Author: TDC.Admin

It’s been a hot, hot summer here in the Permian Basin – and it’s not close to being over. We’ve got plenty of sun and heat left before we start feeling the fall. Hopefully, your air conditioning has been running well. If it has, or even if it’s been a little suspect, it’s always a good time to have it checked out to make sure your home stays cool! In this post, we’ll take a look at a couple of maintenance tips to keep your A/C running smoothly all summer long.

CLEAN AND TEST

The Darville Company offers a simple Clean and Test. If you didn’t get yours at the start of summer – don’t fret, we’ll be here. These are a great option to get a routine check, which we recommend at least once a year for your entire HVAC unit. Click the link above for a full list of what we do on every call.

DIY MAINTENANCE

There are a few things you can do to help make sure your HVAC unit is running efficiently. Go outside to check your exterior A/C unit. Make sure leaves or other debris haven’t accumulated around or on top of it. This can prevent the system from getting the full air power it needs to cool your home. You can also check the drain pan located underneath your attic unit. This catches condensation from your unit. It should be dry since water should be exiting your attic through a drain pipe. If there’s a problem, we’ll be sure to catch it!

MAINTENANCE IS KEY

As mentioned, it’s a good idea to get your HVAC checked at least once a year. Ideally, you would check it twice a year – right before the summer heat, and right before the winter cold. This will help make sure you stay comfortable and ensure that your HVAC unit will run efficiently for years to come. Most units should last from 12-15 years, but regular maintenance will help them last longer.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

If your HVAC is in need of a summer tune-up, give us a call today. You can make an appointment by calling 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

Any realtor will tell you that plumbing is probably the most important part of the infrastructure of the home. That’s why prospective buyers are sure to ask about it, and home inspectors are sure to check it. In this post, we’ll discuss a few things you can do to your plumbing to increase the value of your home. Not only will they make your home more functional, but it’s also a chance to update the look and decor of your home, raising its value even more!

WATER FILTRATION

These days, a home filtration system is a huge bonus for home sellers. We don’t just mean a water filter on your fridge, we mean a whole home water solution. This means either a reverse osmosis (R.O.) system, a water softener, or both! Here in West Texas, where our water is extra hard, having both is a great idea. It will make your water cleaner at every faucet in your house. Compared to an expensive remodel, this could be a very practical upgrade that will make an immediate impact!

BATHROOM UPDATES

Here’s the thing about bathroom remodels – more isn’t necessarily better. Even a minor update could make a big difference when it comes to a home’s sale price. This could be as simple as new showerheads or faucets! They just make the whole room seem refreshed and newer. Replacing an aging vanity can be a good idea, too.

KITCHEN UPDATES

What we just said about bathrooms is also true in the kitchen. Minor updates go a long way. Swap out the sink for something new. It’ll help your home sell faster – and for more money.

FIX THE PROBLEMS

If you know of any nagging plumbing issues – get them fixed. Don’t hope the buyer or realtor, or the inspector won’t find them. They will, and they will want those things fixed, so save yourself the headache and get it done now. Minor fixes to a running toilet or leaky faucet will put your home in good working order and have it ready to sell!

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Little plumbing add-ons are a good idea too. Do you have space for a utility sink? How about an exterior sink in the backyard? Things like that seem like a luxury, and they are. But the relative cost will help you make the sale!

THE HIGHER STANDARD

Whether you’re selling your home, or just want to upgrade for your own enjoyment, The Darville Company has experts that can help you. Make an appointment today by calling 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

We’re in the middle of a long hot summer, so hot water might not be the first thing on your mind. But step into a cold shower, and you’ll quickly remember that hot water is a year-round necessity! Water heaters run great – until they don’t. That’s normally the only time most homeowners even think about them. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the warning signs your hot water heater could show if it needs repairs – or replacement!

OLD TIMER

A water heater is one of those appliances that have a certain shelf life. If you don’t know how old yours is, check the serial number on the tank itself. It should be one letter, followed by several numbers. The letter corresponds with a month, so B would mean February, C would be March, etc.. The first two numbers represent the year, so 04 would be 2004, 14 would be 2014, and so on. If it’s still not clear how old the unit is, you can check the manual for further explanation. Bottom line: if it’s more than 10 years old, it could be time for a replacement.

RUSTY

Nobody likes the sign of rust on anything, but that’s especially true for your plumbing system. If you start noticing rust or a rust color in your water, that likely means there’s rust inside the tank. That will eventually corrode until there is a leak in the tank.

