Author: The Darville Company

Get a Basic Understanding of Your Home’s Plumbing

Homeowners should have a basic understanding of their plumbing system. While they don’t necessarily need to know how every appliance works or how to fix each fixture, they need to know the symptoms that can indicate a problem. Property owners must spot the signs of a problem as soon as possible to schedule plumbing repairs.

Plumbers can give homeowners tips on symptoms to watch for when to schedule maintenance and when they need repairs or replacements.

Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures can lead to increased utility bills in a household. Faucets, shower heads, bathtubs, sinks, and water heaters can form leaks, break down, and wastewater.

Plumbers have tips for reducing water bills and making these fixtures more energy efficient. One way is to install a dual flush, water-saving toilet. Plumbing fixture installations of this water-saving device can reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain each time the toilet is flushed. Households can also use low-flow, water-saving showerheads to conserve water. These can provide the same quality water pressure but with less water, resulting in water and energy savings.

Experts may also recommend installing water-saving faucets to reduce utility bills. These have aerators that can reduce the water flow from a faucet to lessen water bills.

Common Signs of Plumbing Problems

Water damage is a major plumbing issue. It can result in expensive repairs and even health issues if mold or mildew forms. To avoid these problems, homeowners need to be able to spot the signs of a problem.

Some common symptoms to watch for are:

• Strange noises coming from faucets. If this occurs, it can be due to numerous issues, including air in the pipes and other problems. A plumber will need to determine the exact cause.
• Reduced water pressure. Various issues, including leaks or clogs can cause low pressure from shower heads or faucets.
• Bad smells. Foul odors coming from drains can indicate a clog or a blockage.
• Slow-draining sinks. When sinks take longer and longer to drain, it can signal a clog in the pipe that will need drain cleaning service.

The Importance of Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep plumbing systems running well is to schedule routine plumbing maintenance. These appointments let experts examine the system and look for any problems or signs of wear and tear that should be repaired. This can prevent plumbing emergencies – and costly repairs – from occurring.

Some of the tasks plumbers will complete during an inspection are:

• Check for signs of leaks
• Looks for water damage or signs of mold or mildew
• Examine the pipes
• Look for signs of corrosion on the pipes
• Check the faucets, shower heads, bathtubs, and sinks for problems
• Run tests to determine if there are clogs in the pipes
• Perform drain cleaning services to remove buildups in pipes

About The Darville Company

For more than 70 years, homeowners have trusted The Darville Company to restore comfort to their homes. They provide 24/7 emergency services, offer same-day services, and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job. Call them today for plumbing services in Odessa, TX.

What Is Refrigerant?

To keep an air conditioner running properly, it needs sufficient refrigerant and coolant. This substance is essential to correctly cool a home.

Refrigerant, located in the coils of an AC unit, absorbs heat and provides cooler air. Without refrigerant, AC units could not produce enough cold air to cool homes.

HVAC technicians answer key questions about refrigerants, including how homeowners can determine which type of refrigerant they need, what causes refrigerant leaks, and signs that indicate professional repairs are needed.

How to Tell Which Refrigerant an AC Uses

Many homeowners are surprised to learn there are numerous types of refrigerants. Households need to identify which type of refrigerant their AC unit needs. These substances are not interchangeable, and adding the wrong one can harm the air conditioner.

To determine what type of refrigerant an AC system needs, property owners can:

• Check the manufacturer’s manual or documentation that came with the air conditioner. These should provide information about the type of refrigerant needed.
• Look for a label on the air conditioner that lists the refrigerant type.

If property owners are unsure what type of refrigerant is needed, they should consult an HVAC technician.

Homeowners should also be aware of how old their AC unit is. If built before 2010, it may use R-22, or freon. R22 refrigerant was banned for use in new systems because it can cause damage to the ozone layer. Property owners may need to replace the unit or consider retrofitting it.

What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?

If an air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it cannot properly cool a home. Numerous issues can cause leaks. Some common causes can be aging or wear and tear as units age.

Corrosion can also lead to leaks, as exposure to chemicals and moisture can cause rust. This can lead to small, pinhole-sized holes forming in the tubes.

Other common causes can include poor installations, damage to the unit, malfunctioning components, and a lack of maintenance on the system.

When is it Time to Call a Professional?

