Tips & Maintenance

Key Takeaways If you’ve opened your latest water bill and nearly spilled your coffee, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across Charlottesville, Crozet, and Keswick experience unexpected spikes in water usage, even when daily habits haven’t changed. The culprit is often hidden: small leaks, worn-out fixtures, or plumbing inefficiencies silently wasting hundreds of gallons every day. […]

Key Takeaways Charlottesville homeowners are becoming increasingly mindful of their water and energy use, and with good reason. As water costs rise and conservation becomes a community priority, low-flow plumbing fixtures have emerged as one of the simplest, most effective upgrades you can make. From showers that use half the water to faucets that save

Key Takeaways When plumbing problems strike, it’s not always clear whether you can fix it yourself, wait until Monday, or call for emergency service right away. For homeowners around Charlottesville, Crozet, and Keswick, knowing the difference can save you time, money, and water damage. At The Otter Guys, we help Virginia homeowners handle everything from

Key Takeaways If your Charlottesville home feels dusty or your allergies never quite ease up, your HVAC filter may be the culprit. The right filter type, and a consistent replacement schedule, makes a major impact on air quality and system efficiency. In this guide, The Otter Guys explain how to choose filters that match your

Key Takeaways Allergy and asthma symptoms often worsen inside Charlottesville homes due to spring pollen, summer humidity, and year-round dust. That’s why we recommend air scrubbers, advanced indoor air quality devices installed in your HVAC system that help remove airborne particles, pollutants, and allergens at the source. When paired with high-efficiency filtration and routine HVAC

Key Takeaways Why Plumbing Emergencies Can’t Wait At The Otter Guys, we’ve seen firsthand how fast a small plumbing issue can turn into a major headache. A dripping faucet or slow drain might not seem urgent, but over time, those problems can lead to leaks, water damage, and even mold growth. When you ignore plumbing

Key Takeaways Why Year-Round Plumbing Maintenance Matters At The Otter Guys, we believe prevention is the best protection for your home’s plumbing system. Small issues, like slow drains, leaky faucets, or water heater strain, often start quietly but can turn into emergencies if ignored. A few routine maintenance steps every season can make the difference

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

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,

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