How Much Does A Sprinkler System Cost

There are several reasons why you would want to purchase a sprinkler system. 

First, it’s convenient. If you have a sprinkler system, there’s no need to drag the garden hose around and spend time watering the lawn. 

Second, it’s efficient. Having a sprinkler system will mean uniform and complete coverage of lawn watering in a short period thanks to its programmable features.

Third, it’s eco-friendly. And I don’t just mean ecological, but also economical! Its efficiency prevents water wastage, which also saves money from costly water bills.

With all that said, how much would a sprinkler system cost? 

For this post, we will elaborate on the cost of a sprinkler system, and the comparison of cost between residential and commercial use.

Cost of an Automatic Sprinkler System 

Using an automatic sprinkler system is a wise choice, especially if your house has a large lawn. There would be no need to walk around with a garden hose in hand, which will consume time that otherwise, you can use for other chores. Not only that, by adjusting and programming the sprinkler system, it will automatically uniformly water the lawn, which will prevent some areas from being oversaturated with water. You can leave it to function for three seasons, until it needs to be winterized for the winter season.

Based on the statistics from Home Advisor, purchasing an automatic sprinkler system costs $2,630 on average for a 1/4-acre yard, which is the average lawn size in the entire United States. However, the general lawn area still varies from state to state. 

The provided cost of the automatic sprinkler system includes the controller, which is priced from $10 to $325 on average. The most expensive options are generally smart controllers and ones that can be adjusted from your phone, which allows you to take control of the system even if you are far away from home.

Commercial-use vs. Residential-use Sprinkler System

However, the cost of the commercial use automatic sprinkler system is different than that of residential use. It’s because the expenses for a commercial irrigation system is generally higher than a residential one thanks to the larger pipes, more powerful equipment, and extra-durable materials used, to cover an even larger area. The actual price for each project is dependent on the size of the job and the number of zones required to cover the entire place. Talk to a pro for an accurate estimate to install commercial irrigation.

Above-ground vs. Underground Sprinkler System

Now, let’s compare the difference in pricing when it comes to sprinklers that run above the ground, which is the drip irrigation and the underground one, which is the automatic sprinkler system. The price of a drip irrigation system is from about $1,800 to $2,500 per acre. That is according to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. As expected, the expenses are a fraction of the traditional option, which costs about $10,280 per acre on average, which is much more economical.

If you can afford to purchase and install a sprinkler system for your lawn, make sure you do! Having one will cut time and expenses.

How to Repair Sprinkler Line

Despite the unimaginable amount of convenience that sprinkler systems have brought to homeowners across the world thanks to their intuitive and nearly human intervention-free function, they are not without their fault. As wonderful inventions of the 21st century as sprinkler systems may be, they are still susceptible to damage from all sorts of reasons.

Perhaps the most common issue that you may face would be a blown sprinkler line or a leak in the pipes. This is a problem that’s plagued residential and commercial owners alike for decades, and the troubleshooting and fix for it may appear to be too intimidating for the average homeowner.

I can assure you, though, that fixing this issue is as easy as can be. Let’s begin with what to prepare.

Materials and Tools

Here are a couple of tools and materials that you’ll be needing and using this endeavor. Be sure to prepare them all beforehand so as to make the entire process as seamless as can be.

  1. Hand Trowel
  2. Cloth
  3. Hacksaw
  4. Band Clamp
  5. Slip Coupling
  6. Screwdriver

Step 1: Finding the Leak

The first thing that you should do is to locate where the actual broken pipe. This can be done in several ways, all of which will require a lot of your patience because you will have to be looking for damaged pipes below ground.

Regardless, they’re relatively easy to spot so long as you look for irregularly wet sections of the soil. Check and see the puddle in it If you can see bubbles flowing from up underground, indicating that the water in the puddle is coming from underground.

Step 2: Dig, dig, dig!

After you’ve found the problem site, first turn off the sprinkler system to stop the leak. Then, with your hand trowel, dig very carefully around the area where you suppose the broken section of the pipe would be. Lift the sections of soil up and set it aside until you can very clearly see the pipe that has leakage. Clear a bit of the soil around it so you can move and work on it freely.

