At Michael & Son, we believe that everyone should know the basics of home safety and repair, both men and woman. That’s why we are proud to announce the return of the Michael & Son DIY Workshops. These free seminars will give participants access to a wealth of knowledge from the industry’s leading electrical, plumbing and HVAC technicians. Here are the topics our classes will cover:

Electrical

In our electrical workshops, you’ll learn all about electrical safety in the home, energy efficiency and lighting designs solutions that will add style to any room.

Plumbing

Our plumbing workshop allows attendant to better understand common problems like clogged drains, toilet repairs and faucet replacements. You’ll also learn the best ways to conserve water and why water filtration is important.

HVAC

Learn all about the home’s HVAC system and what you can do to maintain and service it. From filter changes to the importance of duct cleaning, you’ll learn how to keep your HVAC system running at peak performance all year long. You’ll also learn about the importance of indoor air quality and how to provide a clean and safe breathing environment for you and your family.

Check in with us for more information about our Free DIY Workshops which will be held the second Saturday of every month. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page and find out about special events, fundraisers and much more!

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Is the upper level of your home uncomfortably warm during the summer months and the rest of the levels just too cold? Have you noticed that your A/C unit always seems to be running but the temperature never gets to a comfortable level? If this sounds like your home, you may need to install or upgrade to a Michael & Son Attic Fan. If you have uneven temperatures throughout the home , a hot and muggy upper level, even sweating walls are all symptoms of a home without adequate attic ventilation. Many people will spend thousands of dollars on new units and rezoning when a simple attic fan could have corrected the problem for a fraction of the cost.

Heat rises to the highest point of your home, which is usually the attic. Unless there is a way for that heat to escape, it will simply collect and cause your upper level to be hot and muggy; certainly not a place where you’d want to sleep. It’s not just the heat that will keep you up at night, the huge power bills from your over worked A/C unit will have you tossin’ and turnin’. That’s right, your A/c unit will have to work extra hard to keep your home cool. A unit that’s working overtime not only increases your energy bills, it also requires more costly maintenance and has a reduced service life.

Stop the sleepless nights and enormous summer time energy bills by calling Michael & Son Services today. Call 1800-948-MIKE and schedule an appointment with one of our friendly energy consultants. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter and subscribe to our You Tube page to find out about special offers, upcoming events and more!

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Do you or a family member suffer from allergies or asthma?  Are frequent nosebleeds and dry, itchy skin a nuisance you have to live with on a day to day basis? The problem may be a lack of humidity in your home. The warm air generated by heaters and furnaces dry your homes air and can cause or worsen illnesses.  Dry air not only affects you and your family’s health, it also can cause damage to any wood you have in your home; from hardwood floors to window frames.  If you have problems in your home like…

Splits or cracks in woodwork or walls

Wood doors that show gaps or no longer fit tightly

Gaps between the boards in hardwood floors.

Widening joints in cabinets or wood paneling.

Loose or wobbly chair legs and arms.

Pianos that don’t stay tuned.

Dry air can cause damage to wood furniture in your home.

If these sound like issues you have around the house, the air in your home is probably too dry. So, how can you protect your family and home from the damage caused by dry air? With a Michael & Son humidifier, you can not only protect your families’ health but your valuable furniture as well. Humidifiers work by using humidity sensing controls that release water vapors into the air as needed.

A whole home humidifier helps protect your family and valuables

With balanced level of moister circulating through your home, you’ll notice the difference in no time.  If you would like more information about whole home humidifiers, call 1800-948-MIKE or visit our website; and remember, if you can’t, we can.

In the past, we have discussed the benefits of a whole home filtration system and how it protects against contaminants in tap water. Removing things like lead, cooper and chlorine can be extremely beneficial to you and your family’s health; But what about the health of your appliances and faucets? Millions of homes have what is called hard water running through their pipes and causing damage the whole way through. Hard water just doesn’t cause damage to pipes, fixtures and appliances; it also raises your energy bills. Let’s go over how hard water affects your home in more detail.

What is hard water?

Hard water contains a high amount of calcium and magnesium. Nearly 80% of all homes in the United States have hard water.

Pipes

Hard water causes lime scale, which can wreck havoc on pipes in your home. Lime scale causes corrosion and clogs that can lead to a costly and extremely messy pipe burst.

Water Heater

Because of hard waters density, it takes longer to heat. This means your water heater has to work twice as hard every time you need hard water. Hard water also eats away at the heating elements and coils inside your water heater, that means costly repairs or replacements.

Valves

Lime scale build up around valves can be a problem for you homes pluming system as well. Valves with lime build up can’t be properly sealed and will eventually result in damaging leaks.

Shower heads and Faucets

Hard water can be especially damaging to faucets and shower heads. Because faucets and shower heads have restricted water build up, mineral deposits form at a faster rate.

Energy Cost

Hard water not only ruins the components in your water heater, it also causes it to work overtime. Because of its density, hard water takes longer to heat up, which means an increase in your energy bills.

