Spring is in the air in Phoenix and that means the temperature is rising, plants are blooming, and pollen is in the air. With the onset of spring come seasonal allergies and in the U.S. there are approximately 50 million seasonal allergy sufferers. For these people, spring can be a miserable time of year.

Reduce allergens in your home using these 6 tips

• Spend less time outdoors when pollen counts are high – this lessens the amount of pollen allergen you inhale and it reduces symptoms.
• Keep windows closed during pollen season and use central air conditioning
• Use high quality air filters. Change filters monthly, as they help reduce microscopic particles and indoor allergens.
• Vacuum, sweep, and dust areas around the indoor vents to reduce allergens in your system.
• Watch for signs of mold as it thrives in moist and humid areas.
• Spring Air Conditioning Maintenance from a licensed professional contractor is one of the best ways to significantly reduce the airborne allergens in your home and office. This helps eliminate particles like dust mites, pet dander, mold, insect debris, and more. Breathe better with AC Maintenance recommended each spring and fall for your best results.

Have a healthy and happy spring!

The holiday season is certainly the busiest travel time of the year. Since so many leave home to visit family, friends or take a vacation, we would like to provide helpful tips for keeping your home safe and operating efficiently during your time away.

TIPS FOR YOUR HOME:

HOME AUTOMATION – With a home automation system, your travels can be much easier than in times past, you can save energy too. It is more convenient and efficient to control lighting, AC/heating, door locks, garage door, window coverings, and more – and it’s all at your fingertips. You can have direct control of your home from your smart device. It’s worth checking into a system like this.

LIGHTS ON – An automatic timer or use of a home automation system to turn lights on and off while you’re gone can save energy, and provide an indication that someone is at home.

WATER HEATER – The water heater is often overlooked, and you can save energy by turning it to its lowest setting while gone. Some like to shut off the water at the meter until they return home.

HEATING AND COOLING – When it comes to your heating and cooling system, set your thermostat at 55 f or 85 f, depending on the season, to keep the house maintained. There’s no reason to warm or cool a house when no one is home.

UNPLUG – Walk through your house and unplug all electronics, appliances, and garage door openers that do not need to be on while you’re gone. This will save $$ on your energy bill and help protect against potential fire damage. Avoid the “energy vampires” that zap energy when appliances, lamps, and other electronics are plugged in when they don’t need to be.

These tips can help prevent fire hazards, water damage, help protect your home and valuables – and save on utility costs.

Happy Travels!

From Marlin Services, we wish you a wonderful holiday with family and friends!
Count on us for your residential, commercial, or new construction plumbing services.
Call us anytime at 602-470-1040. We are here for you 24/7.

Is your Heating system ready for fall/winter? Tune-ups are recommended twice per year on your heating/cooling system, in spring and fall. Regular maintenance of your system helps:

• Prepare your home for seasonal change
• Ensures AC/Heating equipment performs at it’s best
• Boosts energy savings
• Helps maintain the highest level of comfort for you and your family

AC/Heating system tune-ups help prevent costly repairs and early identification and repair of minor issues before they turn into big problems. Additionally, they extend the life of the unit, and many homeowners don’t realize the manufacturer warranty could become invalid if the unit is not serviced twice per year.

Seasonal maintenance is worth the small investment for your comfort, the best equipment performance, and longevity of your system. Have the professionals at Marlin Services tune up your heating/cooling system now that the weather has cooled down. Take care of your heating and cooling system, and it takes care of you.

The Marlin Protection Plan is a great solution
when it comes to proper equipment maintenance.

Count on us for your AC/Heating and Plumbing services
Call us at: 602-470-1040. We are here for you 24/7.

World Plumbing Day is March 11^th every year!

Many of us don’t think much beyond our own plumbing needs and likely do not spend a lot of time thinking about plumbing at all. World Plumbing Day, however, really brings forward all the plumbing and water issues we have globally. Again, it’s not something we think about very much but when you hear the statistics about available clean and healthy drinking water globally, they are a bit startling.

