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What Does It Cost To Charge a Tesla at Home in Lynchburg? Over the past year the Lynchburg area has seen record high gas prices. As of December 2022, gas prices are hovering above $3 a gallon. While it goes without saying that you'll save money every time you charge an electric car rather than filling up a gas-powered car at the pump, EVs are a major investment. So how much money can you expect to save every month by charging an EV at home compared to buying gas in Lynchburg? The first thing you'll need to determine is the price per kWh you're paying for electricity. You can find this cost on your electric bill. The average residential electricity rate in Lynchburg is 10.71¢/kWh. (12/5/2022), which is well below the national average of 15.42¢/kWh. Next, you will need to consider the cost to charge the EV's battery, based on its capacity in kWh. A 2022 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, single-motor RWD, has a 50 kWh battery capacity. Using a Level 2 home charger the cost to charge the battery would be around $6. It has an EPA-rated top range of 272 miles. By comparison, the 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range has an 83 kWh battery. It will cost around $10 to charge using a Level 2 charger at home. It has an EPA-rated top range of 358 miles. Monthly Cost, Gas Versus Electric Car The average EV can travel around 4 miles per kWh. If driven 1,000 miles a month, it will take at least 250 kWh to maintain the charge. At $0.13 per kWh, charging your vehicle will cost you approximately $32.50 a month ($390 annually). By comparison, a gas powered vehicle that gets 25 mpg and is driven 1,000 miles a month will cost $124 a month ($1,488 annually) when paying $3.10 for a gallon for gas. Keep in mind that the cost of charging an EV at home can fluctuate depending on the time of day and the type of charger that's used. Other factors such as battery technology, temperature, and battery age will affect the EV's actual range. If you're considering purchasing a Tesla or other EV, Hickey Plumbing Air and Electrical can professionally install an EV charging station in your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Preventing Garbage Disposal Problems With holiday gatherings right around the corner your under sink disposal may soon be working overtime to clean up after dinner guests.  A holiday gathering is never a good time to run into plumbing problems. Here are some tips to help keep your disposal working smoothly during the holidays and all year long. 1. Run cold water Cold water keeps the food waste as solid as possible, helping the disposal grind more efficiently. Cold water also keeps grease from clinging to the inside of the drain, which will help prevent build-up that can cause clogged drains. 2. Keep food waste as small as possible A garbage disposal isn’t like a food processor, as it has no blades to cut up larger pieces. It uses centrifugal force and an impeller to break up food into smaller pieces. It works best when fed small pieces. Put larger waste in the garbage to prevent problems. 3. Don't put starchy foods down the disposal Sticky or stringy foods like potatoes, banana peels, rice, pasta etc. can form a thick glue-like paste inside the disposal and the drain pipe. This can reduce the effectiveness of the disposal and increase the likelihood of a clogged drain. 4. Avoid grinding hard foods Bones, fruit pits, and seeds will wear down the grinder, shortening the lifespan of the unit. Hard foods are also more likely to  jam a disposal. 5. Use the disposal regularly When not used regularly garbage disposals can corrode and allow food residue to harden inside the grinding chamber. In some cases this can cause the disposal to seize up and stop working. It's important to run the disposal regularly, even for short periods of time while running cold water. When you're finished grinding waste let the water run for 15 seconds to clean the chamber.

Preventing Hot Water Scalding in the Home Did you know that hot water accounts for 20 percent of all burns in the U.S.? Every year more than 2,000 U.S. children are treated for scalding from exposure to hot water. Scalding also causes many secondary injuries from heart attacks, falls, and broken bones, particularly among the elderly. Most scalding accidents occur in the bathroom and kitchen. Fortunately, the vast majority of hot water burns are avoidable. Here are the steps to take to prevent scalding in your home. Bathtub Safety Because infants, young children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to scalding in the bath, it's important to ensure that hot water is kept under control. First, ensure that the water heater temperature is set no higher than 120 Fahrenheit. Second, check to see if the plumbing in your bathrooms is equipped with an anti-scald device. Even if you have the above safety measures in place, always check the water temperature with your hand before placing a child in the bathtub and never leave a child alone or with other young children in the bathtub. Water Heater Temperature Most water heaters come from the factory with the thermostat set higher than 120F. For many households, this is too high. The chart below shows the scalding risk and time it takes to cause a burn. Water Heater Thermostat Setting Exposure Time Effects of Exposure to Hot Water at High Temperatures Water at 100 degF or below - Most water heaters are unlikely to scald an adult Water at 120 degF 5 minutes 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin Water at 130 degF 30 seconds 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin Water at 140 degF 5 seconds 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin Water at 150 degF 1.5 seconds 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin Water at 160 degF.5 second 2nd & 3rd degree burns on adult skin Scald Protection Devices Scald protection devices are essential in homes with young children, the elderly and physically disabled. In many places they are required by law to be installed to meet building code requirements. While caution is the first line of defense to prevent scalding, scald protection devices help prevent accidents by limiting the rise in water temperature should a child move the water controls. Have questions about preventing hot water scalding in your home? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Your family's safety is our top priority.

