5 Steps to Keeping Your New Years Resolution in 2016

If you are anything like me you probably start off the new year full of motivation to accomplish a major life goal.

• Loosing weight.
• Building your savings account.  
• Tackling that hobby you are always putting behind.

Unfortunately for many of us those resolutions are never kept.You start off great but after a few days you find yourself back in the same old routine. The Guys in the Yellow Booties know the feeling so we have compiled a list of the top 5 things that you can do to keep your resolutions.

Don't Stress if You Get Off Track

One sure way to spoil your resolution is to just quit if you have a moment of weakness. It is alright to have a slip here and there but the key is to make sure that you get back on track. We are not perfect so we should not burden ourselves with unrealistic expectations. 

Create a Support Group

Believe it or not there are other people who share the same goals as you. Getting your friends or family involved to support your new years resolutions can help you ensure that you are successful. Don't be shy about your goals as you will be surprised at how much people will be willing to help.

Take Baby Steps 

Taking on a goal does not mean that you need to succeed over night. A new years resolution is a long term process that will take time to achieve. If you are planning on making a big change to your life you should plan out what steps you are going to take towards success. Attempting to conquer anything in life is a lot easier and obtainable by spending a few moments thinking about how you are going to get there.

Be Persistent

The most important thing that you can do is to keep persistent. If you are persistent you can accomplish anything. The Guys in the Yellow booties encourage you to achieve all of your resolutions. 

For all of your air conditioning and appliance repair needs in 2016 make sure to call SoBellas.

    

  

How to Keep Healthy During Your Holiday Feast

Its that wonderful time in the year when your family gets together to celebrate the holidays. Did you know though that the average person can gain between 1-2 pounds during the holidays. I mean after all its Christmas so its ok to overeat, right? The Guys in the Yellow Booties are here to tell you that you can eat plenty of food during the festivities and still be healthy.

Our team has put together the top ways in which we are able to keep fit. One thing you learn in the appliance repair and heating and cooling industry is that cardio is key.

We believe that a healthy lifestyle will result in a longer and happier life.

 


   

Pre-Dinner Party Routing:   

• Don't skip your daily workout just because its the Holidays.
• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Eat a small snack to prevent yourself from overeating.

At Your Dinner Party:

• Be mindful of how many servings you are getting.
• Make sure to drink a glass of water before your meal.
• Have fun!!

Most importantly the Guys in the Yellow Booties wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

   

 

What is the Life Span of my Heating and Cooling System?

How long should my heating and cooling system last?

This is one of the most common questions that we encounter as heating and cooling professionals.
Many factors go into the longevity of a heating and cooling system.  At SoBellas we know that one of the keys to increasing the life of your system is seasonal maintenance. Maintenance ensures that your system is working to factory specifications. It can add years to your system life span.

There are several factors that go into the lifespan of your heating and cooling system such as the following:

• The quality of the installation that you received.
• Frequency of maintenance.
• Type of unit that was installed.

Unfortunately in some cases you may not have had the best install or the most top of the line system. You do however have the ability to ensure a good lifespan for your unit through having it properly maintained.    

A properly maintained unit could last you up to 15 years and in some cases even longer. If you have a  non maintained unit then you could be looking for a new one in as few as 5 years.We encourage you to call the Guys in the Yellow Booties  for more information on seasonal maintenance, replacement options or for more tips that will help you with your HVAC needs.
 
SoBellas prides itself in serving the communities of El Paso, San Antonio and Las Cruces. We believe that there is no greater gift that we can give our customers than quality repairs, installations and information. 







 

Kitchen Safety Tips from the Guys in the Yellow Booties

Most of us consider our kitchens to be sacred. Not only is it the room where we provide our bodies with nourishment but it is also the place where we spend quality time with our family. It would surprise many people to know that the kitchen has many hazards that if not contained may cause big time trouble.

We encourage our readers to safeguard their kitchens against the following common threats:

Sharp Objects

This may seem like common sense but sometimes even the most cautious of us may improperly put a knife way.You never want to have sharp objects put away in a dangerous manner. The kitchen is easily accessible to anyone entering your home and you want to protect your little ones. Do not place sharp objects in a location that is accessible by children.

Wash Often  

 


   





You can never underestimate the power of cleanliness. We cannot overstate the importance of keeping your utensils and sponges clean. Doing so will eliminate harmful bacteria and keep you and your family safe.          

Dress for Cooking

It is important to wear clothes that is adequate for cooking in the kitchen. You want to ensure that you are clean and most importantly that if you are handling hot objects that your hands are protected. Another suggestion is to have sleeves that are not overly long and thus not susceptible to burning. You also want to ensure that your hands are cleaned at all times when handling food.