Did you know?

• China has 20% of the world’s population, yet has only 7% of the world’s fresh drinking water.
• 39% of the water in China’s rivers are considered to be too toxic to drink.
• 1/3 of Spain is at risk of turning into desert as a result of poor water management.
• India lacks a sustainable water management system and only has 20 years until its aquifers reach what will be considered critical condition.
• More than 76% of California is currently in extreme drought.
• Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada are also facing extreme droughts in 56%-87% of the state.
• 750 million people (approx.. 1 in 9) lack access to safe water globally.
• 5 billion people (approx. 1 in 3) don’t have access to improved sanitation.

The importance of professional plumbers is clear and it is important globally. Water conservation and healthy, safe water is vital in the coming years and our plumbers play a big role in this. Wish your plumber a HAPPY WORLD PLUMBING DAY!

For some additional information on World Plumbing Day and the World Plumbing Council and their mission. 

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/WorldPlumbingDay

Video message from the Chairman of the World Plumbing Council:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkBfuDHfNc4?rel=0]

Video: The Water Crisis is Here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLMn2P5q1ho&feature=youtu.be

Water.org
http://water.org/water-crisis/one-billion-affected/

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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We are all so busy these days. Laundry is something that seems to keep piling up with no end in sight. We want to get it done as quickly as possible and get in and out of the laundry room so we can enjoy the sunshine of Arizona. It’s easy to become complacent and overlook simple steps which keep things running smoothly in the laundry, conserve energy and keep your family safe. Sometimes these simple steps seem so minor, we feel like they cannot really make a big difference in our lives. But they really do help and can prevent trouble prematurely, like having to replace your washer and dryer earlier than expected. 

• Run the washing machine only when it has a full load.
• Inspect washing machine hoses for signs of wear. Replace rubber hoses with stainless steel braided hoses. (Available from your Marlin Service Tech.) They last longer and are resistant to leaks and cracks.
• Ensure that all drains have strainers to keep hair, soap and debris from entering and clogging the drain lines.
• Use a strainer on your washing machine hose. Marlin has strainers specially designed to fit laundry hoses.
• Check exposed pipes under sinks for signs of leaks.
• Apply an enzyme drain cleaner (available from Marlin Services) to laundry drain lines once each month to keep lint and detergent scum from building up and causing clogs.
• To prevent sewer gases from backing up into your home through your laundry sink drain or other infrequently used drains, periodically pour a bucket of water down the drain to keep the trap seal full.
• Install a flood alarm to warn of water from the washing machine or water heater leaking from the appliance or overflowing sinks.
• Conserve energy and prevent scalding by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120 degrees Fahrenheit or medium setting on older models.
• Consider replacing a worn out washing machine with a more efficient front-load model.
• Never store flammable liquids such as gasoline, adhesives or solvents near the water heater, furnace or other gas-fired appliance as they may ignite.

You don’t want to be in the market for a new washer and dryer very often. The average life span is somewhere between 12 and 13 years. Follow these simple tips and maybe you can extend the life of these appliances even longer.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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Water conservation is a “hot” topic these days, as many states in the U.S. face water shortages. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has worked hard over the past couple of years to instill the belief in everyone that we need to take conserving water seriously. They have developed strategies and driven federal water efficiency requirements to get people to make water conservation a way of life.

Did you know the population of the United States has doubled over the past 50 years? And our need and use of water during this same period of time has tripled! (Source: EPA)

In past blog posts and social media posts, we have talked about leaky faucets and leaking toilets and it’s always shocking to hear how much water is wasted in the average household every year. That wasted water translates to two very important things – wasted resources that are already becoming scarce and higher water bills.