Fixing Common Light Fixture Problems If you have a light fixture that's failed or not working correctly, and you have tried replacing the light bulb or adjusting the light bulb socket, there a few other things you can check to try to solve the problem. 1. Loose Switch Wiring One of the most common problems with light fixtures is a loose wire connection at the switch. Constant switching on and off can loosen the connection. Turn the power off at the breaker panel, remove the switch cover, then tighten any loose wires. If you're concerned about the connections, have Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical inspect the wiring. If the light switch is working fine and the lights still flicker, have Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical check the electrical wiring for problems. 2. Bad Switch Contacts If the bulb flickers on and off, it could be caused by switch contacts that are worn out. If you can hear a sizzling or crackling sound when the switch is flipped, the contacts are bad. The switch should be replaced. 3. Recessed Lighting Randomly Going On and Off Are your recessed lighting fixtures randomly going on and off? The most most common cause is overheating. Recessed lights are equipped with a safety limit switch to prevent overheating by turning the fixture off automatically when heat reaches an unsafe level. Check that the bulb in the fixture has the correct wattage and install a lower wattage bulb if needed. Also look for insulation that may be packed too tightly around the fixture, trapping heat. If the problem persists after trying the above steps, call Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical to inspect the lights. They may have a faulty limit switch or other problem. 4. Faulty Light Socket Tab If you look inside a light socket you will see a brass tab that presses up against the base of the light bulb when the bulb is screwed in. Screwing bulbs in too tightly can cause the tab to become bent down too far, preventing a solid contact with the base of the light bulb. This can cause electricity to arc, damaging the contact point on the light bulb, causing it to fail prematurely. To fix the problem shut the power off to the fixture at the breaker panel, or if it's a plug-in fixture, unplug it from the wall. Next, gently bend the socket tab upwards slightly with a needle-nose pliers so it is not flat against the bottom of the socket. About a quarter of an inch will work. 5. Incompatible Dimmer Switches If you have upgraded your light fixtures from older incandescent bulbs to LEDs it's important to use dimmer switches that are compatible with LEDs. Older dimmer switches were designed for use with standard incandescent bulbs only, and if you use CFL or LED bulbs it can damage the circuitry of the bulb, causing it to wear out prematurely.

