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We can all sympathize with that moment you’re taking a shower or washing your hands and the water starts building up. It always seems to happen at the worst times, and it can also be pretty gross — depending on what murky mess is to blame.

The good news is there are several easy, at-home remedies to clearing those clogs quickly, plus a bunch of ways to prevent them from happening in the future.

Let’s start with 6 drain-cleaning hacks:

1. Boil Water
   Whether you use a kettle, stovetop, or microwave, everyone has access to hot water. This simple but effective solution can help you get clogged debris and grime moving again. Just slowly pour the boiling water down the drain in little portions at a time over several minutes. This allows the water time to work its magic.
2. Make a Baking Soda Mixture
   When mixed with a variety of household ingredients, baking soda packs a powerful punch against drain clogs. Here are a couple of effective pairings:

   – Baking Soda & vinegar. 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1⁄3 cup of vinegar. It will fizz immediately which will help combat debris and grime.
   – Baking Soda & Salt. 1⁄2 cup of baking soda with 1⁄2 cup of salt. Pour it down the drain and sit for 20 minutes, then add boiling water to dissolve the buildup. For an even stronger defense, add a little liquid dish detergent.

   – Baking Soda & Lime Juice. 1⁄2 cup of baking soda with 1⁄2 cup of lime juice. Pour it, plug it, and let it sit for an hour before running hot/boiling water down the drain.

   – Baking Soda & Cream of Tartar. 2 cups of baking soda with 1⁄8 cup of cream of tartar. Shake it up in a jar, and let it sit for an hour before using.

3. Grab a Plunger
If you have a bathroom, chances are you have a plunger. In the same way, this handy little tool works on your toilet, it can work on your drain (cup plungers work best). Fill your sink with some water, and fit the cup of the plunger over the drain. Work the plunger up and down for about 20 seconds, rolling the plunger cup to force water down the drain. Remove the plunger to see if the remaining water runs down the drain. If not, repeat.

4. Use a Drain Snake
The sole purpose of a drain snake is to unclog drains, so it makes perfect sense to use one! These flexible metal ropes are a lifesaver and can be found at most home improvement or grocery stores. They have a spiral tip, which latches onto hair and other gunk. To use it, move the snake down the drain, moving it ever so slightly to try to grab as much blockage as you can. When you hit a stopping point, bring it back up and the clog should come with it.

5. Try a Wire Hanger
Think of a bent-wire clothing hanger as a homemade alternative to a snake drain. Straighten out the hanger and bend a small hook at one end. Send this side down the drain. This tactic is especially helpful for shower drains backed up with excess hair. Just be careful not to scratch your shower, toilet, or sink as you use it.

6. Suck it Up
If you have access to a shop vacuum, specifically one that can handle wet clean-up jobs, this could be an effective way to get rid of that clog. First, set the vacuum to liquid mode. Then create a very tight seal over the drain and cover around the vent to prevent mess. With the right amount of power, the vacuum should be able to pull up the clog. It’s worth a shot!

How to Keep Your Drains Running Smoothly

Ideally, we’d all prefer to not have to pull out the plunger or spend money on a plumber. So if you want to keep your drains clear, here are some helpful prevention tips.

Even all the home remedies and prevention methods out there aren’t guaranteed to keep your drains clear all year long. If you haven’t had much luck or just want to have a certified plumber take a look, contact Madsen Inc. today. We’ll utilize the safest, most effective ways to clean your drains and prevent future obstructions to keep them running smoothly.

Tips to Make Sure That Your HVAC Is Ready For Spring

If your spring cleaning checklist doesn’t include your HVAC system, then it’s time to add another bullet! Let’s face it, if there’s one thing we couldn’t live without once summer rolls around, it’s our air conditioning. So let’s not risk any issues or breakdowns come those dog days by neglecting our systems now.

The experts at Madsen know HVACs, and we’ve got 6 tips to help you make sure your unit is keeping you nice and comfortable come summertime.

1. Change Your Air Filter

Dirty filters restrict airflow and foster mold growth. That’s not only gross, but it’s also dangerous. Changing your filters monthly will help you keep dust and dirt from building up which both keeps your air cleaner and your system from having to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Plus, it’s super easy to do. If you have a washable filter, make sure to clean it monthly.

And while you’re at it, consider upgrading your filter altogether. Newer, high-efficiency pleated filters have an electrostatic charge that attracts particles of dust and bacteria more aggressively, keeping them from spewing out into the air your HVAC provides. Sounds worth it to us.

