Author: Clarke & Rush

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Windows

Written by Clarke & Rush on February 6, 2019. Posted in Residential Windows.

There are so many window options available to homeowners today that it can be hard to choose the best option for your home. This article discusses some of the pros and cons of vinyl windows. Use this information to make an informed decision about the suitability of these windows for your Sacramento home.

Cost-Effectiveness

Vinyl windows are generally more affordable to buy when compared to other types of windows, such as wooden or metallic windows. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners on a tight budget. Additionally, Sacramento window contractors say the window installation cost is affordable since the frames aren’t heavy, and therefore minimal labor is required for the job. However, Clarke & Rush, a window installation company in Sacramento, cautions homeowners to do their research before buying vinyl windows. For example, the versions sold at big box stores aren’t usually as good as the ones from a reputable contractor.

Easy Maintenance

Your Vinyl windows will come pre-painted. Consequently, you will have minimal maintenance work to do to keep the windows looking their best. It is also easy to lift the vinyl windows out of their frames in order to clean or replace them. This lowers the long-term maintenance cost of these windows. Contact your Sacramento window contractor for advice if you have a maintenance challenge that you are unable to deal with on your own.

Energy Efficiency

Most manufacturers of vinyl windows have become so good at making their products airtight that you stand a high chance of improving the energy efficiency of your home if you decide to buy and install vinyl windows. Besides, vinyl doesn’t dent or warp easily so that it will retain its energy-efficient design for long.

Best Warranties

While warranties differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, vinyl windows have distinguished themselves as having some of the best warranties in the industry. For example, some manufacturers offer double lifetime warranties, so the warranty can transfer to the new homeowner if you decide to sell your home. Be sure to talk to a Sacramento window contractor for help with selecting a manufacturer with the best warranty in your area.

The Cons of Vinyl Windows

Environmental Impact

Vinyl windows are manufactured from chemicals that impose a significant toll on the environment in terms of the energy used during the manufacturing process and the gases that are given off. Additionally, the old windows are hard to recycle and likely end up in landfills.

Limited Options

Vinyl windows come in a small range of trim and color options. You may notice that your neighbors has vinyl windows too. It is also hard to use these windows if your home has a unique stylistic design, such as historic homes. However, you can consult a window installation company in Sacramento for suggestions about the best vinyl window options for your property.

Large Frame Size

Vinyl windows are so lightweight that manufacturers give them large frames in order to make those frames strong enough to withstand the forces that the windows will be subjected to. Some people who want sleek, thin windows may not like this style.

Like all things, vinyl windows have pros and cons that should be considered when making a final decision. Use the information in the discussion above as a starting point to do further research about this, and other types of windows. Consult us at Clarke & Rush for any help with buying or installing windows in Sacramento. We are at your service

Common HVAC Odors

Written by Clarke & Rush on January 23, 2019. Posted in Residential HVAC.

Some Sacramento homeowners can go into a panic when they notice abnormal odors coming from their HVAC unit.

However, not all HVAC odors signify that there is a major defect that will be costly to fix. Here are some common HVAC odors and what they signify for your unit. Use this information to make the most appropriate decision about what needs to be done.

Common HVAC Odor: Rotten Egg/Sulfur Smells Coming Through My Vents

If you are sure that you don’t have any rotting eggs lying somewhere in your home, then we need to talk! The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs generally means that you have a gas leak somewhere within the home. While natural gas is odorless, utility companies sometimes add sulfur odor in order to make it easy for homeowners to detect a leak before lives and property are put at risk. We never want to alarm our clients with information like this. If you are concerned about a funny smell coming from your home heater you should open the doors and windows of your home right away. Then call the utility company and wait for them from outside your home at a safe distance just in case the leaking is in fact something serious.

Common HVAC Odor: Electrical Smells

Electrical odors refer to the distinctive smell that is emitted when wires or other electrical components are burning. Electrical smells may mean different things depending on your unique situation.

For example, an electrical smell may be harmless in case you detect it when you have just restarted your heating system in the winter. In this case, it could be dust burning off of the unit, and the electrical smell will go on its own after about half an hour. However, you need to call an HVAC technician from Clarke and Rush Heating and Air if the smell persists beyond half an hour. Turn off the unit as you wait for help.

