Service Legends

It’s difficult to determine exactly how much insulation can save based on a universal scale, but homeowners can save a lot of money each year by installing insulation! Re-insulating is a good way to help maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Specifics about how much energy you can save with insulation depend on where you live, the size of your house and more. Schedule your free estimate today.

Insulation works by resisting the flow of heat. Heat is a form of energy and always seeks a cooler area—in your home this means it flows outward in winter, and inward in summer. Insulation slows this heat flow, so your heating and cooling system requires less operation to maintain your desired temperature, which saves you money. Home insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways of conserving energy, saving money on heating and cooling bills, and making your home more comfortable.

Easily installed inside your ductwork, these solutions emit powerful rays of ultraviolet light that penetrate the cell walls of biological contaminants on surfaces, damaging their physiological structure so they can no longer grow, multiply and spread throughout your home. Even when your heating and cooling system isn’t running, germicidal lights work continuously.

Considering the technical nature and safety risks involved in installing EV charging stations, it is always a smart idea to hire a professional electrician to complete the job. Call Service Legends to schedule an appointment today. Electricians can install most things in your home that have electricity going to them. Installing an electric car charging station on your own is not recommended. Electric car charging stations use very high voltage, so making a mistake can be dangerous. It’s better to get an electrician involved.

If you notice a smell coming from your outlet or switch, there’s a good chance your receptacle could be damaged. Turn off the power immediately and call our home electrical service experts at Service Legends.

Great question! LED lights are more expensive to purchase than incandescent lights, but they’re more efficient (they’ll last 50,000 hours instead of 1,200 hours). They also have a lower annual operating cost, which is great for people trying to go green.

When the electrical current that passes through a fuse exceeds the limit, it burns a hole in the thin strip of metal. This stops the flow of current and it means you have blown a fuse. Fuses need to be replaced (not reset). When the electrical current exceeds the limit through a circuit breaker, however, the breaker trip setting opens to stop the flow of current. Breakers are re-settable by flipping the handle on the face of the breaker.

Whole-home surge protectors control surges directly where your home’s power is distributed: your breaker panel. Large appliances and systems that can cause surges, your air conditioning unit, and power generators, each have a dedicated circuit on your breaker panel. When they send surges back to the panel, they are distributed to other electronics in your home. A whole-home surge protector monitors these surges and diverts excess power into the grounding wire while allowing normal voltage levels to safely continue powering your electronics. With whole-home surge protection in place, light bulbs and electronics will last longer because they will no longer receive surges from larger appliances. Not only will you save money, but you can also feel better about your television, computer, and mobile devices being safe from large power surges.

First, make sure there are not too many appliances plugged into one circuit, as this can overload it. If it’s just one appliance, unplug it and either replace it or call us to repair it. You could also try connecting another appliance to the problematic receptacle. If it still shows signs of trouble, have the receptacle and or the circuit checked by our home electrical service experts at Service Legends.

The third prong on a plug is a grounding prong. Two-prong receptacles do not have the same level of grounding as a three-prong device. The third grounding prong provides additional protection to the electrical system, the item plugged in, and you from electrical shock.

Regular home electrical maintenance is critical to keep things running smoothly and safely. You take your car in to get serviced regularly and you go on well visits to the doctor (if you don’t, you definitely should). We schedule these things as preventative maintenance so that we can keep our cars and ourselves running properly for as long as we can. Why would you not do the same for your home’s electrical system?

There’s nothing like a new light fixture, but rushing the process will only lead to more problems. You should always turn off the breaker to the light fixture and test that everything is safe with a voltage tester.

If you need a ceiling fan installed, a certified electrician at Service Legends can and is licensed to do the task. An electrician should be the first person you call if you need a ceiling fan installed, as long as they’re both certified and insured. To install a ceiling fan, an electrician will need to stand on a ladder, work with the electrical system, and possibly venture into an attic. There’s a risk of injury to these tasks, so you want to hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

Loud noises coming from plumbing pipes could be a sign of a serious problem. Here are the top three causes of banging plumbing pipe sounds: Water hammer, expanding/contracting copper pipes, and water pressure that is too high. Knocking sounds are often heard after a water supply is shut off, while the water is running or randomly throughout the day or night.