Homes can get hot quickly without the right amount of refrigerant in an AC system. Fortunately, homeowners can quickly get their air conditioners up and running by scheduling repairs with an HVAC technician.

Property owners should call for services when they notice their air conditioner is not cooling their home to the temperature setting on the thermostat. When this happens, it can indicate a refrigerant leak, which needs to be fixed to get the AC unit working properly. Technicians can use refrigerant leak detectors to find the problem.

Homeowners should also schedule services if their air conditioner is not turning off and keeps running continuously, and if they hear hissing or gurgling sounds from the unit. These sounds can be caused by refrigerant escaping through small holes or cracks in the lines.

Another sign property owners should watch for is ice formation or frozen AC coils. Refrigerant leaks can cause ice to form on refrigerant lines, coils, or other components of the AC system. These frozen coils need to be inspected and repaired by professionals.

About The Darville Company

For more than 70 years, homeowners have trusted The Darville Company to restore comfort to their homes. They provide 24/7 emergency services, offer same-day services, and guarantee 100% satisfaction with every job. Call them today for HVAC services in Odessa, TX.

Causes of Low Water Pressure in Showers

For many homeowners, having the right level of water pressure in the shower is key to starting the day off right. So when it suddenly changes and leaves a person with low shower water pressure, it can cause alarm. First, the residents might be worried about how they will adequately rinse the shampoo out of their hair and the soap off their skin. Next, their worries can shift to the cause of the sudden change in water pressure.

They need to call an experienced plumber quickly to determine the cause of the problem and repair it. Low water pressure in the shower can be due to many factors, from an issue with the showerhead itself to a problem with the water heater or even a leak in the water line.

Water Heater

Low water pressure in the shower can indicate an issue with the water heater. A plumber will perform a full inspection of the system to determine if it’s the cause of the problem. Numerous issues with a water heater can lead to changing water pressure.

One of the most common causes is a buildup of sediment. Mineral deposits can accumulate in the water tank, leaving less room for water storage. This means less water flows through the pipes, causing lower water pressure.

Another common water tank problem is a malfunctioning pressure relief valve. If it’s not working correctly, or if it’s not fully opened, it can cause a sudden change in water pressure.

Other issues that can impact water pressure in the shower are clogged pipes and a broken dip tube. Plumbers will check for both of these problems during their inspection.

Leaks

Another cause of low water pressure in the shower can be a leak in the water line. When a plumber arrives at a house, they will ask the homeowners questions to determine if a leak causes the issue.

They will likely first ask if the residents only notice reduced water pressure in the shower or if it’s also occurring in other areas of the home. This will tell plumbers where plumbing leaks might be. If there is reduced water pressure throughout the entire house, it can indicate there’s a leak in the main water supply line. If it’s only impacting the water pressure in a certain area of the house, then the leak may be in a branch line that serves only a portion of the property.

After talking to the homeowners, the plumber will then use professional methods to determine if there is a leak. A common method is a video camera inspection. This involves sending a camera through the entire line to take video footage that will reveal any defects in the pipe. Other popular methods are ultrasonic leak detection, which uses sound technology to look for leaks, or infrared leak detection, which uses infrared lights to check the walls and floors for leaks.

Check the Showerhead

Professionals will also examine the shower head itself to see if that is causing the low water pressure.

Plumbers will check the installation of the unit to ensure that it is not causing problems and will see if the showerhead is working correctly. If it’s an older model showing signs of aging, a plumber might recommend replacing it.

Experts will also look for signs of buildup in the showerhead. If mineral deposits clog the showerhead holes, it can prevent water from flowing through it. Plumbers can remove the debris to restore the water flow.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company has been serving the Odessa area since 1947. They offer 24-hour emergency appointments to quickly repair your heating, cooling, or plumbing problem. Call them today for HVAC and plumbing services in Odessa, TX.

Schedule AC Maintenance Before the Summer!

If anyone has ever had their air conditioner break down in the middle of summer before, they know it can be very uncomfortable and always seems to happen on the hottest day, too! Fortunately, homeowners can avoid this inconvenience by scheduling air conditioner maintenance and tune-ups during the spring. Booking these appointments before the summer heat can have numerous advantages, which this blog post will discuss.

More Availability for Scheduling

Scheduling AC tune-ups and routine maintenance in the spring can give homeowners more flexibility when booking an appointment. Many people wait to schedule maintenance on their air conditioning system until the weather warms up, and remember they must make an appointment for a tune-up. This can cause maintenance appointments to fill up quickly during the summer.