Common HVAC Odor: Burning Gas Smell In My Home

Another of the common HVAC odors is the smell of burning gas. This smell is similar to the smell you detect when you are using the gas burner in your kitchen. This smell is usually noticeable when the heater of the HVAC system is just starting after several months of inactivity. This smell is normally less intense than is the case for an electrical smell. Treat that as dust burning off the heater unless the smell lingers for longer than an hour.

Don’t wait before calling a furnace repair technician for help. In the case that mild burning gas smell isn’t coming from the vents of your HVAC unit. Prompt action is needed because you could have a gas leak somewhere within the HVAC unit or at a gas fitting close by.

Common HVAC Odor: Moldy or Musty Smells Coming From My Furnace

One of the common HVAC odors is the smell of mold or mildew in the home. This smell usually begins when the moisture generated as the HVAC system is working isn’t drained away properly. The lingering moisture allows microorganisms like mold to grow to a level where you can detect their smell in the air you breathe. You can try to pinpoint where moisture is collecting, or you could call Clarke and Rush Heating and Air for a thorough inspection of the entire HVAC unit. The latter option will unearth all the other defects that could be causing your unit to perform poorly.

Common HVAC Odor: The Smell of Oil

Two major reasons can normally explain where an oil smell is coming from. First, there could be an oil leak due to a loose fitting in the oil filter, oil line or oil tank. Secondly, Sacramento furnace repair experts also suggest that the smell of oil can be the result of a malfunction in the oil burner. Many things, such as a defective oil pump or clogged burner can trigger that oil smell.

Contact a Local Sacramento Heating and Air Company

See if you can identify the problem, or call an expert to service the entire HVAC system before that single defect triggers a domino effect on other parts of the unit.

Troubleshooting the different smells coming from your HVAC system is just one part of the equation in keeping your HVAC unit working at its best. Use your other senses as well so that you can get a better handle on what could be going on inside your HVAC system. Get help from your local Sacramento Heating and Air company. As soon as you notice any of the common HVAC odors discussed above give experts at Clarke and Rush a call. As you know, our technicians are not paid on commission which means we will give you an honest diagnostic and recommendation for repair.

What Kind of Window Warranty Do You Offer?

Written by Clarke & Rush on June 24, 2018. Posted in Residential Windows.

When replacing your windows and doors, it’s important to know what kind of warranty you’re getting. Be sure to ask! Accidents happen, and things go wrong from time to time. Last thing you want is to be charged ridiculous fees to fix damages done to your windows.

Most window replacement companies have limited warranties that range from 10 to 20 years. And different warranties encompass labor, glass breakage, and screen warranties (some places only replace the frames).
It’s possible that you think you’re still eligible for a warranty, but learn afterwards that your labor warranty has expired or didn’t even exist. So even though you thought you’d get a free replacement, you end up paying fees due to costs of the repairman coming and replacing the window.

Another important element of a warranty to note is whether or not its transferable. Let’s say that you end up selling your house. There’s an option to be able to transfer that warranty to the new homeowner. How does this benefit you? It shoots up your home value. But many window warranties don’t offer it.

At Clarke and Rush, we have a double-lifetime warranty. We have an unlimited, no pro-rated warranty on labor and material. And you can take that warranty and transfer it to whoever buys your home for free. It also covers screen bending and glass breakage.

Tax Deduction Incentive for Upgrading your Commercial HVAC System

Written by Clarke & Rush on March 9, 2018. Posted in Commercial HVAC.

One of the biggest challenges small business owners face is coming up with the cash when it comes time to replace outdated commercial HVAC equipment. Fortunately, due to recent legislation – the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 – which took effect on January 1, 2018. Commercial business owners now have the financial capacity to upgrade their inefficient or outdated HVAC system for a modern one that provides increased comfort, reliability and lower energy bills.

Thi recent development in federal tax law includes a provision that allows HVAC products to be immediately expensed. What this means for commercial property owners is that under section 179, all components of “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning” systems can now be deducted, in full as a “business expense” during the first year after its purchase, instead of being slowly broken up, or “depreciated” over the next 39 years.

This tax deduction incentive for upgrading your commercial HVAC system is fantastic news for businesses large and small.

New tax law effective January 1, 2018:

26 U.S. Code § 179 – A taxpayer may elect to treat the cost of any section 179 property as an expense which is not chargeable to capital account. Any cost so treated shall be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year in which the section 179 property is placed in service. Qualified Real Property includes Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning property.

