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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.

With the weather warming up in West Texas, you’re probably ready to crank the cool! That applies to your A/C, but not to your water. You want hot water for bathing and cooking year-round… even when it’s hot outside. In this post, we’ll look at a question that’s gripping homeowners in need of new hot water heaters – is it time to go tankless?

LOWER UTILITY BILLS

Tankless water heaters produce lower utility bills than their traditional counterparts. The reason is simple – traditional tanks require electricity to keep water in the tank hot continuously. The tankless unit just cranks up the electricity when you turn on the faucet!

LONG LASTING

Tankless water heaters should generally last twice as long as traditional tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years, saving you money in replacement costs.

INSTANT COMFORT

Do any of your faucets take too long to heat up? Whether it’s in the shower or doing the dishes, you want hot water now! Tankless water heaters instantly heat up to make your water hot fast. As mentioned above, that’s also good for efficiency.

LESS MAINTENANCE

A tankless system requires less maintenance than a traditional tank. Hot water heaters should generally be maintained every six months or so, but a tankless system can go 4-5 years between checkups. Even here in West Texas where hard water is a problem, a tankless system only needs to be maintained about once a year.

SAVE SPACE

A 40-60 gallon tank takes up a lot of space. They’re typically 5 feet tall and take up an entire closet. A tankless water heater is typically only about 2 feet tall, saving lots of space.

WE CAN HELP

If you’re interested in looking into tankless as an option, contact The Darville Company. We’ve got experts that can help you decide what you need and can maintain your hot water heater, regardless of the type. Call us today at 432-580-9675. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.

In previous posts, we’ve discussed the dangers of neglecting your drains. This applies to drains in your kitchen, bathroom sinks, or even in the tub. The most obvious maintenance is keeping some of the worst offenders out of your drain. That means keeping it clear of things like soap scum, hair, coffee grounds, and cooking grease… even if you have a garbage disposal! In this post, we’ll offer some simple drain cleaning and maintenance tips you can use to keep your drain flowing!

FLUSH YOUR DRAINS

As frequently as ONCE A WEEK, you can flush your drains. All you need to do is pour boiling water down each of your drains. Pour half a pot down the drain, wait about 5 minutes, then pour the rest. The steaming hot water will help clean some of the gunk and grime out of your sink and pipes to help water flow more smoothly. This is especially good for melting thick grease that can cause backups.

ENZYMATIC CLEANER

Every month or so, flush your drains using an enzymatic cleaner. You can find these products online or at most general hardware stores. These products use special combinations of enzymes to effectively “digest” and further break down any residue in your drains.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

If you have a garbage disposal in the kitchen, occasionally put a couple of ice cubes in the drain and run the disposal. That will help clear out some of the hard-to-reach gunk and sharpen the blades on the disposal.

THE MAGIC POTION

Chances are pretty good you experimented with baking powder and vinegar in a high school chemistry class. It’s a fun little experiment, and, when used on your drain, it will really help keep it clean. Just pour about half a cup of each down the drain, then chase it with hot water from the tap.

FOLLOW UP

Follow these simple drain cleaning and maintenance steps, and you should be in good shape. If not, you know who to call. The Darville Company is always ready to respond to your plumbing needs. Give us a call today at 432-580-9675 or schedule an appointment online. The Darville Company is the Higher Standard.