3 Water Heater Repair & Replacement Options And When Each Is Appropriate

If you are having problems with your water heater, you have a few water heater repair & replacement options to consider. You may be able to repair the existing unit, but beyond that, replacement options include replacing the existing tanked heater or having a tankless water heating system installed. Before you make a decision, take a closer look at the options available so you can make the most informed decision.

1. Repair Existing Units

If your water heater is less than 10 years old, replacing worn or faulty components may be the most sensible option. Things like heating elements and water valves are relatively inexpensive and can be done in a few hours or less. The critical point is the age of the water heater because after around 10 years failures will become more common and the tank itself is subject to deterioration or the accumulation of water-borne debris.

2. Water Heater Replacement

If your water heater tank is leaking or the unit is more than 10 years old, making repairs may be throwing good money away. A leaking tank cannot be repaired in a dependable manner, and older tanks are far more likely to suffer leaks related to internal rust or corrosion. Since the tank is inside insulation covered by an internal shell, the symptoms of a leaky tank may be nothing more than a puddle of water under or near the water heater.

3. Tankless Water Heaters

If you are replacing your water heater, going tankless is worth considering. Tankless water heaters have a longer use-life, take up less space, and lower utility bills. Tankless systems provide instant hot water for sinks, showers, and appliances using an inline water heating system that is usually located close to the heated area. Under the counter, in the attic, or mounted in a closet are all potential locations for tankless water heaters, and additional heaters can be installed to deliver more hot water on a daily basis.

Tankless systems are also a simple way to increase the amount of available hot water for other reasons. A growing family, recent home renovations, or new hot water demands related to clothes or dish washing machines are among the reasons to have an auxiliary tankless water installed. You can install tankless water heaters in conjunction with existing systems, but replacing the old one with a fully tankless delivery method yields the best results.

If your water heater is leaking, you should have it inspected immediately. Water damage resulting from standing water will quickly become an expensive problem, so prompt repairs will save you a bundle. 

Tips for Storing Dress Clothes

Knowing how to store your clothes is important for two reasons. First, proper storage helps you maintain visually appealing apparel for any occasion. Second, storing your clothes the right way adds years to the lifespan of your garments. Storing apparel properly is important for any type of garment, but it is especially important to know how to store dress clothes.

Before you store your dress clothes, you should have the garments cleaned by a business that provides residential laundry services. Storing garments that have not received proper cleaning can turn what should be temporary stains into permanent blemishes on your finest attire. You also should have your dress clothes dry cleaned to protect the apparel against the agitating ingredients found in most laundry detergents.

With the most difficult step of the apparel cleaning process out of the way, let’s review a few tips for storing dress clothes.

General Tips for Storing Dress Clothes

Before we dive into the box versus hanger storage debate, here are a few tips for storing dress clothes. Heat and humidity are a garment’s worst enemy, which means you should store your delicate dress clothes in a dry, cool environment. A closet located in a temperature and humidity-controlled bedroom makes the ideal location for storing dress clothes. Dampness fosters the growth of highly damaging mold and mildew.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight is another enemy to fine apparel such as dress clothes. Exposure to constant sunlight or even artificial light can cause bright colors to fade, as well as damage delicate fabrics like wool and cotton. Once again, a climate-controlled closet without any windows or artificial light sources works well for storing dress clothes.

Although dry cleaning protects your dress clothes from damage, as well as preserves their visual appeal, you can take one additional step when you use a highly-rated business that offers residential laundry services. At Laundry Care Express, we offer a wash and fold service that helps our customers store their dress clothes properly. For dress clothes that you do not need to fold, we place them on hangers for easy storage in a climate-controlled closet.

Box Versus Hangar Storage

One of the most important factors that influence how you store clothes concerns storage space. If you have enough space to accommodate long garments, you can hang long dresses and business suits. If you have a closet with limited storage space, then you can place several non-wrinkle garments on top of each other inside boxes. The optimal storage for dress clothes is to have enough space to utilize both storage methods.

The primary advantage of hanger storage is to prevent the development of tough-to-remove creases and wrinkles. Using an iron to eliminate creases and wrinkles can do more damage than leaving the creases and wrinkles alone. Hanger storage is a must for dress shirts and evening wear such as dresses. Box storage works best for items such as dress socks and business slacks. One fold around the halfway point of dress slacks is all you need to do for box storage. Storing dress shoes in bins, boxes, and or containers works as well.

The Bottom Line

A dry, cool, and dark storage environment represents the ideal location to store dress clothes. Whether you use a box or hanger to store dress clothes depends on the type of garment. If you have any questions, contact Laundry Care Express for additional advice on how to store dress clothes.

Reasons to Include Window Replacements During Office Renovations

Office renovations are a great time to update your windows with professional commercial glass replacement. The benefits of glass replacement are outstanding and encompass many aspects of day-to-day business operation. With many styles and types of windows available, your office will look more open, have fewer drafts, and save you money. To illustrate, here are a few important reasons to consider window replacement during your renovation project.

