It’s The Middle of May

For Colorado that means rain, hail, sun and snow. Are you wondering what the crazy weather means for your sprinkler and AC unit?

Sprinkler damage

If you’ve started to water your landscape, the cold overnight low temperatures can cause damage in your sprinkler system or spigots. If you’re still watering with a hose, be sure to disconnect your hose from the spigot after you’re done watering.

What if you’ve already turned on your sprinkler system? Although the temperatures will get below freezing, it won’t be for a prolonged period of time so your underground pipes will be okay, however it’s worthwhile to take precautions for your above ground exposed pipes by covering them with insulation or blankets and to even drain your backflow preventer (vacuum breaker). Taking these extra precautions can prevent expensive repairs in the future.

Hail damage to AC units

Homeowners who were battered by the severe storms which moved through our area should be concerned about possible damage to their A/C unit.

Units that have been severely damaged by hail may fail to work entirely. Those which suffered less damage may continue to operate, but won’t do so properly or efficiently.
Homeowners should inspect the outdoor portion of their cooling system after any severe storm. Damage to the equipment will usually be obvious; if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call Brothers for an inspection.

The outdoor unit includes a condenser coil; this coil is made of fine aluminum fins designed to efficiently move air for heat transfer. If the outdoor unit is pounded by hail, the fins may become bent, reducing the efficiency and capacity of the entire A/C system. Even slight damage, with as little as ten percent of the fins affected, will negatively impact the system.

Can I get my AC checked?

AC checks are done when temps are above 60 degrees. Give us a call and we will get you on the schedule. If you have an appointment scheduled and it falls in a cold snap we’ll be contacting you to reschedule for a warmer day coming up.

What if I have turned on my AC already?

Outdoor cooling units are built to endure snowy weather conditions. However, if you have ice that often forms on the roof above your air conditioner, then we recommend putting a piece of plywood over the top of it to reduce the possibility of damage from falling ice.

You can count on not counting on Colorado weather… but you can count on Brothers! Let’s enjoy the moisture while it lasts, then welcome summer when it arrives. It’s right around the corner.

Electrical Safety Month Hints, Tips and Reminders

We may think we know all there is to know about the dangers of electrical mishaps, but there are still electrical safety rules to be strictly observed. Here are some tips to help you maintain proper caution, to help keep you and your family safe around the house, and to avoid electrical fires and accidents:

1. Make it a habit to turn off electric games and appliances when they’re not in use. Before going to bed, make it a routine to check that all electrical devices not in use are properly shut off.
2. Never ever overload sockets. It’s a safe bet to always use just one plug in every socket. Even if you are using the adapter make sure it’s the bar type that also has a fuse. The total output of all plugs in the adapter should be no more than the specified rating.
3. Adding a residual current device is an easy way to cut off power and prevent shocks. Another sensible option is to fix one on the fuse box. Alternately, you can choose a portable one, which are ideal for outdoor jobs such as using the lawnmower or vacuum cleaner.
4. It’s a good idea to periodically keep an eye on the condition of the plugs and sockets. You should pay attention to any burnt or frayed wires on appliances. It’s best to get the services of a professional electrician to fix such problems.
5. Never allow wires or leads to run under carpets where they remain invisible. Besides being a tripping hazard its hard to see the state of the cables or wires.
6. Never ever allow electric wires or cables to trail over kitchen appliances like toasters or stove tops. These are very dangerous and are hazards of the worst kind. Also, never finger the toaster with anything, especially with any metal.
7. Do not stick in nails or try to make holes in the walls of your home. It’s a potential danger since you may not know what’s behind your point of entry. And you should also take care when digging or excavating as you run the risk of cutting live underground wire.
8. Avoid mixing liquids and electricity. They should be kept as far apart as possible. Touch your appliances with dry hands only. Avoid placing water or other liquids on top of electrical appliances. Many of us use the TV top or microwave as a counter but that’s actually very dangerous if liquids spill into open slots and cause a short circuit. And while using a steam kettle, do not fill it up while it’s still plugged on.
9. It’s best to avoid taking major electrical appliances into a bathroom. Always check for the wire coding on appliances like hair dryers, hair straighteners or radios that are often used in bathrooms.
10. Make sure that your children do not walk in wet into the house directly from the rain or your swimming pool. Your home is a place that is full of electrical sources and could pose a threat to their safety. Get them to dry out completely before entering the house.
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