Overall you want to ensure that your home is safe for children or anyone that may come into your kitchen. There is no substitute for cleanliness and for taking extra precautions.  

The Best Ways To Save Energy On Air Conditioning

There is no better feeling than entering a cool home or establishment after being outside in the scorching sun.

One of the things that concerns people is the increased cost that a air conditioning system can cause. In today's economy when many of us are tightening our budget every penny counts. The Guys in the Yellow Booties are here to inform you about all of the latest tips that will have you lowering your energy bill. There is no substitute for education when it comes to understanding your air conditioning unit. We have compiled a list of all the tips that we believe will benefit you greatly.        
Here are your tips:

Maintain

We cannot overstate the importance that maintenance plays in keeping your A/C working at a energy efficient rate. Maintenance will help ensure that potential problems are spotted before they can wreak havoc on your system. By an automatic, biannual inspection we have helped several of our customers save energy through our customer care club.

Use the fan

Just because you have a A/C unit does not mean that you should discard your fans. Fans are great because you can circulate the air in your room. That is a great help to your energy efficiency. A big plus is that fans can make you feel a few degrees cooler.

Upgrade your A/C

It may be time to get a more energy efficient A/C. There are many benefits to getting a updated refrigerated air system. There have been tremendous advancements to new units which can help you save money in the long run. At SoBellas we believe in matching our customers with the perfect comfort system that will work perfect for your lifestyle and your lifestyle. We are proud to offer free conversion estimates whenever you are ready to start thinking about a new system. 

Replace or clean your Filters

A dirty filter can ruin your air conditioning system. We always recommend for our customers to switch them as often as every month. Not only will this extend the life of your air conditioning system but it will also keep your energy costs down. If you need another reason to convert think about 

In addition to the above tips we cannot stress the importance of a good maintenance plan. Our customers have reported:

• Reduced utility bills by up to 25%,  
• Reduced costly breakdowns.
• Improved comfort, relia 

      

 

          

Why Is My Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly?

Most people consider their refrigerator to be the most important appliance that they own. You and your family depend on it greatly and when it stops working it becomes a major emergency. We know the importance that the refrigerator has for our customers so we have put together some of the most common reasons why it might have stopped cooling.

Your food items may be preventing the refrigerator from cooling.  

If you have large food items or containers that are lined up towards the back end of your refrigerator you might be preventing it from cooling properly. We recommend that you move larger objects away from the back end of your refrigerator since you might be preventing it from cooling correctly. You want to have proper air flow to cool off your fridge and items that block it could be decreasing your refrigerators temperature.

The lights in your refrigerator might be staying on.

Believe it or not your refrigerator light may be keeping your refrigerator from cooling. If it is not turning off then it is producing heat and that could be bad news for your food items If your fridge is not cooling how it used to then we recommend checking to see if that light is going out.

Your coils are no longer clean.

The coils in your refrigerator work by dissipating heat. If they are not doing their job then the refrigerator will not work properly. 

There could be many other reasons that your refrigerator is not cooling correctly such as problems with your star relay, thermostat or compressor. We recommend contacting a professional appliance repair company's such as us at SoBellas Home Services  We hope that you enjoyed our latest blog entry and that you found the information contained in it to be useful. 

 

 

Why Is My Dryer Not Drying?

We know that you depend on your dryer     

A lot of us have experienced the dreaded moment when you take your clothes out of the dryer and it is not dry. You quickly go into a panic when you realize that you may have to go outside and bring out your trusted clothes line,

There are many issues that could be wrong with it and as always there is no substitute for calling pros like The Guys In the Yellow Booties but we have listed some of the top reasons why your dryer might not be drying.

Thermostat Issues

There is a possibility that your thermostat may have gone out. The thermostat is critical to your dryer working because it regulates the temperature in your unit, If this is the issue then you will surely need to get a new thermostat.

Heater Element

Your heating element is very important because it is responsible for the heating the air in your dryer. Since your heating element is a coil very similar to the type you would find in a heater it is very important that you get it fixed should it stop working. 

Dryer Lint Filter

Did you know that it is recommended to clean out your lint filter after every time you use it? Not doing so can increase the likelihood of a fire or may cause your dryer to stop working. 

We encourage you to check back regularly as we will be updating our blog weekly. Our goal is to always provide you with useful information that will help you make the best decision possible when it comes to your appliances, heating and cooling.  

      

   

    

 

Why is My Air Conditioner leaking Water?