Employee Health and Comfort

Research has shown that natural light improves employee morale, leading to improved performance, attendance, and more. Additionally, replacing older windows reduces the potential for allergens and airborne particles inside the workplace, promoting better health and reducing workforce absenteeism.

Client Appeal and Aesthetics

Window glass and natural light are excellent factors in creating an open and relaxing atmosphere. New windows in your office make the space more inviting, and that can lead to more sales. To get even better results, consider using different types of windows and frames based on their usage and location. When your customers feel relaxed and welcome, they are willing to spend more time and money, leading to a faster return on the investment.

Energy Efficiency

Windows play a large role in maintaining the interior comfort of your office. They also reduce distracting noise transfer from outside. Windows that are properly installed can reduce your energy costs by as much as 35 percent, and extend the working life of heating and cooling systems by reducing the work they must perform to keep the office comfortable. If your energy costs seem to be rising, evaluating the condition of your windows is the first place to begin looking for a solution.

Age and Condition

Age, weather, and incidental damages all contribute to windows that are less efficient, inhibit vision, and may lead to inoperable window mechanisms. If your office is located in an older building or you have windows that are either cracked or broken, including them as part of your office renovation is going to be an essential part of the process.

Enhanced Security

New office windows make it easier to watch what is going on throughout your business site. This reduces the potential for theft and helps you manage employee and project efficiency more accurately. Additionally, replacing cracked or broken window glass will make unwanted entry more difficult, further promoting a safe, secure office environment.

Replacing commercial glass will have a positive impact on several aspects of your business. From your clients and employees to site security, windows have a lot to offer, and a shiny new storefront introduces a new way to attract new business.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Inspected

The longer you live in your home, the more likely it will be that you need water heater repair & replacement. Tanked water heaters are only rated for 10 to 15 years of service before they begin experiencing problems. If your water heater is beginning to show its age, these are the signals that tell you it's time for a water heater inspection.

Water Leaks

A leaking water heater is often the first sign that your water heater needs to be inspected. Water heater tanks are made with a relatively thin skin of metal that will rust or corrode over time. The tanks must be replaced when leaks occur because the damage will continue to grow.

Discolored Hot Water

Discolored water is a side-effect of a water tank that is nearing the end of its usefulness. The coloration comes from rust, corrosion, and sediment in the tank. Discolored or odorous water from the hot water lines are definitely indicators that you have a water heater replacement in your future. 

Mold and Decay

Excessive moisture in the area will eventually cause the growth of mold and mildew. Left uncorrected, this problem will spread and may affect the health of family members. Mold is frequently a sign of a small water leak that you haven't detected, but you will need a water heater inspection to know for certain.

Water Doesn't Get Hot

When the heating element in your water heater begins to fail, the temperature of your water may be cooler, warmer, or even fluctuate from one use to another. Similarly, the element is operated by a thermostat that may get stuck or stop working altogether. Either way, lukewarm water from the hot water tap is a sign that you should have the water heater inspected.

Low Hot Water Pressure

Low water pressure in your hot water lines indicates a blockage of some sort in the hot water system. This could be related to sediment in the tank, corrosive buildup in your water lines, malfunctioning valves, or other problems. Because this problem is a symptom of a variety of issues, scheduling a home plumbing inspection is the most efficient way to address the issue.

Nobody wants to replace their water heater, but it is a necessary task for homeowners. On the other hand, water heater replacement is a great opportunity to upgrade to a tankless system that provides hot water on demand, uses less water, and has a longer span of use.

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drive with Damaged Windows

There are a lot of reasons to get an auto glass replacement if you have damaged windows in your vehicle. Auto glass is very important, contributing to the safety of your passengers, avoiding legal costs, and more. Here are 10 reasons you should have damaged windows repaired as soon as possible.

1. Auto Glass Provides Comfort

Replacing auto glass will make every ride more comfortable. Your auto windows and their seals keep out road noise and maintain a barrier between the outside elements and your vehicle's interior.

2. Structural Integrity

Depending on your make and model, your auto glass is responsible for as much as 45 percent of the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. Cracked and broken windows reduce that protection considerably. 

3. Cracks Expand with Driving

The force of wind created by driving will cause cracks to get longer and splinter into new cracks. As the glass weakens, it will eventually fail completely and may cause serious injuries to passengers.

4. Dirt and Dust Affect Cracks

As you drive along with cracked auto glass, particles in the wind become lodged in the cracks. These particles build up and begin to wedge the crack wider until it eventually shatters.

5. Climate Enlarges Cracks

Unbroken windows aren't affected by extreme temperature due to their design and manufacture, but once the integrity is lost the elements become a major problem.

6. Reduced Visibility

Cracked auto glass makes it harder to see what is going on outside the vehicle. This begins as an effect of the crack itself but often leads to milky glass expanding around the crack. 

