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Water softeners are generally low-maintenance, as most of their upkeep is automatic when the resin is regenerated. However, there are a few things you need to know to make sure your water softener keeps providing clean, fresh water for years to come! In this post, we’ll go over a few basic steps that are often overlooked.

BREAK THE BRIDGES

Salt crystals can create a “bridge” across the brine tank that prevents them from mixing with water. When this happens, use a common household item (like a broom handle) to break them apart. There are many factors that cause the bridges to form, including the quality of salt you use. If your water is starting to taste bad, but your water softener appears to have plenty of salt – check the tank for a bridge!

RESIN REASON

The resin beads exist in your softener to attract minerals and remove them from your water. As a part of the water softening system, the beads automatically rinse, but sometimes they may need manual cleaning. A cleaning solution will get the job done and help expand the life of your system!

SISTER SLUDGE

As we already mentioned, using quality salt will go a long way to protect your water softening system. One disadvantage to bad salt is that it’s more prone to leave behind minerals that will eventually form sludge in your brine tank, causing the whole system to slow down. The valve will eventually clog, preventing the system from operating properly. Occasional maintenance will make a big difference!

REGULAR CHECK-UP

Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, just make sure to check your water softener for the above issues once every few months. Your primary task is making sure there’s enough salt, but cleaning the resin and valves is a good idea as well.

KEEP IT SOFT

In Midland and Odessa, where hard water is a way of life, it’s critical to maintain your water softener in order to keep your water soft! Signs of hard water can go beyond bad taste, causing your skin and hair to feel dry, making your laundry feel stiff, and leaving mineral build-up on faucets and appliances.

WORTH THE CALL

The great news is that The Bosworth Company offers water softener rental plans with maintenance included! Our experts will maintain the entire system for you so that you don’t have to. If clean, fresh water, and no fuss sound good to you, make an appointment online, or call us today at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

In Midland/Odessa, you’re probably used to bad-tasting water from the tap and chalky build-up around your faucets and showerheads. That’s because hard water is a fact of life in West Texas. You may have considered investing in a water softener, reverse osmosis (RO) system, or some sort of filtration system. But knowing which combination is right for you and your home can be difficult. In this post, we’ll discuss why it’s important to have a local professional help you decide.

KEEP IT LOCAL

Every water system is unique. The same is true in West Texas. The water that comes through our pipes has different mineral deposits than water from another area. This can influence what kind of filtration system is right for you. Local experts, like the ones at The Darville Company, will have the institutional knowledge to help you decide what to get.

PERSONAL SERVICE

National companies do most pricing and explaining over email or the phone. If you appreciate face-to-face, in-person service, it’s important to find a local company that can provide just that. We’ll visit your home, see exactly what you need, and talk to you in person. Not only will this improve your entire experience, but it will also give us a chance to show you we really care about our customers.

THE SPECIFICS

General plumbers may be able to fix your toilet, but they may know very little about RO or water softeners. The Bosworth Company has experts trained on the specifics of water filtration, how it works, and how to identify your specific needs for drinkability and clean water for washing and bathing.

ACCOUNTABILITY

What good is a guarantee if you can’t reach the company who offered it? By hiring a local company, you’ve got access to local experts who will not only take your call but can come to your home (even on short notice) if any problems arise. No waiting around on hold – get answers when you need them!

ECONOMY BOOST

Finally, when given the choice, it’s always nice to buy local. By supporting the community, you help ensure that these types of services remain available for you and your neighbors locally.

WORTH THE CALL

The best part about staying local is the option to use The Bosworth Company for your water filtration needs. If you’re ready for a cleaner, fresher water throughout your home, make an appointment online or call us today at (432) 570-5233. The Bosworth Company. Worth The Call. Always.

 

Does your home have a furnace or a heat pump? Some homeowners may not be sure. Typically, furnaces heat your home using gas, while a heat pump uses electricity. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

FIRE UP THE FURNACE

A furnace requires fuel, typically natural gas. When you turn the system on it lights either a pilot light or electronic ignition, which creates a flame at a set temperature. Air then blows across the combustion chamber and into your home to keep you warm.

• Some advantages of furnaces include their ability to heat homes rapidly. Furnaces can last up to 30 years and only need minimal maintenance.
• One disadvantage is that a furnace only supplies heat, so a separate A/C system is necessary during the summer months. At times, furnaces can heat some areas of your home better than others, and also tend to be noisy.

PRIME THE PUMP

If your home uses electricity instead of gas, chances are you have a heat pump. The “pump” is the fan outside your house that pumps air from the outside to the inside. The air is treated on the way to either heat or cool your home. Air from inside your home is then pumped out!

