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Evaporative swamp coolers should be serviced at least twice a year, once before the cooling season begins and again after the season ends. Regular maintenance helps ensure efficient cooling, prevents breakdowns, and extends the life of the system.
Evaporative swamp coolers rely on clean water flow, properly functioning pads, and unobstructed airflow to cool effectively. Because these systems pull in outside air and use water continuously, they require more routine maintenance than traditional air conditioning systems, especially in Albuquerque’s dry, dusty climate.
Pre-season maintenance prepares your swamp cooler for reliable summer operation. This typically includes inspecting and replacing pads, cleaning the water distribution system, checking the pump and motor, adjusting belts, and making sure the unit is delivering consistent airflow throughout the home. Addressing these items early helps avoid mid-season failures when temperatures are highest.
Post-season maintenance is just as important. Shutting the system down properly at the end of the cooling season helps prevent mineral buildup, corrosion, mold growth, and freeze damage during colder months. It also makes spring startup faster and more predictable the following year.
Regular swamp cooler service improves cooling performance, reduces water waste, and helps extend the life of the unit. Skipping maintenance often leads to weak airflow, poor cooling, unusual noises, or higher repair costs over time.
B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has been servicing evaporative swamp coolers in Albuquerque since 1971. Our technicians understand how these systems perform in local conditions and provide thorough maintenance that keeps swamp coolers running efficiently, season after season.
An air handler typically lasts 10 to 15 years when properly maintained. Factors like system usage, air quality, and regular maintenance all affect its lifespan, and older units may become less efficient or more prone to breakdowns over time.
Most air handlers are designed to last around 10 to 15 years, but their actual lifespan depends heavily on how they’re maintained and the conditions they operate in. Regular filter changes, annual HVAC tune-ups, and prompt repairs all help reduce wear on components like the blower motor and coils, which are critical to performance.
As an air handler ages, homeowners may start noticing warning signs such as weak airflow, rising energy bills, uneven temperatures, or frequent repairs. These issues don’t always mean immediate replacement is required, but they often signal that the system is becoming less efficient and more expensive to keep running.
In Albuquerque homes, dust, dry air, and long cooling seasons can put additional strain on air handlers, especially if maintenance has been inconsistent. That’s why lifespan questions are often closely tied to related concerns like air handler repair vs replacement, HVAC efficiency, and cost to replace an air handler — even if those questions aren’t asked directly.
B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has been helping Albuquerque homeowners evaluate HVAC systems since 1971. When an air handler is aging or underperforming, our technicians assess its condition, explain realistic options, and help homeowners decide whether continued repair or planned replacement makes the most sense.
If you’ve ever wondered what is a boiler or how it actually heats a home, you’re not alone. Many homeowners hear the term but aren’t quite sure what sets a boiler apart from a furnace or a water heater. In simple terms, a boiler is a heating system that uses water to move heat through your home instead of blowing warm air through ducts.
At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we help New Mexico homeowners choose, install, and maintain boiler systems built for steady warmth and long-term reliability. This guide breaks down the basics—from how boilers work to what makes them efficient—so you can decide if a boiler for your house is the right fit.
Because water holds heat more effectively than air, boiler systems often feel more consistent and even. Rooms stay comfortably warm without the drafts or hot-and-cold swings that forced-air systems can create.
Boilers can also provide domestic hot water when connected to an indirect storage tank or built as a boiler water heater combination unit. That makes them a two-in-one solution for homeowners who value both comfort and efficiency. A boiler heating system warms water (or turns it into steam) to distribute heat throughout your home. Instead of heating air like a furnace, it circulates heated water through radiators, baseboard panels, or in-floor tubing. As the water releases its heat, it cools slightly and returns to the boiler to be reheated—creating a closed, efficient cycle.
Boilers come in several designs, each with its own advantages depending on your space, fuel availability, and heating goals.
When we design a boiler for your house, we match the type and size of the unit to your home’s insulation, square footage, and comfort needs—so you get efficient, dependable warmth all winter long.
Every boiler system follows the same basic steps:
If your system produces steam, the process is similar—only the water is boiled until it vaporizes, travels upward through pipes, and condenses back into liquid as it cools.
Modern boilers also include important safety features like pressure relief valves, low-water cut-offs, expansion tanks, and precise electronic controls. These keep your boiler heating system safe, quiet, and efficient year after year.
At B. Carlson, we take safety and code compliance seriously. Every installation is carefully tested for proper venting, combustion air, and system performance before it ever heats your home.
