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What Causes Drinking Water Contamination? Water quality is an important consideration for homeowners in the Greater Lynchburg area. Whether you get your drinking water from a well or your local municipal water system, it's important to regularly test your water to ensure it's safe and healthy to consume. Even if there are no noticeable changes in the taste, color or hardness of the water, unsafe levels of contamination may exist. While water treatment plants are required to meet EPA standards for contamination levels, it's up to homeowners to ensure that their well water is safe. Ground water contamination can occur from human activity such as agriculture, mining, and industrial production, as well as naturally occurring sources such as minerals and organic matter in the soil. Here are some of the things that can contaminate drinking water: Microorganisms Harmful microorganisms include viruses, cryptosporidium and giardia, all of which can lead to gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea, vomiting and cramps. Disinfection Byproducts Chlorite is a byproduct of drinking water disinfection. In can cause anemia and nervous system effects in infants and young children. Bromate and haloacetic acids are other byproducts of water treatment and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Inorganic Chemicals Inorganic chemicals include arsenic, asbestos, barium, cadmium, copper, chromium, lead, mercury, nitrates and other chemicals. These contaminants can occur naturally in soil that comes in contact with water, as well as from industrial and agricultural byproducts. Even in very small quantities many organic chemicals can cause serious health problems. Organic Chemicals Organic chemicals include benzene, dioxine, toluene and other chemicals that can be found in industrial waste and agricultural pesticides and herbicides. If you're concerned about your home's drinking water, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. If water tests show that the water has elevated levels of contamination, or high mineral content causing hard water, we can provide effective solutions for cleaner water, including water softeners and whole home water treatment systems.

There are many areas of the home that can benefit from improved ventilation. Do you find that you're opening windows in a bathroom that gets too steamy? Does your kitchen get so smoky it sets off your smoke alarms? Does your living room have high ceilings that make it too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer? The solution to all these problems is improved ventilation. Here are a few of the most common ventilation fans found in homes to improve ventilation. Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans are one of the most popular electrical upgrades we install at Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. It's easy to see why; ceiling fans are stylish, quiet, and can improve the comfort of practically any room while using very little electricity. While a ceiling fan doesn't physically cool the air, it does provide evaporative cooling on your skin, which makes it feel more comfortable. In rooms with high ceilings the fan circulates the warm air downward in the winter months to improve comfort and make your heating system work more efficiently. With options like led light kits and remote controls, it's worth replacing an old unit to take advantage of the energy savings and convenience options. Bathroom Fans If your bathroom exhaust fans are more than five years old, or have begun making loud noises, it's a good idea to have them replaced. Old, worn out fans can be a fire hazard. Installing a larger capacity fan can also help clear the air, preventing excessive humidity and mold. Bathroom fans are also helpful in laundry rooms, where clothes washers and driers can generate a lot of heat and humidity in enclosed spaces. Attic Exhaust Fans Most attics are not connected to a home's ventilation system for heating and cooling. This is where an attic ventilation fan can be a big help by moving stale air to the outside, which in turn helps your home's heating and cooling system work more efficiently, Cooktop exhaust fans Whether you have a gas or electric range, proper ventilation is important for reducing smoke, humidity and fumes from accumulating to unhealthy levels. Have an island cooktop? Consider an automatic pop-up ventilation fan. Ventilation and exhaust fans can make your living space a lot more pleasant, comfortable and healthier. Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical can help with all your home electrical upgrades, including ceiling fans, bathroom fans and more.