Also, when summer arrives, more people will be booking repair appointments. As the weather warms up and everyone starts using their air conditioners more, it can cause issues to present themselves and units to break down. It’s no surprise that summer is the busiest time for AC repairs, so waiting until peak season to schedule a tune-up can cause a longer wait for an appointment to open up.

Keep the AC Running With Better Energy Efficiency

Routine air conditioner maintenance can have many benefits, including running the system more efficiently and saving on cooling costs. Having contractors inspect the AC unit and perform a tune-up at least once a year can keep the system running correctly and improve energy efficiency. Technicians will inspect all components to ensure they are functioning and look for signs of wear and tear. If they see signs that a part needs to be repaired or replaced, they can make the adjustment to prevent inefficiency and future repairs.

They will also perform essential AC maintenance tasks such as cleaning parts of the system, changing the air filter, checking refrigerant levels, etc., to ensure it operates correctly, efficiently, and sufficiently cools the home. Performing these services can improve its energy efficiency, which can help reduce energy bills.

Make the AC Unit Last Longer

Performing air conditioner maintenance can also ensure the system is working as expected for as long as possible. Maintenance visits allow technicians to identify issues that need to be repaired. This allows the problems to be caught early before they become bigger, potentially leading to breakdowns that require AC replacement in the middle of summer.

These services also reduce the wear and tear on AC units, which can help prolong their life expectancy. On average, air conditioners can last around 10 to 20 years. However, scheduling regular tune-ups, keeping the unit clean, and repairing issues as they occur can help extend the lifespan and allow homeowners to get the most out of their investment.

About The Darville Company

The Darville Company is a family-owned plumbing, heating, and air conditioning company serving Odessa, TX, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide straightforward pricing, 24/7 emergency services, and on-time service. Call them today for AC maintenance in Odessa, TX.

Here in West Texas, sometimes a long, warm summer can make the holidays kind of sneak up on you! Ready or not, we’ve made it past Thanksgiving, and Christmas is just around the corner. With that in mind, The Darville Company would like to take the opportunity to wish you happy holidays – but also to offer a few safety tips to make sure you and your family stay safe.

LIGHT THE FIRE

With colder weather on the way and the rising cost of electricity, starting a fire in the fireplace may be more appealing than ever. But before you light it up, it’s important to prepare yourself and your home. The most obvious precaution you should take is making sure to move furniture or other objects that could potentially catch fire away from the fireplace! This especially includes your Christmas Tree! Just a spark could be enough to get a fire going if it hit in the right spot!

Also, it’s important to know that whether you burn wood or have a gas chimney, carbon monoxide presents a possible hazard. A working CO detector in the same room as the fireplace should be enough of a warning in the event that CO raises to dangerous levels inside your home.

BURST WITH JOY

About once a year (sometimes more) it gets cold enough for long enough in Odessa and Midland to cause pipes to freeze. If this happens, and you’re not prepared, they could burst. If that happens you’ll have an expensive mess on your hands. The key is making sure any exterior piping is properly protected. Exposed pipes in your home (like under the sink) should always be wrapped to help keep them warm. This is an easy and inexpensive fix that can save you time and hassle in the long run.

DON’T LEAVE

We may not have as many trees in West Texas as in East Texas, but there are plenty in our neighborhoods, and they do lose their leaves in the fall. It may seem easy just to let the wind take care of them, but cleaning them up has benefits beyond just cosmetic. Loose leaves or other debris around your exterior HVAC condenser can cause it to overheat or lose efficiency. Enough leaves could even cause a heat pump to break down! Make sure to clean up the leaves in that area, as well as elsewhere around the exterior of your home.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

The most important tip for avoiding disaster this holiday season? If you have a problem, let us know! The Darville Company has certified technicians for all your HVAC and plumbing needs all year long. You can even ask about our Clean and Test where we make sure your entire system is ready for winter! Make an appointment online, or call today at (432) 580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard in Home Comfort.

It takes a special company to be the number one HVAC and plumbing provider in the Permian Basin. The Darville Company takes pride in serving the people of Odessa and Midland with top-notch service, and in being The Higher Standard in Home Comfort. But a company is only a reflection of the people that work for it. Our staff is committed to being the best. In this post, we’ll talk about the attitude and dependability that our crews show to help make sure we stay No. 1!