Use the cloth or any other rag to clean the pipe from any debris before you begin tinkering on it.

Step 3: Fixing Time

Now is the actual time to fix the leak. With the hacksaw, cut the section of your pipe that’s broken clean off, making sure that the slip coupling you have will fit in it. Then, place the band clamps on each cut end of the pipeline.

Insert the slip coupling and use the screwdriver to finish the job by tightening the band clamp and sealing the pipe.

Step 4: Job Well Done!

The last thing you’ll have to do—before you cover everything up to return it to how it looked before—is to turn on the sprinkler and check for a leak. That way, while the pipe is still exposed, you can see and make sure you’ve done a good job. Once everything is a-okay, return the soil to where it once was and tidy everything up—good as new!

How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

To winterize means that you have to prepare something for the upcoming winter season. The sprinkler system is no exception. After working it’s hardest on the summer season, it’s time to put it to rest during the winter season. It’s because winter will cause the water inside your sprinkler system to freeze, which in turn, will cause damage and rupture to your water pipes, valves, and fittings. That’s why it’s crucial that before winter, you’ve already winterized your sprinkler system.

And so, how do you winterize your sprinkler system? There are two processes you need to do to put your sprinkler system to rest during winter, and those are:

Rid the sprinkler system of water by manual draining.

To do so, you need to shut off the backflow valves that prevent the water in the sprinkler system to backflow into the house water system, and then open the manual draining valve of the sprinkler system. With this, the water inside the sprinkler system will flow out by itself. However, since the underground pipes of the system is subject to shifting over time due to various reasons, there might be leftover water that cannot be removed with this process. That’s why you need to the next process to completely drain the sprinkler system of water.

Use an air compressor to remove the remaining water inside the sprinkler system.

You need to do this to remove the leftover water inside the system. However, caution must be exercised at using the air compressor since it might cause irreversible damage to the sprinkler system. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Make sure the backflow valves are shut off first.
  2. Turn off the water supply valve for the sprinkler system.
  3. Set the system timer to open just one zone.
  4. Remove the plug at the blow-out port and insert the air compressor hose adaptor.
  5. Plug the other end of the hose adaptor to the air compressor.
  6. Proceed to blow out the remaining water out of the sprinkler in the zone. Release the air pressure once the head of the sprinkler comes out and begins releasing water. This is to prevent the tiny plastic gears inside the sprinkler head from being damaged.
  7. Once done, open up another zone and redo number 6.
  8. Once the entire sprinkler system is free of leftover water, remove the hose adaptor and seal the blow-out port with its plug.

Keep in mind a few things before doing this process. If you have an irrigation plan, check the respective output of each zones (in gallons per minute or GPM in short) then divide the values to 7.5 to see how much airflow in CFM you’ll need to blow out water without damaging the pipes in the zone. Or just use a 10 CFM (cubic feet per second) air compressor instead. Then set the air compressor’s pressure regulator to a maximum of 50 psi for the flexible black polyethylene pipe or 80 psi for rigid PVC pipe.

And with that, your sprinkler system is now ready for the oncoming winter season! If you think these tips have helped you winterize your sprinkler system, don’t hesitate to share this with others!

How to Remove Rust from Concrete

No one likes seeing rust stains on their driveway or sidewalk, and it can be a mystery to some people how these stains came to be there. Rust stains can easily form on any surfaces, including concrete. 

When metal gets wet, it goes under chemical processes and creates rust, and it can leave rust stains onto your concrete surfaces. Whatever cause it may come from, rusts can tarnish your home’s appearance.

It is important to keep in mind that rust stains that have been on the concrete may take a longer time before it can be cleaned. With that being said, we will break this tutorial into two parts: removing minor rust stains and removing major rust stains. If you do not know how long the stain has been on your concrete, you can start treating it using processes from removing minor stains. If it does not work, you can move on to treatment using processes from removing major stains. Let’s get started.