If you have hard water in your home, don’t wait another day, call Michael & Son Services. We can help you determine if you do have hot water and what solution is the best fit for your home. Call and schedule a free water testing today! Also, like us Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page to find out about upcoming events, great savings and much more!

One of the busiest times for plumbers is during the holidays, especially the days following Thanksgiving. Between the large meals and heavy use on the homes entire plumbing system, issues with toilets and drains are common place. These clogs are usually the result of grease and oil being poured down drains, which forms a dark colored and foul smelling substance that can only be removed by a plumbing professional. Untreated, a clogged drain can lead to leaks and even pipe burst.  Michael & Son Services offers comprehensive drain cleaning that is perfect for the holiday season. Check out Michael & Son plumber, Cesar, on the WJLA nightly news talking about clogs and the “Plumbers Black Friday”. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube Page to find out about special offers, upcoming events and more!

Michael & Son talks holiday plumbing on WJLA news

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According to the Environmental Working Group’s National Drink Water Database, analyses of municipal drinking water have shown that, despite government regulations, there are still many dangerous contaminants present in our water, even after it has gone through municipal water treatment facilities. In reality, these water treatment facilities, more often than not, contribute to the problem by adding dangerous chemicals like fluoride and chlorine to water as part of the treatment process. Chlorine and fluoride can cause a whole host of medical issues including; heart disease, immune disorders, respiratory illness and many other dangerous ailments.

Water treatment plants add harmful contaminants to your water

The Michael & Son Services whole home water treatment system uses innovative “green’ technologies that bring clean, healthy, great tasting water to your home while protecting the environment.  It’s a great choice for those who:

• Want a healthier living environment
• Want clean, mineral rich water
• Are looking for better alternative to tap filters, fridge filters and bottled water
• Know that 70% of our water exposure is though skin and bathing
• Want to protect their plumbing system and appliances
• Want to save money and the environment

You can protect you family against harmful containment’s in your homes water with a Michael & Son Whole Home Water Filtration System. Whole home water filtration systems work by filtering water at the point where it enters your house. Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, bathtubs, and toilets all will use clean, safe water. It also protects your indoor air from chlorine vapors and chloroform gas. Whole home water filtration systems are also cost-effective, and end up saving you more money than installing individual filters for each of the water sources within your home. Call Michael & Son at 800-948-MIKE today or fill out the form below and schedule to meet with one of our home water filtration consultants. Our consultants can help you determine what system is right for you and your family.

With a Whole Home Water Filteration System, even the water from your shower pure

Benefits

• Great value for the price: Our 3-in-1 system replaces all tap/fridge/jug filters and water softeners
• Uses no electricity or salt: saves you money and is great for the environment
• Every ounce of water is treated: no wasted water
• No monthly filters to replace: easy maintenance
• Reduces the formation of hard water deposits: spend less time scrubbing scale form showers, tiles and dishes
• Anti-scale technology can be installed immediately after the pressure tank or water meter, thereby treating all water used within the home
• Attractive appliance styling looks great any home

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Our last few blog post have gone over how to prepare your HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems for the winter. Today, we’ll offer some tips on preparing your homes exterior for the cold months ahead. The winter season brings all sorts of damaging weather along with it; rain, sleet, ice and snow can give the exterior of your home a beating. However, like most things related to your home, a little preparation and planning can help you avoid costly damages.

Tree Trimming

Over grown tree branches can become dangerous during a winter storm. Branches can take out power lines, cause fires and smash through a homes window. Make sure to trim back any over grown branches before the winter weather really starts to hit.

Keep tree branches trimmed and away from power lines, windows

The Roof

A leaky roof in the winter time can be disastrous for a home, both inside and out. Make sure to check your roof for any small holes or loose shingles and repair them immediately.

The Gutters

Keeping your gutters clean is very important during the winter season. Clogged gutters can cause or make worse issues like foundation cracks, ponding in the lawn and indoor flooding.

Keep gutters clean and clear during the winter season

Driveway, Porches and Patios

A small crack in your driveway can become a large crack after a cold winter. Make sure to seal up any cracks in your driveway and patio as well. Also, if you prefer to leave your patio furniture out through the winter, make it’s tied down and covered.

Exterior Cracks

Cracks or holes in your homes exterior that are near plumbing can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Make sure to seal any cracks or holes in the exterior of your home.

Following these simple suggestions can help you avoid problems in the future. If you need help getting your home ready for winter, we can help! Call Michael & Son and set up and appointment with one of our friendly technicians who can help you prepare your home for the upcoming weather. Don’t forget to ask about a Michael & Son Home Care Agreement and take the worry out of home maintenance and repair! Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page to find out about special offers, upcoming events and much more!

In the third part of our winterizing the home series we will discuss electrical safety and conservation in the home during the winter months. One of the biggest hazards in the home during the winter months is space heaters. Not only can space heaters be a hazard, they can also add to your electric bill. Below are some tips for safely using a space heater in your home:

• Keep any combustible objects away from the heater at all times
• Make sure heater is plugged into a snug outlet. Loose outlets can cause fires.
• Do not run cords through carpets or rugs. This can cause them to overheat and start a fire
• Do not leave children unsupervised around space heaters
• Do not use space heaters in wet or moist areas. Unless specifically built for that purpose, the heater can cause dangerous electrical shocks.
• Do not place heaters where they can easily be tipped over
• Turn off and unplug space heater when not in use.