Air conditioning leaks are a nuisance to your home and account for a good amount of our service calls. There are several reasons why your A/C may be leaking but we have made sure to list some of the most common ones.                 

Please remember that this issue can develop into a big problem if it is not diagnosed properly. At SoBellas we pride ourselves in offering you one of the best warranties in the industry to confront such problems. Our parts come with a 5 year warranty and a one year labor warranty associated with those parts.

A Filter May Be Clogged In Your A/C 

We always make sure to tell our customers that it is important to change out their A/C's filters. They only last for a few months and not properly maintaining them can lead to leaks. This is one of the primary reasons why we recommend getting a seasonal maintenance plan for your A/C. Programs such as our customer care club are designed to catch potential problems such as worn out filters.

There May Be a Problem With Your Drain Pan

If your drain pan is full then you might have a clog in your drain pipe. You should also visually inspect your drain pan to check for holes or any type of damage. Remember that if in doubt its always best to contact a professional whom can quickly diagnose the issue and get it repaired.  

As you can see there are many reasons why your A/C may be leaking water. We encourage you to get it checked so that the problem does not worsen. Please watch the video below to show you how A/C maintenance can benefit you.

   

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Convert to Refrigerated Air Today!

Throughout the years we have seen more and more of our customers converting to refrigerated air. At SoBellas we are proud to offer several great financing options to get you converted today. If you have been on the fence or are just looking for more information we have assembled the top 5 reasons on why you should convert today,

1.) Humidity  

Humidity is one of the main factors for why people decide to abandon their evaporator cooler.  The problem with humidity is that when it is very high the moisture makes it difficult for the evaporation to take place. That is the number one reason why evaporative coolers do not perform well in areas of high humidity like El Paso. It is undeniable that a home in an area of high humidity is better served with a refrigerated air system. 

2.) Allergy Relief 

Swamp coolers make it important to sometimes leave your windows open to freshen up your home. The problem that occurs is that your home becomes more susceptible to outside elements. Allergies can intensify with a swamp cooler because of the amount of dust and outside debris that can come into the house, If you or your family suffer from allergies this could strengthen the symptoms. A refrigerated air system will be of a tremendous benefit because you can close all your windows and still have your home feeling fresh. 

3.) Its Never Been Easier 

At SoBellas we can have your A/C up and running in as little as two days. If you are in need of financing we offer 100% financing and 0% interest in qualified cases. We are committed to providing you with the best price possible. 

4.) Save More in the Long Run 

One of the big advantages of a refrigerated unit is that it requires a lot less maintenance. This means that in the long run you will have many opportunities to save. We know that it is a big investment however it is an investment that is well worth it.     

5.) Its More Comfortable 

You cannot beat comfort. Refrigerated air conditioning units provide more comfort and they are easier to maintain.      

 

The Consequences of Not Getting Maintenance on Your A/C

At SoBellas Home Services we know the importance of letting our customers know about seasonal maintenance. There are many problems that can be averted through maintenance on your A/C. The good news is that by maintaining your cooling system you will also be saving money in the long run. As a trusted HVAC and appliance repair company we know that there is no better way to ensure that your air conditioner is running at its best other than by having it maintained. Because we know you are busy with other things your friends in the yellow booties have compiled the biggest consequences of not servicing your air conditioning system.

You could become the victim of leaks in your A/C system. This could result from a variety of different reasons such as the following:

• Your hose has become blocked.
• Seals are not tight.
• A frozen evaporator coil may have frozen.

Another important thing to consider is that not properly maintaining your A/C can lead to viruses and bacteria accumulating in your unit. A lot of times the consequences are not dangerous however in some rare cases they can become deadly. It is also important to remember that if you suffer from allergies you can aggravate your condition with a dirty A/C. 

We recommend for customers to have their A/C units serviced once a year. The best time would be right before the summer season. We have found that customers that do take advantage of our customer care club can save up to 25% on their utility bills. Don't wait any longer call us today and schedule your seasonal maintenance.  

       

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The Guide to a Perfect Summer Cookout

Summer is here which means that the season of cookouts has arrived. Whether you are an established veteran or a beginner your friends with the yellow booties have you covered. Our SoBellas guide to the perfect summer cook out is separated into 5 easy tips that will have your friends and family calling you the cookout master in no time.

Diversify your Food Selection

Lets face it even though the majority of your guests will go for the mouth watering steak you prepared there is a possibility that you may have a vegetarian in your party. You don't want to be that guy who has nothing to offer him so make sure to have fish as an option. In fact having a second option is very important because there is nothing like a little diversity in food options to make your guests happy. Some recommendations for main entries you may want to incorporate to compliment your steaks for the best summer cook out ever are the following: 

• Hamburger Patties
• Fish
• Turkey 
• Bratwurst
• Ribs
• Salmon

Be Creative

There are several ways of being creative for your cookout. Your guests will appreciate some creative food options such as snow cones. You want your guests to remember your special brand of cook outs. You can also incorporate some nice cold beverages such as frozen cocktails or margaritas to keep your guests cool.

