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Sarasota & Manatee County, FL

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Can You Replace An Air Conditioner Yourself?

Professional AC replacement in Sarasota

Can You Replace An Air Conditioner Yourself?

We know just how hot the summers can get around here and we would love to help you stay cool this summer. If you’ve been thinking about getting a new air conditioner, this is the perfect season to make that purchase. But don’t try to install it yourself, as that is a job that is best left up to the experts.

Why AC Replacement is Not DIY

Putting in a new air conditioning unit is a very technical process. That’s why there are HVAC technicians who dedicate their careers to learning this trade who you can hire to do a premium job. When you have the pros at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air handle your AC replacement, you don’t have to worry about if its done right or if any wiring got messed up.

Signs You Need A New AC Unit

If you’re not sure that the time is right for you, here are some things to think about when considering a new AC.

  • How much does your AC cost to maintain? If your air conditioner needs repairs every month or so, even if they are small ones, it may be time to replace it. It could save you in the long run!
  • How old is your AC? Units older than 10-15 years probably cost more to run than newer ones, and they are also more likely to die on you. Older units also used outdated coolant that you can’t replace to make them cool more efficiently.
  • Can you stay cool at home? If you remember being hot last summer no matter how far you cranked down the AC, you may need a new unit to stay comfortable this year.

Our expert technicians from Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air would love to help you choose your new air conditioner. They will also order it, make sure it gets delivered properly, and install your AC according to the manufacturer’s instructions. That way, you can be sure the job was done well. We can also talk to you about whether a new AC is the right choice for you this summer.

How Long Will AC Units Last?

How Long Will AC Units Last?

When your Sarasota air conditioning just stops working, it’s usually pretty clear that you need a new one. However, most units will let you know that they are struggling before they stop working entirely. If you can read the signs, you can replace it before it dies entirely. That way, you never have to be uncomfortable in your home.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Here are some signs that you might need an AC replacement in Sarasota.

Your Sarasota Air Conditioning is Old

Older air conditioners run less efficiently than newer ones. Even if they are working well, they weren’t designed to save you money like the newer ones are. Since most systems were only designed to last for 10-15 years, anything older than that might be costing you more than you know in utilities. These systems can also be harder and more expensive to repair, especially with the new legislation surrounding coolants. Replacing it when it breaks may be your only option, or a better option if you’re constantly calling for AC repair in Sarasota.

However, besides age, there are other reasons why we recommend having your AC replaced and getting a new one installed.

Using an AC in Sarasota

You Call for AC Repair in Sarasota…A Lot

Many air conditioners require repair every now and then. If, however, you are calling more often than you’d like, then it’s probably time to consider a new unit. When you know your HVAC tech by name because he’s come out so many times, it might be more economical to replace the current air conditioner rather than to continue spending money on AC repair in Sarasota.

Your Utility Bills Keep Going Up

If your electricity seems high and it just keeps climbing, especially during those hot summer months, then it might be time for an AC replacement in Sarasota. Units that aren’t functioning well will have to run longer and work harder than air conditioners that are in good working order. This means that they will be more expensive to run. Investing in a new unit could save you money on electricity.

Your Home isn’t Cool Enough

Do you feel hot at home, no matter what you do? Do you feel like your Sarasota air conditioning runs and runs but you never, ever get comfortable? Your air conditioner might be too small for your home, or it may be unable to cool enough air to keep the house as cool as it used to. No matter the cause, having an AC installation in Sarasota that’s properly sized for your home can get you cool again.

If you’re ready to hear more about how new Sarasota air conditioning could benefit you and your family, give us a call at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air. We’d be happy to come out, examine your old unit, and help you find a new air conditioner that will keep you cool for many years to come.

How Often Do You Need Drain Cleaning?

Drain cleaning in Bird Key

How Often Do You Need Drain Cleaning?

It can be hard to say how often one should have drain cleaning done in Sarasota. Some people go a long time without drain problems while others have older plumbing and deal with issues more often. There are times when you need a pro to work on your drains, and it depends on the severity of the issue. If you have been having problems for a while, call your local plumbers now!

Call us as soon as you notice the following problems to schedule your professional drain cleaning in Sarasota soon!

Your Water Won’t Drain

There’s a big difference between a slow drain and one that won’t drain at all. If you notice standing water anywhere in your home and it doesn’t move over a period of several hours, it’s time to call in the professional Sarasota plumbers from Wimpy’s. We’ll find out where your drain is blocked and remove the blockage so your water and waste can flow freely once again!

Your Toilets Overflow

Everyone experiences an overflowing toilet now and then but you shouldn’t be facing these problems regularly. If your toilets are overflowing often (once a week or more), give us a call. Our plumbers will get to the bottom of the problem and make sure there’s not a larger drain issue going on somewhere.

