It’s easy to take a fully powered home for granted. Lights, refrigeration, entertainment … Much of our day-to-day needs and activities rely on a steady stream of electricity from the power grid. But with hurricane season in full swing, many of us know all too well to expect the unexpected.

After all, power isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity. That’s exactly why having a backup option to keep your home up and running while the grid is down is essential to protecting your family, especially during a storm. If you don’t already have a whole-home or portable generator, this blog will help you learn the different options available and what may be right for you.

Protect More Than Your Comfort

Power outages by themselves are no fun. And when a hurricane is added to the mix, the hazardous conditions increase. A generator is an important first step in safeguarding your family’s wellbeing and getting you through the storm.

• Keep your food fresh. It’s always a great idea to have extra non-perishable food in the house for emergencies, but having a generator to keep your refrigerator running ensures cold supplies stay fresh and don’t spoil. This saves you money and headaches.
• Keep yourself comfortable. With a generator, your home comfort systems will continue to operate. Outdoor temperatures can fluctuate during a storm, so keeping your home cool, especially for children and the elderly, is important.
• Stay connected. When you have a generator, you’ll also be able to watch TV and charge your phone during a power outage. The entertainment value is great. But, more importantly, you’ll be able to stay informed on the latest storm information and reach out for help if necessary.

Whole-Home vs. Portable Generators

So, what exactly is the difference between a whole-home and a portable generator? They both offer the same benefits, but in very different ways.

Whole-Home Generators

• Permanently installed outside of your home, this option is designed to keep the entire house running when the main power is down.
• Running off of your home’s natural gas line, there’s no need to refuel or manually start the unit when you need it. It will kick on automatically if the power grid fails.These generators are incredibly safe when installed by the pros at Cornerstone, meeting all safety and inspection standards.
• While on the pricier side, these units will not only deliver you peace of mind, but will also increase your overall property value.

Portable Generators

• Portable generators are smaller and can be moved from place to place, including on the go for camping trips or other activities.
• Because of their size, portable generators are only capable of powering home essentials during a power outage. This means they are not ideal for long-term downtime.
• This option also requires a dedicated fuel source, such as gasoline, as well as manual operation. It must be placed in a well-ventilated area as well.

Rapid Home ImprovementPowers Lives Daily

Regardless of what generator option is best for you, you can trust Rapid Home Improvementto serve as your guiding light through hurricane season. Call us today to discuss our Generac options in Tampa, or for more information on how we can help you secure your home this summer.

Whatever you need, feel free to reach out to us online or call Rapid Home Improvements at 813.859.6786 today to discuss your next project!

The post Are You Prepared to Keep the Power On? appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

Happy June! Summer officially returns this month, which means we’re ready to be busier than ever helping our neighbors across Florida keep their homes cool and comfortable.

In a perfect world, air conditioning wouldn’t need maintenance. We would have cool, clean air blowing over us anytime we need it. But the “cold reality” is your system needs regular maintenance like most major appliances in your home. Neglecting your AC can result in unexpected problems.

When you need AC repair in your Land O’ Lakes, FL, home, you can always rely on us to answer your call and get things ship-shape again. But being able to identify ahead of time what could go wrong and how it might happen are important steps in keeping your system healthy for the rest of the season—and for years to come. Let’s explore some common issues and how you can spot them.

What Seems to Be the Problem?

Air conditioning is an incredible invention that’s come a long way since the early 1900s. But just like all good appliances, issues can still arise. If you’re noticing problems like uneven temperatures, odd noises or smells, leaks and even freezing, one of these issues could be the culprit.