Here is an example: A commercial property owner has a new, rooftop HVAC unit installed. The cost for equipment, labor and installation was $14,000. Under the old “depreciation” rules, this property owner can only claim around $350 per year, over a 39 year period for this expense. According to the new tax laws, the business owner can deduct the full $14,000 expense for the replacement project from their business income during the same year of installation. At the highest marginal tax rate that could be applied to this type of purchase, this law change can save the average small business owner over $5,000 in taxes annually.

The Commercial team at Clarke & Rush can help you take advantage of this new tax savings for your business property with a new Commercial HVAC system. For over 54 years, the experts at Clarke & Rush have installed and serviced commercial HVAC equipment throughout the greater Sacramento area. As an experienced contractor, Clarke & Rush has abilities that range from design, to major equipment installation, to routine service calls and preventive equipment maintenance.

For more information call us at Clarke & Rush today @ (916) 609-2669 and ask for our Commercial HVAC division or connect with us online for an on-site appointment.

Attention Electric Water Heater Owners

Written by Clarke & Rush on January 31, 2018. Posted in Residential Plumbing.

As of January 1, 2018, strict new rules governing standards for water heater efficiency took effect.

What Does This Mean to You?

If you currently own an electric water heater bigger than 55 gallons you will not be able to replace it with the same size. There will no longer be electric water heaters over a 55 gallon capacity made.

If you want to replace your larger-size electric water heater (55 gallon capacity and higher), you should have already done it, as supplies will be non-existent after January 1, 2018.

There are several good substitutes for the 55-gallon and above water heaters out there, though. Here are our suggestions:

50 or 55-gallon water heaters can be installed with a mixing valve which will give you up to 10-15 gallons more of hot water
Install an 80 or 110-gallon Stainless Steel water heater (with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty)
Electric tankless water heaters are also an option, but the electric wiring and breaker may require upgrading.
Hybrid water heaters can also be installed that use 60% less energy. However, they must be installed in a room that has at least 800 square feet or in a garage, so there is enough “make up” air to operate properly.

If you have any questions regarding replacing your current electric water heater, contact the pros at Clarke & Rush for expert assistance and advice.

For over 50 years Clarke & Rush has delivered high quality plumbing services to our customers. From simple leak repairs to plumbing emergencies, our professional team can take care of your home. We are known for the consistent quality of our work that has built trust and confidence in Clarke & Rush.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Professional Repair

Written by Clarke & Rush on January 31, 2018. Posted in Residential Plumbing.

One of the most important appliances in a your home is the water heater. If the water heater is not functioning properly, it can make regular household activities difficult and even impossible. The best way for a homeowner to ensure that their hot water heater is always functioning properly is to be able to recognize when there is a problem so that it can be repaired before it breaks down completely. The sooner the homeowner can recognize that there is a problem, the sooner they can call a professional in water heater repair.

The Water is Not as Hot as Usual

If a homeowner notices that their water heater is not heating the water enough, they should call a professional in water heater repair. There could be a problem with the heating element or with the thermostat. It would take a professional to diagnose and repair the problem.

Rusty Hot Water

If the homeowner turns on the hot water and it comes out rusty, they should contact a professional immediately. The rust could be coming from the inside of the tank, which means it needs to be replaced. If the homeowner allows the problem to persist, the water heater can start to leak, which can result in a very damaging flood.

Rumbling Noises in the Water Heater

If a homeowner notices a rumbling sound coming from their water heater, they should contact a professional immediately. Over time, sediment can build up inside of the water tank. When the water heats up, the sediment can break up, creating a rumbling sound. When this happens, the inside of the tank would need to be cleaned.

Water Around the Water Tank

If a homeowner notices water around the water tank, it is a sign of a very serious problem. There could be a small leak or crack in the tank. It could also be a loose connection or fitting to the tank. Regardless of the reason, the homeowner should contact a professional immediately. The longer the problem persists, the worse the water damage will become.

Water heater problems can be very serious, and the repairs can be very expensive if the problem persists too long. If a homeowner notices any of the above problems, they should contact the professionals at Clarke and Rush.

Some Common Problems Requiring Water Heater Repair

Written by Clarke & Rush on January 31, 2018. Posted in Residential Plumbing.

With plummeting temperatures already upon us, it’s important to be sure that your home’s water heater is in good working condition. After all, nobody likes stepping in to an ice-cold shower in the middle of winter! Water heaters certainly do not last forever, but sometimes even older models can be persuaded into performing well for a few extra years with appropriate water heater maintenance and repair.