The Darville Difference

When you call The Darville Company, it’s possible that you’re in the middle of an HVAC or a plumbing crisis. You need reliable service with a smile, and that’s always what we aim to deliver.

Whether it’s working on the A/C on a hot West Texas day, or getting the heating up and running in the cold, our certified technicians are trained to provide exemplary service with a positive attitude at all times.

You won’t hear Darville employees complaining about a job, moping about their personal lives, or bad-mouthing coworkers or others. Instead, you’ll hear us praising and complimenting others, and coming up with efficient ways to solve any problems you may be encountering with the comfort inside your home. We embrace a can-do attitude to get the job done!

The Higher Standard

It may sound cliché, but it really is true: attitude is everything. A good one can make a tough job feel so much easier for both the employee and the customer! Regardless of whether we’re making emergency plumbing repairs or installing state-of-the-art heating and air units, our goal is to offer better service and products than anyone else in the Odessa and Midland area.

Since opening our doors to the Permian Basin in 1947, our goal has been to keep our customers comfortable. That means not only delivering solid service and products but doing it the right way.

To learn more about our products and services, feel free to explore our website. You may also follow us on Facebook for more updates and tips!

We’d love to talk to you about making your home or business a more comfortable place to live or work! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard in Home Comfort.

A new trend in West Texas could be shaking your foundations, literally! Earthquakes have become common in the Odessa and Midland area, and if you haven’t felt one yet, you likely will soon. While the quakes around here haven’t been as destructive as some in other parts of the world, there is always the possibility of damage that you can’t even see. In this post, we’ll discuss potential problems that an earthquake could cause for your home’s plumbing and ways you can spot it.

TREMBLER TROUBLES

If you’re close enough to the epicenter of an earthquake, even if it’s relatively small on the Richter scale, the main risk of plumbing damage is to your pipes. Anytime there’s damage to your foundation, as in an earthquake, there’s a potential for damage to your plumbing. This can include cracks or loosened joints for a gas line, main water line, or your sewer line. Over time, this can lead to gas leaks, water leaks, and potentially even flooding. 

Earthquakes can cause problems above the foundation as well. Specifically, if your hot water heater shifts out of place causing pipes to disconnect. If that happens, you’ll know right away!

SIGNS OF DAMAGE

If your hot water heater goes out, you will literally “feel” it. However, you may not recognize some of the other issues right away. That’s why it’s important to monitor your water quality to tell if something’s wrong. If it tastes or smells funny, that could mean the water has been contaminated due to a cracked pipe. Other things to look for:

• Cloudy water
• Dirty-looking or brown water
• Fine sediment or film in water
• Metallic or other unusual taste
• Sudden reduction in water pressure

In the event that a quake was big enough to compromise the city’s water supply, you could expect to see a boil water notice.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

The Darville Company can help you with any potential issue that may arise concerning your plumbing! So the next time you feel a shake, look for the signs and let us know if you think any damage was done. Or maybe you just need to get a routine inspection of your entire plumbing system to make sure everything’s running as it should. We have the expertise and experience to repair or replace your water or sewer lines! You can make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

It’s one of the most common problems in HVAC. Parts of your home feel too hot even when the A/C is blasting, while others feel like a freezer. Then in the wintertime, those rooms that were too hot are now too cold, and vice versa for the rest of the house. If you’ve ever noticed that in your home, you have a problem with airflow. In this post, we’ll talk about air balancing, and how it can help you solve your airflow issues and balance temperature throughout your home.

WHAT IT MEANS TO “BALANCE” AIR

Air balancing is simply the process of refining your entire HVAC system to ensure that the temperature is maintained throughout the home. It generally means increasing airflow while also improving overall efficiency.

AIR BALANCING ADVANTAGE

There are many reasons you should want the air in your home to be balanced. For starters, the more you know about how your system works, the better you’ll be able to make small changes to improve the balance throughout your home. If airflow is the primary culprit throwing your temperatures out of balance, it’s likely starting with your air ducts. If left untreated, issues within your duct system can lead to bigger problems down the road.

We already mentioned efficiency – here’s how it works. Say it’s a hot summer day, and you’re having to blast the A/C to keep that one bedroom cool. Meanwhile, other living areas are freezing! A balanced system is more efficient because you won’t need to overwork it just to keep one room cool (or warm)!