Minor Rust Stains

  1. Start by cleaning the concrete using soap and water. This process will wash away surface-level grease or dirt that may prevent the acid from removing rust. Simple dish soap should do the trick.
  2. After cleaning the surface, you may start adding pure lemon juice. Don’t use a diluted one, as the stronger the acid, the better it can remove stains. Once you’ve soaked the stain with lemon juice, leave it that way and let it sit.
  3. Once you’ve let the lemon juice sit, you may now start brushing the stain away. If you are worried that you might strip off your paint, you can always use a nylon brush or any delicate brush. If your wall is extremely delicate, you can use a sponge; however, it might not be as effective.
  4. After doing all of these, rinse the spot with water and let it dry. If it still has some stain residue, go at it again using the same process, but now adding some stronger acids, like white vinegar.

Major Rust Stains

If the lemon and vinegar process just won’t cut it, try a commercial rust cleaner instead.

When looking for a rust remover, look for a product that contains oxalic acid, as this ingredient will get the job done. Another acid to look for is the trisodium phosphate. However, when this acid was left sitting on the concrete for too long, it might turn the concrete blue.

When working with acids, make sure that you are wearing the right gears and equipment, as acids can harm our skin.

By process, it is most likely just the same with the minor stain processes, however, you will now use powerful rust cleaners instead of lemon juice and vinegar. 

  1. Clean the surface using soap and water.
  2. After cleaning the surface, this is when you will put the rust remover. Apply thoroughly and generously. Let it sit for a while and let the stain fully absorb it.
  3. After letting it sit, this is where you can start scrubbing the stain away. The brush that you need to use will depend on how sensitive your paint is.
  4. After doing these, if there are still stubborn stain marks, just use a pressure washer. If it still can’t remove it fully, repeat the process all over.

How to Patch Stucco

Your stucco walls might be bothersome for you if you see that it has cracks or holes. Even if it needs low maintenance, like other things, it will need a repair if it is damaged. Doing that will be pretty easy. Here is how you can do it.

Inspection

Before doing anything, the best step is to inspect your wall first. Try and look at the damage and see its depth and how serious it is. Most stucco cracks are only on the surface and does not affect structural integrity. You may also look for holes that might not be too obvious, but also needs repair.

Repairing Tiny Holes

Patching holes in your stucco wall is easy, as long as they are tiny. That is why inspection is important, to see if you can do repairs yourself or if you need the help of an expert. You will need to prepare the following materials:

  • wire brush
  • caulking
  • caulk gun
  • protective equipment

To start the process, pet your caulking and cut the tip at an angle. Make sure that the opening is as small as possible, so it is easy to put it inside the hole. Before applying anything, clean the area first using a wire brush or blow into the hole to get rid of dust and debris inside. After that, you may load your caulking gun with caulking and fill up the hole. Check if there are gaps and get rid of them. Do not overfill the hole, just make sure it has enough caulking. Allow it to cure entirely. The caulking may shrink a little after it dries, but do not worry as this will work to your advantage. Apply a second layer of caulking and try to imitate the rough finish of the wall. After it fully cures, you may paint over it to hide the repair.

Repairing Hairline Cracks

Another common problem you might have is cracks in your stucco. They are quite easy to fixe. Here are the materials you will need:

  • Sponge
  • A bucket of water
  • caulking gun
  • caulking

Clean the crack first and the area around it using a sponge and a bucket of water. Remove any grime or dirt buildup that may affect the adhesion of the caulking. Dampen the area before applying the sealant. Next, you may fill the crack with caulking. Avoid gaps for a better job. Spread it evenly, and clean up the excess. Let it cure entirely. You may do another layer as the caulking might shrink, and you may use it to imitate the texture of the area. You will need to use a brush or sandpaper. Ensure that everything will have enough time to dry. With repairing cracks, the outcome might be too obvious, so you may repaint the area if you want. It is up for you to decide.

If you think that the problem is too much for you to handle. You may always call an expert to help out. Surely, there will always be a repairman ready to aid you. 

