Keep in mind that most doorbell units run on about 16 volts from a transformer. Working on the bell or chime unit should not pose any dangers. However, if you need to replace the transformer there will be 120 volts on one end of it.

Push button unit:

The push button unit on the outside of your home is the first item to check. Push buttons malfunctions occur frequently due to corrosion and use. Use a screw driver to remove the cover and check the contacts. The contacts should be shiny. If not, use a small bit of sand paper to clean the corrosion off of the contacts. Push the contacts together with the plastic portion of the bell and listen for the chime. You can also use your fingers if you don’t mind the slight jolt.

Next check to see if the wires have broken off of the contacts. The wires will be screwed down and you can easily reconnect them if there is enough wire remaining. If you have more than one door bell, front and back, check both.

Chime assembly:

If your bell still does not work you should check the chime assembly itself next. Most of the covers for these will just pop off. First check to see if any of the wires have come loose. The next problem area is the plunger that should move when the door bell is pushed. On occasion dirt can build up that will cause the plunger not to move. You can clean this or even spray a bit of all purpose lubricating oil and check to see if the plunger now moves freely.

Transformer:

If these steps do not repair your doorbell you will need to check the voltage from the transformer. Use an A.C. volt setting and check the voltage out of the transformer. It can be anywhere from 6 to 24 volts depending on your exact system. In newer homes the transformer should be located right on the side of the electrical panel. In older homes you may need to trace your bell wires back to a different location. If you do not have voltage at the transformer you should first check to be sure no circuit breakers have been turn off.

The next steps can be more complicated and unless you are sure of your skills they may best be left to an electrician. You will need to be sure that one side of the transformer is receiving 110 to 120 volts. 117 volts is the average. If it is receiving this on the input side you will need a new transformer. If you have more than one doorbell button you may need a higher rated transformer to produce enough voltage for multiple buttons.

Still doesn’t work?

If the above steps do not solve your problem you have a more serious situation. If the transformer is not receiving an input voltage there is a problem with the electric panel or the wiring to the input side of the transformer.

If the door bell button is making contact, the chime plunger is moving freely and the transformer is working you may have a break in your wiring. If you can find a visible break you may be able to repair it. If the break is inside a wall you now have a bigger problem. You can take apart your walls or hire an electrician. You might also consider getting a non-wired doorbell. A remote unit will have a push button for your door and a receiver that plugs into a receptacle. This could be an easier solution if you have tried everything else.

Learn more about this author, B. Leslie Baird.

Gone are the days when bedrooms resembled the Artic and, during Winter, ice was often present on the inside of the window pane. Most of us these days have good central heating systems that keep us snug and warm. The problem is that, when such systems break down, repairs can be costly and take time.

Central Heating Insurance.

A sensible option may be to take out central heating insurance. This may cost a regular monthly fee but can offer peace of mind. If money is tight such insurance could be vital.

Check your facts and figures first. Make sure that you know all the costs incurred by taking out insurance and exactly what is covered. Some insurer’s include free maintenance checks once a year, for example.

Most insurers will need to inspect your current central heating system in order to ascertain if it is up to scratch. This could be a good time to update your system, in order to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

New boilers.

The latest central heating gas boilers are called condensing boilers. These can cut your fuel bills dramatically, as well as saving energy. The initial cost may be daunting but, within a couple of years, such a boiler may have almost paid for itself, in the savings you have made.

Central Heating repairs.

If you decide that central heating insurance is not for you think about just who will do any necessary repairs. It is a good idea to have one or two reputable companies in mind. If you do not you could end up having to use the first repairer available, which could be disastrous.

Apart form overcharging, bad repairers may leave your boiler in a dangerous condition. Damage to your furnishings could occur if water leaks from poorly fitted joints. Lastly think about the fact that such people need access to your home. Be safe and not sorry and ensure that central heating repairman are trustworthy, as well as professional.

Research available repairers now, before you actually need them. Check out their pricing, timescales and ask for any recommendations that customers may have given. Hopefully all of this will mean that you receive prompt, good value repairs when needed.

Radiators.

Over time radiators may become less efficient. If they have been painted to match the dcor they look good but be less efficient heat providers. Now may be the time to install modern radiators which are energy efficient.

