Pumbing, Heating and Cooling Systems / How Can You Make the Most of Your Home Comfort Systems?

Just as you would not expect your car to run smoothly without having frequent oil changes, tune ups or making sure that there is gas in the tank, you need to make sure that your heating, cooling and plumbing systems are in working order. As Anthony Shaker of UNICCO in Newton, Massachusetts says, "...A solid program of preventative maintenance is absolutely paramount. The better something is maintained the more likely you're going to get the appropriate life-cycle from the equipment."

Heating

• Before the weather actually turn cold, take a few minutes to see if any warm air blows through the vents when the system is turned on.

• Be sure to change the air filters, dirty filter prevent the furnace from working properly and will also result in poor indoor air quality.

• If you have natural gas for your heating system, check t see that the pilot is lit. The flame should be blue, if it is yellow or orange you will need to contact a HVAC professional as this can be the sign of a problem.

• Make sure that there is nothing blocking the vents or filters so that the heat can get into the areas in which it is needed.

Central Air

• If properly maintained, an air conditioning system can least as long as 15 years, so taking the few minutes necessary to check your AC system can ultimately save you time and money.

• Have your duct work checked and cleaned at least once every 3-4 years so that not only will the system work better, but your air will be cleaner.

• Clean off the outside air compressor with water, this is easily done using your garden hose.

• Keep all things away from the compressor so that it has a free flow of air

• Change the filter every 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by your user's manual.

Plumbing

Like your heating and air systems, you will also want to maintain that your plumbing system is in the best working order possible. Here are a few ways suggested by Service Magic that you can do this.

• Shut off the main water valve and drain the system by opening faucets at the highest and lowest points of the house, if you will be gone for several days. In addition, keep the heat on and set no lower than 55 degrees-especially if it is during the winter months.

• During the winter, your water heater works harder. Flush it out and remove sediment buildup, to prevent corrosion, and increase the life span. Drain several gallons from the faucet near the bottom of the tank through a hose directed into a nearby drain.

• In the event frozen pipes, water pressure builds and can cause cracks - regardless if whether the pipe is made of plastic, copper or steel. Even a tiny crack can unleash more than 250 gallons of water in a single day.

• Be sure to clear leaves and debris from downspouts to ensure easy drainage when water freezes and thaws.

Visit http://www.abelonsite.com for information on heating and air conditioning today.


Article independently authored by Janet Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Abel On Site.

Save on HVAC Costs - Caulk and Seal Your Windows For Energy Efficiency

As energy costs increase, people begin to look for ways to lower their personal energy consumption. One of the popular points of improvement are new windows. With advances in technology and materials, windows are substantially better than their predecessors at retaining heat during winter months and keeping the home cooler during the summer. Unfortunately, new windows can be quite expensive! However, there are options if you are unable to afford new windows or would prefer to replace your windows gradually rather than all at once.

Before embarking on the improvement of your current windows, it pays to inspect them. Are there rotten boards, cracked glass or other broken parts? Depending on the condition you might be forced to replace these windows as they are beyond enhancement. Also, consider replacement if your windows were installed before 1978 as they might contain lead paint. Lead is an hazardous substance that should not be in your home particularly if children are present.

If your windows pass muster, you can begin improving them for energy efficiency. One of the cheapest and easiest tasks is to caulk all cracks and gaps around the window frame. Air can seep (and sometimes actually blow) through these gaps. By blocking these pathways you will be taking a big leap toward increased energy efficiency. You will need a caulk gun which will run less than $10 and is very easy to operate even for a complete novice. You will also need a few tubes of caulk which run a few dollars per tube at home improvement stores. Be sure to purchase paintable caulk if you would like to cover the caulk after it has cured.

Actually applying the caulk is very easy. Simply load the caulk tube into the gun, trim off the end of the tube with scissors or a knife and then run a wire down the tip to puncture the foil covering inside. Apply the tip of the tube to the area you wish to seal and slowly pull the trigger. It might takes a few squeezes for the caulk to come out on a new tube. Once it is slowly flowing, move the tip over the crack to fill it up. To smooth the caulk or push it into a new position, wet your finger and apply pressure as needed. Using a dry finger causes the caulk to stick to your finger and tends to make things messier. In a pinch, saliva works just as well!