Knowing the main parts of a boiler can make maintenance and troubleshooting easier:
A well-maintained boiler system operates almost silently and lasts decades. That’s why B. Carlson’s annual boiler service includes full inspections, cleaning, safety testing, and efficiency checks to keep things running like new.
A boiler’s efficiency determines how much of the fuel it uses actually becomes usable heat.
Several factors influence real-world performance:
When we install or service a boiler heating system, we take time to size it correctly, verify combustion settings, and fine-tune controls for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Selecting a boiler for your house depends on more than just square footage. A professional evaluation looks at:
For smaller homes or condos, a combi boiler—which serves as both a space heater and boiler water heater—can be an efficient, space-saving choice. Larger homes often benefit from a system or regular boiler paired with a dedicated hot-water cylinder for higher flow rates.
At B. Carlson, our team walks you through every option, showing you what fits your home, your budget, and your long-term energy goals.
Boiler heating isn’t new—it’s been trusted for generations because it works quietly, efficiently, and reliably. Here’s why many homeowners in Albuquerque still prefer it:
Hydronic heat also pairs beautifully with radiant floors, which add a luxurious, energy-efficient touch to kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces.
Like any appliance, a boiler performs best with routine maintenance. Annual boiler service ensures safety and efficiency while extending system life. A typical tune-up includes:
These small steps prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and keep your heating bills predictable. If you can’t remember the last time your boiler was serviced, it’s time to schedule a visit before winter arrives.
Even the best boilers eventually wear out. If your system is more than 15–20 years old, struggles to heat evenly, or shows rising fuel costs, it may be time for an upgrade. New high-efficiency models provide better control, quieter operation, and lower emissions—making them a smart investment for comfort and sustainability.
A boiler heating system replacement also gives you the chance to integrate features like outdoor reset controls, zoning valves, or a combination boiler water heater for added convenience.
Our team at B. Carlson can evaluate your current setup and help you decide whether repair or replacement makes the most sense for your home and budget.
At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ve been helping New Mexico families stay warm since 1971. Our licensed technicians understand the unique heating challenges of Albuquerque’s climate—cold desert nights, dry air, and older homes with mixed heating systems.
We specialize in:
Whether you need a brand-new boiler for your house or want to bring an older system up to modern standards, you’ll get transparent recommendations, expert workmanship, and long-term support from a team that treats your home like our own.
If you’re asking yourself “what is a boiler and is it right for my house?”—our team is here to help. From design and installation to ongoing boiler service, B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides everything you need for dependable, efficient heat in every season.
Schedule your appointment online or call today to talk with one of our friendly, knowledgeable technicians. We’ll help you find the boiler heating system that fits your home perfectly—because at B. Carlson, your comfort and confidence come first.
P-traps are typically made from:
Bonus tip: Older homes sometimes used S-traps, which loop downward in an “S” shape. These are no longer allowed by code because they siphon dry too easily, causing sewer smells. P-traps replaced them as the safer, modern standard.
The P-trap uses a very simple physics principle: water blocks air.
Here’s what happens each time you run the faucet:
A P-trap can stop working if:
P-traps aren’t just under bathroom sinks — they’re everywhere wastewater leaves a fixture.
These are the most visible and the easiest to service.
You won’t see these traps, but they’re there — hidden under the floor or inside the framing.
Washing machines and some dishwashers connect through systems that rely on a plumbing trap to prevent sewer odors.
Yes. Building code requires every shower to have a functioning P-trap.
Why it matters:
If you smell sewage near a shower, the trap may be:
Yes, but not the kind you see under a sink.
A toilet has a built-in P-trap molded directly into the porcelain bowl. This is why water always sits in the bottom of the toilet — that’s the trap seal preventing odors.
Because toilets have their own internal traps, they do not use an additional trap in the floor line.
Even though P-traps are simple and reliable, a few issues come up again and again in Albuquerque homes. The most common include dry traps, leaks, cracks, clogs, and installation mistakes. Knowing the signs early helps you avoid sewer odors, water damage, and costly repairs down the line.
A P-trap needs water to seal out sewer gases. When a sink, shower, or floor drain isn’t used regularly, the water in the trap slowly evaporates. Once the water seal disappears, nothing stops those sewer gases from creeping into your home.
Leaks are the second most common P-trap issue. They typically occur from:
Because the trap sits under the sink, leaks often go unnoticed until they’ve caused damage.
Even small, slow leaks can cause rot, cabinet damage, mold growth, or a broken trap seal — allowing sewer gases into your home.