New radiators are often slimmer and less obtrusive. Each will usually have its own thermostat. This means that the radiators in spare bedrooms can be set quite low, perhaps the bathrooms set at an average temperature, whilst the living area can be set to high. In the past one main thermostat determined the central heating temperature and excessive heat was wasted in empty rooms.

Do not worry though if you imagine that modern radiators will all be slim-line and not in keeping with your home. It is possible to buy retro-styled radiators that may look quaint but are made to modern day specifications.

In general

As Winter approaches our heating systems become more important. Summer is often the best time to make improvements or repairs to your heating system. After all in Summer you, and everyone else, are not reliant on a central heating system and this also means that repairers will not be busy. Summer may be the optimum time to bag an environmentally friendly central heating bargain.

Don’t forget to insulate.

Remember that your home should also have good insulation. It does not matter how wonderful your central heating system is if cold air is blowing under draughty doors and through the cracks around your window frames. Start at the top of you home and work your way downstairs.

Ensure that your loft insulation meets the recently updated minimum standards. Grants are often available to bring loft insulation up to scratch. With some basic window seals and insulation strips also you should be able to complete the job in no time.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.

1. A poor roof covering can lead to heat and energy loss. Are there gaps in the roofing tiles? maybe even holes?
2. In the winter does snow melt on one area of your roof, while it settles on all the parts of your roof? Visibly you know which area of the house is giving off the heat through the roof. It may be lack of insulation or need for repair. A home heating inspection could definitely pin point such a problem.
3. Animals getting in your house? Even the smallest gaps and openings in your roof, such as along the flashing, is an open door for squirrels or worse.
4. Water damage to your ceilings may be trickles or even streams of water are getting through your roof and running down the bracing of your roof. This may also lead to rot, an expensive venture in the long run.
5. Do your roofing tiles line up? Sometimes the elements get in because the roof was laid out wrong when it was put on by the roofers or roofing contracting company.
6. The weather itself! Hail damage, high winds, weight of snow and ice can cause damage to your roof that can be seen or unseen.
7. Time! How old is the your roof on your home? While some styles and types of roofing last longer than others, not all roofs are indestructible or never age.
8. The cost of winter, even summer! Home heating costs have skyrocketed. Professionals have told us for some time to insulate, insulate, insulate! If your home has been experiencing skyrocketing heat rate increases of the fall, winter and spring, then you may be losing dollars through your roof. A new roof, in this day and age, can save money and protect the home owner from the rising cost of heating the neighborhood for years to come.
Do you need a new roof? The easiest step of all is to catch it in a season when you are heating your home at a different temperature than outside. A home heat inspection (which can be done in different seasons) can pin point exactly where your house is breathing. A home heat inspection can give you a complete read out on which areas lack insulation as well as trouble spots, which may include hidden gaps. A home heating inspection can give the home owner a new perspective on their property and some peace of mind. As a home owner, you will have the final word on whether or not you will be purchasing a new roof, but it is always good to know that there are resources out there to help you make you clear cut decision.

Learn more about this author, Mj Ferruzza.

Keep in mind that most doorbell units run on about 16 volts from a transformer. Working on the bell or chime unit should not pose any dangers. However, if you need to replace the transformer there will be 120 volts on one end of it.

Push button unit:

The push button unit on the outside of your home is the first item to check. Push buttons malfunctions occur frequently due to corrosion and use. Use a screw driver to remove the cover and check the contacts. The contacts should be shiny. If not, use a small bit of sand paper to clean the corrosion off of the contacts. Push the contacts together with the plastic portion of the bell and listen for the chime. You can also use your fingers if you don’t mind the slight jolt.

Next check to see if the wires have broken off of the contacts. The wires will be screwed down and you can easily reconnect them if there is enough wire remaining. If you have more than one door bell, front and back, check both.

Chime assembly:

If your bell still does not work you should check the chime assembly itself next. Most of the covers for these will just pop off. First check to see if any of the wires have come loose. The next problem area is the plunger that should move when the door bell is pushed. On occasion dirt can build up that will cause the plunger not to move. You can clean this or even spray a bit of all purpose lubricating oil and check to see if the plunger now moves freely.