• Lost power. If you lose power or the circuit trips, your cool air goes with it. If you notice air isn’t flowing when it should, one of your first moves should be to ensure the switches for both your indoor and outdoor units are set to “on” at the breaker panel.
• Aging systems. Air conditioning units are built to last. With proper maintenance, they can run at full capacity for over a decade. Still, they won’t last forever with aging systems more prone to problems than newer models. Rely on us for regular inspections to keep your system in great shape for as long as possible.
• Wear and tear. Just because your AC is new, however, doesn’t mean it’s impervious to damage. Excessive wear and tear can cause stress on the system and various components can wear out or fail. It’s best to only use your AC when you need it and to make sure your cool air isn’t escaping through open windows or unsealed doors.
• Refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant is the substance that allows your AC to produce cool air. Without it, your system will still operate, but it won’t cool your home. Plus, leaks can cause more damage to your AC and create health hazards for your family. Call us immediately to take a look at leaks of any kind.

What Can You Do?

Want to avoid these problems and more? Routine maintenance is the smart way to keep your system in great shape.

Having a professional routinely inspect your equipment can be the difference between a cool, relaxing day at home or a miserable slog on one of the hottest days of the season.

Routine maintenance isn’t just a quick once-over to make sure your system is working. Rather, it’s a thorough inspection that includes checking for leaks, worn out or loose components, corrosion, frozen coils and so much more. It can be the difference between continued comfort and the time and hassle spent on a major repair!

Keep Cool as a Cucumber This Summer With Rapid Home Improvement!

So, now you know some of the most common issues with air conditioners. Ready to have us check yours? We’re ready to assist you as the summer heat climbs higher and higher. If you’re in the market for a new system, there isn’t a better time than now to schedule your AC installation for your Lank O’ Lakes, FL, home!

Call Rapid Home Improvements at 813.859.6786 today to discuss your next project!

The post Your AC Is About to Start Working Overtime appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

Hurricane season is on its way again. While the Sunshine State is no stranger to extreme weather, preparing for every possibility is crucial to keeping your home and family safe. Incoming hurricanes can be scary, but years of experience have taught us the best course of action is to exercise caution well before the forecasts start to roll in.

Let’s explore some steps you can take to face 2024’s storm season with care. That includes protecting your health, your property and, of course, your comfort with equipment like a whole-home generator to keep the power on at all times.

Protecting Your Family

Your first and most important priorities in a weather emergency are your loved ones. Hurricanes are unpredictable. Just because the last one didn’t hit hard doesn’t mean you’ll dodge the next one. When it comes to your health and safety, there should be no risks!

• Stock up on supplies. It’s always a great idea to have extra food and water in the house, but especially helpful to have an emergency supply (including non-perishable food) that you stash away for emergencies.
• Create an emergency kit. First aid supplies, extra rations, medications, batteries, cash and copies of your important personal documents are all great to have handy and in one place at a moment’s notice.
• Have a plan. Don’t expect to wait out a hurricane sitting in your living room. Plan to shelter in the safest part of the house. If no area feels suitable, make an evacuation plan to get your family and pets to safety.

Protecting Your Property

With plenty of supplies and emergency plans in place, you can work on securing your home to handle the storm. You may not be able to completely protect it from damage, but there are steps you can take to help minimize problems.

• Secure loose outdoor furniture. That includes patio furniture, grills and anything laying around the yard. You don’t want to lose these items, but, more importantly, you don’t want them to cause additional damage if picked up by the wind.
• Secure doors, windows and walls. Any loose doors, cracked walls or aging windows need to be addressed right away, as extreme weather conditions will only provide further damage.
• Secure your roof. Now is the ideal time to have your roof inspected for any missing shingles or leaks. You also may opt to add hurricane straps if you haven’t already.
• Review your insurance policy. Many home insurance policies have separate deductibles for hurricane damage and may or may not cover everything you expect them to cover. Often, you can make adjustments as long as a hurricane is not imminent.

Protecting Your Comfort

In a perfect scenario, your family will be safe indoors and your home will be able to withstand the storm. However, there’s still the possibility your home comfort can be affected. Here are additional steps you can take to ensure you’re cozy while you wait for the weather to pass.