TOO NOISY

If you hear rumbling or banging in your pipes, there’s a good chance that it’s coming from your hot water heater. This can happen from hard water (common in West Texas) solidifying and the sediment hardening. Trace minerals in your water are fine, but when they harden you will see (and hear) that something is wrong.

THE HIGHER STANDARD 

If you think it could be time for a new water heater, give The Darville Company a call! We are certified dealers of Rheem Water Heaters. You may also want to upgrade to one of our Rinnai Tankless Water Heater units! For a consultation, call us at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard!

You’re enjoying a hot shower at the end of the day. You turn off the water and notice you’re still standing in water. It’s not exactly flooded, but it’s definitely draining slowly. A few minutes later you check again, and the water is gone, but you know there’s a problem. Dirt, soap, hair, and other debris will accumulate over time and cause your drain to clog. In this post, we’ll talk about what it takes to clean your shower drain.

WHAT YOU NEED

• All-purpose spray cleaner (you can also try old-fashioned vinegar and baking soda!)
• Paper towels (to clean up)
• Screwdriver (to remove the drain cover)

SHOWER WASTE

30-minute showers may “waste” water, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. The shower waste area is just below the surface and can catch debris that gets past the drain cover. This makes it very easy to clean. Just remove the cover and see what you can scrape out. There’s a good chance you’ll find a hairball at the top. Be prepared for a bad smell, but the good news is that you’re doing effective cleanup.

Use your all-purpose cleaner to spray the interior of your shower and down the drain, as well. This will help break up debris and hard water build-up that is blocking your pipes. You should also be able to reach the water trap that’s just inside. This can also be removed and cleaned.

**Pro tip: while you’re cleaning out the drain, let the drain cover soak in vinegar. This will loosen any build-up and make it easier to clean.

When you finish, put everything back, and screw the drain cover back onto the shower floor.

STILL HAVE WATER?

If you still have standing water or slow drainage, don’t worry – but it might be time to call a pro. At The Darville Company, we have a variety of professional tools that can diagnose the problem and get your drain draining again. Soap scum and other debris can harden well below the surface, where you won’t be able to reach. Whatever you do, don’t wait! A clog can intensify over time, only making things more difficult and expensive when repairs become necessary.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

To make an appointment for a clogged shower drain or any other plumbing and HVAC needs, call The Darville Company today at 432-580-9675. Darville is the Higher Standard.

One of the most commonly neglected maintenance items in your home is your air filter. These are simple to change out or clean and should be done an absolute minimum of once every six months. A clogged air filter leads to dirty air, low efficiency, and will make your entire HVAC unit work harder than it needs to in order to keep you comfortable. Ok, so you know you need to change or clean the filter, but which filter is right for your home? Some filters must be replaced while others can simply be cleaned. In this post, we’ll do a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which option is best for you.

PERFORMANCE

Air filters can vary in their performance. A washable filter typically has a MERV rating of between 1 and 4. That means it will only catch large particles and things like soot. If you have a pet, the filter will not be able to eliminate pet dander. Other bacteria and viruses, as well as smoke, will not be effectively filtered out.

On the other hand, the MERV rating on disposable filters can be much higher, going as high as 16. That can help eliminate the tiniest particles in your air, including dust, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and other allergens.

MAINTENANCE

Washable filters need to be cleaned once a month. Once you’ve rinsed them, they should be completely dry before they are put back in place. A wet filter could result in mold or fungus forming then spreading throughout your home. Gross!

Disposable filters are just that – disposable. You throw out the old one and replace it with a new one.

COST

Here’s where things get a little tricky. Washable filters can last several years, but cost about $100 each.

Disposable filters cost about $15 each but need to be changed regularly.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

These simple comparisons can help you decide if a washable or disposable air filter is right for you. The HVAC experts at Darville can help! We can help you decide what’s best, replace your filters, and give your HVAC a full check. Call us at 432-580-9675 to schedule an appointment. Darville is the Higher Standard!

Summertime in Odessa. It’s hot and dry during the day, but it’s seemingly just as hot at night. When overnight lows are in the 70s, you’re probably in for a night of tossing and turning – unless you have your air conditioning precisely tuned to the right temperature. In this post, we’ll take a look at how you can find that perfect sleep temperature. The one where you’re able to get a good night’s rest without spending a fortune on your electricity costs.

