Plumbing

Your heating system might be making some spooky sounds as you turn it on for the cold weather. Some are perfectly normal, but others can signal that your HVAC unit is in need of urgent care.

Check out this list of scary HVAC noises and what they mean.

Scraping or Metal-on-Metal: when you hear scraping or clanking it could mean issues with the blower wheel or the fan may have come loose or is broken. Whatever is causing the sound, any indication of metal-on-metal contact needs immediate attention.

Banging or Clanking: if you have a furnace and hear a banging or clanking sound coming from your unit, you might imagine ghouls in the attic or basement clanking chains, but it’s probably just a loose part on your HVAC system. An HVAC professional can pinpoint where the sound is coming from and replace the part that has broken off or needs to be tightened.

However, if you have a boiler and hear banging noises, this can be indicative of a serious issue and should be investigated immediately. One common cause of banging noises in a boiler is kettling, which occurs when mineral deposits build up on the inside of the boiler’s heat exchanger. This can be caused by hard water running through the boiler over a period of years. Other potential causes of banging noises include a faulty pump or a blocked pipe.

Whistling: dirty filters can make it sound like there’s a ghost in your walls. The sound is caused by air trying to rush through blocked filters. A simple swap for clean filters can put that ghostly noise in the grave once and for all.

Clicking: a clicking noise is normal when your furnace is first turning on. But, if your furnace starts to click, the blower turns on, and then back off again, you could have a problem with your flame sensor. A repetitive clicking noise can mean there’s an issue with the HVAC relay process or thermostat, which is the command center for the system.

Rattling: a rattling noise could mean nothing serious, or it could mean something very serious. This noise may indicate one of the following problems:

• A Loose Panel or Screw: while a loose panel or a loose screw is something you want to have fixed soon, it’s usually not something that puts you and your family at immediate risk.
• A Leak or Crack in Your Heat Exchanger: this is a much more serious issue. If not addressed quickly, this is very dangerous. Faulty heat exchanges can end up leaking carbon monoxide into your home, which can be fatal. Having an annual maintenance can greatly reduce exposure to carbon monoxide and keep your home and family safe.

Rumbling/Booming: rumbling sounds can indicate problems with your blower motor, burners, flame sensor or pilot light. A loud boom can indicate a delayed ignition problem*. Homeowners report that this booming noise coming from an HVAC unit sounds a lot like a gunshot. If you have a boiler, listen for hissing, thumping or banging sounds. They are all a sign something may be wrong.

* If you experience the loud boom when your system finally ignites, don’t let this problem continue. It can damage the heat exchanger and allow deadly carbon monoxide poisoning in your Connecticut home. And that’s a real HVAC horror story! It can also completely burn out the furnace if not addressed. The sooner you address the problem, the better off you will be in your overall comfort.

Whining/Screeching/Squealing: These high-pitched noises will certainly get your attention. Is it a poltergeist trying to make contact with you through your home’s heating system? More than likely, it’s not. Squealing sounds often indicate that there’s an issue with the fan or motor in your furnace. It may not be as serious as some other noises, but waiting too long can certainly cause more serious damage.

Gurgling: gurgling noises are common in boilers and are often caused by trapped air in the system. This can be easily fixed by bleeding the radiators to release any trapped air. However, gurgling can also be a sign of low water pressure, which can cause damage to the boiler if left unchecked. Checking the boiler’s pressure gauge can help identify if low water pressure is the cause of the gurgling noise.

There are a lot of spooky sounds that you hear around Halloween, but not all of them mean that your house is haunted. Be aware of any unusual sound effects coming from your heating system. Rest assured, it’s not a ghost – but scary HVAC noises can be your system’s way of trying to tell you something is wrong.

Contact the spooky sound experts at TMS today for more information!

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Sources: https://www.centralhtg.com/blog/why-you-shouldnt-ignore-strange-noises-from-your-boiler, https://www.njrhomeservices.com/four-scary-heating-system-noises-you-shouldnt-ignore/#:~:text=Rumbling%20sounds%20can%20indicate%20problems,sign%20something%20may%20be%20wrong., https://www.russobrosplumbing.com/blog/scary-hvac-noises-to-worry-about, https://www.dgheatingandair.com/blog/2019/october/spooky-sounds-coming-from-your-hvac-unit/, https://www.mertsheating.com/blog/scary-furnace-sounds-never-ignore/, https://trustacree.com/blog/scary-sounds-coming-from-your-hvac-unit-you-should-never-ignore/

If your heating system is older or has begun to show signs of wear and costs you more and more in repairs, you might want to consider replacing it this fall. Whether you have a heat pump, furnace, or boiler, fall is the perfect season to schedule your heating system replacement.