Money Saving Water Heater Tips Tank storage water heaters are one of the most energy intensive appliances in the home, second only to heating and cooling systems. By changing a few habits and installing some simple accessories, you can significantly reduce energy consumption and water usage. 1. Reduce Hot Water Usage At the Source One of easiest ways to cut hot water usage is to install water saving low-flow shower heads. The flow rate on a shower head should be no more than 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). Many water conserving shower heads can reduce flow to as little as 1.6 GPM while maintaining good water pressure. At this flow rate, water savings for a household of four could be as much as 14,000 gallons a year along with greatly reduced energy required to heat the water. 2. Install Pipe Insulation During cold weather it can take a while for the water at the tap to warm up. This means running the water for a longer period of time because the cold metal pipes are cooling the water as it passes through. In even a small home, as much as 10 percent of the energy used to heat water is lost traveling through supply pipes. By installing inexpensive foam insulation around hot water supply pipes you can significantly reduce heat loss and energy waste. 3. Insulate the Tank While many new gas and electric water heaters have good insulation built into the tank wall, many older tanks allow a lot of heat to escape. The larger the water heater, the more surface area there is for heat to escape. You can prevent heat loss by wrapping the water heater tank in an insulation blanket designed for water heaters. Before adding insulation to the water heater tank be sure to read the owner's manual. Some manufacturers recommend against installing insulating blankets on energy-efficient models. It's also important to ensure that none of the vents or controls are blocked and that the blanket material is heat resistant. 4. Perform Annual Maintenance Over time, storage tank water heaters will accumulate sediment that reduces heating efficiency. Flushing the tank annually will remove this sediment and make it easier for the burner or heating element to heat the water. If your home has hard water this is even more important as mineral deposits can build up quickly, wasting energy. 5. Wash Laundry In Cold Water Many liquid laundry detergents are formulated to clean very effectively in cold water. Depending on the size of your household, switching the washing machine setting to cold water could save hundreds of gallons of hot water each month.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in the Home Every year, thousands of people in the U.S. are sickened by carbon monoxide (CO) and over 1,500 people die. Because carbon monoxide  is a colorless and odorless gas, it's important to take steps to keep this silent killer out of the home, and have a plan when you suspect someone in the home has been sickened by CO gas. Here are the steps to follow: Never use portable gas or charcoal grills indoors, including in open garages. Ensure that your furnace or heat pump is operating safely by scheduling an annual cleaning and safety inspection. Check appliances and vents for soot stains, blockage and corrosion. An improperly vented appliance such as a gas water heater, fireplace, oven, or dryer can prevent exhaust fumes to exiting the home. Never use a gas oven or stove to heat your home. When running a portable generator, ensure it is kept well away from the home. Carbon Monoxide Detectors It's legally required in many municipalities that every level of a home have a carbon monoxide detector installed. The detectors should be installed near bedrooms. When a the detector senses elevated levels of CO gas, an alarm will go off alerting you of potential danger. If the alarm goes off, everyone in the home, including pets, should go outside. Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical can install carbon monoxide detectors as well as smoke detectors that are hard-wired with a battery backup. If you suspect you or a family member has carbon monoxide poisoning The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Dull headache Weakness Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Shortness of breath Confusion Blurred vision If someone is experiencing any of  these symptoms do the following: Get out of the home. Call 911 and seek emergency medical treatment immediately Keep still to conserve oxygen in the blood Do not return inside until the cause of the carbon monoxide has been located and fixed.

Solving Common Toilet Problems One of the most common reasons people call a plumber is for toilets that are not working properly. Here are some of the typical issues you're likely to experience and how you can avoid them. 1. Running Toilet Running toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems in the home. Running toilets may seem like just a minor annoyance, but they can end up wasting a lot of water. Even a slow running toilet can waste gallons of water every week. Running toilets are typically caused by one of three problems: Worn flapper - rubber parts can wear out allowing water to leak under the seal Chain caught under the flapper causing it to remain stuck open Improper float level in the tank causing water to overflow Replacing the flapper is a simple, low cost fix for most running toilet problems. 2. Clogged Toilet After a running toilet, the most common toilet problem is a clog. Clogged toilets are often caused by flushing too much toilet paper or putting items down the toilet that should go in the trash can instead. This includes sanitary pads, cotton swabs, as well as products that are labeled as "flushable". Clogs tend to occur with older plumbing systems, although newer low-flow toilets can clog more easily because they use less water per flush than older toilets. If a second flush doesn't clear a clog,  you’ll need to use a plunger to free the clog from the trap.  Be sure to use the right kind of plunger. There are plungers specifically designed to work with toilets. 2. Overflowing Toilet When a clog is severe enough that water pressure cannot push it through, an overflow is likely to occur. This results in a very unpleasant mess. If a toilet plunger doesn’t clear the clog, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We use specialized tools that can clear the toughest clogs. 4. Weak Flush A weak flush is caused by a lack of pressure or water flow in the pipe leading into the toilet.  One common cause of low pressure is a toilet water valve that is not completely open. Also, check that the water level in the tank is at the right level. If it's too low it will reduce the power of the flush. If these suggestions do not fix the problem, call us for service. 5. Leaking toilet Like a running toilet, a leaking toilet can waste a lot of water. Because it can be hard to detect, check for a leaking toilet tank by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait about 10 minutes and check to see if the color has reached the bowl. If it has, then you have a leak that should be fixed.