Yes, the water has to flow through the unit and the resin. These cavities will create a pressure drop. Based on the size of the system and at what flow rate will determine how much pressure drop there will be.

Check that the inlet and outlet plumbing on your water softener is not reversed. If your inlet and outlet are plumbed correctly, your distributor assembly is likely cracked and needs to be replaced. Contact Service Legends for further assistance.

Your water may not feel slippery because your water softener may not be re-generating properly. Another reason may be that there is no salt in your brine tank. Give Service Legends a call to schedule a plumber to come out to your home and find the problem.

The manufacturing date and serial numbers should be located on your tank’s label. They are located below the model number.

We recommend using 99% salt crystals for your water softener. You can find this salt at your local grocery store, hardware store or gas station.

Yes. A check valve is a one-way valve. It is installed in the discharge pipe of your sump pump. When the pump runs, the water is forced out through the pipe and valve. When the pump stops running, the water will not be able to flow by gravity back into the basin, staying above the check valve. This prevents the pump from having to re-pump the water, increasing the life of the pump.

It is NOT recommended to drain laundry or water softeners into a sump basin. The chemicals and debris from these appliances can cause damage to the pump, decreasing its lifespan. The discharged water may also cause a buildup of debris on the float switch, causing it to work improperly. Sump pumps are designed to be used with clear, clean groundwater.

We strongly recommend that you do NOT use an extension cord. It is better to plug the sump pump into a dedicated outlet that is fed by a circuit breaker or fuse that feeds power only to that outlet. This ensures that the pump will receive proper voltage. If there is no outlet near the sump pit, we recommend you have one installed by a professional electrician.

Most sump pumps have a lifespan of 10 years. If you’re unsure of how old your pump is (but you suspect it may be on its last legs), have Service Legends inspect and clean the pump.

If you’re wondering whether your home even needs a sump pump, consider whether you’ve struggled with flooding issues in the past. If your house is in a flood-prone area, your yard has poor drainage, or you’ve dealt with any other water problems, then it’s likely well worth it to replace your old sump pump with a new one. Schedule your free estimate today!

If your water meter is leaking, call a plumber at Service Legends immediately. You should also contact your water utility provider as well because if the leak is between the meter leading to the water utility, it is their financial responsibility to fix the water leak. Leaks between the meter and your home are your responsibility.

Maintenance on your plumbing is necessary whenever a faucet leak persists or drain blockage occurs. A clogged toilet, or toilet that continues to run, as well as low water pressure also mandates service, especially when do-it-yourself (DIY) home repairs fail to fix the problem.

Simply remove the access panel on the side of the water heater and look inside for a blue flame. This is called a pilot light and indicates the presence of natural gas. If you see a pilot light, you most likely have a gas water heater. Electrical water heaters do not have pilot lights. Look at the top of the heater for an electrical supply cord. This looks like a thick extension cord and is generally black or gray. If you see one going into the top or side of the heater, it is an electric water heater.

Most registers that blow conditioned air into the home are installed with some sort of lever that allows you to open or close it. This must mean that it is ok, maybe even recommended that you use it, right? Wrong!

The short answer: yes! At Service Legends, we want you to be as informed as possible on how to get the most value from your home’s HVAC investment.

According to energy.gov, the average lifespan of your central HVAC system is between 15 and 20 years. This assumes, however, that you support your equipment with regularly scheduled maintenance. We’ve found that systems without regular maintenance last between 8 and 10 years, while systems with proper maintenance last between 20 and 25 years. This also assumes that your heating and cooling equipment has been installed properly. Besides regular maintenance, proper installation is the most important factor when estimating your system’s “lifespan.” According to energystar.gov, over half of all new HVAC systems do not live up to rated efficiency levels. This not only negatively affects your utility bill but also reduces the lifespan of your unit. “In fact, improper installation can reduce performance by as much as 30%.”