• Secure your outdoor unit. Applying a weather-proof cover or hurricane straps can help prevent damage to the unit during a storm.
• Turn the system off. Operating your system during a storm can result in damage that could have been avoided. Cool the house down before the rain starts and then shut your AC down to prevent indoor flooding or electrical damage.
• Invest in a generator. There are multiple generator types available, from whole-home options to portable units. All of them are excellent ways to keep your home’s essentials working in the event of lost power. Don’t forget to only trust professionals with your generator installations!
• Call us for an inspection. Inspecting ahead of time will reveal any damage that should be addressed immediately. A post-storm inspection will assess any damage sustained during the hurricane and explain how to rectify it.

Rain or Shine, Rapid Home ImprovementWill Answer the Call

You deserve to be comfortable at home in good times and challenging times. Rely on us to keep your safe haven secure all year round. We stand by our work, our team members and our equipment from partners like Generac to keep Tampa and surrounding communities safe from harm.

Whatever you need, feel free to reach out to us online or call Rapid Home Improvements at 813.859.6786 today to discuss your next project!

The post Prepare for Hurricane Season Like a Pro appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

No, the sewer system isn’t just the channel of piping out on the street that carries water and waste away. It’s also an integral part of your home plumbing!

In homes without a septic system, your sewer line is what connects you to that larger sewer system on the street. It safely and effectively ferries flushed and drained water out of your home and off to be treated.

Because this essential task happens beneath our feet, it’s easy to forget it’s happening at all. But your sewer line is still subject to wear and tear, damage and other issues that may need to be addressed to keep the water flowing correctly. Fortunately, just like we’re ready to help with AC repair to prepare you for the summer, Rapid Home Improvementis now able to help with sewer cleaning and repair in your Tampa home, too!

What Causes Sewer Line Damage?

Sewer lines are tough. They’re built to withstand lots of use, but are far from impervious to various threats and issues. Some of the most common issues homeowners face with their sewer lines include:

• Blocked pipes. Sewage blockages often happen when too many bulky items (like diapers or “flushable” wipes) have been sent down the drain. With this issue, you’ll notice gurgling water or backed up drains throughout your home.
• Corroded pipes. After interacting with the additional contents of flushed water time and time again, the lining of the pipes can be worn away resulting in leaks that can bring that wastewater back into your home.
• Tree roots. Because sewer lines are laid underground, trees and greenery tend to get in the way. As trees grow, their roots may intrude on your sewer line in their search for moisture, resulting in blockages or severe damage.
• Shifting pipes. Just like your teeth shift in your mouth over years of use, so does your sewer line in the ground. Excess pressure, rain water and overall age can cause your sewer line to warp and not operate as intended any longer.

Call Your Plumbing Experts to Handle the Job!

If you suspect an issue with your sewer line, do not hesitate to give us a call. When left untreated, sewage issues can lead to far more than just slow draining water from your sinks. The last thing you’ll want is to come home from work to a home full of sewer water to greet you.

Sewer line repair begins with a thorough inspection. We’ll use cameras that can be snaked throughout the line to take a close look for potential issues that could be causing problems. If we find an issue, we’ll discuss potential solutions with you so we can address the problem with as little interruption to your day-to-day as possible.

Investing in Your Home Can SAVE You Money!

Don’t forget that tax season is upon us! While filing your taxes can be stressful, it’s also a great opportunity to invest back into your home. If you’re expecting a tax refund this year, you can use that extra cash to make improvements to your heating & AC system, electric installations and, yes, your sewer line!

Making these improvements can actually help you save much more money in the long run. Modern equipment will run more efficiently, patched leaks will result in less wasted water, and you can anticipate fewer necessary repairs or tune-ups throughout the year. That’s all on top of the added value to your home!

Trust in Us to Take Your Comfort to a New Level

Ready to have your sewer line inspected for potential issues? Give us a call, and we’ll be out to help you with our drain clog removal services as soon as possible! Whatever you may need, feel free to reach out to us online or call Rapid Home Improvements at 813.859.6786 today to discuss your next project!

The post Is Your Home Sewage System in Good Shape? appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

If your hot water heater is on the decline, we have some fabulous news for you!

This month, we’re running our March Madness Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will receive a FREE water heater system and installation from Rapid Home Improvements! Say goodbye to cold showers and hello to a shiny new system that will provide all of the hot water you need, when you need it.