Unusual Smells

Your drains should not smell. Every once in awhile, you may get some rotting hair or food waste that causes problems. However, really raunchy smells usually mean there’s a significant clog somewhere. If it smells like sewage, that’s an even bigger sign that you need a professional drain or sewer cleaning in Sarasota fast!

Frequent Clogs

Clogs happen, but they shouldn’t happen that often. If you have one every day, or even one every week, call in a plumber to get to the bottom of the problem. If you have several drains clogging at once, especially across your home, call ASAP. This can indicate a sewer clog that needs to be removed via hydro jetting before you get sewage backing up into your home.

Water Where You Don’t Expect It

Spills happen but backups shouldn’t. If you end up with standing water in your home or in your yard, call your Sarasota plumbers at Wimpy’s right away. You also shouldn’t have unusual water patterns, like a shower that gets water in it whenever your washing machine drains. If this is happening, you need professional drain cleaning now!

Call our Sarasota plumbing company at the first sign of a problem and we’ll fix your drains fast. It’s our specialty here at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air so we have the expertise you need!

How To Save Money On Sarasota Air Conditioning Bills

How To Save Money On Sarasota Air Conditioning Bills

Do you want to be able to rely on your Sarasota air conditioning all summer long? Of course you do! There are a few things you can do to make sure your AC is ready for those long, hot Florida days.

save money on ac bills

When you check on your AC system before the summer season, you lower your chances of a pricey AC repair in Sarasota during the hottest days and of having to spend money on repairs, or even a replacement unit.

Follow these friendly tips from Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air to have your air conditioning system working in the most efficient and cost effective way whenever you need it!

Test Out Your Air Conditioning Unit

The easiest way to see if your Sarasota AC is in good shape is to simply turn it on and test it out! As previously mentioned, we recommend doing this before the real heat kicks in so you have plenty of time should you need a repair or replacement. Check to see:

  • That your air conditioner turns on
  • That your air conditioner stays on
  • That your air conditioner cools your home to the temperature on the thermostat
  • That your air conditioner doesn’t make unusual noises
  • That your air conditioner seems to be running the way you remember it running last year

If there are any problems, turn off the power right away and give us a call at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air for air conditioning repair in Sarasota County as soon as possible.

Yearly AC Service in Sarasota FL

Call in our team of AC specialists annually to for Sarasota air conditioning maintenance and check it out before the summer. We’ll come to your home and:

  • Visually inspect your entire HVAC system
  • Test each part of your air conditioner
  • Change the AC filter
  • Clean out your air conditioner

You can learn more about the many benefits of AC maintenance here!

Your Sarasota Air Conditioning Company

By checking on your air conditioning and having a professional attend to it each year, you can save time and money by making your AC run efficiently and finding problems before they become catastrophic. The Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air team can help you get the cool air you need and want this summer. Call us for assistance today!

Call Now to Save Money on Your AC Bills!

Benefits Of Air Conditioning Maintenance

Benefits Of Air Conditioning Maintenance

Did you know that getting an air conditioning system tune-up can help you in a variety of ways?

Many homeowners don’t think about getting air conditioning maintenance done or they aren’t sure if the service really offers them any benefits.

Read on to learn why Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air suggests an AC tune-up at least once every year!

Get Even Cooler at Home

You want to stay as cool as possible at home, and AC maintenance will help you do that. We’ll make sure your AC unit is running as efficiently as possible so it can effectively cool your whole home. If you have certain rooms that never get cool, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for. Get more comfortable at home than you’ve ever been before!

Avoid Air Conditioner Wear & Tear

When your air conditioner is running inefficiently, it has to work harder to keep you cool. Working hard and straining can cause wear and tear, which can mean that you need more frequent AC repairs or that you have to replace your AC sooner than you might have expected to. Save yourself these hassles by getting an air conditioning tune-up each year.

Save Energy

When we clean out your air conditioner during an AC tune-up, we remove dust and debris that hamper the efficiency of your unit. When this is gone, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to effectively cool the interior of the property. You can stay cool while using less energy when you get regular AC maintenance.

Save Money

When your AC works efficiently, you’re using less energy and therefore your utility bills will be lower! A well-maintained system also lasts longer, so you will get more years out of the AC before having to spend money on a new one. Save money and add years to the life of your air conditioner by calling for an AC unit tune-up today!

Air Conditioning Experts in Sarasota and Beyond

Contact us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air with any questions you might have about air conditioning maintenance, or to schedule yours today. We’ll get to you soon and make sure your AC system is running well so it can keep you cool this summer!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Maintenance!

When Should You Tune-Up Your AC?

When Should You Tune-Up Your AC?