7 Electrical Hazards Around the Home Electricity causes around 50,000 residential fires and kills or injures thousands every year in the U.S. Thankfully, most electrical hazards around the home are easy to avoid by using common sense and ensuring that outdated electrical systems are updated to the latest electrical code requirements. Here are a few of the top home electrical hazards and tips on what you can do to protect your family and property. 1. Overloaded Outlets Each outlet in your home is rated to supply a certain amount of power. Adding power strips to increase the capacity of outlets can lead to overloading and tripped circuits. If you're unsure how much power an outlet can handle, ask your Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical technician. Installing additional outlets to handle additional demand is always the safest option. 2. Extension Cord Misuse When it comes to extension cord use around the home the most important thing to remember is that they are meant for temporary use. When using extension cords follow these rules: Don’t chain extension cords together Regularly inspect cords for damage and replace cords if they are frayed or have loose plugs Never use extension cords as a substitute for permanently installed wiring Do not use extension cords where they can be a tripping hazard Keep extension cords out of standing water 3. Electrical Outlets or Appliances Near Water In many older homes it's not uncommon to find outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors without ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). This increases the risk of accidental electrocution. Have Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical install GFCI outlets where they are required by the electrical code. GFCI outlets with “test” and “reset” buttons should be tested regularly to ensure they working. 4. Outdated or Faulty Wiring The telltale signs of electrical problems to look for include dim and flickering lights,  sizzling and buzzing sounds from your electrical system, and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Contact Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical immediately if you notice any of these warning signs. 5. Overloaded Electrical Circuits If resetting tripped circuit breakers in your home is a common occurrence, it's a sign that the circuit or wiring are defective, or that the circuit is not rated to handle the required power load. If a circuit has tripped, don't take chances. Have Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical inspect the circuit to determine the cause. 6. Unprotected Outlets The National Fire Protection Association reports that injuries involving electrical outlets sent an estimated 5,500 people to hospital emergency departments in 2015. If there are young children in the home, install tamper resistant receptacles (TRR). TRRs are designed to prevent electrical shock by deactivating the outlet when anything other than an electrical plug is inserted. 7. Inoperable Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can mean the difference between life and death. Test the alarms regularly and replace the batteries annually. Detectors have an expiration date printed on the case. Be sure to replace the unit before it has expired.

Why You Should Update Un-grounded 2-Prong Outlets While 3-prong grounded outlets have been required in the electrical code for decades, it's not uncommon for older homes in the greater Lynchburg area to still have two-prong outlets. What Is Electrical Grounding? Grounding is a way of allowing excess electricity a safe route from an appliance back to the ground by way of an electrical panel. Electrical grounding is needed if there is a fault in the wiring system, such as a short circuit, to allow electricity to safely exit to the ground without causing harm to anyone in contact with the electrical appliance. 3-Prong Outlets Are Not Always Grounded In some cases two-prong outlets are replaced with three-prong outlets, but without the necessary rewiring to add a ground. This is often done to make it more convenient to use three-prong outlets, but it does not provide the safety benefits of a grounded outlet. A lack of grounding can be identified by using a plug-in circuit tester. According to the National Electrical Code when a grounded type outlet is installed a new ground wire must also be installed by a licensed electrician. There is an exception to this rule when the outlet is protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter ( GFCI). One of the hazardous situations where an un-grounded outlet can be unsafe is when using a surge protector, such as the outlet strips commonly used to protect computers. When a power surge is detected by the surge protector, it needs the ground wire to redirect the surge until it can trip. Without the ground wire the surge protector will destroy the sensitive electronics that it is meant to protect. If your home has two-prong outlets and older wiring, play it safe and have Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical upgrade your wiring and outlets to protect your family and your home.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Run So Often? If you're noticing that your air conditioner is running much longer than usual, it's important to consider all the factors that determine the length of a cooling cycle. The air temperature outside, the size and condition of air ducts, the amount of insulation, and the condition of the weather stripping around windows and doors are just a few of the factors that will determine the length of the cooling cycle. How Long Should a Central Air Conditioner Run? Outside Temperature The cooling cycle will last until the temperature set at the thermostat is reached. It shuts off at that point and starts again when the house begins to warm up again. If it is just a few degrees warmer outside, it may run for a few minutes. If it is very hot and humid, with a 30 degree difference between the thermostat setting and outside temperature, it may need to run much longer to reach the desired temperature. Air Ducts and Circulation Because a central air conditioner performs best when cooling the entire house, it's important to keep all vents and doors open in every room when possible. Closing off rooms will not save energy, it will only make the AC work harder. Keeping your AC properly maintained, including changing the filter regularly, will also ensure that it's performing at peak efficiency. AC Sizing Air conditioners perform best when they are properly sized for the space they are cooling. The size of an air conditioner is measured in BTUs. One BTU is equal to the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. If your air conditioner has more BTUs than necessary, it will cycle more frequently. If it has too few BTUs, it will run much longer per cycle. Assuming your central air conditioner is properly sized for your home, it should be able to cool and remove moisture from the air in 7- to 10-minute cycles. If not there could be a problem. Have questions about your central air conditioner? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We're here to help.

