ABC Blog

Is Well Water Hard Water?

a glass of water

Because water is part of our everyday lives, we often don’t put much thought into the quality of it. However, water quality should be at the top of every homeowner’s priority list because it affects almost everything. From the shine of your hair to the longevity of your appliances and plumbing fixtures, your water at home has an impact.

If there’s a well near your home, can you use it instead of your city’s public water? While it’s an option, it’s important to first determine if the water is hard or soft. If it’s hard, it can cause various issues at home. That’s where a water softener can help. Contact a licensed professional to install one so you can enjoy clean well water.

Is Well Water Hard Water? Here’s Everything You Should Know

If you’re thinking about using well water for your home, you might be wondering: is well water hard water?

First, let’s … Read Full Post »

How Often Should I Charge My EV to 100?

charging an EV vehicle

Going electric isn’t just a trend drivers are trying out for fun. It’s a sustainable solution to the problems of driving traditional combustion engine vehicles. EVs play a significant role in battling air pollution as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also help drivers save on fuel costs.

Swapping out your gas-powered car for an electric one has various benefits, but it’s not without challenges. One of them is charging. If you’ve been pumping gas for years, charging your vehicle can be confusing. One question new EV drivers ask is, “How often should I charge my EV to 100?”

If EV charging intimidates you, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. For your electrical needs, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed electrician. The electrician will assess your electrical panel at home, upgrade it if necessary and install a charging station for a seamless EV experience.

How Often Should I Charge My … Read Full Post »

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

an EV charging

Charging our gadgets is part of our daily routines, whether it’s our phones, laptops or headphones. However, charging a car is something many of us are still getting used to. One challenge you might face is figuring out how long it takes to charge your EV so you can schedule your day appropriately. There’s no straightforward answer to this question because there are various factors to consider.

If you’re new to the EV world, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. Contact an electrician if you’re ready to enjoy the convenience of home charging. A licensed electrician will assess your electrical panel, upgrade it if necessary and install the charging station correctly.

How Long Does It Take to Charge an EV Car?

Your EV’s charging time is dependent on a host of variables. Even the weather and your charging cable’s length may have an impact. But if we’re narrowing it down to … Read Full Post »

My Icemaker Is Not Working: What’s Wrong?

an icemaker

With an icemaker, drinking your favorite cold beverages just got easier. Gone are the days of manually refilling ice trays, waiting for the water to freeze and prying out the ice cubes with your fingers. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t run into trouble with an icemaker. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning icemaker is one of the common refrigerator problems homeowners experience.

Is your icemaker not working? Several refrigerator components can be responsible for the problem, including the water filter, water inlet valve and freezer compartment. Before you get too frustrated, here’s a rundown of the possible culprits and how to troubleshoot the issue. If you lack DIY experience, let an appliance repair specialist take over. They have the tools and expertise to get your icemaker up and running again. These pros can also resolve other issues, such as when you’re asking, why is my fridge making a loud noise?

Icemaker Not Working? How … Read Full Post »

What Is Forced Air Heating?

a living room

Deciding on a heating system for your home can be overwhelming. There are boilers, radiators, mini-splits and baseboard heaters, to name a few. However, the most popular choice among homeowners is forced air heating.

What is forced air heating? While you’ll find it in countless homes, not all homeowners know how it works. Here’s everything you need to know about it, including how it works and its pros and cons.

If you decide on forced-air heating, contact a licensed professional to install it in your home. The HVAC technician can also perform regular maintenance checks to keep it in tip-top shape. Plus, this pro can help address other HVAC issues, like when you ask, “Why am I not getting power to my thermostat?”

What is Forced Air Heating? Here’s How It Works

Forced air heating is a component of an HVAC system that heats homes. It uses a heat source like a furnace or … Read Full Post »

How Does a Dimmer Switch Work?

a dimmer switch

Homeowners can be hands-on about many things around the house, but electrical work should be handled by a professional. The dimmer switch is one electrical component that could give you problems at home. You might find that it’s not dimming all the way or won’t work with some lights. If your dimmer switch is stressing you out, we’ll explain how this device works and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Let electricians come to the rescue if you can’t figure it out. These licensed professionals have the tools and expertise to solve the electrical mysteries that could be bugging you at home.

What Is a Dimmer Switch and How Does It Work?

It wasn’t until the 1930s that incandescent dimmers entered the picture, used in theaters to set the mood for different scenes. They had massive panels that required manual operation, a far cry from the modern dimmers.

Fast forward 30 years, dimming technology has … Read Full Post »

What Are PFAS in Water?

a glass of water

Most of us don’t think much about our water. However, everyone should be more mindful of their drinking water supply at home because of synthetic chemicals called PFAS. These chemicals can find their way into the drinking water.

What are PFAS in water? Here’s a closer look into these “forever chemicals” and their harmful effects. If you want peace of mind, contact the professionals for help. Water quality experts can put measures in place to keep it PFAS-free. They can also help you understand why water quality is important.

What Are PFAS in Water? Here’s Everything You Should Know

PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprise a large group of human-made chemicals that have been in production in the U.S. since the 1940s. Manufacturers use them for household and commercial products to make them resistant to chemical reactions and heat. They also repel water, oil, grease and stains. You can find PFAS in … Read Full Post »

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?

a water filtration system

These days, chemicals are everywhere, making health a top concern. It can be hard to know what is okay to consume. Even drinking water carries risks because of synthetic chemicals like PFAS. But before you get too worried, know there are ways to ensure your water at home is chemical-free.

If you want peace of mind, let a professional assess your water quality at home. They can then install a water softener or water filtration system and provide regular maintenance to ensure the unit functions effectively. They can also help you understand why water quality is important.

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS? Everything You Need to Know

PFAS or per- and polyfluorinated substances are man-made chemicals that have been around since the 1940s. They are typically used to make water-resistant or non-stick consumer products. They are also present in firefighting foams and used in various industrial operations.

Here are some common products that can … Read Full Post »

How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

a garbage disposal

Garbage disposals are powerful tools in the kitchen, making it easier for homeowners to clean up after meals. But for all their usefulness, they have one major drawback—they can get smelly. Even if you’re diligent in cleaning your garbage disposal, food particles can still build up and cause an unpleasant odor in your kitchen.

Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with any nasty smells. There are several ways to freshen up your garbage disposal and have it smell squeaky clean. In addition, keeping certain foods away from your unit will prevent clogging and unwanted odors. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clog, a plumbing professional can help get things moving.

Dealing With a Smelly Sink? Here Is How to Make a Garbage Disposal Smell Better

Anything that handles waste is bound to get smelly. Garbage disposal odors usually start with a slight sour smell in the sink. If left unaddressed, the offensive … Read Full Post »

GFCI Outlet Not Resetting: What’s Wrong?

a GFCI outlet

Ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, are essential in preventing electrical accidents at home.

What is a GFCI outlet? It is a device used to replace a standard electrical outlet. It monitors the amount of power going into plugged appliances. GFCIs trip whenever they sense irregularities in the electrical current, needing as little as 1/40th of a second to react.

While GFCIs keep us safe from electrical shocks and electrocution, they can malfunction like any other device. Sometimes, they won’t reset, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous.

If your GFCI outlet is not working as it should, here are some possible reasons behind the issue and how to troubleshoot them. It’s best to call in a licensed professional to handle electrical components in your home.

GFCI Outlet Not Resetting? Here’s What to Do

Homeowners should investigate if a GFCI outlet won’t reset. There are various possible causes for a GFCI outlet that won’t reset. Here … Read Full Post »