Let TMS wrap your home in warmth and comfort this fall and winter and for many years to come.

The benefits of replacing your heating system this fall include:

Downtime Isn’t a Bother

When you undergo a heating system replacement, you will go without heat for a bit. After your HVAC contractor removes your old heater, it will take some time for them to get your new one installed and functioning.

Usually, your home will only be without heat for a day or less, but in the dead of winter, this can be a nuisance. It’s much easier to have your heater replaced in the fall when going without heat is less of a bother Sure, if it’s 55ºF outside, your home might get a little chilly when the heat’s off. But it won’t get nearly as cold as it would if it were 20ºF in January!

Reduced Risk of Breakdowns

Going into winter with an HVAC system that’s old or beginning to fail can be a stressful experience. You may constantly be worried about the heat failing, especially when you go out of town or are away at work all day. If you replace the aging heating system in the fall, you’ll have a much lower risk of breakdowns. This can give you peace of mind, and it also means you shouldn’t have to pay for emergency heating repairs this winter.

Lower Heating Cost

Older heating systems aren’t usually very efficient. They also lose efficiency as they age. So, if you go through the coming winter with an older furnace or boiler, your energy bills might be higher than you’d like. On the other hand, if you replace your system in the fall, you’ll have all winter to save money on energy.

More System Availability

One of the challenges many people face when trying to install a new system is the availability of the system they want. When you experience a mid-season breakdown, you’re often left with whatever happens to be in stock right now or you have to wait for your ideal system to become available. Because fewer new systems are installed in the fall, there are more systems available to choose from.

Easy Scheduling

Once winter hits, HVAC contractors tend to get pretty busy. The first few weeks of the heating season are typically filled with repair appointments. Fall, by comparison, can be a quieter time for HVAC companies. As such, you may find your HVAC contractor is more flexible in scheduling your heating replacement appointment in the fall than in the winter. If you need to schedule around work, school, or other obligations, now is the time.

For peace of mind, energy savings, and ease of scheduling, fall is the perfect season for your heating system replacement. If you’re a Connecticut homeowner and are looking for a reliable HVAC contractor, don’t hesitate to contact our TMS professionals… because TMS Does Heating Best!

Do you have a summer residence? Or maybe you relocate to warmer temps during the cold season? Call TMS for winterizing your home and protect it while you’re not there!

Winterizing is when a house is prepared for vacancy. This process prepares the plumbing system and components to not be affected by temperature extremes (so the pipes don’t freeze). The process should be performed when a house is expected to be vacant through the heating season, a.k.a winter.

Do you want to know one of the reasons why coffee served in restaurants and cafes tastes way better than coffee brewed at home? It is because they use high-quality water.

Coffee is made up of 98% percent of water. Using great water to brew will produce great coffee. The coffee will have richness, balance, and complexity.  On the other hand, using hard water for brewing will leave you with a disappointing cup of coffee. It doesn’t matter if you are using fresh coffee beans or pre-ground coffee. The minerals in hard water react with the compounds in coffee, changing the resulting flavors, leading to a less balanced taste and may even result in a bitter or dull cup of brew with muddy acidity and no sweetness at all.

The Impact on Flavor… Is Hard Water Ruining Your Coffee?

The minerals found in hard water can greatly influence the taste of your brews. Here’s how:

• Altered Flavor Profile: The minerals in hard water react with the compounds in coffee or tea, changing the resulting flavors. This can lead to a less balanced taste and may even result in a bitter or dull cup of brew.
• Masked Aromas: Hard water can mask the delicate aromas of your favorite beans or leaves, preventing you from fully experiencing their true essence.
• Impact on Acidity: Hard water tends to lower the acidity of your brews, which can affect the perceived brightness and liveliness of the flavors.
• Bitterness and Astringency: The high mineral content in hard water can amplify bitterness and astringency in both tea and coffee. This results in a harsh, unpleasant taste.
• Build-up of Scale: Hard water contains minerals that accumulate as scale in your brewing equipment over time. Scale can impact the efficiency of your machines, affecting temperature control and water flow, ultimately altering the brewing process.
• Texture and Appearance: The minerals in hard water can affect the mouthfeel and clarity of your beverage. This can make your tea or coffee appear dull and less visually appealing.