How to Remove Paint from Concrete

Paint makes our house brighter and beautiful insight. it sometimes defines our personality just by looking at the colors that we choose. But what if the paint accidentally spilled on the surface? That’s not a problem!

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove paint from concrete:

First step: 

Clean the surface. To remove all the dirt and debris, First, prepare a mixture of soap and water or a Trisodium Phosphate (It is a cleaning agent that is advisable to use for tough cleaning jobs.) Just dilute it with water but also, be careful about using it because it is so potent. Just to be sure, wear hand gloves. Second, sweep off all the dirt and debris, you may also remove the loose paint as much as possible. Lastly, use the soapy water or diluted trisodium phosphate to scrub it off with a brush. Rinse it and allow one to three hours for the surface to dry. 

Second step: 

Use chemical paint strippers. After doing the first step, some paint started to loosen or chip that you may scrape or peel it away. You may use a scraper or a knife in doing it. Now, get the chemical paint stripper. But before using it, make sure to wear appropriate protective gear like a mask, gloves, and long sleeves. The chemical paint stripper that you will use may vary depending on the type of paint that you are trying to remove. If you are uncertain about what to use, oil-based paint stripper will be your best option. Apply a generous layer of paint stripper.

Third step:

Leave it and let the chemical do its job. A Chemical reaction will take place and do its job to remove the excess paint on the surface. Of course, it will take time for the chemicals to take effect so check the instructions given by the manufacturer. It is usually seen at the side of the can. Mostly, this is for about one to eight hours.

Fourth step: 

Scrub and clean it again. You may use wire srub and scraper to remove the paint. To remove all traces, use a pressure washer. It is okay to repeat the procedure. Now, if it still has traced, use the paint stripper for the second or third time. It is sometimes needed to thoroughly remove the paint.

You had the huge paint spilled on the surface? No problem!

You only have to do the same step-by-step guide but with a little difference. Instead of just using a pain stripper and pressure washer, get a ground clay powder. It is an absorbent material that is useful in absorbing that paint on the surface. Doesn’t have ground clay but you have cute little cats in the house? Problem solved! You may use kitty litter. Just pulverized it and you are all set!

For this procedure, just follow the first step on the guidelines above then let’s proceed for the guides on using this another mixture.

First step: Make a paste. Mix the stripper and absorbent material. Make sure that it is not too watery nor too gooey.

Second step: Apply it on a surface. Apply a generous amount of the mixture then spread it. It takes time for the stripper to work so allow 20 minutes to an hour. Make sure to add thinner to the mixture now and then during the process to keep the mixture active. 

Third step: Scrape off the paste. The chemical reaction brought by the mixture has done the work for you. Scrape it using a scraper or a knife. If there’s a remaining paint on the surface, repeat the process.

Fourth step: Now, scrub and clean it again. You may use wire scrub and soapy water to remove the excess particles. 

Why My AC Unit Makes Loud Noise When Starting?

There are days that the heat and humidity are just too much, making us want to have an Air Conditioner in our homes. You’re lucky enough if you already own one. But it’s quite a concern if you hear loud noises from your air conditioner especially when it’s starting. You certainly need to call a professional HVAC technician to avoid making your AC dysfunctional. While waiting you can check out the following possible causes of the noise your AC is making. 

Banging and Clanging

There are two possible causes for this noise. It can either be the cause of debris stuck on your unit, or a loose fan that hits against the HVAC cage. Upon hearing this noise, you should immediately shut it down to avoid further damages and complications. You should call professional HVAC technicians for this is an urgent concern. 

The Rattling of the Outdoor Unit

It is truly inevitable for anything to age. Like other equipment, air conditioners also deteriorate as time passes by. As it ages, the parts loosen and that’s what makes the rattling sound. However, if it’s not that old yet, several possible reasons include a loose fan, malfunctioning electrical contractor, or it has twigs and leaves stuck inside. To avoid further damage, it’s commendable to immediately call a professional HVAC technician. 

