House Winterization

With the colder weather approaching, thoughts of winterizing your home may be making their way to the forefront of your mind. House winterization doesn’t have to be a burdensome task, if done in stages and ahead of the weather. There are several elements to preparing your home and property for the winter weather, including your home’s plumbing system, heating system, cooling system, chimneys and fireplaces, roof, windows and doors, and landscape. It is not necessary to attempt to tackle all these areas at once, but it is a good idea to start in late summer or early fall if possible, to spread out the cost, time required to perform all that is necessary, and ensure everything is complete before the first snow flies.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, winterization should include the following:

Plumbing

1.  All exposed water pipes in cold areas, such as attics, garages, and crawlspaces, should be insulated. Insulation should cover the entirety of a pipe. Plastic is more tolerant of cold expansion than copper or steel. Houses in colder climates might benefit from the exclusive use of approved plastic plumbing. 
2.   Water supply for exterior pipes should be shut off from inside the house and then drained. Sprinkler systems are particularly vulnerable to cracking due to cold-weather expansion. In addition to turning them, it helps to purge the system of any remaining water with compressed air. 3. Because it is impossible to monitor the temperature of every portion of the plumbing system, indoor air temperature should be kept high enough throughout the winter to keep pipes in any unheated places from freezing. 

Heating

1. Test the furnace by raising the temperature on the thermostat. If it does not respond to the adjustment quickly, it might be broken. 
2. Replace the air filter if it’s dirty. 
3. If the furnace is equipped with an oil or propane tank, the tank should be full. 

Cooling

1. Use a hose to remove leaves and other debris from the outdoor condensing unit, if your home is equipped with one. Protect the unit with a breathable waterproof cover to prevent rusting and freezing of its components.
2. Remove and store window air conditioners once they are no longer needed. Cold air can damage components and enter the house through openings between the air conditioner and the windowpane. 
3. Ceiling fans can be reversed to recirculate warm air trapped beneath the ceiling by spinning clockwise. 

Chimneys and Fireplaces

1. Chimneys should be inspected for nesting animals such as birds, squirrels, and raccoons.
2. Dampers should open and close with ease, and smoke should rise up the chimney when the damper is open. If it doesn't, this means that there is an obstruction in the chimney that must be cleared before the fireplace can be used safely. 
3. A chimney cleaning professional should clean the chimney, especially if it has not been cleaned for several years.
4. The damper should be closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open damper might not be as obvious to the homeowner as an open window, but it can allow a significant amount of warm air to escape.
5.  Glass doors can be installed in fireplaces and wood stoves to provide an extra layer of insulation. 

Roof

1. Remove any debris in gutters, as it can freeze when wet and allow the formation of ice dams that prevent water from draining. This added weight has the potential to cause damage to gutters and any water trapped in the gutters can enter the house and lead to the growth of mold. 
2.  Missing shingles should be replaced, and flashing around chimney should be inspected for any damage or tears. 

Windows and Doors

1. Feel for drafts with your hand or watch for horizontal smoke from an incense stick or match held near windows to inspect for leaks.
2. On a breezy day, a homeowner can walk through the house and find far more leaks than they knew existed. Leaks are most likely in areas where a seam exists between two or more building materials. 

Landscape

1. Cover or store any outdoor furniture, including grills. 
2. Check sealant on any existing deck to determine if a fresh coat of sealant is required. 

Taking these steps to winterize your home in advance of colder weather will ensure that you spend your winter months comfy and cozy. If you’re looking for a dependable heating and HVAC service provider to inspect your home’s systems to ensure all is well before Old Man Winter shows up, Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is here to help. 

Call us today at (720) 839-4015 to schedule an appointment for service or repair, or to have us evaluate your current heating and HVAC system.

Why You Should Flush Your Water Heater Every Year

Benefits of Flushing Your Water Heater

Most manufacturers of water heaters recommend having your water heater flushed once a year to keep it operating at maximum efficiency. The importance of flushing your water heater every year is due to sediment in the system that tends to build up in the bottom of your water heater’s tank. This buildup can impede the proper operation of your water heater and hamper its performance.

Similar to changing the oil in your automobile, flushing your water heater is considered regular maintenance which helps extend the life of your water heater and keep it running at maximum performance levels. When there is a buildup of sediment in your tank, your water heater must work harder to heat the water in the tank. This means undue stress on the system, and a bigger drain on available energy, and that means higher energy bills or unnecessary water heater repairs.

Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is here to help keep your home or business warm, safe, and dry 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We work with all major brand appliances such as Bradford White, A.O. Smith, Rheem, Rinnai and State, and have the experience and skill required to keep your home warm, dry, and comfortable all year round. We also perform thermal expansion of tanks to ensure compliance with pertinent building codes. We are also an XCEL Energy Rebate provider.

When you are in need of a new water heater, we can get one for you and ensure it is installed properly. Call us today at (720) 839-4015 to evaluate your current water heater, flush the system, and make any recommendations for home heating or plumbing work that needs to be done to keep your home comfortable throughout the coming year.

Our technicians are fully licensed and insured and provide upfront pricing with exact quotes before beginning any work. Be sure to keep our number nearby so you can call on us when you need a professional to take care of a plumbing or heating emergency repair day or night. If you are looking for the best company to handle your residential water heater maintenance, service and repair, Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is the one to call.

The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning

Keeping your drains clear and free from the buildup of grease, soap, fat, and debris is key to keeping your plumbing system in good working order. Here are some of the benefits gained by regularly cleaning your drains. 

• Improve the lifespan of your plumbing - regular drain cleaning keeps your pipes in good condition and helps you avoid the build-up of material that can damage your pipes. 
• Prevent catastrophic backups - If you have damaged pipes or encroaching tree roots, you may be on your way to a major failure. Catching problems in the early stages helps prevent big problems such as a sewage backup or flooding basement.
• Reduce expenses - When you keep your drains in good shape, you also reduce your chances of major problems requiring expensive emergency calls to a plumber. You also avoid pricier, more complicated plumbing repairs down the road. 

Drain Cleaning Methods

When a clogged drain is the result of a minor clog, you may have success clearing it with a plunger. For slow draining or blocked sinks, you might be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. However, these cleaners run the risk of damaging your pipes.
Instead, if the problem persists, it is a good idea to call in the professionals. There are two main methods used for clearing blockages in drains.

Drain Augers

More commonly known as drain snakes, drain augers are long, flexible cords with an auger (a kind of corkscrew piece) at the end. The cord is inserted into the pipe, beginning with the auger. Once the blockage is reached, the cord is turned with either a motor or hand crank, basically drilling into the clog. The build-up of material can either be pulled out or broken up and flushed out.  

Hydro-Jetting

A newer and more sophisticated method of drain clearing is the use of high-pressure water and high temperatures called hydro jetting. A water line with a nozzle is inserted into the pipe with the clog. A jet-stream of scalding hot water is discharged into the pipe, scouring the pipe interior.
The combination of power and heat cuts through the blockage and breaks it down into a sludge. The material is flushed out of the pipes and into the sewer.
Hydro-jetting is very effective at clearing your pipes without causing any damage to your pipes or joints.

Consider Scheduling Regular Service

Setting up a regular drain cleaning service is easy with Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. We service Denver and the surrounding metro area. Call today at (720) 839-4015.

Air Filtration: 3 Reasons to Change Air Filters Regularly

A well-functioning air filter works quietly in the background to clean the air so you and your family breathe easier. This relatively small item plays a big role in keeping you safe and healthy. It does this by filtering dust, pollen and other pollutants to improve the quality of your indoor air. It also provides a barrier to prevent larger particles or debris such as loose insulation from damaging your furnace.

In fact, if it's doing its job right you may even forget it. That's why it's important to maintain a schedule for changing your air filter regularly. No matter what type of air filtration system your home has, here are three reasons it is important to change it regularly.

1. Prevent damage to your HVAC system

One of the leading causes of heating and cooling system failure or damage is a clogged furnace air filter. Dirt and debris block air flow and cause these problems:

• Risk of overheating due to increased effort 
• Difficulty moving air reduces home comfort when air doesn't circulate to all zones
• Temperature sensors may malfunction, causing strain on the fan motor
• May encourage moisture build-up, and risk of mold and bacteria growth
• Improper air circulation may lead to dust settling in ducts instead of being filtered properly

2. Ensure cleaner, fresher, healthier air in the home

Changing your air filter provides you with a clean filter that ensures proper air filtration of harmful particulates such as dust, mites, pollen and spores, pet dander, allergens, and other health hazards. Everyone will breathe easier, especially those with allergies and respiratory conditions. 

3. Save money on operating costs

Clean air filters help your furnace and air conditioning system work most efficiently which saves you money. Keep your filters clean and change regularly to save on your utility bill and avoid costly repairs to a damaged system.

To enjoy the benefits of clean air in your home, change the air filter on your HVAC system regularly. Follow the manufacturer's advice for how often to change the filter, but most recommend a change every one to three months.

Changing your air filters regularly is a small project with big rewards. It's healthy for you, your family, and the environment.