• As mentioned, one advantage is that a heat pump can both heat and cool your home, depending on the time of year. They’re also more energy-efficient and generally quieter than a furnace.
• One disadvantage is a shorter lifespan (usually no more than 15 years). Heat pumps require indoor and outdoor units, which can take up a lot of space, and sometimes can have performance issues in extreme cold.

DON’T FORGET DUCTLESS

Let’s say you’re in the market for a new home heating system, but you don’t have ducts. There are more options than just a furnace or heat pump! Mini-splits are a new trend in home comfort and can replace wall heaters, baseboard units, or window units. These ductless options work primarily for single rooms and are not designed as whole-home systems. Mini-splits are more expensive upfront, but have fantastic efficiency and can operate in extreme temperature conditions.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company has the heating option that works for you, your home, and your budget this winter. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233.

With Halloween just around the corner, you may be a little on edge when you hear a bump in the night. One thing you don’t want is to hear spooky sounds from your HVAC system! In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the common scary noises that can come from your HVAC unit, and what you can do to stop them!

A loud, high-pitched screaming or screeching sound is likely a sign of a bearing or bad belt. If you’re hearing that banshee-like noise, get it fixed before it causes your whole system to shut down. The good news is that this is a relatively inexpensive repair.

A loud banging sound is more likely an issue with the assembly of the blower or motor. It’s possible that there are loose parts among your HVAC’s core components. It’s a good idea to have a professional check it. If everything seems connected properly, but you still hear a banging or clanking, it’s possible that the blower is not aligned. Regular maintenance is a good way to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.

Maybe it’s not loud banging you here, but just an occasional clicking. It is relatively common when the system turns off and on, and not usually anything to be worried about. However, if it’s more frequent, or seems to be coming from your control panel or compressor, it could be a problem with the electrical system causing a relay failure. These can be fixed by a professional HVAC technician.

Rattling is definitely a bad sign. This means you may have a loose fan or motor. Regular maintenance can prevent this from happening in the first place, but if it does, it’s an easy fix.

The final warning sound you may hear is smacking. This can come rapidly and may mean there’s something stuck in the blower blades! If that’s the case, it should be removed as soon as possible. If that’s the only issue, then the rest of the system should be in good shape.

WORTH THE CALL

One great way to prevent any of these spooky noises this Halloween is by taking advantage of The Bosworth Company’s Fall Clean & Check. For just $109, we’ll provide a thorough check-up and cleaning for your entire system, making sure you’re ready for winter and the cooler weather ahead! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

With cooler temperatures recently and more on the way, it’s time to start thinking about your heater. If you have a gas furnace, one of the primary components that operate your system is called a heat exchanger. In this post, we’ll discuss heat exchangers, what they are, why they’re important, how they work, and how to make sure they’re operating properly and safely.

WHAT IS A HEAT EXCHANGER?

A heat exchanger is a metal object inside your furnace that serves two purposes:

1. Providing heat to your home
2. Preventing carbon monoxide (a deadly gas) from entering your home

In essence, the heat exchanger takes the heat that’s produced in the furnace and separates the healthy byproduct (warm air) from harmful byproducts (carbon monoxide).

HOW DOES A HEAT EXCHANGER WORK?

When your furnace kicks on, the burners ignite and the flames heat the exchanger. The gas from the burners heats up the inside walls of the metal heat exchanger, making the outside surface very hot. Once the device is hot, the air handler blows air over the outside walls to heat it up. That’s the process of “exchanging” the heat from the gas inside to the air outside.

This is a safety feature, as the gas inside the exchanger contains carbon monoxide that is deadly to humans.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR HEAT EXCHANGER?

Danger occurs if a crack were to form in the wall of the heat exchanger, thus allowing the deadly gas to escape. Though rare, this can happen in older units and can lead to devastating consequences. To make sure this doesn’t happen, there are a couple of things you can do:

1. Make sure your system gets an annual tune-up that includes inspection of your heat exchanger.
2. Change your air filter regularly. Anything that causes more stress on your system can cause it to overheat, and eventually crack. Changing your filter regularly will keep the airflow clean and prevent overheating.
3. Ensure that you have at least one carbon monoxide filter in your home to detect the gas in case of any leaks.

WORTH THE CALL

Now is the time to get your entire system checked out as a part of our Fall Clean and Check. This $109 tune-up will ensure your heater is ready to keep you warm and safe all winter long. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

As the weather finally starts cooling off, you may find yourself interested in some household projects or upgrades. If any of these involve electrical work, you’ll be sure to want to hire a licensed electrician to do the work for you. In this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons it’s so important to hire a professional.

PROPER PERMITTING

In many cases, it’s critical to have proper permitting for any projects. For electrical updates, this means having new electric lines and setups professionally inspected. You may even need to show your permits to have the power turned on! An electrician may be needed if your power gets shut off, and an electrical contractor can schedule inspections and pull permits. Most cities require qualified electricians to do the work and sign off on the permits in order to get the power on.