Transformer:

If these steps do not repair your doorbell you will need to check the voltage from the transformer. Use an A.C. volt setting and check the voltage out of the transformer. It can be anywhere from 6 to 24 volts depending on your exact system. In newer homes the transformer should be located right on the side of the electrical panel. In older homes you may need to trace your bell wires back to a different location. If you do not have voltage at the transformer you should first check to be sure no circuit breakers have been turn off.

The next steps can be more complicated and unless you are sure of your skills they may best be left to an electrician. You will need to be sure that one side of the transformer is receiving 110 to 120 volts. 117 volts is the average. If it is receiving this on the input side you will need a new transformer. If you have more than one doorbell button you may need a higher rated transformer to produce enough voltage for multiple buttons.

Still doesn’t work?

If the above steps do not solve your problem you have a more serious situation. If the transformer is not receiving an input voltage there is a problem with the electric panel or the wiring to the input side of the transformer.

If the door bell button is making contact, the chime plunger is moving freely and the transformer is working you may have a break in your wiring. If you can find a visible break you may be able to repair it. If the break is inside a wall you now have a bigger problem. You can take apart your walls or hire an electrician. You might also consider getting a non-wired doorbell. A remote unit will have a push button for your door and a receiver that plugs into a receptacle. This could be an easier solution if you have tried everything else.

Learn more about this author, B. Leslie Baird.

OK, I know this has happened to at least 75% of the population. Especially if you live in the south, you know what I’m talking about. How can you prevent this from happening again? There are no absolute guarantees it won’t. No, you can’t be completely safe from this aggravating situation. But you can help your heating and cooling system just by reading your owners manual. I know, who reads these things? We do, the ones’ who have been in this same situation. Believe it or not, there are some good facts that you need to know to stay comfortable.

First and foremost: Learn how to operate your thermostat! I think about 10% do not know how to do this.

Second: Know where your filter is and replace it, or clean it, once a month, every 2 weeks if you have pets with hair. And I have to tell you heresome people don’t even know they have filters for their units that must be cleaned or replaced some time. If this isn’t done you will have a very expensive repair bill.

Third: Locate all the electrical breakers, inside and out, to all your pieces of equipment. Some systems have electric air filters, or cleaners, or humidifiers, even other electrical components that could cause the system to stop. Know where the breakers are and how to turn them back on.

There aren’t that many parts of the system that a normal homeowner can deal with on the system. The first check point should be your thermostat. Be sure it is on, and the temperature is set at the correct temperature you want in the house. If this looks good, go to your filter and check it. If it looks like a rug, change it. If you’re not sure, change it anyway. Now give it about 15 minutes, put your hand as close to a vent in one of the rooms, and see if any cool air is coming out.

OK, so that didn’t work. Do you have any idea where the condensing unit is? It is usually somewhere along the back of the house, or on an end. Once you do find it, see if you can hear it running. Usually there is a fan close to the top which you may be able to see, hear, or feel hot air coming out the top. If this unit is not running there should be an electrical disconnect box on the wall within 3 feet of the unit. It only has one leaver on the side which should say ON’ and OFF’. Be sure the leaver is in the ON’ position. Your unit may have a delay on it which may not let it come on right away. Wait about 5 minutes, if it’s still not on you may have a problem.

You can go to your main electrical panel and be sure all breakers, at least one will be 110 v., and one will be a 230 v., going to your system, are not tripped off. Turn the breakers off and then back on kind of hard. Again, give the unit about 5 minutes. If nothing is happening, I suggest you call someone certified to work on your air conditioning system. If you are lucky enough to get the cool air on, you will have to be patient with it. Everything, walls, floors, furniture, ceilings, is at 96 + degrees. It will take a long time for everything to cool down to a tolerable temperature. It would probably be best to eat dinner out somewhere its cool. Let the unit try to catch up a little before you face that heat again.

These systems are pretty simple to operate. And after you read the maintenance and operation manual, you will be able to troubleshoot your problems, if they are minor, to keep from having another annoying and uncomfortable situation.

If you have to call a service technician to check your air conditioning, be sure he is certified and bonded. If he isn’t, find someone that is. This can save you time, money, and nerves. I was the’ customer service person for a fairly large heating and cooling contractor for over 30 years. I know what I’m talking about! There isn’t anything I haven’t heard from irate customers. Just keep your cool, read your manual, follow the directions, and hope for cooler weather.

Learn more about this author, S. Bates.