Here are some great plumbing and water conservation tips that will help you do your part in conserving water and helping our country stay ahead of the curve:

• Don’t use excessive amounts of detergents, bleach or chemicals that may kill the natural bacteria in your septic system.
• Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
• To prevent excessive watering of your lawn in the summertime, purchase an inexpensive spring-loaded timer which attaches directly to your outside faucet. This will prevent overwatering in case you forget to shut off the sprinkler.
• Water pressure in your home above 60 pounds per square inch is harmful to your plumbing system and will cause excessive water usage. Contact Marlin and schedule a twelve point plumbing inspection check which includes a system pressure test. If it exceeds 60 pounds, consider installing a pressure reducing valve that will limit the water pressure within your home.
• Check your water meter during a period of time when no water is being used. Make a note of the meter reading and check it 8 to 10 hours later. If the meter has moved, there is an indication that you may have an undetected water leak, which should be corrected.
• Leaky toilets consume more than 40% of your total water usage. Installation of a new toilet flapper and fill valve will keep your toilet running efficiently.
• Conserve energy by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120°F or medium setting on older models.
• Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing full spray action at low or high water pressures.
• A leaky faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 8 gallons a day. That’s 3,000 gallons per year!

These all are very simple steps on the road to water conservation. Everyone can do it!

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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The holiday season is here. We have two more weeks of friends and family coming to visit during the Christmas season and helping to ring in 2015 on New Year’s Eve. There are family dinners and parties still to come. Lots of fun. Lots of people. Lots of time in your home.

Be ready with a well-running heating system. You do not want to have a heating or air conditioning emergency with a full house or in the middle of a holiday party.

Here are some things to be aware of, which will help keep things running smoothly:

• Regular Maintenance Check-Up – If you haven’t done so already, call Marlin Services for your regular preventive maintenance and inspection of your heating system to make sure it is in good working order.
• Replace Your Furnace Filters – As we always say, replace your filters each month. This will allow your furnace to breathe easier which helps the system work most efficiently.

• Dust – By dusting, there will be less dust particles traveling through your home’s ductwork and spreading throughout your home. Be sure to wipe all exposed surfaces with a dry rag.
• Set Your Programmable Thermostat – Turn down your heat during times that you are not at home (like during the work and school day) and while you are sleeping at night. During times you are at home and awake, set the temperature back up to comfortable level.

• Open and Unblock All Heating Vents – Be sure all heating vents are open and unobstructed by furniture, gift boxes, and Christmas trees and decorations for example.
• Check for Leaks – Check all areas that are known for leaks in homes. You want to check around all doors and windows to see if you feel a draft. Also check electric wall plugs and switches. All can allow cold air into your home. Weather-stripping, caulk and pre-cut foam gaskets for switch plates will all help prevent leaks.
• Turn the Heat Down – With the oven and stove going “overtime” during the holidays, take advantage of the heat generated in your home during this time. No need to run unnecessary heat if you can avoid it.

These are simple steps and can make a big difference in your holidays and keep your family time and friend’s time worry-free.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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In the case of an emergency like a leaking faucet or a bursting pipe in the bathroom or kitchen, you can turn the water valves to stop the flow of water which stops the water from getting all over the house. It is also a good idea to teach children, who are old enough to stay home by themselves, where the valves are located.

Each sink in your house has a water valve. There are water valves for the toilets in your house as well. And your washing machine also has water valves. The question is – do you know where they are located should you need to turn them off in an emergency?

We are showing you the individual water valves for the sinks, toilets and washing machine. There is a main house valve, when you need to turn the water off in the entire house. However, shutting off these valves, directly connected to the fixture will give you time to call a professional plumber and get him to your house to fix the problem.

When turning off these water valves, you want to turn clockwise (or to the right). When turning the valves back on, turn counter clockwise (or to the left). Typically newer valves will require only a ¼ turn to close however some valves will require several turns to close. Unfortunately some of the older valves requiring several turns have a high failure rate and may not actually stop the flow of water. It is recommended that these valves be replaced with a ¼ turn valve.

Under the Kitchen Sink

Here are a couple of photos that show 2 different types of turn-off valves. This will help you recognize them, if you have one or the other. They are easy to locate when you look in the cabinet under the sink.