AC Not Keeping You Cool? Here Are A Few Things to Check With the hottest weather of the season upon us, you may be noticing that your home's central air conditioner isn't able to keep you cool enough during the steamy, dog days of summer. Before calling a Hickey Plumbing, Air and Electrical for help, there are a few things you can check first if your home is not staying cool enough. 1. Is the air filter dirty? It doesn't take much dirt to reduce the airflow in a typical fiberglass or paper filter. Even if the filter looks relatively clean, if it's more than a couple months old, replace it. 2. Is the airflow obstructed? Ensure that the supply registers AND returns are not blocked. Move furniture well away from vents to allow the air to flow. While It may seem like a good idea to close vents and doors in rooms that are unoccupied, it can actually make your AC work less efficiently as a result of having lower air volume than the system was designed to handle. 3. Reduce heat sources inside the home. Closing blinds on the south facing windows and skylights and cooking outside during the hottest days can make a significant difference in how much heat accumulates during the day. Also ensure that bathroom ventilation fans and range hoods are effectively removing humid air from the home. 4. Improve air circulation. While ceiling fans won't lower the temperature of the air, they will move the cooler air down into the living space and provide some evaporative cooling to help make warmer rooms feel more comfortable. 5. The AC is maxed out. It's important to understand that most central air conditioners are designed to deliver only a 20 degree temperature difference between outside and inside temperatures. If the temperature hits 100 degrees and the thermostat is set to 75, it's going to be running almost constantly. In this case, turning down the thermostat is not going to cool the house down any further. Need air conditioner service? Call Hickey Plumbing, Electrical & Air. We can help keep you home cool and comfortable all summer long.

When Should You Upgrade or Replace Your Electrical Panel? There are two common reasons homeowners choose to upgrade their home's electrical panel. Typically, we get calls when a customer needs to add a new circuit for an appliance like a new range, hot tub, or a EV charging station. A panel upgrade is often needed when the existing circuits are unable to safely handle the additional loads. Another common reason is the age of the panel itself. Electric panels usually need to be replaced every 25-40 years. Even if the panel has not reached this age yet there may be warning signs that it needs replacement. These signs include: Flickering lights Circuit breakers that keep tripping A burning smell Scorch marks or sparks coming from power outlets Warmth around the electric panel If you notice any of these problems, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We can inspect your electrical system, track down the source of the problem, and recommend solutions to ensure the system is working safely. Even it the panel is in good working order and is not very old, it may not be able to keep up with the demands of today's tech-filled home. With smart devices, continual phone and laptop charging and EV charging, there’s simply more demand for electricity than there was when the panel was installed 25 years ago. Do you find yourself using power strips or extension cords around your home? A lack of outlets is a common sign of a home with an undersized electrical capacity. Fuse Box Versus Circuit Breaker Panel The main difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker is that fuses are single-use. They work by melting when the current is too high. Replacing fuses is more costly and time-consuming than resetting a circuit breaker. Fuses can also present a fire hazard if not properly matched to the circuit. While fuse boxes are no longer installed by electricians, they are sill found in some older homes and are a real safety concern. In some cases insurance companies will refuse to cover your home, or refuse pay out if you do get coverage, in the event of an electrical malfunction and fire. Having a fuse box in your home is one of the main reasons you should consider upgrading to a modern electrical panel.