2. Test Your Air Conditioner

Waiting for that first big heat wave to run your HVAC for the first time all year is probably not the best plan. Before temperatures rise, turn on your unit and let it run for a bit. Set the temperature a few degrees below the current indoor temperature, and check if air is flowing through the vents properly. Take note if there are any odd noises or clicking. If there seems to be something unusual going on, schedule a check-up with HVAC experts.

3. Check Your Duct Work

Professional duct cleaning can do wonders for your air quality and flow. That’s because your ductwork plays an important role in your system — they supply the air to each room of your home (in case you didn’t know). Removing the dust, mold, and other allergens that have built up over the winter will make a world of a difference for allergy sufferers come spring. While you can try to tackle this yourself, having an expert do it can ensure nothing is left behind. We recommend doing so every 5-7 years.

Also, check for any leaky joints, holes, or cracks that would cause your system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. Otherwise, you’re looking at higher utility bills and potentially larger issues down the road.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

Chances are, you’re already using smart technology in several other areas of your home, so why not your cooling system? A programmable thermostat makes controlling comfort levels effortless — from anywhere! Forget to turn the AC down after leaving for a weekend trip? Adjust the temps from the car! Having trouble sleeping because it’s too hot? Find a cooler setting without ever leaving the bed. The benefits of a smart thermostat range from lower energy costs to a longer system lifespan, so why not?

5. Remove Debris from Your Outdoor Unit

Fall and winter are notorious for doing a number on your outdoor unit. Between leaves, branches, dirt, and the after-effects of ice and snow, there’s a lot that can cause your system to underperform. Start by inspecting the unit and remove any debris within two feet. Grab a garden hose or vacuum attachment to clean the coils. Lastly, cut back any bushes or plants that have overgrown into the space so that nothing is obstructing your system from getting the air it needs to cool your home.

6. Schedule Routine System Maintenance

Even after all these items are checked off your list, it’s always still a good idea to bring in a professional to perform a thorough inspection. These HVAC experts can ensure all connections are secure and there’s no significant wear on key components — such as compressors, tubing, fans, etc. — that can lead to bigger, more costly issues or a total system breakdown, and make any necessary repairs. They’ll also take electrical amp draw readings, check the pressure of the refrigerant, and test all sensors, all of which may be unfamiliar to you, but all in a day’s work for them. Schedule your appointment now before the busy season!

If you’ve ever struggled with chapped lips, dry skin, or an annoying cough, you may have had someone suggest trying a humidifier. And that’s because these magical machines put necessary moisture back in the air of your home. During the winter seasons especially as your home is being heated by a furnace, this necessary humidity is removed from the air, causing discomfort that can aggravate a number of health-related symptoms.

Wondering if the installation of a professional-grade, whole-home humidifier is worth the investment? Here are 10 reasons why it totally is.

1. Improves Air Quality

   To put it simply, moist air is healthier air. Airborne contaminants like dust, allergens, etc. make it harder to breathe and easier to get sick — and stay sick. Doctors recommend the use of humidifiers to treat respiratory illnesses or help with dry skin or nosebleeds.

   And better air quality is also better for your home. Moisture helps prevent warped floors, misshapen windows, and peeling paint. They can also improve your home’s comfort and the efficiency of your furnace, which can ultimately save you significantly on energy bills.

2. Prevents Colds & Flus

   Research shows that if indoor humidity levels are less than 23%, influenza’s infectivity rate is over 70%, compared to just 14-22% if the humidity is above 43%. In other words, the use of a humidifier can prevent the spread of airborne viruses within your home.

3. Helps Dry Skin & Eyes

   It’s no secret that dry air is bad for your skin and eyes. When the air around you is dry, it pulls moisture from your body to compensate. And when your skin or eyes aren’t hydrated enough, they become itchy and irritated. By increasing the moisture in the air, humidifiers counteract these effects.

4. Soothes a Sore Throat or Cough

   The dry seasonal air can be to blame for many sore throats in the winter thanks to the dehydration of the mucous membrane. This same issue can trigger the contraction of the respiratory tract which causes you to cough. So the addition of a humidifier will replace the moisture needed to sooth your respiratory muscles and rid you of that scratchy throat.

5. Helps Sinuses & Congestion

   By helping to moisten the nasal passage, humidifiers loosen mucus that can build up during sickness. When this mucus becomes too dry, it can become sticky, which makes it harder to remove and increases coughing as a result. More moisture in the air will make it easier to drive out this mucus and help alleviate congestion.

6. Prevents Asthma

   Asthma is the result of the smooth muscle in the respiratory tract contracting when triggered by allergens such as dirt, dust, pollen, and more. Humidifiers help absorb these allergens to not only prevent asthma, but also reduce allergies minimizing the inflammation of tissues in the nose and throat which dry air can irritate.