All you have to do is visit this page on our website to share your contact information, your home address and a photo of your current water heater. The winner will be randomly chosen, and the drawing is set to take place on April 5, 2024. No, this isn’t an April Fools’ prank—it’s the real deal!

Submissions are limited to one entry per household. The winner will receive one (1) standard tank-type water heater that will be supplied and installed by Rapid Home Improvements.

Well, “water” you waiting for? Click here to visit our website and enter today!

Speaking Of Water Heaters, Are You Maintaining Yours?

Just like a full plumbing rework in Tampa, it’s no day in the park to worry about a water heater replacement. But by giving your system a little post-winter R&R through routine maintenance, you can wash your worries right down the drain!

The Most Common Problems

There’s no question about it: Issues with your water heater will become obvious. If you notice these disruptions to your daily routine, it’s time to give us a call.

• Leaking water. If you see water pooling around or near your water heater, you’ve got a leak that needs repair.
• Poor water pressure. Low water pressure from your showerhead or faucet? This can be a sign of rust or sediment buildup that will only continue to grow if untreated.
• Fluctuating temperatures. If the hot water is way hotter than expected, this could be a sign something is amiss with one or more of your heating components.
• No hot water. There are many issues that could halt hot water production—from a clogged burner to overuse. But a water heater with no hot water always needs inspection.

Maintain Your System for Better Performance

During a water heater tune-up, we will:

• Drain & flush the tank. To treat sediment buildup, a drain and flush will refresh the tank and allow fresh water to wash away dirt, debris, rust and more.
• Inspect the pressure relief valve. Water heaters create a lot of pressure. They feature a valve to keep pressure in check and prevent the system from exploding.
• Check the temperature setting. Did you know you can adjust the temperature on your water heater? If your water is too hot, the setting simply may be turned up too high.
• Insulate the tank or piping (if needed). An option available for older models is to insulate the tank or piping. This can help keep heat in and prevent unwanted moisture buildup.

The average tank water heater lifespan is 10-15 years. We will always go the extra mile to keep your system running as long as possible. But when the time is right, we’ll help you choose and install the ideal upgrade for your home!

Don’t Miss the Madness!

From your air conditioner to your electrical subpanels, there are many moving parts to your safety and comfort at home. While we’re here to help you take care of business, we love being able to have some fun along the way, too. This month, we’re all about water heaters. If you’re due for an upgrade, test your luck by entering our March Madness Sweepstakes. You never know … you just might end up being our one lucky winner!

CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR MORE TIPS & CONTESTS!

The post FREE Water Heater? This Contest Is Hot & Ready! appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

We love home improvement. We wouldn’t be in the comfort industry if we didn’t. Like us, many homeowners also love the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty and tackle projects around the house.

While we’re always happy to lend a helping hand, we also strongly encourage DIY work where appropriate. It can save you time, money, protect your comfort and provide a sense of satisfaction. However, not all of your home’s needs are created equal.

As the local electric, plumbing, cooling and heating service providers in Tampa, we’ve seen quite a few DIY projects gone wrong that have cost homeowners money and headaches. But where is the line between “DIY” and “call a pro”?

Here’s What You Can “Do”…

• Replace your air filter. Your HVAC’s air filter should be replaced every three months. This is often as simple as taking the dirty filter out of a slot and sliding a clean one in.
• Clean the outside of your air conditioner. Your outdoor air conditioner is constantly exposed to the elements. Dirt, leaves, twigs and more can pile up quickly. Clearing debris will help prevent unwanted environmental damage.
• Inspect for leaks. Notice any pooling water around your HVAC unit or elsewhere? There could be a leak. If the source is easy to identify and reach, you could temporarily stop it yourself. But leave permanent repairs to us.
• Call an expert. A good DIYer knows there’s no shame in calling a professional. Sometimes it’s the smartest choice!