Furnace Won't Turn On? Here's What to Check It's the first cold night of the season in the Lynchburg area and you switch on the heat for the first time in months... and nothing happens. There's no heat! What should you do? It could be a simple fix, so here's what to check. Check That the Power Is On - Even though a furnace is gas powered, it requires electricity to run. Open your circuit breaker panel and locate the breaker for the furnace or heat pump. If the circuit has tripped, switch it back to the ON position. If the circuit trips again, DO NOT RESET IT MORE THAN ONCE, as this is a safety measure to prevent an electrical fire in the event of a malfunction. Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical to have the electrical system checked. Ensure that the Thermostat Is Turned To the HEAT Position. You may need to turn the temperature up a couple more degrees to get the heat to come on. Check the Furnace Condensate Pan. During normal operation water will drain from the air conditioner or furnace into a drain pan. If the drain line for the pan is clogged, the pan will fill up and trigger a float switch, preventing the operation of the furnace or air conditioner. Check to see if the float switch is up (activated). If it is, you will need to clear the obstruction from the drain line to allow the pan to empty and reset the switch. Check the Furnace Filter. An extremely dirty air filter will make the furnace overheat, which will cause it to shut down as a safety precaution. Install a new filter to allow it to breathe easier. Check the Pilot Light. This only applies to older gas furnaces. Most newer units have electric ignition. If your pilot light is out,consult your owner's manual for the correct way to light the pilot, or contact us for assistance. Check the Fuel Supply. If there are other gas appliances in the home, such as a gas range or fireplace, check that they are functioning. If they are not, the problem is with the home's gas supply, so contact your utility company for help. If none of the above steps work and the furnace still won't turn on, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We can quickly diagnose the cause of the problem and get your heat back on quickly.

5 Problems Caused By Hard Water Hard water is water that contains a high amount of dissolved mineral content. When ground water percolates through layers of limestone, chalk or gypsum, it can end up containing high levels of calcium, magnesium carbonates and bicarbonates. Hard water in the home can cause many problems. Some are minor annoyances, while others can lead to more maintenance and expensive damage to plumbing systems. Here are five problems hard water can cause. 1. Water Heater Problems Over time, the minerals in hard water can accumulate at the bottom of the water heater tank. This extra layer between the burner and the water reduces efficiency and wastes energy. The sediment can also shorten the life of the water heater by leading to corrosion. Flushing the water heater tank on a regular basis can help remove the sediment and prevent problems. 2. Plumbing Fixture Damage Hard water can cause faucets and shower heads to clog, leading to low water flow and damage to seals and plated finishes. Mineral deposits can be removed by soaking the fixture in vinegar over night to dissolve the built up limescale. 3. Dishes and Glassware that Are Difficult to Clean Spotting on dishes, cutlery and glasses is a common problem caused by hard water. Keeping dishes clean often means extra work hand washing and carefully drying to prevent spotting. 4. Shower Soap Scum Buildup The combination of hot water and soap can create a film on bathtubs and shower enclosures, leading to unsightly soap scum. Removing this film takes more cleaning products and adds more effort to cleaning routines. 5. Laundry That's More Difficult To Clean Washing clothing in hard water typically means adding more detergent to each load to remove dirt and keep clothes bright and clean looking. The minerals in water can also leave towels and clothing unpleasantly stiff and scratchy feeling, requiring a fabric softener to make laundry feel soft. The Solution To Hard Water Is a Water Filtration System Because hard water can cost you time and money in the form of extra cleaning, maintenance and plumbing repairs, installing a water filtration system makes a lot of sense. You'll enjoy cleaner, better tasting water that's easier on your plumbing system and makes keeping your home clean much easier. If you're experiencing problems caused by hard water in your home, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We can test your water for hard water, as well as other contaminates that can affect the quality of your drinking water.

Furnace Air Filter Tips One of the most common q uestions customers ask is, "How often should I replace my furnace filter?" The answer is usually once a month. However, there are a few other things to consider when replacing your furnace air filter. Here are some helpful tips. 1. Buy filters in bulk and store them near the furnace Having replacement filters near your furnace will reduce the tendency to procrastinate and wait too long between filter changes. Also, buying a bulk package of filters is usually less expensive than purchasing individual filters. 2. Always use the correct size filter A poor-fitting furnace filter allows dirt and debris to get around the filter and contaminate the air in your home. It can also lead to clogged air conditioner coils, reducing the efficiency of the unit and shortening the lifespan of the compressor and other components. 3. Install the filter facing right direction Most filters have arrows indicating the direction of air flow. Putting the filter in backwards can cause the filter to work less efficiently and in some cases may cause the filter to buckle, allowing air around the filter. 4. Always turn of the power at the breaker rather than the thermostat This will ensure that if you come in contact with any wiring near the filter enclosure you won't get shocked. 5. Furnace filters are not air cleaners While basic furnace filters will keep most of the dirt and debris out of your air ducts, they are not going to keep the air free of contamination. If your home has excess dust, pet dander, smoke or other contaminants, you should consider a high quality home air filtration system. These HEPA filters are designed to capture the smallest particles that can pass through most 1-inch furnace air filters. Have questions about your furnace filters or your home's heating and cooling system? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical. We are always here to help answer your questions.