High-Pitched Screaming or Whistling

This noise surely needs immediate action from professionals. This is one of the most serious signals that an AC can send to its owner. There are two possible reasons for this. Either there’s a refrigerant leak or there’s an issue with the compressor. Either of the two, you have to take quick action on this noise. Some AC offers a safety feature that shuts down the unit in case this instance happens. But if not, shut it by yourself and don’t operate until it gets inspected by a professional. 

Clicking

Whenever you start it, if it produces clicking sounds and doesn’t turn on, it can be a cause of the electrical problem. In case this occurs, it’s best to leave the work to professionals. 

Squealing

Squealing can also be caused by two possible reasons. Either it’s caused by a misaligned or worn fan belt, or a malfunctioning outdoor fan motor or indoor blower motor. The sound may come and go when the belt is the cause because it’s the temperature that makes the fan belt contract and expands. However, you should still consult it with a professional. 

Humming

Humming is not much of a problem. However, leaving it unchecked for a long time may cause bigger problems. It can be caused by loose parts or refrigerant piping. It could also be an issue with the motor if it hums and the compressor doesn’t start. Whatever the reason is, the best way to resolve is to call an HVAC technician. 

Metal Popping

This is the least to be concerned about. It’s usually the ductwork while it responds to the unit to turn it on or off. However, you can buy some type of insulation or foam to reduce the noise. 

To avoid those noises made by ACs, you might as well want to do the following preventive measures: 

Schedule Regular Inspection

To keep your HVAC in good condition, you better schedule a maintenance inspection for at least twice a year. This will help you know what possible problems your AC may experience and avoid it before it happens. 

Install Noise-Reducing Barrier

In case you just happen to have a noisy air conditioner, try to buy a noise-reducing barrier. It can be a noise-reducing fence, sound blanket, or quiet fence. 

Immediately Call an Expert

If you are suspecting that your AC has problems, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC technician to inspect. That way, you won’t have to face big damages and pay more money and time. 

These are all the following reasons why your AC creates noises whenever it starts. In case any of these fit with your concern, immediately call a professional HVAC technician. Also, remember to follow all preventive measures to avoid complications and worse, a fully damaged AC.

How to Choose an HVAC Contractor

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. As the name itself implies, the HVAC system controls the temperature and humidity level by controlling the distribution of air inside to bring safety and comfort in your space. However, a good HVAC system will be useless, no matter how expensive it is, if it is faultily installed. That’s the reason why it is important to hire and invest in an HVAC contractor that is knowledgeable, experienced, and properly trained.

So, without further ado, here are some of the important steps to take to find an effective HVAC contractor: here are some of the important steps to take to find an effective HVAC contractor:

Research

Surfing the net will make your hunt a lot easier. People are now relying a lot on the internet. That’s why a lot of companies, including heating and cooling manufacturers, are making websites as a part of their strategies. 

HVAC companies provide contact information and key details of an independent dealer near your location. Meanwhile, in another HVAC website, you can read customer reviews and identify recommended companies. If you want to verify the HVAC contractor you have found, you may use ACCA or Air Conditioning Contractors of America as they offer a searchable database of its contractor members.

This way, you can find you your ideal HVAC contractor whether you need AC Repair or AC Installation while staying at home and saving time and money.

Referrals

No one is more trustworthy than your family, friends, or neighbors, right? You may ask your family, friends, and neighbors for referrals. You can ask their personal experience with the HVAC contractors and compare the service you are expecting, as well as the budget and time of completion. You can have the most honest answers from referrals which makes it easier for you.

Reviews

Other people’s opinions matter. Reading reviews about a licensed HVAC contractor is another way of verifying their quality, value, and customer service. Comments may consist of how the contractor behaved as they face the problem, did the contractor provides clear details regarding the problem, or how they addressed the problem. With these pieces of information, you will have an insight if customer satisfaction is the top priority of the contractor.

Set Expectations

We only want the best for ourselves. For home necessities, it is important to look for the best value. If you want to buy and install a new heating and cooling system, it is best if you work with a licensed HVAC contractor that will provide a limited warranty. If the system is properly installed, unnecessary repetitive visits can be nullified. However, a scheduled maintenance of the system, provided by the company, will maintain the efficiency and may extend the life expectancy of the system.

