualified technicians look over these items.

Clear Debris – Make sure the unit is clean and clear of debris. Clear away dirt, leaves, etc. that could be restricting airflow.

Check the Fan – Make sure it is clear of debris and able to spin freely.

Check for Broken Coolant Lines – Check the coolant lines (pipes that connect the condenser unit outside to the evaporator on the inside unit). They can get bumped around being outside.

Turn the unit back on. First, turn the thermostat in your home to OFF. Then turn on the power at both the disconnect box and at the main panel. Last, switch the thermostat to COOL. Give it some time and see if you feel cool air blowing from the ducts. You can also check your outdoor unit. The air blowing out of the top should be warmer than the surrounding air.

How to Know When It’s Smarter to Replace Than Repair

If your AC is old and unreliable, you’re probably considering replacement. But how do you know when it makes more sense to replace than spending money to repair it? First, look for these four warning signs that the time is near:

Your unit is 10-12 years old
You’ve paid for three or more repairs over the last two years
Your energy bills seem excessive
You are experiencing uneven cooling or certain rooms feel uncomfortable. (Sometimes hot spots can be due to poor ductwork. We can inspect your ducts and make adjustments if that is the case.)

These are all clues that it is getting close to the time to replace your unit. Luckily, there’s a formula you can use to help you decide. We call it the $5,000 rule.

The $5,000 Rule

Multiply the age of your AC unit by the repair cost, and if that exceeds $5,000, then replace the unit. If it’s less, go ahead and repair it.

Here is an example, if your unit is 10 years old and the repair will cost $450, multiply 10 x 450 to equal $4,500. It is less than $5,000, so it’s okay to have it repaired.

Consider the Rising Cost of Freon

If your repair involves adding Freon because of a leak, you have something else to consider. A leak means you will have to add more coolant every year and the price of Freon is rising each year. That’s because about 25 years ago, the EPA ordered the phasing out of Freon as part of an international treaty focused on protecting the ozone layer. After 2010, no air conditioners that run on Freon could be manufactured. Production of Freon has also been reduced in subsequent years. By 2020, production of Freon will end, so the price will only continue to rise. New systems run on a different kind of coolant which requires a completely different system, so unfortunately, the new coolant cannot replace Freon in an old system.

Let Us Help with AC Repairs or Replacement

If your AC has several of the symptoms we listed, we will be happy to take a look and either repair or replace the unit so you and your family stay cool and comfortable. Herrmann Services is proud to install Airease air conditioners, so if your air conditioner is on its last leg we will be happy to provide a free estimate.

Call us today at (513) 737-8423 or contact us online with any questions, repair needs, or just to get a free quote on a new system.

Never Clean Your Dirty Ducts Again!

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Jason

The ducts in your home ensure that conditioned air from your HVAC system makes it into every room, thus ensuring optimal comfort all year long. Yet your ducts may also contribute to poor indoor air quality, leading to an increased risk of health problems for you and your family. Let’s take a closer look at the negative impact of dirty ducts and what you can do to prevent them.

Dirty Ducts Mean Dirty Air

Americans spend a staggering 90% of their time indoors, with much of that taking place inside the home. Over time, contaminants such as smoke, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds build up in the air of a home. As concentrations grow higher, your household may begin to develop health problems.

According to studies funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air may contain up to five times more contaminants than outdoor air. In many cases, your duct system is a significant contributor to unhealthy levels of contaminants. A dirty duct impedes the circulation of air, leading to more stagnation and less filtration. Furthermore, dirty ducts provide a prime breeding ground for pathogens like bacteria and mold.

Whole Home, In-Duct Air Purifier

One way to alleviate indoor air quality problems is to have your ducts regularly cleaned. Another even more effective solution is to invest in a whole home, in-duct air purifier like the REME HALO. This purifier can effectively scrub all unwanted substances right out of your home’s air.

The REME HALO removes all three of the major pollutant categories: particulate matter, microbial life, and gases. This revolutionary purifier works using proprietary technology known as Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy. Unlike air filters, which only work passively, the REME HALO actively purifies and cleanses your air.

To learn more about how the REME HALO whole home, in-duct air purifier can improve your home’s air quality, call us today at (513) 737-8423, or contact us online.

Save Up to $200 a Year with a Programmable Thermostat

Posted on May 13, 2019 by Jason

saving money with a programmable thermostat.

The average American household spends about $2,000 annually on heating and cooling costs. Would you like to keep some of that money in your pocket instead? We have two words for you – programmable thermostat. The crew here at Herrmann Services has installed many for our customers and they really like the convenience and savings.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. Let’s do the math – 10% of $2,000 is about $200 in savings every year. That’s worth looking into!

