Stay Cool During 4th of July

by Tiger Services
Jul 04, 2019
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This weekend we celebrate Independence Day with cookouts, fairs, parades, fireworks and much more. All of this 4th of July fun will have you out and about in the July heat, and it’s important for you to keep cool during this weekend’s festivities. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you don’t get overheated this weekend.

1. Stay Hydrated

Carry water with you everywhere you go. Dehydration can ruin all of your 4th of July fun, but drinking lots of water will keep you going this weekend.

2. Hit the Faucet

Every couple of hours find the nearest faucet and run your wrist under the cool water. Doing this will help you keep your core body temperature under control. There is a main vein that runs close to the surface of the skin on your wrist. Running cool water over this vein will help cool your blood, dropping your core body temperature.

3. Cool Down Your Sunscreen

Stick your sunscreen in the fridge or in your cooler. The lotion will get nice and cold, which will feel great to apply over your hot skin to help lower your core body temperature. Also, try applying cold lotion to the bottom of your feet, it will feel amazing and help cool you down.

4. Incorporate Water Activities

Besides adding a lot of fun to your 4th of July festivities, water activities are a great way to cool down in the summer heat. Hook up a sprinkler to your hose and runthrough the water. Fill a pool (even if it’s just a small one) and splash around. Load up on water balloons and squirt guns. Just make sure there’s lots of water to play in!

5. Take A Break

Don’t get so caught up in all of the 4th of July fun to forget to give yourself a break. Head indoors to enjoy some air conditioning every few hours. The cool air from your AC will feel amazing on your skin and help refresh you.

6. Make Sure Everything is in Working Order

Double check that your sprinklers are working, your hose doesn’t have a hole, your AC has enough Freon, your faucets are running properly and your pipes are free of clogs, before the holiday gets here. You don’t want to be in the middle of your BBQ and discover that your air conditioner just gave out on you or your water supply isn’t flowing like it’s supposed to.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your air conditioner, pipes or have any other plumbing or HVAC concerns, and you would like an inspection from a certified local professional before the 4th of July gets here: schedule an appointment online or give Tiger Services a call today at (877) 552-2326.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(877) 552-2326

7 Tips for Preventing Plumbing Failures

by Tiger Services
Jun 14, 2019
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Your home’s plumbing is mostly hidden from view so it’s easy to forget about. That is, until something goes wrong. Here are some ways to prevent plumbing issues from becoming disasters.

1. Do a regular visual inspection of your home’s plumbing

This might seem obvious but in the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to push it down the priorities list. Run water in each sink to see how quickly it drains and if there are any changes. Pay attention to the length of time you can run a hot shower before the water gets too cold. Look in the cabinets under sinks for evidence of leakage.

Continue reading “7 Tips for Preventing Plumbing Failures” →

Too Many Electrical Concerns? Get Grounded Now!!

by Tiger Services
Jun 07, 2019
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A home’s electrical use is something most families rarely make any thought of… until it goes bad. By keeping up to date with maintenance and repair, a homeowner can save thousands of dollars, and thousands of headaches, by nipping potential hazards in the bud. Not only can updating your home’s wiring, breakers, and appliances improve your home’s safety. It can increase the value when it comes time to put it on the market – not to mention saving you a fortune on utility bills!

How to Tell if Your Home Needs an Electrical Update

There are various indicators that your home may need an electrical update. Common signs include the following:

electrical

Fuses that blow frequently
Tripped breakers
Flickering lights
Appliances that work inconsistently or not at full power
Old, stripped wires

If you see any of these signs in your home, you have every reason to believe that your system is old and requires attention now. Putting off electric repairs or updates not only puts your family at risk, but it means you’re using more energy than you need to. Pay close attention to electrical panels that are old and to damaged wiring. It is things like these that can easily lead to hazards such as electric shocks and electrocution.

Electrical Panel Concerns

Are you looking for a way to get the most out of your home electricity usage? You may need an electrical panel upgrade. Older homes may not always have updated electrical panels because of technology changes. Many people think that homes built in the mid-19th century or before are the only homes that need upgrades. As unbelievable as it may seem, even homes built in the early 2000s may not be equipped to handle the amount of electricity the modern-day household generates.

If you’re installing a new home theater system, a state-of-the-art security system, or you’re adding exterior lighting to your home, it’s possible that your current panel will not be sufficient enough. Power overloads present real dangers to households and can lead to electrical fires, regardless of how old your home is, if you’re adding major electrical components to your home. As impossible as it may look, they may not set up homes built in the early 2000s to take the amount of electricity the modern-day household generates.