Choosing a Ductless Cooling System As technology and efficiency have improved over the years, ductless cooling and heating (also call mini-split systems) have increased in popularity. For homes without central heating and cooling or air ducts, and difficult to cool and heat rooms like attics, garages and additions, ductless systems can be a great option. When deciding which ductless system is right for your home, consider the following questions. How Many Zones Do You Want to Cool? One of the advantages of ductless mini-split systems is the ability to control each zone independently. Depending on the model, you can have from 1 to 8 separate zones. Maybe you will have only one zone, say a 3-season porch. Or, you may have a zone for every room in your home. Having multiple zones controlled independently not only improves comfort in each room, it can save you a lot of money in lower utility bills. What Size Unit Will Need to Be Installed? Choosing the right size unit for each room is critical to ensuring comfort and efficiency. The power of air conditioners is measured in BTUs. The higher the BTUs, the larger the volume of air an air conditioner will be able to effectively cool. Some product specs will list the size of a room it is designed to cool. Or, you can also do the calculations yourself based on the products BTU rating. Generally, the square footage of a room translates into the following number of BTUs needed: 300 sq. ft. – 7,000 BTUs 350 sq. ft. – 8,000 BTUs 400 sq. ft. – 9,000 BTUs 450 sq. ft. – 10,000 BTUs 500 sq. ft. – 11,000 BTUs 550 sq. ft. – 12,000 BTUs 625 sq. ft. – 13,000 BTUs 700 sq. ft. – 14,000 BTUs 1,000 sq. ft. – 18,000 BTUs Installation Location One of the main advantages of ductless systems is the flexibility of installation locations. While a window air conditioner is stuck in the window, a ductless unit can be installed in the floor, the ceiling or on the wall. Wherever they are installed, most mini-split units are compact and unobtrusive. Additional Features Remote control operation - Most ductless systems come with a wireless remote for controlling the unit. Some offer smartphone apps that let you monitor and control the system while you're away from home. Timers - Set individual rooms to turn on or off depending on when they will be occupied. Reusable filters - Some models have washable filters which can save money compared to disposable filters. Have questions about ductless cooling and heating for your home? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We can help answer all your questions.

Preparing Your Home For EV Charging With gas prices remaining near record highs, electric vehicles are becoming a cost-effective option for many Lynchburg area commuters. So besides choosing the right vehicle for your needs, what do you need to do to ensure your home is ready for charging an EV? Installing an EV charger is generally a straightforward process, similar to hooking up a new appliance like an electric range or washer and dryer. The key to a successful home EV charger installation is to ensure the home's electrical system is up to the task of providing safe, reliable power where it is needed. Home Electrical Evaluation Before purchasing an electric vehicle we recommend scheduling an evaluation of your home's electrical system. Because many homes in the Lynchburg area are more than 75 years old, it's not uncommon to find outdated electrical boxes that should be upgraded to safely power the charger, as well as the rest of the home. First, your electrician will inspect your home's electrical service, including the utility lines and the electric meter operated by the electrical utility company. Next, your electrical panel, the box that distributes the power throughout your home, will be checked to ensure it is in good working condition with functioning breakers. Finally, the home's wiring, which distributes power to outlets around the home is checked for safety issues such as arc faults, shorts and other problems. Once the home's electrical system is inspected and any safety issues are repaired or upgraded, the EV charger installation can go forward. EV Charger Installation EV charger installation should be performed by a licensed, qualified electrician in accordance with all applicable local and national codes. Your electrician will take care of any permits that may be required by the city or county. Your electrician will work with you to determine the best location to install your new charger. Depending on the design of the EV vehicle and the location of its charging port, a convenient location on the garage wall will be prepared for mounting the charger. Most EV charger installed in residential garages are 240 volt "level 2" chargers. These will require a dedicated circuit to be installed at the electrical panel to safely provide power to the charger. Even if you're charging your EV using a 120 volt "level 1" charger, it's a good idea to power the outlet from a dedicated circuit and use it only for charging one vehicle per circuit (outlet box). The EV charger plug should be installed away from walkways and protected from direct exposure to rain. It should be close enough to the vehicle that the factory charger can reach with extra slack available. An extension cord should never be used with a level 1 EV charger. After your new EV charger is installed, take the time to read the owner's manual to ensure you know how to use it safely. Have questions about EV charging at home? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Our expert electricians will help answer all your home electrical questions.