The short answer: yes! At Service Legends, we want you to be as informed as possible on how to get the most value from your home’s HVAC investment. Schedule your free estimate to learn more.

Covering the unit is not necessary, especially if you have a heat pump that runs all year long. In fact, covering an entire unit may actually trap moisture and may cause more problems than you realize.

A ductless mini-split system is an alternative to traditional heating and cooling like central air. Ductless HVAC works similarly to central heating and cooling, except that it doesn’t require ductwork. Your mini-split system will have an indoor and outdoor unit, but it will only require a small hole to be cut through the exterior wall—just big enough for a tube of refrigerant to pass through. Inside your home, the air will be conditioned and returned into the room by the same unit. Call now to schedule your free estimate.

Installing a programmable thermostat in your home helps you take control of how much energy you use for heating and cooling. If used effectively, a programmable thermostat can help you improve energy efficiency and save money on your utility bills.

The short answer? So important! Your indoor air quality can be as much as 100 times worse than the outdoor air. That means pollutants, allergens, dust, and mildew can be circulating in your home affecting your family’s health and wellbeing. Improving and maintaining your indoor air quality is vitally important to your home and family.

Your air filters should be replaced every one to three months depending on usage. This is vitally important to the performance of your HVAC systems and your indoor air quality.

Your HVAC systems should be serviced before the start of each heating and cooling season. So, your air conditioner should have regular maintenance performed at the end of winter or the beginning of spring, while your heat pump or furnace should have its regular maintenance performed at the end of summer or the beginning of fall. Call now to schedule your tune-up maintenance.

The average home’s cost for cooling, heating, and hot water is about 70% of your utility bill. By going green with a Geothermal system, you can put more green in your pocket. Since our heating season in Iowa is so long (approximately 5 months out of the year), the geothermal system efficiencies can make a big impact on your energy costs throughout the winter. The temperatures underground vary little from summer to winter, making a geothermal system a good choice in our climate. In the summer, the lower operating costs of geothermal systems make cool temperatures and dry air a budget-friendly reality. Schedule a free estimate to determine if it's the right choice for you.

Yes, in most cases. Your home comfort advisor will be able to go over this with you during your free estimate.

Most definitely! A box fan is a great way to save on utilities during the summer with home ventilation. Box fans are an inexpensive and easy way to keep the house cool and maintain a healthy IAQ (indoor air quality) throughout the season. Window fans are a valid alternative for people who live in climates that experience mild summers, unfortunately, they are not compatible with our heat (and often high humidity). But box fans can be used in the same way, for the same effect, and also offer a versatility that the stationary window fans can’t afford. If you are thinking about trying out some box fans for alternative cooling, we’ve compiled a few essential tips for maximizing their value.

The overbearing summer heat is coming, which means that your AC unit will be putting in overtime for the next couple of months to keep your home cool. This tall request requires your system to be in top working order, meaning you should get a routine check-up of the entire unit to ensure everything is working correctly before the brutality of summer catches up with AC maintenance. Luckily, Service Legends has all the tips you need to set your HVAC system up for success! Call us today to schedule your AC tune-up.

Yes, air conditioners can improve air quality. After heat and humidity are absorbed from the air inside your home, the air is filtered for dust, lint, and debris. The heat gets moved outside, but the air that remains and goes back into your home is cleaner than before, resulting in better air quality.

HCFC-22, commonly called R-22, has been a common refrigerant used in residential heat pumps and air conditioners for more than 40 years. But releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion, and the making of R-22 results in a byproduct that contributes to global warming. This refrigerant is now being phased out by the EPA. As of January 2020, chemical manufacturers are no longer able to produce R-22.

Saving money on your monthly electric bills in the summer is important—so what is the best thermostat setting during the hottest season of the year? We recommend keeping your thermostat set to 72 degrees (at the lowest) with the fan set to AUTO rather than ON.

