Key Takeaways Understanding the Risk of Frozen Pipes Here in Charlottesville, winter temperatures can dip well below freezing, and that’s when plumbing systems are at their most vulnerable. At The Otter Guys, we see frozen pipe emergencies every year, often when homeowners least expect them. When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands. That expansion […]
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Key Takeaways Why Replacing an Old AC Matters Your air conditioner is one of the most important systems in your home, especially during the sweltering summer months. While regular maintenance can extend its life, every unit eventually reaches a point where repairs no longer make sense. Older systems become less efficient, more costly to operate,
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Key Takeaways Why Spring HVAC Preparation Matters Spring is a season of transition. As temperatures climb, your HVAC system shifts from heating your home during winter to keeping it cool through the warmer months. This change means your air conditioner will soon take center stage. Without proper preparation, you risk breakdowns just when you need
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Key Takeaways Why Regular AC Service Is Essential Your air conditioner works hard during the hottest months. Without annual maintenance, dirt and debris build up, parts wear out, and efficiency drops. Over time, this can shorten your unit’s lifespan and cost you more in repairs and energy bills. Routine service ensures your AC keeps your
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Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable year-round, especially during the hot summers and chilly winters here in Virginia. But even with the best equipment, how you treat your HVAC system can make or break its performance and lifespan. At The Otter Guys, we regularly help homeowners in Charlottesville, Waynesboro,
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As the summer heat lingers into and early fall, your air conditioner continues working overtime to keep your home cool. But even the most reliable AC systems can develop issues, often with subtle symptoms that homeowners overlook. At The Otter Guys, we believe preventative service is key to avoiding mid-season breakdowns and costly emergency repairs.
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If you’re like most homeowners in Charlottesville, you rely on your water heater every day, but probably don’t think about it until something goes wrong. Maybe your shower isn’t getting hot, or your utility bill suddenly spikes. In many cases, these are signs your water heater is trying to tell you something: it’s time for
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You open the bill, do a double-take, then check again. If your water bill jumped out of nowhere, you are not alone. Sudden spikes often come down to a few very fixable issues, from a silent toilet leak to a hidden slab leak or an irrigation problem. Below is a simple checklist to find the
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Spotting a leak sounds simple until your water bill jumps and you start chasing drips around the house. A few do-it-yourself checks can save you money, but the wrong moves can waste time and let damage spread. Here is how to avoid the most common pitfalls, what to check first, and when to call The
DIY Leak Detection Mistakes Read More »
Charlottesville has plenty of character homes, and with character comes quirks in the plumbing. If you live in a bungalow in Belmont, a cottage in Fry’s Spring, or a classic near Rugby Road, you might see issues that newer homes do not. The good news is that most problems in older systems have clear fixes
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