Have Great Side Dishes 

You cannot go wrong with chips and onion dip however there are many more options at your disposal. You can add some healthy sides for your health cautious friends while at the same time indulge for those that may want to indulge at your cook out. Below is a list of some of our favorite side dishes.  

• Baked Potato
• Chips with Avocado
• Coleslaw
• Pretzels covered with cheese
• Salad   

Set up Activities

Lets face it there is more to a cook out than just food. A cookout is an overall experience that is intended to provide you and your family with good food and entertainment. You will also more than likely have little ones at your cook out whom will want to have fun activities. There are lots of great ideas that you can find online and you can also be creative here as well and create your own games. Remember a cook out is about more than just food it is about spending time with your loved ones.  

The last thing that we will leave you with is that ensuring that your equipment is working is vital for a cookout. Whether it be your refrigerator, stove or microwave SoBellas is here should any of your appliances fail.             

      

Why is My Swamp Cooler Not Cooling

It is important to remember that swamp coolers are best equipped for certain temperatures. If you live in an area with low humidity then a swamp cooler will be ideal for your home. If your swamp cooler is not cooling then you have to consider the following factors:

How is the humidity in your home?

If your home is very humid then your swamp cooler is not going to produce the fresh air that you like. The reason is that the air in your swamp cooler will become evaporated due to the intense humidity. This is one of the main reasons why people complain that their swamp cooler is not cooling. 

Are you getting enough air or exhaust?

You need to make sure that your unit has enough air or is getting enough exhaust. One good tip is that if you do not have the proper ducts then you can raise your windows which will allow you to receive enough air.

Does your swamp cooler smell bad?  

One of the reasons for this could be that the pads in your unit have become moistened which would result in a foul smell. It is important for health reasons to get this checked as you do not want to smell mold. This can cause your allergies to start up among other health concerns.

In order to obtain a accurate diagnosis of your Swamp Cooler visit out website and schedule an appointment today.

  

                                 

 

Top 5 Tips to Buying Appliances

Ask friends and family for their recommendation

There is no better form of advertising that word of mouth. This still rings true even in our technological world. It is important to ask family and friends about their experiences with their appliances.Often this will provide you with the necessary info. to make the best purchase possible. 

Take your time and do your research

It is important not to purchase the first deal that you see. It is good to research the best possible prices and to study the different brands that you might be interested in. You need to make sure that you are buying the best appliance for your needs.      

Keep the Receipt 

There is nothing more important when purchasing an appliance than keeping the receipt. Most new appliance purchases come with a warranty and keeping your receipt is the best way to ensure that you are covered. A good idea is to have your receipts stored in a folder in case you may need them. 

Take the time to look over the appliance before purchasing it

It is a good idea to open the compartments of the appliance that you are purchasing. You just want to double check that everything is working correctly and to your liking.

Make sure to learn about what repairs would entail

Depending on your budget you should be aware that some appliances are more costly to repair than others. It is also important to consider that some appliances may have parts that are more difficult to obtain than others. At SoBellas we always recommend that you look into a maintenance plan. If you had not checked out our customer care club please take some time to read about how it can benefit you.  

     

10 Summer Myths Rebuked

At SoBellas we are very much in tune with the seasons. We strive to provide our customers with the best service to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

In order to ensure that there heating and cooling units are working to optimal levels we make sure to maintain them with our customer care club.  

One of the things that we have noticed is that each season has its myths. We have decided to search the web for the 20 biggest myths about summer.    

1. Your ceiling fan will keep your home cool -This is a big myth. In fact ceiling fans do not actually cool the air. There job is to make the wind go faster. 
2. Lighting comes from the skies - This is partially true. In fact lightning come from the ground and sky. 
3. This heat is going to give me a heat stroke - It is possible but if you are healthy the chances of this happening are low.
4. If you get in your swimming pool after a meal you will get sick- We researched this and there is no definite proof of illness but beware of cramps. 
5. The cold will not get you sick - Cold air alone will not get you sick however it can lower your immune system.
6. Not all drinks will hydrate you- When we get hot some of us go for a sugary drink however this will dehydrate you.
7. A cloudy day means you can ditch the sun screen- This is a myth with dangerous consequences. Sun rays are still dangerous.              
8. I went swimming so I do not need to shower- Pools are known for having a lot of chlorine but they are still full of bacteria. 
9. Working out at the hottest temperatures does not burn more fat - In fact you may be cutting your workouts short as you will tire quicker. 
10. If you cut yourself on the beach the salt water will heal you faster- So false! the water contains bacteria which will make it worse.                 