Space heaters are dangerous and costly

Another hazard of winter is the loss of power because of a storm. In the event of a power outage, here are some tips:

• Keep a supply of flashlights and new batteries handy.
• In the event of a power outage, do not use candles. Instead, use flashlights and battery powered lamps.
• Keep cell phones charged through the storm. Limit use through outage to only emergency calls.
• Keep a supply of non-perishable can goods and bottled water in the home.
• Know the route to designated emergency shelters
• Call Michael & Son and ask about our generator services

Always keep a flash light with fresh batteries on hand, in case of a storm

The Best way to get ready for winter is to call Michael & Son and schedule a free electrical inspection. Be sure to keep checking in with us all this week as we continue our series on winterizing the home. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page to find out about upcoming events, great savings and much more!

If you have lived in the D.C. / Metro area for any amount of time, you know how important climate control in the home. Whether it’s the oppressive summer heat or our bone chilling winters, having a properly function HVAC system is a must, all year long.  The constant changes in our weather means your homes HVAC system is usually working harder than it was intended to. Since that’s the case, you’ll need to make winterizing your homes HVAC system a top priority on your seasonal to-do list. Today, we will be continuing our winterizing the home series with a focus on your homes HVAC system.

Duct Cleaning

Unless your home is outfitted with a proper air purification system, during the summer months, your home’s HVAC system is dragging in all sorts of dust and debris. Along with being re-circulated throughout your home, these contaminants can also cause airflow restrictions that make your system work harder and raise your energy cost. A proper duct cleaning will ensure proper airflow through the winter months and keep your energy cost where they should be. Don’t get roped in by duct cleaning offers that sound too good to be true. Make sure to read this and watch attached videos before making any decisions.

Filter Change

Changing your systems filter is important for the same reasons as a duct cleaning. If you are using a standard filter with a lower MERV rating, you might consider upgrading to a longer lasting and more effective filter. For more information on the different types of filters, click here.

Using a filter with a higher MERV rating will increase air flow and help lower your energy bills

Thermostat Upgrade

An older thermostat will not always give accurate readings, especially one that uses mercury. Consider updating your thermostat this winter season.

Updating your thermostat is another way to get your home ready for winter

Clear the Clutter

Remove any clutter that has built up around your furnace. This will not only help it run more efficiently, it also removes any fire hazards.

Keep your HVAC system free of clutter which could become a fire hazard

Look, Listen & Smell

When you turn heat on for the first time of the year, make sure to examine the machine for any strange sounds, smells or smoke. If you notice any of those issues, call an experienced HVAC professional right away.

Want to make sure your system is ready for this winter season and every season to come? Call Michael & Son Services today and ask about our Home Cares Agreements. With a Michael & Son Home Care Agreement, we take the worry out maintaining your home’s HVAC system. Visit our website for more information. Also, like us on Facebook, subscribe to our YouTube page and follow us on Twitter to find out about special offers, upcoming events and much more!

As the temperature drops, the probability of issues with your home’s plumbing system rises. Winter plumbing issues can range from damaged sprinkler systems to indoor flood causing pipe burst. With just a little preparation, most winter plumbing issues can be avoided. Today, we will be going over a quick checklist to get your home’s plumbing system ready for the season ahead.

Locate Main Water Shut Off

If you don’t already know where to find it, now is a good time to look. The main valve is usually found inside a utility closet; however, each home is different. In the event of a plumbing emergency, shutting down the main water valve is the first thing you’ll want to do.

Sprinkler Systems

Of all your homes plumbing systems and appliances, the sprinkler is most exposed to the elements. Prepare your sprinkler system for the winter by shutting off the main water supply and then turning on the sprinklers. This will flush out any water that has collected in the hoses and keep them from freezing over.

Outdoor Hoses

Makes sure to disconnect and remove all outdoor hoses from the hose bib. A frozen hose can completely damage the bib, which can be a costly repair.

Outdoor sprinklers, garden hose and bibs are very easily damaged by the weather

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Exposed pipes in your home are the most likely to freeze in below zero temperatures. Insulate exposed pipes using inexpensive and easy to install foam wrap. Insulating your pipes will protect them from freezing temperatures and help cut down on your energy bills.

Repair Existing Leaks

Even the smallest leak can be a big problem when the temperature drops. Make sure to repair all leaks, no matter how minor, before the cold hits.

The slightest leak can cause plumbing problems in freezing temperatures

Preparing your home for the winter season is simple, inexpensive and will help avoid serious plumbing issues. Call Michael & Son for help with winterizing your home, or any plumbing job, no matter how or small. From simple leak repairs to large scale construction jobs, there is nothing the Michael & Son Plumbing division can’t handle. Also, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube page to find out about great savings, upcoming events and much more!