TEMPERATURE MATTERS

If you aren’t getting enough sleep, or enough good sleep, there could be several potential issues. Too much caffeine or stress, or even a sugar or carb high can lead to poor sleep. But so can the wrong temperature. Ideally, your bedroom temperature should be between 60 and 67 degrees. Cooling down at the end of the day (which happens naturally outside) signals to your body that it’s time for bed.

6 HEALTH BENEFITS

Keeping a comfortable temperature and getting lots of sleep is good for your overall health and quality of life for a variety of reasons:

• Insomnia: No one wants to be awake all night then tired all day, but that’s what happens when you can’t fall asleep. A cooler room will ease your body temperature down, making it easier to fall asleep.
• Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone released when your body wants to go to sleep. It also helps fight cancer, heart disease, and other ailments as we age. Studies show a cooler room helps your body produce more melatonin.
• Metabolism: A cooler room will help increase your metabolism (the rate at which your body digests food). This can actually help you lose weight! It’s also been shown that sleeping in a cooler room will help you burn fat during the day.
• Diabetes: Following up on our last point, losing weight is a great idea for those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Losing weight is hard, but any little thing can help. While metabolism helps burn fat, it also helps you maintain “good fat” that’s important for your health.
• Productivity: You need energy for your workday and a good night’s sleep will help! You can forget the need to nap during the day if a properly cooled room helps you sleep at night. You’ll fall asleep faster, enjoy deeper sleep, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed.
• Stress/Depression: Stress and depression can lead to poor sleep, and poor sleep can lead to stress and depression. As the saying goes, “It’s a very vicious cycle”. Avoid it by finding your ideal sleep temperature.

YOUR SLEEP TEMPERATURE

Remember, the best range is typically between 60 and 67 degrees. Use that as a starting point, then see how well you sleep each night. You might start at 67 for a couple of nights and record how well you slept each night. Eventually, you’ll find your ideal temperature.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

At The Darville Company, we offer a variety of HVAC products to help you find that perfect temperature. State of the art thermostats will even let you set the temp on your phone. To make an appointment with one of our experts, call us today at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

Everyone loves a sparkling clean home, and that’s especially true in your bathroom. Keeping the bathroom clean takes regular maintenance. One of the worst things for any homeowner is signs of mold. Mold can be prompted by excess moisture which can be triggered by a steamy shower or bath, spilled water on the counter, or even a toilet leak. In this post, we’ll offer four practical tips for preventing bathroom mold.

VENT FANS

Most newer homes have vent fans in the bathroom, but many older homes don’t. These are important for removing odors and moisture that can allow mold spores to develop. Use the fan regularly. The fan should have the right power depending on the room – for example, a large master bathroom would need a different fan than a small half-bathroom.

RESEAL THE GROUT

Clean tile and grout in the bathroom regularly. Any moisture that seeps its way into the crevices can turn into bacteria which can then lead to mold. On top of keeping mold away, scrubbing the grout will keep your bathroom looking – and smelling – nicer!

SHOWER CLEANER

Routine cleaning applies to the shower too. It may seem like an extra chore, but wiping down the walls of shower will make a big difference in the long run to eliminating moisture, and what it leaves behind.

FRESH TOWELS

The moisture from wet towels has an impact too. It can impact the moisture in the air, which can encourage mold and mildew growth. Using fresh towels every time you bathe will decrease your chances of bathroom mold and mildew. It can prevent your towels from becoming musty, as well.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

At The Darville Company, we have experts that can help you with all your plumbing and HVAC needs. If you find mold and mildew forming in your bathroom, plumbing or HVAC solutions could be exactly what you’re looking for. Call us for service today at 432-580-9675. Darville is the Higher Standard.

Whether it’s plumbing, HVAC, or any of our services, the goal of The Darville Company is to keep you comfortable. That’s a special challenge here in West Texas, especially with temperatures already hitting the triple digits. When it comes to your HVAC, the power to stay comfortable is in your hands or, at least, it’s on the wall. Knowing how to properly operate your thermostat can keep you cool and keep energy costs down at the same time.

KNOW THE TEMP

Hot temps outside will naturally heat your house, just as cold temps will cool your house. The further the outside temps get from your comfort zone, the more energy is used to keep your home in a comfortable range.

Here in the Permian Basin, it could be 100 one day and only 70 the next. Keep this in mind when setting your thermostat for the day. The greater the difference in temp, the more you’ll pay to stay cool.