Preventing Kitchen Drain Problems Most kitchen drain clogs occur gradually over time as grease and food waste slowly accumulates. As the pipe narrows you may notice that sinks take longer to empty, or that there are gurgling sounds. These are the early signs of a clogged drain that you should not ignore. Thankfully, you can keep your kitchen drains flowing and prevent problems by following a few simple rules. 1. Keep grease out of drains Grease, oil and fat are among the most common causes of clogged drains. You may get away with pouring grease down the drain for a while without noticing any problems, but over time grease accumulates inside the pipe and slows the drain down. This is a problem because grease creates a sticky surface for food waste to cling to the inside of the drain. The safest way to dispose of oil and grease is to pour it into an empty container and put it in the freezer. The frozen grease can then be thrown into the trash. Thicker grease can be wiped off with a paper towel and thrown into the garbage. 2. Don't overload the disposal While garbage disposals are a great convenience, it's important to realize there are limits to what they can grind at once and not rely too heavily on your disposal to get rid of food waste. Put food waste into a compost pile or the trash prior to rinsing dishes into the sink. 3. Don't put starchy or stringy foods down the disposal Food that becomes sticky and expands when wet, such as pasta, potatoes, rice, and so on, can cling like glue to the inside of pipes and create very stubborn clogs. Other food waste you should avoid putting down drains include stringy waste like banana peels, orange peels, and pineapple rinds. 4. Maintain your drains A little bit of preventative maintenance can make a big difference. When using your disposal always run plenty of cold water, and keep the water running for 30 seconds after turning off the disposal. You can also keep your kitchen drain in good condition by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar. After the solution stops fizzing, rinse out the drain with a few cups of boiling water. The chemical reaction will cut through the lighter layers of gunk that can accumulate over time. 5. Call a professional for tough clogs If your kitchen drain has clogged, it's best to avoid store-bought chemical drain cleaning products. Many of them contain hazardous chemicals such as lye that can be harmful to your plumbing system and your family's safety. If you notice that your drains are emptying slowly, give the plumbers at Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical a call. We can help clear the toughest clogs quickly and safely.

5 Popular Plumbing Myths There are many things we do around the home simply out of tradition or because they are considered helpful advice by so many people. When it comes to plumbing, some of this advice can actually be more harmful than helpful to your home's plumbing system. How many of these tips do you believe? 1. Grinding Ice Cubes Will Sharpen Disposal Blades Grinding ice in a disposal can help remove the grime that accumulates inside the chamber, but it won't sharpen the blades. Why? Because garbage disposals don't have blades; they have impellers with teeth that grind up waste using centrifugal force. The best way to keep a disposal in good shape is to avoid pouring grease or oil down the chamber and to always run plenty of water during and after grinding. 2. Run Hot Water When Using the Garbage Disposal It's certainly true that grease dissolves more readily in hot water. However, as it cools down it will more readily stick to the pipe surface farther down the drain. Running cold water allows the grease to remain in a solid state so it's more likely to travel all the way down the drain without sticking to the pipe. Running cold water can also help your disposal last longer by preventing the motor from overheating. 3. Put a Brick In the Toilet Tank To Save Water While placing a brick in the toilet tank will reduce the volume of water used to flush by displacing water, it's not a good idea. First, newer toilets are already designed to use a minimal amount of water. Limiting the amount of water will reduce the force of the flush, which can cause plumbing clogs in the drain line below the toilet. In addition, with less water pressure per flush, a second flush is often needed to do the job, wasting water. Finally, a brick can deteriorate inside the tank, creating debris that will wear out rubber and plastic parts. 4. But It Said They Were Flushable... As "flushable" wipes have become more popular in recent years, so have clogged drain pipes. The fact is they simply don't break down as readily as regular toilet paper. Save yourself a big mess and a visit from your plumber... don't flush anything down the toilet except plain toilet paper. 5. Water Softeners Add Unhealthy Levels of Sodium To Drinking Water One of the ways a traditional water softener works is by flushing hard water through rock salt. This does increase the amount of sodium to between 10-300 milligrams per quart, depending on how hard the water is. However, by comparison a quart of milk has 488 milligrams of sodium. So the amount of sodium in softened water is low. If you're looking for softened water without adding sodium, consider a reverse osmosis water treatment system.