We know that you need to count on your air conditioner all summer long to stay cool. Did you know that air conditioner maintenance can help keep your AC running efficiently the entire year? A simple tune-up can help to avoid problems and troubleshoot issues before your air conditioner stops working altogether.

Here are a few signs that it’s time to give Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air a call and have your AC tuned up.

ac tune up sarasota fl - Asian family eating dinner

If it’s been 1+ year since the last tune-up

Air conditioning maintenance should be done once a year. If you can’t remember the last time a technician looked at your AC, or you know it was quite some time ago, it’s time for a tune-up. We can take a look at the AC unit, let you know if anything is not working right, and perform regular cleaning, so your unit will run strong all summer long.

If your AC never turns off

Ideally, your air conditioner should run for a while, then turn off when the property reaches the desired temperature. If your unit just continuously runs all the time, then it isn’t operating as efficiently as it should. Give us a call, and we’ll come figure out what has gone wrong. It’s quite possible that some simple, routine air conditioning maintenance will get things going again soon.

If your AC blows lukewarm air

Is the air your unit blows warm, or not as cold as you would like? This means it needs some love and care from a technician. Our staff will come out, perform the required maintenance and cleaning, and see if that takes care of the problem. Many times, all you need is a clean filter or to have the system cleaned out to get the air colder again.

If your AC is over 10 years old

Older air conditioners should receive more regular maintenance to help them stay running well. Cleaning them up and making sure everything is up to the manufacturer’s standards can help the system to cool your space better help it last longer. This is because AC tune-ups minimize wear and tear and catch problems before they become catastrophic.

Sarasota Air Conditioning Specialists

When you’re ready to tune-up your AC, give us a call at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air. Our team will come out at a convenient time, take a look at your system, and perform any required maintenance to make sure you stay cool!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Help!

How to Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer

How to Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer

woman making sure air conditioner is ready for summer

You want to be able to rely on your air conditioner in Sarasota all summer long, if not all year long! There are a few things you can do to make sure your AC unit will work well whenever you go to use it during the hotter months of the year.
By doing a few simple steps to check out your air conditioner, you can lower your chances of a breakdown during the hottest days when you need it most.

Test Out Your Air Conditioner

Before summer officially starts, test your AC system to make sure everything is working. Specifically, check to see:

  • That it turns on
  • That it stays on
  • That it cools your property to the temperature on the thermostat
  • That it doesn’t make unusual noises
  • That it seems to be running as normal

If there are any problems, reach out to an air conditioning professional like those on the Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air team. We can come out and figure out what is wrong, then get your air conditioning repairs done as soon as possible, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

AC Maintenance IS KEY

One way to ensure that your air conditioning system is going to operate optimally is to have an HVAC expert perform yearly air conditioning maintenance. Call in our team of cooling specialists to tune up your air conditioner and check it out before the start of the summer. We’ll come to your property and:

  • Test each part of your air conditioner
  • Change your A/C filter
  • Clean out your air conditioner
  • Visually inspect your entire HVAC system

Make Sure Your AC Stays Working!

Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air is here to help you stay cool and comfortable at your property in Sarasota and beyond. Follow our tips to prepare your air conditioner for the summer months, and if you need any extra assistance, the Wimpy’s team is here to help!

Call Now for Air Conditioning Help!

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

how to improve indoor air quality in sarsota

Do you worry about indoor air pollution in Sarasota or the surrounding area? Do you want to improve the indoor air quality in your home but you’re not sure how? Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air has you covered!

We’ve compiled a list of a few ways you can quickly make sure the air you are breathing is not dangerous or putting you at risk. Read on, or give us a call for more information about how to improve your indoor air quality!

Minimize Pollution Sources

If there are sources of indoor air pollution in your home, block them off to mitigate their effect on your air quality. If you know there’s asbestos in your house, seal that area up or close it off completely until you can remove the problem. If you have a gas stove or a fireplace, turn them down as far as they go to minimize their effects.

Clean Your HVAC System

Keeping as much dust and debris out of your HVAC system as possible will also keep that dust and debris out of your home. Get a professional to do the job to make sure you access all possible sources of indoor air pollution and remove them.

Use A HEPA Air Filter

A HEPA air filter will remove more pollutants from the air than a regular one. Use the highest-rated filter your system can handle. If you’re not sure what that is, one of our experts can examine the system and tell you which kind will keep your HVAC system running well.

UV Light Air Filtration

A UV light filtration system will kill any viruses, bacteria, or mold spores that might get into your HVAC system. All of the air that comes in will pass through this filter, so it will improve your indoor air quality significantly.

Call Us For More Sarasota Air Quality Help

If you have a specific type of indoor air pollution that you’re concerned about eliminating or you’re not sure how to improve air quality on your own, call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air today. We’ll work with you to get you the best solutions for your home!