7. Legal Troubles

Intact auto glass is a matter of law in most states. If you are seen driving with cracked, broken, or missing auto glass you can be stopped and will face fines or other charges.

8. May Affect Safety Devices

Cracked or broken windows have been shown to cause safety devices such as airbags not to work properly. Replacing your auto glass keeps your vehicle operating the way it was designed to do.

9. Risk of Ejection at Impact

Since the glass is already weakened, your passengers are no longer protected properly against being thrown out of the vehicle in a collision. 

10. Increase Resale Value

Replacing cracked or broken glass before you put your vehicle on the market will make it more valuable to prospective buyers. Because auto glass is so important, it will have a huge impact on your resale value.

Most auto insurance policies cover windshield replacement, so your auto glass repairs may cost you little or nothing. The important thing is to get the glass replaced as soon as possible because the situation will only grow more serious.

Why You Should Keep Up with Drain Cleaning for Your Business

One of the most common problems encountered by commercial plumbing services are drains that drain slowly or fail to flow at all. Your best course of action is to have your drains checked and cleared as necessary by qualified plumbing technicians. Failure to maintain your drains can lead to a few different unpleasant conditions in your business, including the major issues described here.

Avoid Odors

Decomposing organic matter releases gases in your sewer lines that eventually escape into other parts of your business. This can be demoralizing for your employees, but it can also lead to dissatisfied clients who choose to take their business elsewhere. No one wants sewer smells in their offices and warehouses, and regular drain cleaning is the most common cause of them.

Prevent Water Damage

If drains don't get cleaned regularly, the line can become clogged, resulting in water that backs up in the toilet, bathtub drain, and sinks. When one of those fixtures overflows, extensive water damage can occur very quickly, leading to replacing floors, ceilings, and walls. Home remodeling is very expensive compared to the cost of a regular drain inspection routine.

Improve Employee Morale

Company plumbing problems can have a disastrous impact on the morale and productivity of your staff. Because drains are the source of a large portion of commercial plumbing problems, regular drain cleaning may be able to boost the productivity of employees or attract new clients who notice your restrooms are well maintained and view that as a positive aspect of your company.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Clean, freely flowing drains increase the sanitary conditions of your basins, tubes, and washrooms, This can be especially cost-effective when drain cleaning is weighed on breathing problems or other health concerns. The consequences of sick or unhappy staff members can be devastating, resulting in absenteeism, increased workplace confrontations, and more. 

Maintenance Vs Emergency Repairs

Emergency plumbing repairs can be very expensive, especially when they happen outside of normal business hours. A better idea is to have your drains cleaned regularly, make sure your plumbing system is kept up-to-date, and repair faulty lines, leaky faucets, and other problems as soon as they occur.

The bottom line is that keeping your sewer lines in good condition improves productivity in the workplace, promotes communication and teamwork, and entices customers to shop longer, buy more, and stay interested. This may seem like a tall order for a simple task like flushing a drain or removing a clog before it overflows, but most plumbing issues start out as little more than a damp place on your lawn or unpleasant odors permeating your office space.

Why Picture Windows are Perfect for Upper Floor Offices

There are excellent reasons to consider picture windows as part of your commercial glass replacement project. They are great for ground floor windows because they allow potential customers to window-shop, give employees natural lighting benefits, and save energy. You may not know that picture windows are perfect for upper floors as well, and this shortlist of benefits is only a sampling of what you can achieve.

Eye-Catching Views

Upper floor offices sometimes offer exquisite vistas of the surrounding countryside or unique views of local landmarks. Commercial glass installation of picture windows is a low-maintenance way to bring those views into the office, promoting office morale, creating a friendlier atmosphere, and more. A picture window in your customer waiting area creates a calmer, more pleasant business environment and may even lead to increased sales, faster contract signings, and higher sales rates.

Energy Efficient

Picture windows are available in many styles. They are already more efficient because there are no moving parts to replace, but you can also have them tinted or install double-paned, gas-filled windows to offer maximum energy savings. Since windows are the single largest source of energy loss in a building, taking steps to install more efficient glass could save you 35 percent or more on your office energy bills.

Non-Opening Windows

The EPA considers picture windows to be among the most efficient types of windows because they are fixed-position glass. Windows with hinges and latches have more areas for potential leaks and are more vulnerable to leaks causing damage. Additionally, upper floor windows that can be opened have the potential for dropped items, falls, or other property damage or injury. 

Fast Installation

Under the right conditions, a picture window can be installed in a single day. Your glass installers will arrive with glass that has already been sized and tinted to your specifications, will begin the process by creating an opening of the right size, and then install a custom frame and glass. There are situations where the process can take longer, including openings that have electrical or plumbing lines in the area to be removed, but once the opening has been prepared, the actual installation won't take long to complete.

Picture windows also offer consequential benefits such as a happier office environment, improved employee health, and more. If having your commercial windows replaced is already on the drawing board, you may find that picture glass is a more affordable way to achieve superior natural lighting, improve productivity, and make the office a happier, healthier place to work.