EXPERIENCE

While some electrical jobs may seem simple, anytime you’re dealing with electricity, you’re better off sticking with an expert. The professionals at The Darville Company have the training and years of experience to go with it. They also are familiar with codes and regulations that could impact your project. Regardless of the updates, you want to install, an electrician’s experience could be invaluable.

SAFETY

Electrical work is almost always dangerous, whether it appears to be or not. Watching a YouTube video, or trying to remember how your dad did it, isn’t exactly great insurance. Not only is there a risk of electrocution, but a poorly installed outlet or fixture could also be a fire hazard. Even simple projects should always be handled by a licensed professional.

VALUE

Cutting corners is not something that you want to do with electrical work. Hiring a licensed electrician may cost you a little more than DIY or a handyman, but it will be worth it in the long run. A bad electrical job that may lack proper permitting or include safety hazards could cost you thousands! Don’t get burned! Hire a licensed electrician the first time!

WORTH THE CALL

Beyond all of these factors, the most important thing licensed electricians can offer is peace of mind. Leave it to the pros, so you don’t have to worry about something going wrong. Then relax knowing they are getting the job done right. Contact The Bosworth Company today by making an appointment online, or call us at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

It’s been another hot summer in Odessa and Midland, and you’re counting on your air conditioner to keep you cool! You can tell that the fan is running, but for some reason, the temperature in your home is rising! Something’s obviously wrong! In this post, we’ll explore some of the things that could cause your HVAC to quit cooling as it should, and how you can fix it.

FIND THE PROBLEM

The first thing you need to do is identify the issue. To do that, you must first make sure that all the external conditions are correct so you know your unit really is broken. That way, if there really is a problem, you’ll know it! Make sure all the windows and doors leading to the outside are closed and sealed tightly. If hot air is getting in from the outside, it’ll make your unit work harder to try to keep your home cool. You should also make sure your thermostat is set to COOL!

SOMETHING’S WRONG

An A/C with a working fan but a broken cooling component can sometimes be tricky to identify. That’s because if you put your hand in front of the vent the moving air may “feel” cold even if it isn’t chilled as it should be. Think about a regular box fan – it still helps cool the room by getting the air moving, but it doesn’t do anything to actually condition the air.

When you put your hand by the vent, the air should actually feel chilled! It should be obvious that the cooling component is working. If it’s not, here are some potential reasons why:

• Low refrigerant
• Frozen unit
• Thermostat settings
• Breaker box blown
• Compressor
• Faulty wiring

It’s less tricky to figure out something’s wrong when the unit won’t turn on at all. If that’s the case, here are a few things you can do to try to fix it:

• Clean or change the filter
• Check coils for ice
• Clean the drain hose and pan
• Clean debris from around the outside unit

COMMON CAUSES

An excessively dirty air filter has the potential to be so clogged that it actually causes the unit to overwork and shut down. Changing or cleaning your filter regularly will prevent this.

If the air is on but doesn’t feel cold, the most common problem is a refrigerant leak. Unfortunately, it’s not like adding antifreeze to your car, and means your unit will need to be serviced by a trained professional.

WORTH THE CALL

When it comes to fixing the complicated systems of an HVAC unit, it’s wise (and safe) to leave these repairs to the pros. The Bosworth Company has certified experts who can diagnose and solve your problem to ensure you stay cool all summer long (and during our warm falls). Make an appointment online or call us today at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

 

The Bosworth Company’s licensed electricians are ready to answer all of your electrical needs. You’ve probably heard about power surges frying your TV or refrigerator. But there’s an easy solution to protect your appliances and other high-end electronics. In this post, we’ll discuss surge protectors: a practical way to protect electrical devices in your home.

LIFESPAN

Even if you already have a surge protector in your home, it’s important to remember that like all household items, they can wear out. Surge protectors are constantly monitoring electricity – so they’re always working, even if you haven’t had a surge. Oftentimes, especially on older units, you may not even realize when they are no longer working, and it’s important not to be caught without one.

SURGE PROTECTORS VS POWER STRIPS

Though they may seem similar, surge protectors are different from power strips. Power strips even look like surge protectors, but they are not the same. Power strips enable you to plug multiple devices into a single outlet. While power strips can be handy, they do nothing in the event of a surge. When shopping for a device to increase the reach of your outlets, make sure it’s clearly labeled as a surge protector!

PROTECT INTERNET

Surge protectors can be set up to protect your ethernet cable, which provides power and connectivity for your internet, phone, and/or home security system. These can surge, like other power lines, and damage your equipment, so it’s a good idea to have them protected by a surge protector made specifically for ethernet cables.