The most common issue addressed by our technicians is the inability to produce enough hot water. This seemingly obvious issue can be have a variety of underlying causes, so the best approach to rectifying it is to call in a professional for an evaluation. He or she will ensure that the pilot is lit and gas is turned on in gas heaters or that electrical heaters have an adequate power supply. The thermostat will be checked and reset or re-adjusted as necessary. Often this will solve the problem. If not, more complicated measures must be taken.

If strange noises are coming from the tank, it often indicates a buildup of sediment that can decrease the heater’s efficiency and ability to produce adequate heat. If left unchecked they can also contribute to corrosion and emit unpleasant odors. Some people suggest flushing the tank as part of a regular maintenance routine in order to avoid potentially costly damage. Should too much corrosion occur, it may even require the installation of a new water heater.

In addition to replacing broken heating elements and thermostats, checking pipe connections and pressure valves, and flushing the tank, a technician can also suggest ways to improve efficiency. Hot water pipes can often benefit from adding insulation, and sometimes older heaters use so much energy or gas that owners can actually save money in the long run by getting them replaced.

For home owners experiencing insufficient hot water production, now is the time to act. Water heater repair in Sacramento can prevent or reduce costly equipment replacements, but many common problems grow worse over time without proper maintenance and care. Even if the water heater is still working adequately, it may be a good idea to schedule a maintenance visit before winter hits. Contact Clarke and Rush to schedule an appointment with a repair technician or find more information.

Water Heaters- Repair or Replace?

Written by Clarke & Rush on January 31, 2018. Posted in Residential Plumbing.

There is not much worse than stepping into an ice-cold shower first thing in the morning, and though it will probably wake you up, making an emergency call to your plumber is no way to start a day. The big challenge is determining whether your water heater needs to be replaced entirely, or if it can be repaired. There are three factors you can evaluate to help you determine if you need water heater repair or a replacement. Those factors are age, condition, and your budget.

Age

The average lifespan for a water heater is 10-12 years, and how well said water heater has been maintained will have a big impact on its life-expectancy. Some simple routine maintenance like flushing the tank yearly, and periodic replacing on the anode rod inside of it will extend its life. Water heaters are pretty simple machines, with few parts, so any necessary repairs will likely be limited to the pressure relief valve, thermostat, heating element, or burner.

Condition

A leaking or ruptured water heater tank is usually not repairable, and will require a replacement. If your water heater has burst due to a faulty pressure relief valve, then there is little likelihood of it being repaired. The anode rod inside the water heater is prone to corrosion which weakens it. Regular replacement of these rodas can prevent a lot of common water heater issues.

We recommend testing the pressure relief valve occasionally. The best way to do this is to lift the valve up, then letting it snap back down. You should be able to see or hear water draining if the valve is working properly. If you do not hear or see water, turn the water heater off completely and contact a Clarke & Rush Plumber right away.

Budget

Repairing a water heater will almost always be less expensive than installing a new one. If your budget allows, however, most homeowners opt to save money and energy over time by installing a new, energy-efficient water heater. Installing a tankless water heater may lower your utility bills even more.

To learn more about whether you can opt for water heater repair instead of replacement, contact Clarke & Rush. We’ve proudly provided plumbing services for the Sacramento area for over 5 decades.

AC Maintenance

Written by Clarke & Rush on August 14, 2017. Posted in HVAC.

Air Conditioning Maintenance Contractor in Sacramento

Everyone knows they should clean the air filters on their heating and air conditioning units, but is it really worth it? There are so many tasks that must be accomplished around the home, no one wants to add anything to their never-ending to-do list unless it has some actual benefit. Changing your air filter is simple through the help of an air conditioning maintenance contractor in Sacramento.

Health

The air filter of an air conditioning unit is an important part of the unit. It serves as the first method of purifying air that enters your home and must be cleaned regularly to do its job effectively. Many people don’t realize just how much there is in the air that runs through these systems – countless pathogens, dust particles, and allergens that must be removed before entering the home. Due to the limited ventilation, if these particles are allowed to enter the home, they usually do not leave. When pathogens are allowed to sit undisturbed, they fester and multiply. Of all the many studies on air pollution, more than 67% show indoor air to be more polluted than outdoor.

To protect your home and family from breathing in this dirty air, it is important to have your heating and air conditioning units checked regularly by an air conditioning maintenance contractor in Sacramento. Between checks, it is simple to learn how to change your own air filter.