Don’t Attempt Electrical Repairs on Your Own

The value of a professional electrical contractor should never be dismissed. Qualified electricians understand the intricacies of residential systems and know how to make upgrades that are safe and useful. Not all electrical work is rocket science or unsafe, it is still complicated. If you’re not a certified electrician, you could hook up the wiring incorrectly or install a plug the wrong way and end up putting your home’s entire electrical system at risk. The end result of this kind of DIY project is a hefty repair bill.

Always consider allowing practiced and insured electricians, such as those at Tiger Electrical Services, to take care of any upgrades or repairs. Sit back and relax. Why put yourself through an exhausting DIY project when you don’t have to?

Electrical Upgrades and Repairs Increase Your Home’s Value

Modern technology requires households to be plugged in 24/7. Sure, many things like DVR systems, the Internet, and home security systems utilize wireless technology, but you still need a power system to handle the basic electrical components of these various technologies. If you have plans to sell your home in the future, a property that has the ability to keep up with the demands of modern technology will be worth more than a property with an outdated, electrical system.

If you have any electrical needs, simply call us at:

(877) 552-2326

Memorial Day Weekend Tips

by Tiger Services
May 24, 2019
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Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer, but the rainy spring weather isn’t ready to let go just yet. There is a lot of rain in the forecast this week and we are all crossing our fingers, hoping that the weather improves before the big holiday weekend. Unfortunately, along with the heavy rain falls, the temperature and humidity levels are also on the rise this week. One thing is clear as we head into Memorial Day weekend; the weather is not on our side. Don’t panic just yet! Here are some steps you can take to help prevent the extreme weather from ruining your holiday weekend.

memorial day

1. Avoid a Sump Pump Disaster

Sump pumps are designed to help prevent basement flooding, especially during periods of constant and heavy rainfall. The protection offered by sump pumps is especially important in finished basements with recreation rooms, home offices, bedrooms or rooms storing electronics or valuables. Like all other vital equipment in your home, your sump pump needs regular maintenance to ensure everything is functioning properly and so you can avoid a major disaster. We’ll be happy to inspect and evaluate your sump pump needs, to give you peace of mind.

2. Battling the Humidity

With the heat rising and the rain falling, dealing with humidity this week is not going to be pleasant. To help you get through this muggy week, try out a few of these easy humidity-busting tricks.

Turn on your exhaust fans when bathing, doing laundry or cooking.
Cover pots as much as possible when cooking.
Use portable fans to improve airflow in stuffy rooms.
Take cooler and shorter showers.
Make sure all windows and doors are shut tight and that air isn’t able to leak through them.
Turn on your air conditioning to improve air flow and lower your home’s temperature.
Use a dehumidifier.

3. Make Sure Your AC is ready for the Long Haul

Many people have been holding off on turning on their air conditioners, but the weather this week may mean it’s finally time to flip on that AC. The temperatures will be in the 80’s and the rain and humidity will mean that your windows will need to be closed. You’ll likely need to turn on your air conditioner for some much-needed relief but will your AC be up for the challenge? Air conditioning units require yearly maintenance and inspections to keep them running properly. Call on our expert technicians here at Team Tiger to make sure that your AC can handle the heat.

4. Keep the Power On

Power outages are always a real concern during stormy weather. Having a Whole-Home Standby Generator installed will help you keep the lights on and your AC running during even the most severe weather. A generator is not only useful during stormy spring and summer weather, but it can also come in handy during the winter months if a blizzard blows in. Like your sump pump and AC, generators require yearly maintenance. So if you already have a generator for your home, make sure to have one of our Certified Electricians come out and ensure everything is running properly and safely this season.

Happy Memorial Day!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

(877) 552-2326

National Electrical Safety Month

by Tiger Services
May 15, 2019
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May has arrived! Meaning two things; one, spring is in full bloom and two, it is National Electrical Safety Month! Everyone knows that electricity can be dangerous but you can remove some of that danger by following these electrical safety tips!

Light Bulb, Idea, Creativity, Socket, Light

Electrical Safety Tips for Both Inside and Outside of Your Home:

Inside:

Don’t run cords under carpets. They can overheat and you cannot see if a cord has become damaged; shock or fire can result.
Don’t unplug appliances by pulling on the cord. Grip from the plug and pull to prevent damage to and potential exposure of wires.
Appliances with damaged cords increase the risk of electrical shock. Cords that are cut, broken or whose insulation has cracked should be replaced before using the appliance.
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Keep electrical wires and appliances away from water. Use GFCI protected outlets when using appliances or tools near water.
If you witness someone receiving an electrical shock, call 911. Never touch someone being shocked unless the electricity has been shut off.
Always unplug or disconnect power when working on light fixtures or appliances.
Never put your finger in a light bulb socket. Disconnect power before attempting to remove a broken bulb.
Never use water to put out an electrical fire. Call the fire department. If an electrical appliance is involved, unplug it first if safe to do so. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or baking soda to put out the fire.
In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and extension cord receptacles should have plastic safety covers.
Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords. Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage.