Ideal HVAC Contractor

No one wants their money to go to waste. The HVAC system is probably one of the most expensive equipment in your space. And that’s why you should look for someone reliable to work on it. The most important qualification for an HVAC contractor is to be licensed and experienced. However, these are not the only thing you should consider when looking for an HVAC contractor. Here are the few things you should also pay attention to:

  • Even after the appointment, still reach out through text, call, email, or set a service appointment.
  • Arrived within the given time.
  • Have certification patches received from organizations.
  • Patient enough to talk about and answer your concerns.
  • Can perform a complete, thorough system evaluation.
  • Provides written documentation.

I hope I answered all the questions you have in mind. By doing all of the steps written above and following your guts, I hope you will be able to choose an HVAC contractor that will bring comfort to your home. Good luck!

How to Repair Air Conditioning Duct Work

If your duct system is damaged, expect your heating and air conditioning systems to have greatly reduced energy efficiency. All the energy that will be lost will cost more in a single season and it will exceed the price of the repair materials. So, upon seeing any damages, act immediately, and repair it to avoid spending more. 

Before directly going through the steps, I want you to be informed that there are various types of HVAC ducts. Why do I have to tell you that? Well, different HVAC duct types need different ways of repairing. 

It’s good to know what type of duct your house has. If you’re not aware, here is the list of types of HVAC Duct and some information about them:

  • Fiberglass Duct Board: This duct uses compressed fiberglass boards that have a foil outer layer. Each joint together is hold by mesh, a foil-backed duct tape, and a duct sealing compound. 
  • Galvanized Sheet Metal Systems: This starts with a plenum or a rectangular trunk line. Branch lines then run along with the systems to the individual floor penetrations. The branch lines are either made with smaller rectangular ducts or round sheet metals. What holds the pieces of the sheet metal ducts are S-shaped clips and cleats. The round sheet metal duct is held by screws together. 
  • Flex Duct: This is known for being easy to install and inexpensive. This has three layers: inner layer, fiberglass center layer, and an outer layer. The inner layer uses a spiral wire to be able to maintain its shape. The fiberglass center layer gives thermal protection. The outer layer works as a vapor barrier.

Now that you already have prior knowledge with all the types, let’s know how to repair any damaged types of HVAC duct. 

Fiberglass Duct Board

Using the fiberglass duct board does not usually need any maintenance or repair. They are made to be long-lasting and resistant to abuse. However, being exposed to excessive moisture for too long may destroy or contaminate the fiberglass. Most of the time, wet sections dry without issues. But technicians recommend replacing sections of saturated duct board due to mold concerns.

1. Drain the duct. You can do this by poking a small hole in the duct’s foil outer line. You can do it with a screwdriver. Before doing so place a bucket beneath the targeted area so once that you poke a small hole through it, water will pour directly to the bucket. 

2. Cut the damaged section. Using a non-serrated knife, force through the duct and cut out the damaged area/wet area. 

3. Create the replacement patch. You can base the measurement on the cutout or the hole with a tape measure. Apply the measurement on the new sheet of duct board. Cut the board with a non-serrated knife. 

4. Install the patch.  You can install the patch by pressing the patch on the hole until its foil backing fits with the existing duct’s surface. Then, apply a piece of foil-backed duct tape on the seam. Press it with a squeegee. Cover it with a mesh. And lastly, using a paintbrush, coat the mesh with a 1/8 thick layer of duct mastic. 

Sheet Metal Duct

Homes in northern climates often use galvanized sheet metal ducts. This helps to keep the flooring warm. The main problem is that occasionally, the sealant allows the heated air to escape because it loses its grip.

1. Expose the Leaking Seam. On both sides of the area, you are planning to repair, loosen the hanging straps or brackets. Lower the duct to be able to examine the leaking joint thoroughly. Leaks can easily be solved with additional sealant normally. But if we’re talking about large gaps, you should expose and inspect it. If S-lock is missing or incorrectly installed, it might be the cause of the gap. To resolve, take it apart then correctly reconnect it.