The Most Dangerous Consequences of Not Getting Maintenance done on Your Air Conditioner

There are many consequences to not getting your A/C system properly maintained. One of the biggest hazards comes from pollutants that could hurt your health in jeopardy. Just a little bit of air conditioning maintenance can go a long way. 

If you already deal with any of the below health issues then a dirty A/C can make it worse. 

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Common Cold

The problems get worse if bacteria begins to develop in your non maintained A/C system. This can lead to more serious diseases such as flu type diseases, sore throat and a number of other illnesses. Another thing that someone should consider is that if you live in a area where animals have a tendency to get into your air system. It has not been unheard of for even snakes to get into a system. The danger with animals such as rodents getting in your system is that they leave feces which can be very bad for the air that you breath. 

One of the greatest benefits of properly maintaining your A/C system is that you also do not have to worry about it going out in a heat wave. I mean sure SoBellas Home Services prides itself on same day service however it is better to be safe than sorry. If it is a scorching hot day you want to ensure that you have your A/C working throughout the duration of it. 

Despite the major concerns to your health that non maintenance can cause it is also important to remember that your finances can impacted also. You will save money on costly repairs that could have been avoided by having seasonal maintenance on your system. Here at SoBellas we offer the customer care club which has been known to save our customers up to 24% on their utility bills.

Contact us today for an inspection of your A/C system.

                    

What to look for in a HVAC & Appliance Repair Company

What to look for in a HVAC & Appliance Repair Company  

Customer service is our #1 priority at SoBellas 

When you live in Texas and in New Mexico you know just how hot the temperatures can get. It is in our States that the word Summer can take on a whole new meaning. This is why when you need your air conditioning repaired you look at two of the most important factors:

• Speed of Service
• Customer Service

At SoBellas Home Services we strive to not only complete the work fast but also to ensure that we fix the problem so that you no longer have to worry about it. There are many different companies out there and you are bound to find a less expensive company if you look hard enough but as the old saying says you get what you pay for. Our suggestion to anyone looking for an HVAC or appliance repair company is not just get caught up in the price but to also do your homework on the company itself. You should ask yourself the following questions:

• What are other people saying about them?
• How long have they been in business?
• What type of services do they offer?

Those 3 questions are crucial to a companies success.    

What are people Saying about SoBellas? 

SoBellas has been in the business of providing appliance repair for 30+ years. Our customers are very vocal about the service that they receive from us and all one has to do is head over to one of our many social media pages to find out what people are saying. SoBellas is also a company that is there when you need us. We pride ourselves on same day service and of course on the fact that we can not only service your HVAC but also all of your home appliances. Don't wait any longer without an A/C or a broken appliance. Call us today!!

How to Maximize the Efficiency of your A/C System 

Routine A/C Maintenance can keep your system running at optimal standards. 

The A/C system in your home is largely responsible for the comfort that you feel during the scorching hot summer. Many consider your A/C to be the cornerstone of your home and you sure would feel it should it ever stop working. This entry is intended to give you helpful information that will help you get the most out of your system. We have listed some of the key steps to maintain the freshness in your home. If you have any additional tips that we may have left out feel free to add them in our comment section. 

Keep an Eye on your Air Filters   

This is one of the easiest maintenance tips that one can follow. What makes replacing your air filters especially important is that not doing so can be hazardous to your health. The air you breath in your home is just as impactful to your health as the air that you breath outside. In order to follow proper A/C maintenance you may want to change them every month or so. You can order air filters at an affordable rate from our parts store.     

Close your Doors and Windows

If you have your A/C at full blast and you still feel the heat don't panic. You may want to check your windows as sometimes having them open can counteract the work that your A/C is performing. The heat in your home may be the only thing that is holding your system back.

Invest in some Quality Blinds    

Your window coverings can be a big factor in regards to the temperature in your home. According to energy.gov blinds are effective when it comes to reducing summer heat. Another tip that you may want to consider is that closing your drapes or blinds in windows that receive the most sun light in your home will keep your home cooler. This is a small step that you can take which can create a lot of comfort towards your home.

Turn your Fans On       

Just because you have a top of the line A/C system does not mean that you need to throw away your fans. Household fans can increase the temperature in your home and will also further circulate the air. Besides if your A/C should ever go out it comes in handy to have some quality fans as back up. 