   Keep in mind, too much humidity can cause mold and dust mites to actually spread, so routine cleaning your humidifier is especially important for people with allergies or asthma to keep humidity levels at bay.

7. Reduces Nosebleeds

   Dry air can dry out the delicate nasal membranes inside the nose, which increases the occurrence of nosebleeds and other irritations. If you find yourself waking up with frequent nose issues, a humidifier may be the solution you need.

8. Improves Sleep Quality

   Emerging research shows that the impact of humidifiers on facilitating a good night’s sleep is just as great as ambient temperature. And we all know how difficult it is to sleep in a room that’s far too hot or cold. Increased humidity has been associated with oxygen desaturation and higher arousal, so by maintaining the right level of humidity, better quality of sleep is easier to maintain too.

   As a result, humidifiers have been shown to benefit people with sleep apnea, or a condition where breathing is repeatedly interrupted during the sleep cycle. Dry air only makes this condition worse, so by adding water vapor to the air, sleepers can better keep their airways moist as well.

   For the same reasons, humidifiers can help reduce snoring, which is not just a win for you, but also for everyone in your home.

9. Provides Whitenoise

Dry air isn’t to blame for those random noises keeping you up at night, but a humidifier does provide                   some nice background noise to help drown them out and prevent nightly disruptions.

So have we convinced you that a humidifier is a valuable addition to your home? If you’d like to learn more about how they work, or why a professional-grade humidifier is more convenient and effective than a portable unit, contact the experts at Madsen Inc today. Our team of certified HVAC technicians can answer any questions you have and install the right unit for you.

It’s not unreasonable to say that your water heater may be the most valuable appliance in your home. While it’s probably not top of mind or even visible in your day to day, you are using it every day. So when there is an issue, you notice — big time.

And that’s why we’re here to share the most common hot water heater problems that homeowners encounter regularly. That way, you can better diagnose them and fix them before it wreaks havoc on your home.

1. No Hot Water

   No surprise here; if your water heater isn’t hot, then you have a problem. When your water isn’t heating up, a lack of energy source is likely the cause, so check your electrical connection to ensure it’s on and running properly. If all is working fine, check to see if your breaker has tripped or switched off. For gas heaters, this could be a bad pilot light or a faulty gas connection. If your pilot light is lit but the gas doesn’t ignite, your burner may need repairs.

   You can also turn off the breaker and hit the red cut-off button above your thermostat to reset the high-temperature limit on your electric system. If you’re still having issues, contact a professional who can take a look at ignition and flame.

2. Low Water Pressure

   Unfortunately for older homes, the standard 1⁄2 inch plumbing of the past isn’t doing you any favors in potential water flow issues. Newer homes with 3⁄4 inch plumbing can handle more water, but it doesn’t mean limitations can occur due to clogging.

   If you feel like you’re not producing enough hot water, you can try increasing your water pressure by ensuring your aerators in your sink are clear and your water inlet valve hasn’t become partially closed. Otherwise, call Madsen to get to the bottom of it.

3. Water is Too Hot
   The culprit here is pretty simple: your thermostat is probably too high. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120 degrees, but check your water heater’s owners manual for adjusting appropriately.

4. Water Leaks

   One of the most common water heater issues are leaks. It’s actually inevitable at some point as natural water eventually corrodes your tank and creates super tiny cracks. But that’s not always the cause. Depending on where the leak is coming from (like the top of your tank), you could have a loose water connection or heating element bolts, a stuck valve, or a bad gasket.

   Check all heating elements bolts to make sure they’re nice and tight, and make sure your cold water inlet and hot water out pipes are not rattling or loose. If the leak is coming from the bottom of your tank, it could be a condensation issue, which can be solved by turning up the thermostat. If water is leaking from your pressure relief valve, it could mean a corroded tank, which unfortunately means you need to replace your water heater right away.

5. Strange Smell

   Your water heater shouldn’t stink. If it does, there’s a chance there’s sediment or minerals build up in the pipes. In many cases, this can cause the water to change color or become cloudy as well. When iron pipes rust, the iron’s sediment can get trapped and hinder the flow of hot water, which reduces its temperature and pressure. Calcium and magnesium can do the same if the water is very hard.

   Annual flushing of your system can prevent this buildup. And while at-home kits do exist, we recommend calling a professional with the right, heavy equipment for the task.

   And if it smells like rotten eggs, then you could have a case of bacteria. Crank up the temperature to about 140 degrees and it should kill it off. If not, try cleaning your tank with chlorine bleach.

   If you have any questions about strange smells, low water pressure, or lack of hot water associated with your water heater, the experts at Madsen are here to help. Let us know your concerns, or schedule a routine maintenance check today!