A dual zone air conditioning system is a network of thermostats and duct dampers that regulates the amount of cooled air each zone (one or more rooms) receives throughout the day. Zoning technology allows homeowners to cool only the occupied areas of living space at any given time or to set different temperatures in different areas of the home. Schedule your free estimate today.

First things first, you shouldn’t attempt to fix your noisy air conditioner on your own! Unless you have professional knowledge of HVAC electrical system layouts and the proper meters to test all the working components of your AC, you are putting yourself and your air conditioner at a significant risk for harm. Schedule your AC repair today.

An air conditioner can make life comfortable when temperatures climb, however, how do you know when you can no longer rely on your AC system? It is time to “kick it to the curb”? Maybe you’ve noticed it doesn’t seem to cool or run as efficiently as it used to. Like all appliances, your air conditioner won’t last forever. Many homeowners have a difficult time deciding whether to keep pouring money into their aging air conditioning system for costly repairs or to upgrade to a new, more efficient AC. Schedule a free estimate today to find out.

When your AC freezes up, either inside or at the outdoor unit, you have a problem. When your AC is frozen, your system is more prone to serious damage if it isn’t addressed promptly. Give Service Legends a call to schedule a AC repair.

Well, that all depends on how much you want to spend and what you’re trying to filter. You need to be aware of the MERV scale (explained above). A furnace filter with a high rating can slow airflow too much, but a low-efficiency filter won’t filter dust very well. When selecting the filter, it’s important to strike the right balance and ALWAYS consult your furnace manual to see the manufacturer’s specifications. For most homeowners, a MERV 7 or 8 pleated filter provides a good balance between cost and filtration efficiency. These filters trap 80 to 95 percent of the particles 5 microns and larger—more than enough for most homes. However, if you have family members with allergies or an impaired immune system, you may want to invest in a MERV 11 or higher filter. But be warned, you must change these filters regularly to protect your furnace.

If you are looking at a furnace filter, find the arrow that indicates the proper airflow direction. That arrow must always face toward the furnace and away from the return duct that carries the air in need of heating or cooling.

Basements tend to be cold. Many homes are not built with ductwork in the basement and hot air rises. So, if there are no heating vents down in the basement, the heater will have little to no effect on it. If you have remodeled your basement as extra living space without considering how to insulate and heat it, you are in for a cold winter. Schedule a free estimate to get more specifics to your home.

The cost of a furnace system depends on a lot of factors, such as the type of heating and the materials used in manufacturing. A new furnace may have a more expensive cost upfront, but save you money on fuel usage over time, so it is important to consider all of the different cost factors in order to get a good return on your investment. In this article, we will give you a better idea of how much a new furnace costs and what the prices mean. Schedule your free estimate with Service Legends to get an exact price for a new furnace.

Ever notice that your furnace smells bad when you turn it on the first time? That nasty smell may be a bother if you’re expecting guests. But at the very least, it is a clear indicator of your furnace requiring maintenance — especially if it smells like burnt hair or dust. There are a few other odors that can indicate some further danger.

Yes! Not only does a furnace cleaning improve the performance and efficiency of your system, but most manufacturer warranties also require annual furnace maintenance to maintain the warranty. Schedule your furnace tune-up today.

There are a number of factors that contribute to needing a furnace installation replacement. How old is your furnace? If it’s over 10 – 15 years old, it’s likely time for a furnace replacement—simply because this will improve your energy efficiency. Schedule a free estimate to learn more.

Hi Tim, I'm not sure but we'll look into it. This is the first time we've received this type of feedback and have had multiple successful orders come through. Thank you for bringing it to our attention!

Hi Delise, Along with your new system you purchased a new drop and sheet metal transition to the plenum, which helps with air flow. We'd be happy to provide you with an additional quote for updated duct work in your home!

Thanks for the feedback. Thanks for trusting us with your comfort. I agree with you, Nic is a consummate professional and an all around great guy!

Call them. They'll answer your questions and a live person will actually answer your call!

Currently Fort Dodge is out of our service area. Thank you for asking!

Your best bet is to call them