Invest in a Maintenance Plan 

This is the most effective step that you can take in order to ensure that your A/C is running at optimal levels. At SoBellas we offer our customers the customer care club. This service plan has been known to reduce our customers utility bills by up to 25%. We also recommend for our customers to have an annual check up to get their units ready for the spring season. There is no better preventative maintenance routine than a full inspection, cleaning and tune up.    

 

How to Handle Dryer Repair to Maximize Spending Efficiency

Depending on the make and model of your dryer and when it was made, you should expect it to last around a decade.

While it generally makes sense to keep your dryer running as long as possible, there are situations in which this is not the most sound financial decision, and this is why learning about dryer repair is so essential.

Gaining this knowledge will help you make better choices when it comes to maintaining your dryer.

Understand the Average Lifespan

Although it really depends on the make and model of your dryer, along with when it was made, you can expect an average dryer to last around a decade. It is possible for it to be shorter or longer, but this is a good guideline to follow for your dryer when you do not know its exact specifications.

Common Dryer Repairs

As long as you keep up with regular DIY maintenance and professional servicing, you are most likely to experience repairs that involve the coils, belts, or thermostats. In this case, when repairs like this come up, you do not have to be concerned about the longevity of the dryer as they are common.

It is when you experience problems that are not so common when there may be underlying issues that could affect the your dryer's lifespan, so a thorough inspection by a professional in this is often the right call.

When to Replace

In order to make the best financial decision, you should get prepared by finding out how much a dryer would cost you if you had to replace the one you currently have as knowing the price is essential.

If the cost of a repair is somewhat close to the cost of replacing your current dryer, and your dryer is getting close to being ten years old, replacing it is an easy decision to make. It is very circumstantial as to whether you should replace or repair a dryer, but the more knowledge you possess, the easier it will be to make a decision that ensures you are spending money efficiently.

Feel free to contact us to learn more about dryer repair.

Enjoy Longer-Lasting Clothes with Dryer Vent Cleaning

Cleaning your dryer vent regularly will help keep your dryer from overheating, which can damage fabric.

One of the most common reasons for getting your dryer vents cleaned is to prevent a house fire, but this should not be the only reason you invest in this form of routine maintenance. It should be standard protocol to maintain your appliances, which includes the dryer vents, but understanding how you can benefit from this in additional ways will help you be more prompt with getting the vent cleaned.

Keeping up with cleaning the vents will provide you with longer-lasting clothes.

Avoid Overheating

A properly cleaned vent does not overheat, which means your clothes do not reach excessively high temperatures that could be problematic for the fabric and lead to immediate or long-term damage.

Fewer Cycles

An important detail to note is that when your clothes are not dried properly, you are likely to run it through another cycle entirely or just extend the current cycle depending on the dampness of the clothing.

When this occurs, your clothes go through the drying process for upwards of twice as long as they normally would with a properly working dryer, and this ultimately reduces their lifespan.

Using a dryer is an effective way to dry clothes, especially in a timely manner, but clothes that go into the dryer are not expected to last several decades without any problems.

Although you may be concerned about how much it costs to get dryer vent cleaning, you will save a lot more money by getting this service as needed because your cloths will not need to be replaced as often.

Also, with a dryer that runs efficiently, you will be spending less on energy costs.

If you want to schedule a dryer vent cleaning, ask questions, or learn more about this particular service, please contact us today as we would love to help.

How to Prevent Home Fires due to Appliances

According to the the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) cooking is the leading cause of home structure fires.

In fact there are many appliances in your home which if not properly maintained can become risks for a home fire. In this blog we will list the highest risk appliances and some steps that you may take which will help keep you and your family safe.

THE STOVE  

The stove is the cornerstone of any kitchen. It allows you to prepare those delicious home cooked meals. But did you know that same appliance that you depend on everyday can also become your worst nightmare? Its true that we cannot eliminate every risk but we can certainly take preventative steps.

• Be careful with excess oil that may get on your stove. 
• Do not let grease spills cause a fire and never leave the room while cooking.
• Make sure you turn of the appliance when it is not in use.
• Keep all flammable objects away from your stove.

Extra Tip: Never use your stove as a home heater as it can cause carbon monoxide! 

THE DISHWASHER

One of the most convenient things in anyone's kitchen is the ability to clean dishes quickly. Sure you could just hand wash them but in today's busy world sometimes there is not enough time. Despite the convenience that this appliance offers it also can become dangerous if not maintained. It is also a good idea to read up on your appliance online. Sometimes companies have issued out a recall due to a mechanical failure which could lead to a fire. 

