Hoffmann Brothers Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical & Appliance Repair in St. Louis, MO, has added RIDGID® K9-306 FlexShaft™ Drain Cleaning Machines to every new plumbing service truck they outfit after experiencing the tool’s versatility and time saving benefit. “It’s definitely a time saver, simply just loading and unloading it, going from heavier machines to Read more
air conditioning
Hoffmann Brothers Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical & Appliance Repair in St. Louis, MO, has added RIDGID® K9-306 FlexShaft™ Drain Cleaning Machines to every new plumbing service truck they outfit after experiencing the tool’s versatility and time saving benefit.
“It’s definitely a time saver, simply just loading and unloading it, going from heavier machines to lighter, more compact machines, saving time right there, then add speed and cleanliness on to that,” said Christian Telford, Master Plumber/Drainlayer and Field Operation Manager at Hoffmann Brothers.
“You also just can’t get the thorough cleaning with standard equipment like you can with FlexShaft,” he said. “The ability of the expanding chains to maximize the pipe size allows for a full pipe cleaning, coupled with how clean the machine itself stays, you just provide the client with an overall better experience.”
Christian notes that the FlexShaft is 10 to 25 percent faster at cleaning drains and for a flat-rate fee company that means saved labor costs and the opportunity to complete more jobs in a day.
In business for over 40 years, the team at Hoffmann Brothers prides themselves on the quality and integrity they bring to every job. That means not only providing the best customer service to clients, but also staying on top of the latest technology and equipment to be at the top of their industry.
A couple of years ago they purchased a heavier and more expensive high-speed descaling machine that’s used solely for drain lining work. The cost kept it from being added to other service trucks. After learning about the K9-306 at WWETT and its enclosed cable drum for enhanced cleanliness they started using it regularly and quickly found out what a versatile tool it is.
One of the impressive uses the Hoffmann Brothers team has found for FlexShaft is root clearing.
“We were very pleased at how well it actually did with roots without binding up too much,” Christian said. “We’ve had heavy balls of roots that our sectional and drum machines usually have to make several passes. With FlexShaft you may have to make one additional pass to make a final polishing while running water, which by this time you have again saved time and given the client a thorough cleaning which is a huge win for both parties.”
They are also using FlexShaft on descaling job sites.
“Lining has become a very valuable part of our business, however one key part of this is being able to get the original host pipe as clean as possible. This means sometimes taking a 100-plus year cast iron pipe and descaling it, a very delicate and painstaking task,” Christian said.
Hoffmann Brothers decided to run the K9-306 through the course to see if it could meet up to their lining work quality standards and allow them to utilize it for their pre-qualification process.
“Not only did it meet our expectations, but we decided to also take it a step further and try to use it with reinstatements which puts some heavy pressure on the equipment, and it also met the challenge,” he said.
Christian said this was a great testament to the K9-306 as this was not why they originally purchased the FlexShaft. However, it opened the door for their specialized technicians who do the lining process to be able to not only perform their daily jobs with clients, but also perform pre-qualifications on perhaps the same visits. A great gain for the company and the client.
Hoffmann Brothers is now utilizing the FlexShaft for residential, light commercial, descaling, milling and reinstatement jobs.
Whether you’re dealing with a compact hatchback, a luxury sedan, or a full-size twelve wheeler truck, an air conditioning system is a staple across all categories of vehicles. Drivers want efficient and reliable AC for cooling and heating but unfortunately, many of them often use it inadequately, causing dysfunctions and sometimes serious damage which can Read more
Whether you’re dealing with a compact hatchback, a luxury sedan, or a full-size twelve wheeler truck, an air conditioning system is a staple across all categories of vehicles. Drivers want efficient and reliable AC for cooling and heating but unfortunately, many of them often use it inadequately, causing dysfunctions and sometimes serious damage which can jeopardize onboard safety and induce hefty repair costs. In this dedicated guide, we’ll delve into the consequences of poor vehicle HVAC maintenance and provide useful troubleshooting tips.
Improper Cooling
One of the most common effects of inadequate AC maintenance is improper cooling. An onboard air conditioning system that isn’t blowing air as cold as it used to is generally a sign of a malfunctioning or damaged compressor. Whether it’s due to overuse, lack of care, or a simple clog, this vital component is no longer able to regulate the flow of refrigerant in the AC system. This results in the air flowing being warmer but it doesn’t necessarily affect ventilation.
Overheating Engine
Like most elements found inside a vehicle, an HVAC system uses power from the engine. With wear and tear, the compressor’s clutch can start to give out; it can either seize or break, both of which are very problematic. An unmoving clutch will cause unnecessary pressure on the engine, overheating, and early fuel exhaustion. A broken clutch usually requires the entire compressor to be replaced altogether.