Proper air balancing and airflow also mean less dust and other contaminants in the air you breathe! As air runs through the system, there’s a better chance of things like mold, pollen, or other bacteria being caught up in the filter.

DIY SOLUTIONS

There are a handful of simple steps you can make on your own to improve air balance.

• Open all vents and registers: You may think it makes sense to close some of the registers in rooms you don’t use. This is actually a mistake! It causes air to be trapped in your ducts, which can be counterproductive and wear out the system.
• Change your filters: Regular filter changes will ensure that air is moving freely throughout the home.
• Add some shade: Curtains, blinds, or other obstacles that can block the heat of the day (or the bitter cold) from seeping in through your windows will help keep rooms temperate.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

The Darville Company is the higher standard in home comfort. We can help with air balancing by completing some of the tasks that aren’t DIY friendly. This can include a full check of your HVAC system, as well as identifying and fixing problems in your ductwork. If you’re ready to eliminate those hot or cool spots in your home, make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 580-9675.

We here at The Darville Company pride ourselves on being the best in the business at everything we do. Regardless of whether we’re making emergency plumbing repairs or installing state-of-the-art heating and air units, our goal is to offer better service and products than anyone else in the Odessa and Midland area. We know that’s what it takes to earn the title of The Higher Standard in Home Comfort.

This post will be a little bit different, as we explain some of the ways that we aim to build our community of trust around our brand. Since opening our doors to the Permian Basin in 1947, our goal has been to keep our customers comfortable. That means not only delivering solid service and products but doing it the right way.

The Darville Difference

When you call The Darville Company, you may notice something different about our certified HVAC technicians and licensed plumbers: our professionalism extends beyond what’s expected. Everything we do reflects who we are and our values. 

Our goal is to ensure our appearance is professional so that you’re as comfortable with our presence as possible. We train our team to be the very best you can expect from a Home Comfort Specialist, so we’ll often leave you with cards, magnets, and other materials so that you always remember who to call when you need help.

We’re Ready To Work For You

Want to learn more about what we do? Feel free to explore our robust website, which includes details on all of our products and services. You may also choose to follow us on Facebook for more updates and tips!

Are you ready to experience comfort from the best in the business? We’d love to talk to you about making your home or business a more comfortable place to live or work! Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard in Home Comfort.

It’s A/C season in West Texas, and if you haven’t noticed, this is already one of the hottest summers in Odessa and Midland in recent memory. At The Darville Company, our certified technicians can explain exactly how your air conditioning works. But if you’re a novice homeowner (don’t worry – most of us are), it may be difficult to understand. In this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of one of the most important components of your A/C: the compressor.

WHAT’S THE COMPRESSOR?

The compressor is the primary engine that drives your A/C. It “compresses” the refrigerant, turning it into a gas, which then runs into the evaporator coil where heat is absorbed. Most people know that refrigerant is necessary to keep cool – but it doesn’t do you much good without a properly working compressor!

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Here are a few common symptoms that indicate you have an issue with your compressor:

• Loud noise coming from your A/C unit. Screeching or fluttering sounds are common with a failing compressor.
• There’s often a delay when the A/C turns on.
• The A/C seems to turn on, then shut off more often than needed (sometimes called short cycling).
• Circuit breakers tripping.
• Air does not feel cold, or the flow of air is weak.

REPAIR OR REPLACE

If your air conditioner compressor is not working properly, you’ll definitely need to do something. Repairs on this critical part of your A/C can be expensive, and in many cases it makes more sense long term to replace your entire system. However, you always have options when it comes to the comfort in your own home!

When to REPAIR: If your system is still pretty new, there’s a good chance that the parts (including the compressor) are under warranty. It’s definitely worth checking out before springing for a new unit. Another reason to go with the repair would be if it’s possible to only replace the outdoor portion of your unit, which would include the compressor, instead of an entire new system.

When to REPLACE: If you have a major issue with your HVAC (such as a broken compressor) and your unit is more than 10 years old, it is strongly advised that you replace the entire system. This will be more expensive up front, but will be less expensive in the long run because you won’t be dealing with regular repairs as they become more frequent.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

The certified HVAC technicians at The Darville Company have the knowledge and experience to tackle any of your A/C problems, from compressors to anything else. If you’re not as cool as you think you should be this summer, make an appointment online or call us today at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.