But Make Sure You “Don’t”…

• Replace refrigerant. Refrigerant is excellent for keeping our homes comfortable, but it is contained for a reason. The substance is highly toxic when inhaled and must be handled by a professional.
• Install or clean ductwork. It’s a good idea to leave all work related to ducts to the professionals. DIY installation can go wrong quickly and cleaning ducts yourself can result in direct exposure to air contaminants and mold.
• Clean coils, motors or fans. Your HVAC unit’s inner workings are very intricate. When cleaning, one wrong move can create havoc and even result in the need to replace parts.
• Install plumbing fixtures. We don’t suggest DIYing these projects unless you have plenty of experience. With a professional installation, you can breathe easier knowing everything will be in working order right from the start.
• Work with electrical wiring. Again, some small projects, such as an outlet replacement, could be DIY-worthy in the right hands. But, as a rule, working with electricity should not be attempted if you’re not a pro. It’s simply too risky and potentially dangerous.

Our Expertise Is at Your Fingertips!

If your DIY project goes awry, we’re here for you. But we’re also here to help in any way we can. We’re not just Tampa’s heating pros. We’re also the pros you can count on for cooling, plumbing, electrical, water treatment, indoor air quality and more!

Reach out to us at 813.993.7995 to schedule a consultation or speak to a member of our team!

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VIDEO

The post For the Love of DIY Home Comfort … Should You or Shouldn’t You? appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

With 2024 underway, many families may be wondering what changes to make to keep costs manageable this year, especially with HVAC industry changes on the horizon (more on that later in this blog.)

It’s easy to overlook what it costs to power a home. What may seem like a few cents can quickly add up, especially if there are unaddressed issues making your equipment work harder than necessary. By changing just a few daily habits, you may notice lower monthly utility bills.

A great first step? Let us check out your heating, cooling, plumbing and electric. Scheduling routine maintenance, such as a residential water heater inspection for your Tampa, FL, home, will allow us to identify and address issues that may be causing energy waste.

Your Guide to Energy Savings in 2024

Electric

Let’s start with a few ways to keep your power use in check.

• When electricity demand is higher, like on a hot summer day, kilowatt-hours (kWh) to power your home will cost more. Consider using appliances at off-peak hours to keep costs down.
• Choose LED lightbulbs. They are up to 80% more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, last longer and don’t give off any heat.
• Save with smart technology, like smart outlets and bulbs. They can be programmed to turn off when not in use and operated remotely.
• Check out the next list …

Heating & Cooling

Let’s get more specific. Adjusting your heating and cooling usage, which contributes significantly to power consumption, can make a big difference month after month.

• Start by replacing your air filters. A simple swap every three months will promote clean air and a healthy system.
• Temperature plays a big role in system operation. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically set the temperature to ideal levels throughout the day.
• Seal any air leaks in your ducts, doors and windows. When air escapes, your system must work harder to replace what’s been lost.
• Replace old systems. Units over 10 years old simply cannot beat the efficiency of a new, modern unit. You’ll save on repair costs, too.

The AIM Act Brings Big Changes to Refrigerants

It’s always a great time to make adjustments that will save you money, but that’s especially true with upcoming changes to refrigerant regulation in 2024.

The AIM (American Innovation and Manufacturing) Act, established in 2020, was adopted to help reduce reliance on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in home cooling over the next decade and beyond. HFCs are the refrigerants many air conditioners use to cool indoor air. They are great in that role, but not so great for the environment if they leak out of your system.

In the fight against global warming, more eco-friendly refrigerants are becoming the new standard in home cooling and refrigeration. That means new, more expensive equipment will become the norm over the next several years. It also means maintaining old, HFC-reliant equipment may become more costly to repair and maintain.

At Rapid Home Improvements, we’re committed to helping you keep your home comfort as affordable and efficient as possible. Based on your unique situation, we’ll be happy to provide you with our professional opinion on maintaining your current system or upgrading to a new one to avoid increased costs.

We Always Have the Solution!

If you need help reducing your energy usage in the new year or navigating the upcoming industry changes, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

From tips and tricks to bigger fixes like electric hot water repair for your Tampa home, we’re always ready to answer your call and lend a helping hand.