Clogs form when debris builds up inside the bend of the trap. For sinks and showers, this often includes:
Wire-hanger-style DIY methods can scratch the inside of the pipe, creating rough surfaces where future clogs form even faster.
Best Solution
Have a licensed plumber safely remove and clear the trap, check the rest of the drain line, and ensure no deeper blockage is forming.
A full replacement may be needed if:
New PVC or ABS traps are durable, affordable, and handle moisture better than old metal ones.
Routine drain cleaning and periodic plumbing inspections help catch issues early. A plumber can confirm:
This type of maintenance protects your home from both sewer odors and long-term water damage, especially in older Albuquerque neighborhoods with aging plumbing.
If you’re dealing with sewer smells, slow drains, leaks under the sink, or recurring P-trap issues, the safest move is to call a professional. A licensed plumber can diagnose whether the trap is the problem or if something deeper is happening in your drain or vent system.
At B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, our expert plumbers handle everything from clearing clogs to replacing damaged traps to fixing underlying venting or drain issues. We’ve been helping Albuquerque homeowners stay safe and odor-free since 1971 — and we’re available 24/7 when you need us most.
If something doesn’t smell right or drain right, call B. Carlson right away.
As scale increases, homeowners may notice slower hot water delivery, inconsistent temperatures, higher energy use, or new system noises. A professional tankless water heater descaler treatment dissolves hardened mineral buildup, restores proper heat transfer, and helps the system operate the way it was designed to.
The heat exchanger is the heart of a tankless water heater — and one of its most expensive components. Scale buildup restricts heat transfer, increases operating temperatures, and adds unnecessary strain to internal parts.
Many manufacturers list descaling as required maintenance. Skipping it doesn’t just reduce efficiency; it can shorten the life of the unit and, in some cases, affect warranty coverage. Regular descaling is a preventative step that protects your investment and helps keep daily routines running smoothly.
These two terms are often confused, but they serve different purposes.
Descaling uses an approved tankless water heater descaler to chemically break down hardened mineral deposits bonded to the heat exchanger and internal water pathways. This is the only way to remove stubborn scale buildup caused by hard water.
Flushing moves clean water or a mild rinse through the system to clear out loosened debris after descaling. Flushing alone does not remove hardened scale.
For best results, professional descaling is typically followed by a post-service flush to clear residual material. This process uses an approved tankless water heater cleaner to break down mineral scale, then flushes the system to remove loosened buildup. In some situations, especially with older equipment or systems that haven’t been maintained in years, a technician may recommend additional inspection before any cleaning is performed. When that happens, we explain what we’re seeing and recommend the safest path forward.
For most Albuquerque homes, annual descaling is a solid baseline.
Homes with very hard water, high hot water usage, or skipped past maintenance may benefit from descaling every 6 to 9 months. Water quality can vary by neighborhood — and even by street — which is why the best timing is based on actual system condition rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
Staying ahead of scale buildup helps maintain efficiency, prevent performance issues, and avoid more costly repairs down the road.
Scale buildup often shows up gradually. Common warning signs include:
These symptoms don’t always mean the system is failing — but they often point to mineral buildup affecting performance. A professional water heater descaler treatment can restore normal operation and reduce unnecessary wear on the heat exchanger.
DIY descaling is often presented as simple, but it comes with risks. Using the wrong solution, skipping steps, or missing early signs of damage can lead to leaks, component failure, or voided warranties.
Professional service is especially important for:
Our certified technicians evaluate the condition of the unit, select the appropriate tankless heater descaler, perform the cleaning safely, and verify proper operation afterward. It’s preventative care that protects your system and helps avoid larger repairs.
Unchecked scale forces the heater to run longer and hotter to meet demand. That leads to higher energy use, increased stress on internal components, and a greater risk of overheating or shutdown.
Over time, performance declines and system lifespan can shorten. Regular descaling supports efficient operation and helps keep manufacturer requirements intact.
For more than five decades, B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has helped Albuquerque homeowners keep their hot water reliable and their homes running smoothly. From routine maintenance to expert water heater repair in Albuquerque, our team brings local experience, certified training, and straightforward recommendations you can trust.
When your home needs professional tankless water heater descaling or dependable water heater repair in Albuquerque, you want it done right. We treat your home with respect, explain your options clearly, and make sure your system runs efficiently, safely, and consistently.
That’s the kind of dependable help Albuquerque homeowners have come to expect from B. Carlson — Your Best Friend in Home Services.