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Pennsylvania summers can be brutal. We get it — we dislike being sweaty as much as the next person. But when your AC is running as it should, there’s no reason your home shouldn’t be the ideal escape.

With today’s average utility bills are higher than ever, the last thing you need is to be spending unnecessarily to keep cool. And staying comfortable in the summertime requires your HVAC to be running at its best. Because when it’s not, it has to work extra hard to maintain your desired temperature. Or you’re simply stuck sweating it out.

Want to make sure your system is running as smoothly as possible so you can keep some more cash in your pocket for summertime fun? We’ve got five signs to look out for to make sure your HVAC is running efficiently.

1. Your Unit Runs Constantly
   When your home hits the right temperature, your system should shut off. That’s a key component to being efficient. But if it ever seems to do that, then it’s not able to handle the thermostat’s demands. It will continue to run and pump out air in an attempt to get there. But instead, it’ll overwork and most likely lead to frequent breakdowns. The result: costly repairs on top of higher utility bills. Pay attention to whether or not your unit runs all day long.
   

2. It’s Making Weird Noises
   A noisy AC unit is usually not a good sign. But different sounds mean different things, which can actually be helpful. For example, if it sounds like banging, it’s probably a loose part or component. If you hear clicking, something may be lodged inside. Squealing sounds usually indicate friction, while a high-pitched noise may mean a worn out motor or belt. Any of these issues can hinder your AC’s performance. As your AC ages, more issues are likely to occur, so it’s important to keep at least one ear open so you know when it’s time to schedule a repair or replacement.
   

3. Temperatures Fluctuate & Vary Throughout the House
   If your unit is running as it should, there should be an even cool throughout your home. If certain spaces have hot and cold spots or the temperatures fluctuate at times, it may be a sign of airflow blockages. This could mean your air filter needs to be replaced. Or you just need to ensure all vents are open and allowing the air to pass. Natural light from windows or heat from appliances can obviously cause temperatures to vary at different times of day, so try closing blinds or using smaller appliances on hotter days. But if it’s happening regularly, it’s definitely a system issue.
   

4. You Need Constant Repairs
   If you can relate to this one, then it’s pretty clear your AC isn’t doing its job. You shouldn’t be calling a professional constantly to stop weird sounds or fix temperature issues. We know the thought of buying a new unit is daunting, but the time and money spent on constantly fixing an aging unit — on top of the higher bills you’re likely paying as a result — just isn’t worth it. Stop putting band aids on the problem and get a unit that really works for you.
   

5. You Notice the Difference in Your Utility Bills
   Last but not least is both a sign and a reason to make sure your HVAC is running as efficiently as possible: your bills. Some system issues don’t make an obvious impact on your utility costs, but often, the consequences are staring you right in the face. If every time your bill arrives, you’re venting about how ridiculously high it is, it may be something more than the results of a tough economic climate. When a unit has an issue or is nearing the end of its lifespan, it starts becoming less efficient, meaning it works harder to cool your home. The harder it works, the more you pay. So if you notice your bills have really skyrocketed, you should get it checked out.
   
   How to Keep Your HVAC Running More Efficiently
   
   In addition to looking for the signs of an inefficient unit, you can also take some action to prevent the issue in the first place. Make sure your system and ductwork is clean and free of dirt and debris. Change your air filters regularly or invest in reusable ones that you clean once a month. And set your thermostat to reasonable temperatures. Sometimes, when we’re eager to get cool or heat up, we set our temps to way higher or lower than we actually want, causing an extra push from our unit. This can weaken your unit overtime. Set it to a normal temperature, and let it work its way there gradually.
   
   Work with a professional HVAC company to ensure you’re covering all the bases. Regular maintenance checks can help you avoid the guesswork of whether or not your unit is running as efficiently as it should be and prevent bigger issues long term. To work with the very best in our area, contact the experts at Madsen Inc. We’ll help you keep cool and save money all summer long.

Your bathroom is the one room in your house you can’t go a day without. So why do we choose to ignore it?  

At Madsen Inc, we’re making bathroom talk socially acceptable by recognizing all the ways this room can totally change your everyday relationship with your home. From pampering yourself in the morning to getting the kids cleaned up before dinner, it’s time to give your bathroom a little TLC so it can start returning the favor! 

Here are 5 reasons to finally make that bathroom remodel a reality.

1. Increase the Value of Your Home — Big Time
For all you home reno TV lovers out there, get this: HGTV reports a minor bathroom remodel can yield up to 102% return at resale, while a mid-range bathroom remodel typically results in $1.71 increase in home value for every dollar spent, according to Zillow. So if you’re thinking of selling in the near future, it’s really a no-brainer. But even if you’re not, bringing your bathroom up to the 21st century and taking care of necessary plumbing repairs is a sure way to make your home more attractive to potential buyers, while enjoying all the updates for yourself in the meantime! 

But keep in mind, if this is the biggest incentive driving your bathroom remodel, make sure your decor and style choices are ones with lasting value. Not every hot trend now will pay off the same in the future.

 2. Make Your Daily Routines Easier
Everyone has different visions of the perfect bathroom. It’s possible yours was designed to the ideals of its previous owners, not yours. Or maybe your needs have changed over time. Whether your family is growing, your kids have grown up, or the in-laws are moving in, remodeling your bathroom to be more functional for you and your family can give you back time in your day — and hair on your head.

Add storage, increase the square footage, install His & Her sinks, add heating flooring; the possibilities are endless. So if you’re sick of constantly trying to make it work in your space, it’s time to make your space work for you. 