Reach out to us at 813.993.7995 to schedule a consultation or speak to a member of our team!

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VIDEO

The post A New Year Means a Clean Slate for Savings appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

December is the most wonderful time of year for a reason: There are so many days, people and good fortunes to celebrate as we head into 2024.

If you’re still looking for the perfect gift to give this year, nothing says you care quite like the gift of fresh, clean indoor air. Bet you didn’t think of finding air under the tree this year, did you? But investing in advanced indoor air quality solutions can be a great way to tell the people in your life that you care about their health and well-being.

You already know us as your local electric, cooling and heating pros but allow Rapid Home Improvementto be your guide in IAQ products to help you and your family get a healthier start to the new year!

Your Holiday Shopping Guide to IAQ Products

• UV Light Systems
  Holiday lights may look pretty, but they won’t clean your air. UV light, on the other hand, is the same disinfection technology used in hospitals and laboratories—and it can be used at home, too! The frequency of UV light sterilizes the air that passes through it. That means the systems we install in the air handler or ductwork for your HVAC system will inhibit mold and microbe growth and destroy airborne contaminants before they get a chance to filter into your home.

• Air Scrubbers
  Air scrubbers are like a superpowered, whole-home air purifier. When installed into your HVAC unit, they work by drawing indoor air to it on a set interval. The air passes through several filters that kill the contaminants, not just trap them. The scrubber then releases oxidizers back out into the home’s air that act like soapy sponges to attract and kill odors and more airborne contaminants.

• Dehumidifiers
  Damp, humid air is no joke, especially here in Florida. Unbalanced humidity levels at home can result in short-term health issues, damage to your furniture and extra stress on your HVAC system. Dehumidification systems can help keep a home’s humidity balanced, leading to reduced congestion, protected property and potential energy savings!

Wishing You a Happy New Year!

We’ve officially made it to the end of the year! We can’t help but get excited about all of the fun and interesting things 2024 has in store for us.

Your support has allowed us to serve our community for another year and will inspire us to keep going for many years to come. We truly can’t say “thank you” enough for allowing us to help you and your families and to do what we love every single day. We hope you enjoy wrapping up 2023 and look forward to a happy and healthy new year!

For Your Indoor Air and More, We’ll Be There

Are you ready to learn more about our indoor air quality products and services for yourself or a loved one? Or maybe you need help with something else like a heat pump for your Land O’ Lakes home? We’re ready to help!

Reach out to us at 813.993.7995 to schedule a consultation or speak to a member of our team!

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VIDEO

The post Give the Gift of Clean Air for the Holidays appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

November is finally here! There are so many things to celebrate, like scoring a great Black Friday deal on that electric scooter you’ve had your eye on or getting into a heated argument over whether turkey or ham is the superior main dish on Thanksgiving.

If you’re hosting a Thanksgiving meal for your family or friends this year, there’s more to keep in mind than just food and décor. You may want to consider a tune-up for your HVAC system or a thorough drain cleaning for your Tampa, FL, home’s plumbing. Check out these steps you can take to keep your guests cozy while visiting your home for the holiday.

Comfort Tips Your Guests Will be Thankful For

• Prepare Your Thermostat Ahead of Time
  Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’ve been through this rodeo before, you probably have a good idea of how many guests you’re expecting. The more siblings, children, aunts and long-lost cousins you can pack into your dining room, the warmer your home will become. Lowering the temperature on your thermostat a bit can keep things comfortable throughout the day.
• Keep It Comfy Indoors
  By continually opening and closing your front door, your indoor air temperature will fluctuate, forcing your HVAC system to work hard to maintain the ideal temperature. If it gets too warm, you can consider cracking the door or a window for a short amount of time instead of cranking up the AC.
• Cook Smarter, Not Harder
  Have you ever had to change your dinner plans because you didn’t want to use your oven on a particularly warm evening? You’re not alone. Using the oven can get your kitchen and your home pretty toasty. Plan to cook as many dishes together as possible to limit the uptime of your oven. And consider using the window cracking trick if things still get too warm.
• Reduce Airborne Pollutants
  Regular dusting and cleaning, a clean air filter and equipment like an air scrubber or UV light system can help limit dust, allergens, bacteria and flu-causing particles from entering the air you breathe and making your holiday less enjoyable.