Loud Noises
Odd noises from an operating AC unit are a typical sign of poor maintenance. A worn compressor bearing can cause a loud grinding sound to emanate directly from the engine, while other noises from inside the cabin call for a blower fan clean or replacement. This can be particularly bothersome for drivers who spend countless hours on the road. In addition, you’ll want to ensure meticulous and periodic checks are done to increase the longevity of your vehicles.
Foul Odors
Foul odors are another commonly reported onboard HVAC problem. Mold or mildew smells generally indicate a moisture build-up in the air conditioning filters, which can be taken care of with regular disassembly and cleaning. Now, if a pungent smell emanates from the vents, it might be that you’re dealing with a pest infestation or a dead rodent lodged somewhere in the vehicle. In such cases, an air freshener just won’t cut it!
Water Leakage Inside the Cabin
Lastly, because of inadequate maintenance, drivers can come to notice water inside their vehicle cabin. There may be refrigerant flowing through the evaporator, which gets condensed and forms water. When the draining tube that redirects the liquid outside is clogged, this residual water will seep directly into the cabin, causing all sorts of damages to carpets and possibly onboard navigation.
Ultimately, HVAC systems can be just as problematic inside homes as they are in cars or trucks. Because its components are not immediately visible, except for the vents, many drivers will often fail to take care of their onboard AC system properly, resulting in all kinds of setbacks that can hinder comfort and jeopardize the occupants’ safety.
Phoenix—CEO Ken Goodrich of Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a leading provider of HVAC and plumbing services in the Southwest United States, announced he is spending $1.5 million to install Ultra Violet (UV) germicidal lights in the homes of more than 600 employees. Deemed an essential business during an unprecedented time in our nation, Goettl’s Read more
Phoenix—CEO Ken Goodrich of Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a leading provider of HVAC and plumbing services in the Southwest United States, announced he is spending $1.5 million to install Ultra Violet (UV) germicidal lights in the homes of more than 600 employees.
Deemed an essential business during an unprecedented time in our nation, Goettl’s HVAC and plumbing technicians have continued to work tirelessly to ensure their community is receiving essential life systems and services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, Goodrich is giving each Goettl employee a new UV germicidal light that will be installed into their personal HVAC system.
“Our technicians are putting their own well-being and safety second to serve their communities,” said Goodrich. “I want them to know how much we appreciate their unwavering dedication and bravery by giving them a product that will hopefully provide their own families with invaluable peace of mind during these uncertain times.”
The UV germicidal light, which mimics natural sunlight, uses ultraviolet radiation to drastically decrease indoor germs such as mold, fungi and bacteria. Additionally, the UV radiation destroys the nuclei of each contaminant preventing it from reproducing. Proven to kill viruses of many strains, this type of UV light is also used in hospitals and food processing plants nationwide.
The safety and well-being of Goettl employees is top priority for Goodrich and his executive team. As technicians are a critical resource for essential home services, Goodrich is committed to doing as much as possible to help ensure they stay safe and healthy during this public health crisis.
“At Goettl, we believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way and what’s right is keeping our employees safe and as healthy as possible so that they may continue to serve their beloved communities,” Goodrich continued.
Dallas — Flashback to the year 1945. A 17-year-old Robert Tiner becomes the youngest master plumber in the state of Texas. Mr. Tiner lays the foundation for what will evolve into one of the most reputable home-service providers in Dallas-Fort Worth. Originally Mr. Tiner partnered with two brothers whose last name was actually Baker, he and his team focused Read more
Dallas — Flashback to the year 1945. A 17-year-old Robert Tiner becomes the youngest master plumber in the state of Texas. Mr. Tiner lays the foundation for what will evolve into one of the most reputable home-service providers in Dallas-Fort Worth. Originally Mr. Tiner partnered with two brothers whose last name was actually Baker, he and his team focused on providing quality plumbing while the Baker brothers specialized in insurance. After several successful years of growth Mr. Tiner bought the company outright but kept the Baker Brothers name as an ode to his former business partners and to continue to build the brand in the local area. Now in its third generation of being a family-owned-and-operated, Baker Brothers is pleased to announce the celebration of its 75th anniversary. From 1945 to present day, Baker Brothers has continued to proudly serve the community with the same type of superior quality service originally envisioned by Mr.Tiner.
Baker Brothers Plumbing, Air, & Electric
In honor of this milestone anniversary, Baker Brothers will conduct a year-long campaign to captivate the customers and the community that have made the company successful for so many years. Baker Brothers will share its extensive history over the course of the year through its initiative – 75 Days of Baker. This campaign will feature stories on the history of the company, as well as special limited-time offers for customers. In addition, Baker Brothers and its employees will be collecting and donating a total of 7,500 cans for local charities, Dallas Life and North Texas Food Bank.
Through the years the company has expanded its specialties from plumbing to now include heating and cooling services as well as electrical services. The Baker Brothers’ legacy continues by staying committed to its core values of “Trust, Quality, and Care” to ensure customer and employee satisfaction. Baker Brothers is home to 262 employees that strive to make customers feel like family by meeting their needs at the highest level. It is also part of the mission of Baker Brothers to give back to the community it serves and beyond, by partnering with various charities to help feed the homeless, draw water wells in Africa, and volunteer resources to no-kill animal shelters.