• Do not under any circumstances leave your dishwasher running while you go off to sleep.
• A important fact to remember is that many dishwasher fires are not due to bad use from the user but are rather the products of a mechanical failure.  

THE WASHER & DRYER

Most of us could not go a day without our washers and dryers. They offer a level of convenience that only a few appliances can. These appliances are truly the peanut butter and jelly of the appliance world. They are also responsible for many home fires. According to the NFPA the leading cause of washer and dryer fires was the failure to clean them. 

• Clean your dryer vents. At SoBellas we have you covered. 
• Maintain your dryers lint tray. 
• Make sure your dryer duct is working at optimal standards.
• Make sure to clean your dryer and washer.    

THE MICROWAVE

 Microwaves are fast and efficient. They are very reliable but even a microwave can become the source of a home fire.  

• Never put metal in a microwave as it will surely cause a fire.
• Make sure to remove any food packaging before placing your food in the microwave. 

Ultimately a fire can happen at any time and there is no 100% way to prevent it. What we can do though is try our best to limit the chances of a fire occurring due to a faulty appliance. The tips above should be a great start towards protecting your beautiful home. We encourage our customers to continuously follow their instruction manuals guidelines. 

We offer our customers the ability to enroll in our customer care club which provides them with the option of having their appliances checked and maintained.     

    

The Life Span of Your Appliances 

Like everything electronic in our life your appliances will one day need to be replaced. The question is how do you know when you have reached that point?

At SoBellas home services we receive calls everyday about customers debating whether to repair or replace their appliances. The answer is not always easy as various factors come into play. We take our profession very seriously and no different than a highly trained doctor. In order to diagnose the situation we first need to send a certified and trained technician to evaluate the appliance. Based on his professional assessment we can then provide our customer with a definitive answer.

It is true that sometimes a problem can become so complex that it is to the customers benefit to simply replace the appliance. This is not always true though and in many cases you can save money simply by fixing your trusty appliance. In order to give you a answer we must look at the following three categories:

1. Dependability
2. Date of Purchase
3. Cost of Repair

Dependability

In terms of dependability it is important to consider how much you rely on your appliance. If you depend on it a lot such as one would with a refrigerator then its a bigger decision to make. You want to ensure that your unit will be around for a long time whether you repair it or replace it. 

Date of Purchase

Another important factor is the date of purchase. Did you know that most new appliances come with a  one year warranty? It is important to read the warranty that any appliance comes with as this can save you a lot of money in the long run. Also it is important to consider the lifespan that your appliance comes with. Contained below is a chart from the NACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors).

Life Expectancy of Appliances

Air Conditioner (window) 5 to 7, Compactor (trash) 6, Dehumidifier 8, Dishwasher 9, Disposal (food waste) 12, Dryer Vent  (plastic) 5, Dryer Vent  (steel) 20, Dryer (clothes) 13, Exhaust Fans 10, Freezer 10 to 20, Gas Oven 10 to 18, Hand Dryer 10 to 12, Humidifier (portable) 8, Microwave Oven 9, Range/Oven Hood 14, Electric Range 13 to 15, Gas Range 15 to 17, Refrigerator 9 to 13, Swamp Cooler 5 to 15, Washing Machine 5 to 15, Whole-House Vacuum System 20

     

Even though appliances are supposed to last for several years they do not always get their maximum use. People typically replace them with more modern appliances and those that better fit the style that they are going for. If your appliance is not working and it has far exceeded its life expectancy then it may be best to look into a replacement. It is important to remember though that there is nothing like a classic. 

Cost of Repair 

At SoBellas we get some calls where the customer tells us that they went ahead and replaced the appliance that they were considering to purchase. This can be a great idea particularly when the cost of repairing the appliance exceeds the cost of buying a new one. We believe that in most instances it is best to repair your current appliances but we also know that sometimes its best to replace them.

Conclusion 

We hope that our latest blog post provided you with some good information to help you make a decision on your appliance. At SoBellas we believe strongly in maintenance as a way of extending the life of your appliances which is why we have our Customer Care Club. Our maintenance agreement is designed to offer you piece of mind and to save you money in the long run. Make sure to comment and let us know what are some experiences that you have had with appliances.          

   

Maintain Your Refrigerator with a Few Easy Tips to Avoid Refrigerator Repair

If you do not maintain the appliances in your home, you will end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs and replacing appliances that can no longer be repaired. It is better to simply maintain these appliances to avoid frustrating problems and spending money unnecessarily. Fortunately, most appliances do not require much to be kept in excellent condition, and this rule also applies to refrigerators, which should last an extremely long time by following just a few easy tips.