System Efficiency

Dirty air filters result in more work for your unit. Though you may not necessarily be able to feel a difference in air pressure, the effort the machine must go through to supply the same amount of air through a clogged filter is certainly elevated. A harder-working unit is a less efficient unit, resulting in many problems:

Increased costs – if your air conditioner or heater must work twice as hard to expel the same amount of air, you can anticipate significantly higher costs.
Wear and tear – when a unit isn’t working smoothly or must work with excessive force, this increases the chances of overheating and other damages. Less efficient units also have lower life spans, meaning expensive repairs and replacements occur more often.
Decreased output – a clogged air filter means it’s more difficult for treated air to escape the unit, which is the whole point! You may be less comfortable in your home because you can’t feel the treated air you’re paying for.

Changing Your Filter

Now that you’re convinced it’s an important task to take on, let’s learn how to do it! Remember, an air conditioning maintenance contractor in Sacramento is the best approach you can go in ensuring your air filter is changed properly. The frequency with which a filter should be changed depends on the exact filter being used, but generally a filter should be changed two or three times a year. It is very likely that there are several basic or “performance” filters available for your specific unit. It’s a good idea to search the web for reviews or to speak to an experienced air conditioning maintenance contractor in Sacramento to help you choose which filter is best for your needs. Be sure you buy the correct size! A filter that does not properly fit will not properly filter.

Steps to replacing your filter:

Be sure the unit is off.
Locate the filter inside the unit.
Use a cloth or paper towel to give the filter area and surrounding equipment surfaces a nice wipe-down.

Fit the new filter into place by matching the direction of arrows on the filter and on the filter frame.
If you’re not ready to completely replace your filter and you use one that is specified as reusable, cleaning the air filter is also simple:

Remove dirty filter.
Clean the filter frame and surrounding areas with a cloth or paper towel.
Rinse the filter with a hose.
Soak the filter or scrub with a solution of water and bacteria – this helps prevent any bacteria from growing on your filter.
Set the filter out to dry – do not use your unit at this time! It can cause damage by pulling the incorrect amount of air through the unit.
Reinsert the filter into the unit once it is completely dry.

Call an Air Conditioning Maintenance Contractor in Sacramento for Air Filter Changing Needs

Air conditioning is an absolute must in the Sacramento heat. As a family owned business with over 50 years of experience, you can trust Clarke & Rush to fulfill all your air conditioning needs. If you need help changing your filter, make sure to give us a call and speak to an air conditioning maintenance contractor in Sacramento.

3 Reasons to Keep Your Air Ducts Clean

Written by Clarke & Rush on August 7, 2016. Posted in Residential HVAC.

Air ducts are one of the main reasons why your home stays fresh and at a desired temperature, and yet many homeowners forget to clean them. While air duct cleaning is not necessary as often as your other routine home cleaning chores, it is something that should not be ignored. We are the top air duct cleaning contractor Sacramento has and we are just a phone call away. Call us on (916)609-2669 now.

If you want your Sacramento home to have clean air as you run your heating and air conditioning systems, keep your ducts cleaned. Consider the following three reasons to add air duct cleaning to your spring cleaning list.

Allergies & Illness: If you or your family members suffer allergies or have unusual and unexplained illnesses, cleaning your air ducts should be a top priority. Air ducts are traps for dust, mold, and dirt build-up. Cleaning out your air ducts will eliminate allergens and could improve your health. If you let your air ducts go untouched, your family could develop allergies and unwanted illnesses.
Heating & Air Conditioning Efficiency: When your air ducts are dust-, mold-, and dirt-free, your furnace and air conditioning will function much more efficiently. Thick layers of dust and debris slow the travel of heated and conditioned air through your ducts. If air travel is slowed, your heating system and air conditioning will have to work harder. Save your HVAC, clean your ducts!
Overall Air Quality & Smell: Even if you don’t currently suffer from allergies or illnesses, air duct cleanings are vital to keeping the air in your home clean and smelling fresh. Dust, dirt, mold, mildew, rodent droppings, pollen, and pet dander are commonly found in air ducts. If your air ducts are not cleaned regularly, then these particles will be released into your home and will smell.

Contact Clarke & Rush for all of your Sacramento air conditioning and heating system needs. For over four decades, we have been focusing on all aspects of heating and cooling to improve our customers’ lives. You will be happy with our professionalism and terrific customer service. Find our online contact form here.