Under the Bathroom Sink

As with the kitchen sink, they are easy to locate in the bathroom as well. These samples are open, pedestal type sinks but when there is a cabinet in the bathroom the valves are still easily identifiable if you need to turn off the water quickly.

Washing Machine Water Valves

A burst washing machine hose can discharge 500 gallons of water in one hour, which will cause flooding problems quickly. The water valves are easy to locate. It may be behind the washing machine or it can be located above the washer. See the two samples below.

Toilet Water Valves

They are located right behind the toilet. You will have to get down on hands and knees to reach it but it is easy to find.

Hopefully you will not have an emergency with leaking faucets or burst pipes, but if you do, you know where to find the valves to turn off the water.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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One word says it all – maintenance. In order to keep your washer and dryer running as well as it should be, and to get the most out of your purchase, proper and regular maintenance is key. It is also what will help you avert some costly “adventures” such as flooding and fire.

It’s easy to forget about your washer and dryer because they are usually tucked away in the back of the house somewhere, out of site and out of mind. And there are certain times of the year, like the recent back-to-school time, where your appliances get a real good workout. Lots of sports uniforms, dance clothing, sweatshirts, sweaters, sweatpants and school clothing – all need a good washing.

Some simple steps you can take to care for your washer and dryer:

• Keep the washer door open after every load – it allows the moisture inside the drum of the washing machine to evaporate.
• Set the water level at the proper setting for the amount of clothes being washed – it is hard on a washer’s motorized components when not at the correct setting.
• Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for the amount and type of detergent you should be using – you can actually damage some models by using the premeasured pods.
• Empty clothing pockets – items left in pockets have the potential to damage the machine’s pump.
• Don’t overload your washer and dryer – it will cause your appliances to perform inefficiently. The right size loads will extend the life of the motor and use less energy.
• Check the hoses connected to your washing machine – if it’s bent and your washing machine is older, you may want to replace those hoses (recommended every five years) to prevent a leak which can cause a flood. Check for tight fittings, bulges, cracks, and leaks. Tighten loose fittings. Replace damaged hoses.
• Replace the washer’s rubber hoses – steel-jacketed hoses won’t split open and are available from Marlin.
• Replace vinyl dryer exhaust ducts with metal ductwork – it will help to reduce fire hazards.
• Regularly inspect visually the dryer exhaust duct – you are looking for crimps, obstructions, and unnecessary bends.
• Clean out the lint filter – before (or after) every dryer load.
• Wash the lint filter with detergent every 3 months – it will help remove invisible chemical residues that can restrict airflow.

Very much like a car, bike, a musical instrument or your air conditioning system, if you take care of your washer and dryer it will work efficiently and well and have a longer life. Thoughtful maintenance will go a long way in saving you money during the life of your appliances.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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This is a question we get quite often. The answer is not a quick yes or no, however. There are several good reasons you should opt to repair you’re A/C system. There are also several good reasons why replacing your system makes good sense, as well. We have discussed this in the past, in both our blog and in our social media posts. It is well worth repeating. Of course, if you have any questions at all about this topic, call us. We are happy to answer all questions!

Let’s look at the answers, side-by-side. This should be helpful to you.

A couple of other things to consider:

If your unit is less than five years old there’s a good chance that the parts will be covered under warranty.

Although you may have a unit that has needed no repair or minimal repair for the past 10 years, if you are starting to see higher energy bills, it just may make sense to replace the unit. The A/C systems available today are much more energy efficient and these systems did not exist 10 years ago.

Check out this list from ENERGYSTAR.GOV, which provides good information on reasons to replace:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers

Check out the Home Energy Yardstick to assess your annual home energy usage:
https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=HOME_ENERGY_YARDSTICK.showGetStarted

Replacing an A/C is never fun or on top of anyone’s list of things you enjoy purchasing. Arizona’s hot summers make it necessary to think ahead and be prepared with a well operating system. If you are unsure what to do, ask us! We are happy to help.

For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040

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