Remember, achieving the perfect cup of coffee or tea goes beyond just selecting the best beans or leaves. Water quality plays a vital role in unlocking the true potential of your brews. By understanding the impact of hard water and making informed choices, you can enhance your brewing experience, ensuring each sip is a delightful moment.

So, the next time you prepare your favorite brew, remember that the quality of water matters as much as the quality of your chosen ingredients.

Ready to have the safest, healthiest, best-tasting water in your home? Call our water treatment pros today to get started!

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Source: https://energy5.com/the-impact-of-hard-water-on-the-taste-of-tea-and-coffee, https://coffeehero.com.au/blogs/news/does-hard-water-destroy-your-coffee-s-flavor

How Do I Test My Heating System Today? It’s Easy!

• Turn your thermostat to 2-degrees above the current room temperature.
• Give the system 20-25 minutes.
• If you notice the heating system not turning on, any unusual smells or sounds, or anything else out of the ordinary, give TMS a call!

TMS. Where Trust Meets Service. Call/Text (860) 342-8867 
Don’t forget to check out all of our current offers HERE!

You’re getting ready to install a new air conditioning system in your home and are told you need to upgrade your electrical panel as well. Why would this even matter?

You might need to upgrade your electrical panel because the A/C system requires a higher amperage service – meaning you need enough capacity in your panel to handle it without overloading the system. New A/C units, especially central A/C systems, require a dedicated, high-capacity circuit, often 220 or 240 volts. 

If you have an older home, many have panels that may not be sufficient for today’s A/C systems, leading to frequent breaker tripping. Also, upgrading your panel might be necessary to comply with modern electrical codes as they require specific wiring, panel size, and breaker ratings for A/C installations, and older homes may not meet these standards. 

And when it comes to safety reasons, an outdated or overloaded panel can be a safety hazard, increasing the risk of fires or electrical shock.

Homes with older electrical panels might not meet the power demands of modern air conditioning systems – or local electrical codes. Upgrading your electrical panel for your new A/C system ensures your panel can support the increased energy requirements while keeping your home cool, safe, and comfortable.

For more information about installing or replacing your air conditioning system and if you’ll need any electrical upgrades to go along with it, reach out to TMS today at (860) 342-8867 or [email protected]! Our trusted, professional team from our comfort consultants to our HVAC installers to our electricians will make sure your project is completed seamlessly, safely, and with the utmost respect for you and your home. 

DIY = Damage It Yourself! Say YES to TMS!

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Why It’s Better to Call the Experts for Your Home Comfort Services

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable home, it’s tempting to tackle issues yourself. However, there are several compelling reasons why calling in the experts is the smarter choice:

1. Expertise and Experience

Professionals have the training and experience to handle a wide range of home comfort issues. Whether it’s HVAC systems, plumbing, or electrical work, they know the ins and outs of the job. Their expertise ensures that problems are diagnosed accurately and fixed efficiently.

2. Safety First

Home comfort services often involve complex systems that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Experts are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to perform tasks safely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

3. Time and Convenience

DIY projects can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the work. Hiring professionals saves you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your life.

4. Long-Term Savings

While DIY might seem cost-effective initially, improper repairs can lead to bigger issues down the line. Experts ensure that the job is done right the first time, preventing costly future repairs and extending the lifespan of your home systems.

5. Quality Assurance

Professionals stand by their work and often offer warranties or guarantees. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re covered.

6. Access to Advanced Tools and Technology

Experts have access to the latest tools and technology, which can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of the work. This ensures that your home comfort systems are operating at their best.

7. Compliance with Regulations

Home comfort services must adhere to local codes and regulations. Professionals are well-versed in these requirements and ensure that all work is compliant, avoiding potential legal issues.

In conclusion, while DIY projects can be rewarding, when it comes to home comfort services, calling the experts is the best way to ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term savings. Trust our TMS professionals to keep your home comfortable and running smoothly!