We’re Thankful for ALL of You!

Can you believe 2023 is coming to an end soon? As we prepare for the holiday and all of the excitement (and stress) that comes along with it, we wanted to take the time to remind you how thankful we are for each and every one of you!

Your continued trust in us is what allows us to do what we love on a daily basis. Every member of the Rapid Home Improvementteam, from our electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians to our customer service representatives and leadership team, truly love what they do and it’s only possible because of you. THANK YOU!

We’re Your Partners Through Thick & Thin

So, what’s next? If you’ve noticed a faulty outlet or you’re ready to schedule drain cleaning services for your Tampa, FL, home after your Thanksgiving festivities, you already know we’re ready to answer your call.

Reach out to us at 813.993.7995 to schedule a consultation or speak to a member of our team about what you need for your home!

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VIDEO

The post A Cozy Holiday Is a Happy Holiday appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.

Boo! October is here, which means the spookiest time of the year is upon us! But just like any holiday, your home comfort equipment is still up and running to keep your home at the perfect temperature for all of your Halloween frights.

Yes, that means an AC inspection or a quick fix for your gas hot water heater in your Tampa, FL, home might be in order. It also means that you need to be smart about how you’re decorating and celebrating the season! By taking a moment to keep your home’s safety and efficiency in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to avoid some costly surprises during an otherwise fun time of year.

Tips For a Smooth Spooky Season

• Your Outdoor Unit Doesn’t Need a Costume
  Decorating your home is one of the most fun parts of Halloween. Homemade ghosts for the trees, skeletons on the steps, big inflatables for the lawn…the list goes on! As tempting as it may be to decorate every inch of your property, the one area you’ll want to avoid decorating is your outdoor HVAC unit. Hanging decorations from or near the unit introduces the risk for unnecessary problems, like small parts being sucked into the motor or vents being blocked. This can cause stress on the system or serious damage.

• Mind Your Candles & Cobwebs
  Nothing sets the mood for Halloween quite like a creepy, dim lit candle and lots of cobwebs (the fake, polyester ones, of course.) These are great decorations, but you don’t want to place them just anywhere. All decorations should be placed farther away from indoor vents. Otherwise, they can restrict airflow, get caught in the ducts and reduce the effectiveness of any indoor air quality systems you’ve installed. Any flammable decorations should also be used with caution, as they can create safety hazards if left unattended. Try a battery-operated candle that’s safer but still spooky!

• Greet Your Trick-or-Treaters Outdoors
  Perfect weather on Halloween night? Yes, please! Being able to travel all over town and collect candy is the icing on this holiday cake. If you’re one to stay home and pass out treats instead, you may want to do so on your porch or stoop if you have one. Opening and closing the door dozens of times throughout the day causes your HVAC system to work harder to continually heat or cool the air to the correct temperature. That means not only higher energy costs, but also excessive wear and tear on the equipment. Plus, it’s an open invitation for outdoor pollutants to constantly enter the home.

Let’s Do the Mash—the Maintenance Mash!

Routine maintenance keeps your equipment in check by preventing large-scale issues from creeping up on your comfort. Finding a small leak here or a loose component there can be the difference between a quick tune-up and a full-blown repair or even an unwanted (and unexpected) replacement.

Rapid Home ImprovementAlways Makes Service a Treat!

Whether your AC is overworking itself or you’re looking for a residential water heater inspection for your Tampa, FL, home, Rapid Home Improvementis ready to help you!

Give us a call at 813.993.7995 to schedule a consultation or speak to a team member about your comfort needs.

CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VIDEO 

The post Don’t Get Tricked by These Common Halloween Decoration Mistakes! appeared first on Rapid Home Improvements.