2. Repair the S-lock. If applicable, cut the old mastic with a utility knife from the perimeter of the joint. Remove all the screws that might be holding the S-lock in its place. Pull the tabs on the ends of both drives after straightening it. Separate the joint after doing so. Tension might prevent it from being completely separated. Slip the old S-lock from the joint. With a screwdriver, open the S-lock then put it back to its place. Each flat metal on the sides of the duct should slip into the gap created by the screwdriver. Lastly, by using a hammer, install the drives. 

3. Seal the duct joint. With a 1/8-inch thick layer of code-approved cut mastic, cover the joint. Use a paintbrush to do so. There is mastic designed specifically for galvanized sheet metal ducts. 

Flex Duct

Sometimes, you will see an exposed air conditioning duct collar during home inspections. This might happen because the pressure forces the insulation and outer liner away from the collar. By having an exposed collar, expect that the efficiency of your system’s energy is greatly reduced. 

1. Solve it. Next to the slipping connection, add a hanger strap to relieve any tension. Then, place those straps throughout the duct run. 

2. Disconnect the Loose Liner. With pliers or wire cutters, cut the duct strap. Pull away the insulation from the connection. Then, to properly cover the insulation, adjust the outer liner. 

3. Attach the outer liner. On the layer’s butt edge, apply mastic. Mash the material with each other until it gets sealed by the mash. Lock it with a duct strap in place. Lastly, apply mastic to cover the outside of the joint. 

These are the common damages that may occur on your AC duct. These solutions might provide a big help in case you relate to any of those issues. Remember to check what type of duct do you have before doing any actions. It’s also not bad to ask for professional help in case you need some.

How much does it cost to repair HVAC

What is HVAC?
HVAC is the shortened name for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is used by newly constructed buildings to provide centralized heating and cooling services. It is used to promote high air quality and thermal comfort. Currently, HVAC is more widely used than traditional methods of cooling and heating the environment using a furnace and a window air conditioner. It consists of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Heating refers to the furnace or boiler used to increase the temperature. In HVAC, it passes through a pipe system that carries a fluid containing heat. Next is the ventilation. It is used to remove moisture, smoke, odors, dust, and airborne bacteria or in short it is for the air cleaning purposes. Last, the air conditioning. It is used to remove existing heat in the environment. It is great to install in new buildings or houses because of its all-in-one service to give heat, cool air, and to clean the air. But as with other appliances, it does not last as long as it needs to be considered for better service or in the long run its parts will be damaged and need to be repaired.
But how much does it cost to repair HVAC?

The HVAC repair depends on how big it is and what are the damaged parts that need to be repaired. Most repair services here charge a wage per hour, so it is not a joke to spend a repair on it.

The national average cost of repairing an HVAC will be around $293. The minimum cost of a small parts repair is $75 while the maximum cost of a major repair is $2900. The average range to repair a damage usually ranges from $144 to $451. Most HVAC contractors charge $100 to $150 per hour when doing repairs. When you call a contractor for service they will charge you $75- $200 for the first hour of service and the contractor will take care of how much he will charge for the succeeding hour. The fees are different depending on the services provided because the system may not have the same damage. For tune-ups where they inspect your system for possible failures and to clean your filters, you need $85-$110. For the diagnostic test, they charge $85 to $110. The charge is also different when you need the service as soon as possible or on weekends, it can cost $140 to $250 per hour. For the HVAC inspection cost, it will check if your HVAC is properly installed for proper operation. For inspection costs it costs $50 to $125. For cleaning costs, it costs $35 per air duct or $300- $1000 on average for the whole system. Your HVAC needs to be cleaned every 2-5 years. For maintaining your HVAC to avoid major damage, you may have to maintain a maintenance cost of $15 per month or approximately $150- $300 yearly.

To sum it up it is not easy and cheap to maintain, operate and repair an HVAC system but I’m sure you will enjoy the service it offers especially if you live in a country with four seasons where it is sometimes necessary to cool down or get warmer. Your home may also be safer for airborne bacteria that can cause the disease.