Third-generation company president, Jimmie Dale Jr. says of the anniversary “It is with great pride that I can say we’ve been in business for 75 years! Since our inception in 1945 as a small plumbing company specializing in leak locates, we were the first plumbing company to utilize a camera to help locate the leaks. Seventy-five years later the same spirit of innovation and relentless commitment to customer service allows us to not only meet the plumbing needs of our customers but also provide additional services in HVAC and Electrical.”
The Baker Brothers family is grateful for the opportunities it’s had to serve and make a difference in the lives of others in the community.
During the recent Bryant Dealer Rally, the company’s annual meeting where its top dealers are honored, Air Tech Heating, Inc. of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was named Bryant Dealer of the Year, the highest honor a Bryant dealer can receive. Each year, this award recognizes the company whose hard work, expertise and business acumen have Read more
During the recent Bryant Dealer Rally, the company’s annual meeting where its top dealers are honored, Air Tech Heating, Inc. of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was named Bryant Dealer of the Year, the highest honor a Bryant dealer can receive. Each year, this award recognizes the company whose hard work, expertise and business acumen have helped them to stand out as a leader in the industry. Bryant, a national supplier of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, is a part of Carrier, a leading global provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.
“We’re both honored and humbled to be selected as the 2019 Bryant Dealer of the Year,” said Dan Price, owner, Air Tech Heating, Inc. “I’m incredibly proud of the entire team at Air Tech and I appreciate being recognized for doing business our way, with honesty and integrity. We’re proud to be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and have the support of such a great company. I’m also grateful for the amazing relationships we’ve built with both Bryant and our distributor, Auer Steel, over the course of my 22 years owning the business.”
Founded in 1997, Air Tech Heating, Inc. has become known as the “Best Heating & Air Conditioning Company in the Fond du Lac Area” for ten straight years by Gannett Readers’ Choice. In 2018, Price’s son, Jim, and his wife, Sarah, became co-owners of Air Tech Heating, Inc. ensuring that it will remain a fixture in the community for years to come. It’s even more fitting that Air Tech Heating, Inc. was selected as the 2019 Bryant Dealer of the Year, as Price retired shortly after the Dealer Rally.
Air Tech Heating, Inc. of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin was named Bryant Dealer of the Year. From left to right are Jim Price, Sarah Price, and Dan Price of Air Tech Heating.
“Bryant dealers continue to help set the standard in our industry,” said Matthew Pine, president, Residential HVAC, Bryant. “Our 2019 Dealer of the Year, Air Tech Heating, Inc. is an exemplary organization and has risen to the top among the very best in our elite group of dealers. Dan and his team serve as ideal examples for other Bryant dealers of how to run a successful business and do ‘Whatever It Takes’ to care for our customers.”
Bryant selected its 2019 Dealer of the Year from 22 Medal of Excellence winners, comprised of Bryant Factory Authorized Dealers from throughout North America. The candidates were judged on overall sales growth, high-efficiency and indoor air quality equipment sales, customer satisfaction and participation in dealer programs and promotions.
The 2019 Medal of Excellence Winners include:
- Affordable Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. – Cudahy, Wisconsin
- AGS HVAC Services – Westport, Massachusetts
- Air Tech Heating, Inc. – Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
- Bennett Heating and Air – Purvis, Mississippi
- Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning – Woodinville, Washington
- Chadds Ford Climate Control – Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
- Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing – Indianapolis, Indiana
- Chris Mechanical Services, Inc. – West Chicago, Illinois
- Cosby Heating – Mount Vernon, Ohio
- Dave’s Heating & Air – Lincoln, Nebraska
- Design Air, Inc. – Missoula, Montana
- Evergreen Gas, Inc. – Sherwood, Oregon
- Family Heating and Air – Pensacola, Florida
- Federal Elite Heating & Cooling, Inc. – Dresden, Ohio
- Fort Collins Heating & Air – Fort Collins, Colorado
- GAC Services – Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Gainesville Mechanical, Inc. – Gainesville, Georgia
- Haley Comfort Systems – Rochester, Minnesota
- IERNA’S Heating & Cooling, Inc. – Lutz, Florida
- Precision Heating & A/C – Twin Falls, Idaho
- Regal, Inc. – York, Pennsylvania
- Waychoffs Heating & A/C – Jacksonville, Florida
In addition to the Dealer of the Year award, Bryant named Peck & Weis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin as this year’s recipient of the Charles Bryant Award. The Charles Bryant Award, named in honor of the company’s founder, recognizes a loyal Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer (FAD) that epitomizes the characteristics of Charles Bryant, including professionalism, quality, reliability and community spirit.
For more information about Bryant and to find a dealer near you, visit www.bryant.com.