Call Now to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality!

Common Water Heater Problems & How to Prevent Them

plumber repairing common water heater problems

Common Water Heater Problems & How to Prevent Them

Are you worried about the condition of your hot water heater? Maybe it’s getting old or just not working the way you need it to. Below are some common water heater problems our Sarasota plumbers see that mean your unit needs some TLC, professional water heater repair or it might need to be replaced with a newer, more reliable unit.

1) No Hot Water

Are you running out of hot water more quickly than you were before? It could be because you’re spending more time at home, have more people in your household, or some other reason, but chances are, your hot water heater is the source of the problem. If you have less hot water than you used to, it’s likely time to replace your water heater.

2) Water is too cold

If your water doesn’t get as hot as it used to, or as hot as you need it to, there’s a problem with your water heater. Before calling a plumber, check to make sure that the temperature control switch on the front of the heating unit didn’t get turned down. Sometimes just bumping the heater can throw things off and make your water colder. If that’s not the issue, we recommend calling in a water heater expert, like the ones you can find at Wimpy’s! 

3) water heater is leaking

If you notice dried water marks or puddles of water around your water heater, you have a leak and it needs to be addressed right away. Call us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air and we’ll get to you ASAP.

How to Take Care of Your Hot Water Heater

Regular water heater maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your appliance. Spending just several minutes on your water heater a few times per year can mean the difference between having your hot water heater last for a long time and replacing it more frequently.

Here are some simple things you can do to maintain your water heater and keep it running as efficiently as possible:

  • Maintain clearance: Most water heaters need about 2 feet of clearance on all sides, unless otherwise indicated in your owner’s manual.
  • Check the temperature settings: 120 is the recommended setting, and you’ll save about 5% in heating costs for every 10 degrees that you turn it down. As mentioned above, it’s possible for this to get bumped so make sure it’s where you want it! 
  • Test the temperature release valve: Discharge it 3-5 times, then keep an eye out for leaks in and around it. If it’s leaking, call a plumber!
  • Drain your water heater: You only need to drain ¼-⅓ of the tank a few times a year to remove any sediment or other debris. Read our How to Drain a Water Heater post for a full walkthrough!

Sarasota Water Heater Help

If you’re experiencing any of those common water heater problems we outline above or need help maintaining your water heater in Sarasota or the surrounding area, reach out to us at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air. We’d be happy to show you what needs to be done or perform the water heater maintenance for you. Give us a call today!

Call Now for Water Heater Help!

How to Drain a Water Heater

How to Drain a Water Heater

Maintenance plays an essential role in making sure that your plumbing system is working well and is running as efficiently as possible. Your hot water heater is an important piece of this puzzle. Regular water heater maintenance, like flushing the appliance, can also help increase the longevity of your system. This means you’ll require fewer repairs and go longer without having to replace anything.

plumber demonstrating how to drain a water heater in sarasota fl

We’ve already talked about what you need to know about draining your water heater, and in this post, we’ll go over exactly how to do it. It’s a fairly simple process that is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Follow our guidelines below to learn how to drain a hot water heater properly!

1. Flush Out the Water Heater

Connect a hose to the appliance’s drain valve, then open it and let the water heater flush out. If there is a good deal of sediment coming from it, repeat this process again.

2. Turn Off the Water Heater

Turn off the water heater by flipping the breaker or switching the gas to “Pilot”, and turn off the water supply too.

3. Open Up the Drain Valve

Place the hose over a bucket or a floor drain. Open the valve and twist the hot water pipe that is located at the top of the tank until water comes out.

4. Drain the Tank

Flip the water flow back on and allow it to run for about 10 to 20 seconds. Now, open the drain valve again and let that water flush out of the tank. Continue doing this step until there is no more sediment in the water that’s draining.

5. Refill the Water Heater

Close the drain valve and take the hose off of it. Turn on the water supply to the water heater. Turn on a hot water tap somewhere in the property, and as soon as the air is out and water starts flowing, turn it off.

6. Turn the Water Heater Back On

Turn on the pilot light, gas, or electricity again. Give the water heater about an hour to heat back up fully.

7. Test the Drain Valve

Make sure there are not any leaks around the drain valve. If there are, make sure that the valve is closed fully. If that doesn’t fix the leaking, try capping the valve or having it replaced.

Wimpy’s is Here to Help Drain Your Water Heater

Make sure that you stay on top of the maintenance for your property’s water heater. It is an easy process that will provide you with plenty of peace of mind. If you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, give the team at Wimpy’s Plumbing & Air a call. We can also answer any questions you may have about water heaters!

Call Now for Water Heater Help!

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