Programmable Thermostats – Set It and Forget It

What makes programmable thermostats so wonderful is that they are so easy to use. All you do is adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning according to a pre-set schedule. Once it’s set, you can forget about it and it will continue to heat and cool your home to the temperatures you specified at the times you pre-programmed. Programmable thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily settings (six or more temperature settings a day). But what if you want to change that schedule? No problem, you can manually override what is programmed without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program.

Thermostat Settings for the Highest Savings

You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to 68°F during daytime hours and setting it lower while you’re asleep or away from home. In the summer, you can follow the same strategy with your air conditioner. Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and then set the thermostat to 78°F only when you are at home and need cooling. Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible and ensure humidity control if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.

Tips for Setting Your Programmable Thermostat

Turn the temperature up or down 20 to 30 minutes before you leave home each day.
Have the temperature resume to your comfort level 20 to 30 minutes before you come home each day.
Reduce the heating or cooling 1 hour before bedtime at night.
Increase heating or cooling about 30 minutes before you wake up in the morning.

If you’re interested in installing a programmable thermostat, give us a call at (513) 737-8423 or contact us online and one of our technicians will come to your home. For more information about programmable thermostats, including wi-fi thermostats, you can control with your smartphone, or if you have other heating and cooling questions, just give us a call.

Don’t Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda This AC Season. Get an AC Tune-Up Now

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Jason

Cinci summers can be downright brutal. Do you know what happens to homeowners who wait until it’s hot to turn on their air conditioners? That’s right, they wait for hours, sometimes days, for service because everyone else and their brother just turned theirs on and found out it doesn’t work either. Be smart this season, call us for a tune-up now. Not only will you verify that your AC works fine, you’ll most likely avoid having it break down mid-summer in the middle of a heat wave when everyone else’s AC is breaking. The team at Herrmann has four good reasons to invest in an air conditioner tune-up this season:

Catch Small Problems before They Get Big

One of the most important reasons to get a tune-up is to catch small problems before they become big (expensive) problems. A small problem, like a refrigerant leak, could turn into a major setback when your compressor burns out. The cost of a tune-up and repair is far less than a whole new compressor.

Keep Your AC from Breaking Down

During an AC tune-up, our technicians will inspect it all – electrical connections, motors, fan belts, and all the moving parts. They will lubricate any moving parts and tighten any loose parts. The bottom line is they will make your AC run as efficiently as possible and all this tuning up will make the chances of it breaking down this summer very, very slim. An AC tune-up will keep your system running stronger for longer.

An Efficient System Keeps You More Comfortable

You regularly clean your car and change its oil to keep it from rusting and breaking down. Your air conditioner is no different. Both are mechanical and require maintenance. Your air conditioner works hard, but after time it can slow down and become less efficient. A tune-up will help it run more efficiently, saving you money on cooling bills.

Cut Energy Costs

Tune-ups keep your system efficient, and an efficient system will cut your energy costs. Your air conditioner accounts for nearly half of your energy costs in the warmer months, but an A/C tune-up can help you cut up to a quarter of your costs. Want to save even more? According to the Energy Star website, programmable thermostats can save you up to $180 a year if used properly.

Not getting a tune-up is one of the top 4 AC mistakes homeowners make. Call now for your tune-up. Give yourself some peace of mind this year, and invest in your air conditioner. You’ll be happy you did when the heat sets in. Call Herrmann Services today for an estimate at (513) 407-5177.

Don’t Let Your Sump Pump Make You Look Like a Chump

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Jason

The weather is warming up, which means it’s time again to think about preparing your home for spring rains. You never know when a heavy storm might hit and you certainly don’t want to be surprised by flooding in your home. Scheduling a professional sump pump inspection now can provide you with peace of mind throughout the rainy season.

Sump Pump Inspections

At Herrmann Service, we can perform a sump pump inspection that covers your pump from top to bottom, inside and out. First, we inspect the pump to make sure it is in proper working order. We check the valve on the discharge pipe to ensure that water can only flow in one direction. We check the inlet screen for blockages or holes, and finally, we inspect the discharge pipe outside to make sure that the water that is being pumped out is flowing away from your home’s foundation, not pooling or gathering in low spots. If there are any problems, like damage, leaking, or cracks, we repair them.

Sump Pumps Can’t Operate When the Electricity Goes Out

It’s important to remember that your sump pump is electric and will not run if your power goes out in a heavy thunderstorm. That could leave you in the dark with a rapidly flooding basement and give you a nasty surprise when the lights come back on. To avoid this disaster, we recommend installing a battery backup pump that will take up the slack if your main pump loses power. In especially bad flooding, a battery backup pump can even work together with your main pump to help it keep up with the amount of water coming in.

Herrmann services has proudly served the Cincinnati area for over 50 years. Our upfront pricing ensures that you know what you are paying for in advance. No surprises. Plus, financing is available if you should need help with larger purchases.

If you’d like to schedule a sump pump inspection or have a battery backup pump installed, call us at (513) 737-8423 or contact us online and we will make sure you are prepared for the spring rain ahead.