Outside:

Lightning, Thunder, Lightning Storm, Storm, Energy, electrical

Head inside a car or building when you see lightning. Avoid wide open spaces and tall trees since lightning is attracted to the tallest object in a given area.
Get out of the water if swimming outside when it’s lightning.
Do not attempt to trim tree branches or cut down trees near power lines. Call the power company or an electrical contractor. The voltage carried by overhead wires can travel along objects that come in contact with them and be deadly.
Before proceeding with digging deeper than turning the soil in your garden, call your electrical company to ensure no buried cables are in the area. Striking buried lines can cause serious injury or death.
Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of multiple appliances into a single receptacle.

Call us at (877) 552-2326, or visit TrustTiger.com to schedule a precision electrical panel tune-up and safety inspection.

AC Added Benefits

by Tiger Services
May 10, 2019
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Summer is in full swing and you are loving the cool air and comfort provided by your AC. After all, these warmer months would be fairly miserable if air conditioners weren’t around, but you may not be aware of some of the other added benefits that your AC system provides.

Bonus Benefits from Your Air Conditioner:

Indoor Air Quality:

Your heating and cooling systems go a long way in improving the air quality of your home. Most notably, they drastically reduce the amount of pollutants and allergens floating around in the air of your home. A well maintained AC system will also help improve the quality of living of people who suffer from allergens or respiratory illnesses like asthma.

P.S. Having regular maintenance tasks performed will greatly improve your indoor air quality and extend the life of your AC system. These tasks include yearly system checks, having your filter changed as recommended, & having your air ducts clean annually, etc.

Productivity Boost:

If you are hot, uncomfortable and all around miserable you will be less productive. AC’s to the rescue! Air Conditioners are designed to keep you cool and comfortable, no matter how toasty things become outside. The more comfortable you are, the more productive you will be!

Sleep Easier:

This is also a matter of being comfortable. Keeping your bedroom between 60 to 65 degrees is often ideal for a perfect night of sleep. A properly functioning AC is the easiest way for you to keep your bedroom in this comfort zone.

Call us at (877) 552-2326, or visit TrustTiger.com to schedule a precision tune-up and safety inspection to ensure that your AC is running at optimal levels!

How to Avoid Sump Pump Failure

by Tiger Services
May 07, 2019
0

It’s been a very wet couple of days, how’s your sump pump holding up? If you are like a lot of people in the area, you are about to find yourself standing knee-deep in dirty rainwater. Basement flooding is an expensive and stressful side effect from all this rain we’ve been getting. This is especially true if you have a finished basement since mold can flourish in wet insulation.

The key to avoiding all of the havoc and high cost, which accompanies the hassle of a flooded basement, is to make sure your sump pump is prepared to keep up. Your poor sump pump has been working overtime and it’s time you gave it a little TLC. Most basement floods are the result of a sump pump that failed or just couldn’t handle the amount of water it was meant to pump out. Just because your sump pump hasn’t failed you so far, doesn’t mean you’re not in for a huge, messy surprise.

You can help prevent a basement flood from happening to you this summer by following the four simple steps on this checklist, meant to keep your sump pump from giving up on you:

Sump Pump Checklist

Screen: All sump pumps have a screen that allows water to flow through. When this screen becomes clogged, water will no longer flow through. If the water can’t flow through the screen fast enough, it will back up and overflow, causing a flood. Checking to make sure your sump pump screen is not becoming clogged will ensure that water can continue to flow freely.
Switch: The switch on your sump pump could be damaged or become stuck. If this happens, the switch may fail or function improperly, causing flooding issues. Checking your switch on a regular basis will clear away any debris that may become stuck to the switch and cause it to be damaged. Make sure that the switch is not being shoved against the side of the basin, helping to ensure it doesn’t become stuck.
Circuit Breaker: If the circuit breaker your sump pump is connected to trips during a rain storm, your basement could flood very quickly. Prevent this from happening by making sure that your sump pump is connected to its own breaker. Don’t overload the circuit breaker with other large appliances and make sure you ground your circuit breaker with a fault interrupter.
Sump Pit: If the pump impeller or the discharge tube in the sump pit becomes clogged, major flooding can occur. While checking the screen, check the sump pit for mud or debris, which might cause a clog.

Still Need Help?

Taking the time to check these four items off of your sump pump checklist will really save you a lot of time and money down the road. If you’ve completed this checklist and you’re still concerned about the state of your sump pump, you may consider adding a backup. Do you have a sump pump that runs regularly or is the potential for large amounts of rain to fall in your area? Installing a backup will help keep your basement dry.

If you need help to keep your plumbing in working order, we can work with you to prevent any issues from happening. Give us a call at (877) 552-2326 or Schedule A Service with one of our plumbers!