Make Sure it is Level at All Times

If something as large as a refrigerator is not level, there will be problems. A non-level refrigerator will inevitably lead to needing professional refrigerator repair, but this is avoidable by using a level. All you need to do is place it on top of the refrigerator to see if there is a problem that needs to be solved.

Do Some Routine Cleaning

While you can clean the condenser coils in the back of the refrigerator pretty easily, you will have the most success when you purchase and use a brush designed for coil cleaning. It is a minor investment for something that will help you maintain your refrigerator while also ensuring a quick cleaning job.

Choose Ideal Temperatures

In order to keep your refrigerator from working too hard, you want to choose balanced temperatures that keep your food at a low enough temperature, but not excessively low to cause overworking. For the fridge, somewhere around 38 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick and putting the freezer at around 0 degrees Fahrenheit will ensure great energy-efficiency while also keeping food frozen.

If you have any questions about appliance repair, feel free to contact us.

Air Conditioner Repair: The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Air Conditioner Repair: The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Dust, cobwebs, and other debris that can collect in the ducting system can severely decrease your HVAC system's efficiency, so have the ducts cleaned regularly.

There is a lot that goes into properly maintaining the appliances in one’s home. In particular, there can be a lot of work involved in ensuring that your home’s HVAC system is properly taken care of. One such maintenance task that homeowners often neglect, or do not realize the importance of, is having their ductwork professionally cleaned. Having your air ducts cleaned as part of your annual air conditioner maintenance and repair can provide many benefits to homeowners as well as to their HVAC system. Here are just a few of these many benefits.

Increased Efficiency

Dust, cobwebs, and other debris that can collect in the ducting system in one’s home can severely decrease your HVAC system’s efficiency. In fact, this debris can decrease the efficiency of your HVAC system by as much as 30%. This can cause your system to have to work harder, which can cause an increase in your energy bills. Thusly, having your ducts cleaned regularly can save you money on your utility bills.

Decreased Dust Accumulation

Much of the dust that accumulates in your home is spread through your air duct system. Having your duct-work cleaned can thus remove the dust at its source. People who have their ducting cleaned on a regular basis often find that they do not need to dust as frequently as they once did.

Air Quality

The air quality in one’s home can be greatly affected by unclean duct-work. Pollutants that can live and grow in these spaces, such as bacteria, allergens, fungus, pollen, and pet dander that can then be spread throughout your home via the duct-work. Professional duct cleaning can then improve the air quality in your home, and it can make your home a healthier, easier place to breathe and live in.

Regular duct cleaning can be vital as it can help to ensure the cleanliness and efficiency of your home’s duct-work. Doing so can help to keep your energy bills down, help to make your home a cleaner place, and it can help to lessen the severity of any allergies and/or respiratory problems your family may have. Contact us to find out about more of the benefits air duct cleaning can provide you with.

Guide to the Perfect Home Kitchen

Guide to the Perfect Home Kitchen 

Let’s face it we all envision ourselves as chefs when we are looking at our IPad and trying out the latest recipe we found on Pinterest. The love that you show in your food preparation should also be found in your kitchen.

In our Guide to the Perfect Home Kitchen we believe that you need 5 appliances and a bit of creativity. Below you will find the steps to our version of Kitchen bliss.  

The Appliances

The Blender

A blender is your best friend in the kitchen. Not only can you keep yourself and your family healthy with some fruit shakes but you can also experiment.

Who doesn't like experimenting with different fruits and veggies to produce the ultimate power shake.     

               The Toaster 

This is one of the first gifts that a married couple receives and there is a big reason for it. Toasters are the perfect compliment to any breakfast meal. Who doesn't appreciate some toasted bread in the morning. 

The Microwave

The microwave is by far one of the most important components. It is the perfect appliance to be used when you are in a hurry. Asides from that if you are not the best at cooking your own food then there is nothing like a microwaveable meal. 

Grill 

A small kitchen grill can do wonders for your waistline by melting off the excess grease. Your meats will taste delicious and you will be thanking us for it. 

The Kitchen Floor

Believe it or not the type of kitchen floor that you select is very important. You want to choose a floor that does the following:

1. Is easy to clean.
2. Will last for a long time.
3. Will not need to be cleaned for a long time.

Put Some Planets in your Kitchen

     

Plants in your kitchen will make it look nicer. It will also be more aesthetically pleasing to your guests eyes. Just make sure to keep your home clean from all of the dust particles. It is important for your kitchen to be visually appealing. 

These are some of our tips to getting the best kitchen possible. Please let us know in the comments below if you have some extra tips.