 4. Increase Energy Efficient, Enjoy More Savings
The best part about making any room in your home more energy efficient is that while you’re helping the environment, you’re also saving money. Win, win. Major advancements in technology and eco-friendly designs over the last few years have changed home systems and appliances for the better. Integrating smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, or water monitoring systems into your design can give you more control over your energy use, while energy-efficient exhaust fans, on-demand water heaters, and low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets all reduce the use of water, heat, and air to lower utility costs.

Here’s a helpful stat to put things into perspective: a 30-year-old toilet used 3.5 to 6 gallons of water per flush, while newer, more efficient toilets use just 1.28 gallons. That’s a difference you’ll notice immediately on your water bills.

 5. Design a Room You Love — and Loves You Back
While it may be the smallest room in the house, your bathroom is also one of the most used. So as much as we try to overlook it, investing in your bathroom can have a huge impact on how you use it — and how you feel when you do! A complete refresh can turn an outdated bathroom you only use when you have to into a relaxing escape that you can’t wait to get into!

More counter space and a designated make up area or walk-in closet can make getting ready more enjoyable, while a soaker tub, towel heater, or steam shower can transform a bathroom into a resort-like spa. Reduce stress and anxiety with calming light fixtures, make clutter disappear with smarter storage, and choose colors and textures that will help you relax. Instead of booking spa days, invest in every day.

 6. Create a Safer Space for the Whole Family
Whether you realize it or not, the bathroom can be a dangerous place! Wet, slippery floors will claim victims of any age. In fact, falls are the number one cause of accidental injuries and result in more than 20% of emergency room visits (National Floor Safety Institute). Older bathrooms also present a handful of safety risks — from uneven floors, mold and mildew, electrical issues, and more.

With a bathroom refresh, you can integrate safety-focused features like grab bars, hands-free faucets, anti-slip flooring, and more to help minimize the risks. Plus, newer walk-in showers and tubs, handheld shower heads, and adjustable height vanities not only add safety and ease, but they’re also a great style choice, and add a feeling of modern luxury that you deserve! 

Come to think of it, we can’t find a good reason for you not to pursue a new bathroom remodel! While the benefits are endless, having the right team to turn your visions into a reality is key to getting the most out of each one! Contact the experts at Madsen Inc to discuss your bathroom wish-list today! 

6 Tips to Help You Tackle Toilet Sweating 

Whether or not you’ve heard of the phenomenon “toilet sweating,” your toilet does it — it may even be doing it right now.

Even though a sweaty toilet doesn’t mean anything is actually wrong with it, if you ignore it, that’s when problems can start, from ruining the seals around the base to damaging your floors and fixtures. While a simple wipe down may do the trick in most cases, there are better ways to keep it minimal.

Check out these expert tips to help you keep your toilet sweating under control. 

First Things, First — What Causes Toilet Sweat?

If you’ve ever had a cold drink on a hot day, you’ve probably noticed water droplets covering the outside of your glass. The exact same thing happens to your toilet. When moisture in the air comes in contract with a cold surface, beads of water will form. This is a result of the difference in temperatures between the cool water inside the toilet (which is typically between 50-60 degrees) and the bathroom’s warm air. And thanks to showers and baths, your bathroom is the most humid room in your house. 

Ways to Stop Your Toilet from Sweating 

1. Reduce Moisture in Your Bathroom
   Due to those hot showers and long baths, your bathroom is often excessively humid, and the best way to make it less humid is to remove the moisture. Using a portable dehumidifier is one of the most common ways to eliminate moisture from the air. You can also try being more conscious of how long or hot your showers are. Fun fact: there are a lot of health benefits to taking cold showers!

2. Increase Ventilation
   Another way to reduce humidity is to get the air moving. Simply opening the bathroom door or a window while showering is an easy way to reduce the likelihood of condensation. You can also install a fan and run it whenever you do have any hot water running. The key is to get the warm air moving and make sure it has a place to escape. Just make sure the air outside is cooler than inside, otherwise you’re only aiding the problem.

3. Insulate Your Tank
   You may have noticed some homeowners will line their toilet with fabric. While it may be a design statement for some, it’s actually a preventative measure for others. By covering the exterior of your toilet tank, you prevent the cold surface from coming in contact with the warm air. There are also foam insulation kits or wraps available if simplicity over style is what you’re going for. But if you do choose a fabric, make sure to wash it regularly to eliminate mildew from the moisture it absorbs!

4. Use a Toilet Tank Liner
   If you like the look of your toilet just the way it is, you could try lining the inside of it instead. A toilet tank liner is a foam or plastic liner that can be placed inside the tank to prevent the transfer of cold from the water inside the tank to the outside. A plumber can also come out and put sheets of polystyrene or foam rubber in the tank walls for you.

5. Warm up the Water
   By now you know that cold water is one of the two main culprits involved in toilet sweating. So if you warm it up, you can also prevent it from happening. A plumber can install a mixing valve at the tank inlet which will work to integrate warmer water into the tank to keep the overall temperature less disparate from the outside air.

6. Check for Leaks
   In some cases, toilet sweating is actually the result of a leak. Inspect your flapper valve at the bottom of the tank to see if it’s leaking water. If it is, that means cold water is constantly getting pushed into the toilet, increasingly the amount of condensation that forms. It also can add significantly to your water bill. By fixing the leak, the water in the tank will gradually reach room temperature which will help solve both problems!
   
   If you’ve noticed your toilet getting extra sweaty recently, you can try any of the tips above, or just call Madsen to take care of it for you. Our plumbing experts can take care of all the quick fixes you need to prevent bigger problems down the road. Contact us today.