WARRANTY

Surge protectors often come with warranties that protect your devices. In some cases, they will cover many expensive electronics. The protector itself plus the warranty equals double protection!

WHOLE-HOME SURGE PROTECTOR

Surge protectors are typically used on individual outlets or rooms. You may not realize you can get a whole-home protector to guard against power surges in your entire house! This option can also be less expensive than purchasing 10-15 (or more) individual surge protectors.

WORTH THE CALL

The Bosworth Company can answer your questions about surge protectors, or help you with any of your electrical needs. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

 

In Midland and Odessa, you’ll likely need to continue using your air conditioner well into the fall. If you’re in the market for a new system, you have more options than ever. The biggest choice you’ll have is between going for a “traditional” central air system, or ductless A/C. Ductless A/C is exactly what it sounds like – no ceiling ducts. It can be installed to heat or cool one room, or an entire space. In this post, we’ll explain some of the differences between traditional and ductless units and why going ductless could be a solution for you.

ADVANTAGES OF DUCTLESS

• Ductless units are also known as “splits” and can both heat and cool. The pump that supplies the heat can simply be reversed to provide cool air. The “cool” mode pulls heat out, while the “heat” mode warms the unit’s coils to warm the air that’s circulated in your home.
• Ductwork is a major part of a traditional HVAC installation. Eliminating ductwork is a major money saver. Ductwork repair alone can be costly. Ductless units bypass that process completely.
• Speaking of ducts, that’s a major source of dust that ends up inside your home. A ductless system helps eliminate dust and other contaminants, which is huge if anyone in your home suffers from allergies. Many models even have built-in air filters!
• Ductless systems will result in lower electric bills. That’s because air can escape from ducts leading to lost energy, meaning you have to burn more to keep your home at the same temperature. You can also save money by isolating the rooms that need to be heated or cooled.
• While ductless systems can isolate specific rooms for coverage, you may not realize that they can also be programmed to cover multiple rooms or zones within your home. A multi-zone unit allows you to set the optimum temperature for each space.
• If you’re considering adding on to your home, expanding your current HVAC system to accommodate the new space can be very expensive. Ductless systems can be perfect for additions!

TRADITIONAL HVAC

We’ve been talking up ductless systems but, of course, there are advantages to traditional duct systems as well!

• If your existing ductwork is in great shape, there’s no significant reason to switch to ductless. If you’re experiencing issues with your HVAC, you can get the ducts checked out by a professional to find out what kind of shape they’re in.
• Ductless units will likely save you money in the long run, but they are more expensive up front – depending on the amount of ductwork that would need to be done to your existing system. If the ductwork is minimal, it may be more cost-effective for you to stick with a traditional unit, rather than paying for a ductless installation.
• Consider the size and spacing of your home. Larger family homes (especially where every room is used) are typically a better fit for traditional HVAC.

WORTH THE CALL

Are you considering going ductless? Or just need an opinion from an expert? The professionals at The Bosworth Company can help. We can examine your system to see if a ductless or traditional HVAC is right for you – and we have the products that will fit you and your home. Make an appointment online or call us today at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

 

Most of the time, the weather in Midland and Odessa is pretty nice. Hot, but not humid, in the summer and generally mild winters. But we all know some of the surprise thunderstorms we get can be really nasty. In some cases, they can cause damage to your home’s electrical system. In this post, we’ll examine the different ways severe weather can damage your electrical system, and make sure you know who to call when you need an immediate repair.

ELECTRIC POLES

It may seem rare, but it does happen. Strong winds, combined with heavy rain, can knock down or break a power pole. But here’s the thing – in some cases the wires themselves can remain intact, continuing to provide power to your home. Depending on the extent of the damage, this may seem like a problem that can be temporarily ignored – but it isn’t!

Power poles are specifically designed to keep live electric wires away from people and off the ground. Not only is there a danger of electrocution, but any live wire on or near the ground can also be a fire hazard. Make sure it’s repaired right away.

WATER DAMAGE

In West Texas, when it rains, it pours! Streets often flood quickly, and homes can too! If there’s any chance that water reached the height of plugs in your home – or even your garage – they should be thoroughly checked by a licensed electrician before using them again. If plugging something in causes sparks or smoke, or you see burn marks around the outlet, steer clear!

EXTERIOR LIGHTS

Wind and rain can also do a number on the lights on your porch or shed. If these lights get disconnected, or the power line from the house to the shed is damaged, it’s critical to get it repaired right away! A licensed electrician can show you how and can take care of the work.

WORTH THE CALL

The next time a storm pops up, you have a trusted source you can call with any electrical needs. The licensed professionals at The Bosworth Company can identify the damage and get you back up and running in no time. You can make an appointment online, or by calling (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.