PATIENCE

The air is either on or it is off. If you are hot, setting your thermostat at 40 will not make it cool any faster. If you’re cold, setting it at 90 won’t make it heat up any faster. Instead, set the thermostat at the desired temperature and be patient.

GET WITH THE PROGRAM

These days, lots of thermostats are programmable. Making use of this feature is a good way to keep the thermostat closer to the outside temperature during the day when no one is home. You can even set it to turn back on when you’re heading home from work. This will save you money by not pointlessly keeping it at a perfect temperature while the house is empty.

Some modern thermostats even have WiFi, allowing you to set or change them via your phone or computer. Others can send reminders when it’s time to change your filters. If your thermostat has these features, use them!

THE HIGHER STANDARD

The certified HVAC experts at The Darville Company can calibrate your thermostat to make sure it’s delivering the best possible performance. To make an appointment, call us today at 432-580-9675. Darville is The Higher Standard.

The COVID-19 quarantine has a lot of people concerned. Not only for the health and safety of themselves and loved ones but also for their jobs and livelihoods. To make matters worse, we’re all stuck inside when we’d rather be outside enjoying the spring weather. It’s more important than ever that you have clean air in your home. Not only will clean air help you breathe easier, but it also gets rids of odors and toxins that can be harmful to your health. In this post, we’ll talk about some of the advantages of the HALO-LED Whole Home In-Duct Air Purifier. It’s one solution that can solve all of your home air purifying needs.

STATE-OF-THE-ART

The HALO-LED in-duct air purifier uses state-of-the-art technology to clean every cubic inch of the air in your home. Recycled air is cleansed of pollutants like pollen, dander, and dust, giving you fresh air throughout your home. It’s also proven to rid your air of bacteria and viruses, including MRSA, E. coli, and others.

HOW IT WORKS 

The HALO-LED uses patent-pending Reflective Electromagnetic Energy to clean your air. It’s installed inside the duct next to your HVAC unit and activates any time your heating or air conditioner is turned on. The HALO-LED produces hydroperoxide plasma that attaches itself to air as it moves through the filter. But it gets better – the plasma actually stays with the air as it moves throughout your entire home, purifying all the air on the way. Because the plasma is ionized, particles throughout your home stick together so they’ll be caught in your filter. 

WHAT’S NEW

The new and improved HALO-LED features a higher output of the plasma which kills contaminants not only in the air, but on surfaces as well. If you’re suffering from allergies or other respiratory issues, the HALO-LED can offer relief.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

If you’d like to learn more about the Reme HALO-LED, and our other products and services, give The Darville Company a call at 432-580-9675. Darville is the Higher Standard.

Just when you thought winter was over and warmer weather was here to stay, we’re back in a bit of a cold snap. Here in Odessa, it’s that time of year where we’ll have highs in the 80s one day and lows in the 30s the next. Even if you’ve already cranked up the AC for the first time this spring, it’s not too late to prepare before it really gets going this summer. In this post, we’ll offer some easy spring HVAC maintenance tips that you can perform at home to keep your HVAC running smoothly as we head into the summer months. We’ll also outline some ways we can help you stay comfortable in your home while saving money.

REGULAR CHECK-UPS

Twice a year you make a major change in how you use your HVAC. In the fall, you go from using your air conditioning to heating your home. Then in the spring, you switch back. These are GREAT times to get an expert to run general maintenance on your unit.

CHANGE THE FILTER

We emphasize this in almost every HVAC post because it’s important. A clogged filter will create dirty air, make your unit work harder, leave you less comfortable, and cost you more money. They are easy to buy and replace on your own.

TEST IT

Here’s a tip you may not have thought of. When the weather warms up, turn on the A/C before you really need it. This will help make sure everything’s in good working order before the West Texas temperatures really start to boil. If you notice there is a problem, you can get it fixed ASAP.

DIGITAL THERMOSTATS

Most newer homes have digital thermostats, but most older homes don’t. A digital thermostat will help you precisely regulate the temperature and do it more efficiently at the same time. It’s also less likely that you’ll end up running the unit constantly, which is expensive and can burn out your system.

THE HIGHER STANDARD

Following these few simple spring HVAC maintenance steps will help keep you cool all summer long. The Darville Company is here to help! Set up an appointment with us today by calling 432-580-9675. Darville is the Higher Standard.