Top 5 Electrical Upgrades For Summer Summer is a great time to make electrical upgrades around your home to improve safety, comfort and convenience. Here are a few of the more popular electrical upgrades to consider. 1. Landscape and Security Lighting Landscape lighting can be as simple as a new entryway fixture to more elaborate path lighting and motion detecting security lighting. Filling in the dark areas around your home will provide a welcoming environment for guests and increase your home's curb appeal. 2. Standby Generator Extended power outages have become more common, leading many homeowners to install backup power generators. Today's backup generators are reliable, safe and efficient. When the power goes out the generator automatically turns on and uses your home's natural gas line to power all of your lighting and appliances. 3. Ceiling Fans Ceiling fans are a great way to increase comfort by improving the airflow in your home. While they don't actually cool the air they help your cooling system work more efficiently by distributing the cooled air down to the living space. 4. Whole House Surge Protection By installing surge protection at the service panel you can protect your entire home from damage caused by power spikes and lightening. 5. LED Lighting LED lighting offers many advantages over conventional lighting, including low power consumption, long life, and lower heat output. Need electrical upgrades for your home? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Our experienced electricians can handle any upgrade, big or small.

Humidity and Indoor Air Quality During the summer months, hot, humid air can keep your home's central air conditioner working overtime to keep the air dry and comfortable. While your air conditioner is designed to remove heat and moisture from the air, in some cases humidity can remain high enough to cause indoor air quality problems. If the indoor humidity is above 60 percent you may notice condensation on windows, and if the home stays humid long enough, you may notice a musty smell and mold growth in bathrooms, the basement and other areas of your home. What Is a Healthy Indoor Humidity Level? Many newer smart thermostats have the benefit of displaying the relative humidity (RH) in your home. You can also buy an inexpensive hygrometer to measure the humidity. A range of 30-50% is ideal for comfort and to prevent condensation and the growth of mold and mildew. The Effects of High Humidity In the Home Besides being just really uncomfortable, excessive humidity can cause mold growth that can lead to allergies and respiratory irritation. High humidity can also damage your home by warping wood furniture, cupping wood floors and causing paint to peel and wall paper to deteriorate. Controlling Humidity Levels In the Home While your central AC will remove much of the humidity in the air, it's important to avoid contributing to humidity levels. These sources of excess humidity can include: cooking, doing laundry, showering and other household tasks. You can reduce humidity by ensuring that there is adequate ventilation in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. If humidity is a problem in these spaces, upgrading the ventilation system and adding exhaust fans can help to remove the humid air. When the temperatures are lower outside, consider leaving windows and doors open to allow air to circulate. If you're concerned about excessive humidity and poor air quality in your home, call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. We offer advanced solutions for indoor air quality, including whole-home dehumidifiers and air filtration systems.

The Benefits Of Ceiling Fans In The Home Ceiling fans can be a great addition to your home's heating and cooling system. During the hot summer months ceiling fans create a cooling breeze by drawing the cool air from the lower areas of the home. By circulating warm air downward during the heating season they will keep larger rooms more comfortable and allow your furnace to work more efficiently to maintain a set temperature. Installing a Ceiling Fan Ceiling fans come in a variety of attractive designs to complement any decor. Some are equipped with a remote control and variable fan speed. We  recommend hiring a professional electrician to install your new ceiling fan. The most important reason is safety, but it's also important that new fans be installed so the blades are balanced and rotate smoothly, quietly and efficiently. Avoiding Ceiling Fan Problems If your ceiling fans have stopped working, are shaking, or otherwise not operating correctly, it could be wasting electricity... or worse, it may represent an electrical hazard. In this case, it is typically best to have a professional electrician install a replacement. Need professional ceiling fan installation? Call Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical. Our licensed electricians are experienced at installing ceiling fans and all other types of electrical appliances around the home.