Also, be sure to pick up weather stripping to fill in gaps around the sash where the window goes up and down. You will need to custom fit the stripping to your windows.

Be sure to inspect your caulk and weather stripping every year to make sure everything is still in working order.

By taking these two simple steps, you have gone a long way toward greater efficiency. Plus, you have save thousands of dollars in the process! That will make anybody feel good.

For more information on your HVAC units, service, & repair or energy efficiency, please visit http://www.AbelOnSite.com.

Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Abel On Site.

How to Extend the Efficiency and Life Span of Your Water Heater by Draining It

When was the last time you thought about your water heater? In all likelihood it was when you ran out of hot water. Fortunately, the lack of hot water only lasted for a few minutes or hours. Could you run out of hot water for a longer period of time? You sure can! If your water heater fails you will be without hot water for several days while waiting for a replacement. Avoid this hassle and give your heater a little tender loving care. Fortunately, it isn't hard to do.

The most important thing to do is drain your hot water tank. Over time, sediment from the water settles on the bottom of the tank. This can cause the tank to rust and to slowly be corroded away until it ruptures. Plus, the extra layer of gunk causes the heater to work harder and less efficiently which increases your gas or electric bill. By draining the tank you remove the gunk and keep the unit working in tip-top condition.

To drain your heater you will need a hose and about an hour or two.

The first step is to turn off the heat source. With an electric heater, you will need to flip the breaker switch to "off". With a gas heater turn the thermostat knob to the pilot setting.

Next, turn off the cold water supply to your tank. The line is typically labeled on the water heater and the shut off is located just above the tank.

Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the home. This will prevent a vacuum from forming in the tank as the water drains.

The tank's drain will be located at the bottom and will have a threaded outlet as well. Attach the hose to the tank and route the other end of the hose to a safe surface for receiving many gallons of hot water. Open the drain valve and watch the water flow! It will be very dirty and brown to start but eventually it will run more clear. Turn on the cold water once the tank is empty to flush out the final bits of sediment. Allow water to flow until it comes out clear. Close the drain valve and the faucet on the sink you opened up.

Allow the tank to fill completely and then turn on the electricity or gas again.

That's it! Very straight forward and simple stuff. Just a few minutes of your time and you extend the life of your water heater. Simply repeat every year and your water heater will thank you!

For more information please visit http://www.ableonsite.com the water heater installation specialists and hvac servicing.

Article independently authored by Eric Parish. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Able Onsite Heating and Cooling Specialist.

What is the Best Type of Furnace For Your Home?

From geothermal heating to gas furnaces and electric heaters to wood burning stoves there are many different ways people choose to heat their home. Of course, this warmth does not come cheap. Whether you use natural gas, electric heat or an alternate heat source, heating bills in the winter typically supersede the cost of keeping cool.

So, how can you determine what the best form of heating is? Here are a few considerations to help you before you make a final decision.


Source- If you are building a new home the heating options are more varied as you can go with whatever method will be best for you. However, for existing homes, it may necessary to stay with the type of heat already in use and just change the size and efficiency of the model. For new homes, many homeowners are choosing to use alternative heating methods such as solar heating, absorption heating or geothermal heat pumps.
Cost- Typically fuel is measured in physical units such as gallons or watts with the most common measurement being the Btu (British thermal unit). A Btu is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water 1o F. Currently, the most inexpensive forms of heating are (from lowest to highest)-seasoned firewood, propane, natural gas and electric heating.
Environmental concerns- In this "Going green" society, many are choosing to use firewood, propane, natural gas or solar heating as it is far more earth-friendly than electric heat since it does not require coal to be burned in order to be used.
Efficiency and Size- A furnace that is too big for a space will cycle off and on more than necessary using more heat and energy and adding higher costs to the bill. When you are deciding on a furnace, be sure to know the dimensions of the space to be heated so that you can select a heat source that will keep the space warm without straining the system and costing you too much money. To ensure the best possible furnace, be sure to look for an Energy Star certified heater.
Talk to a certified HVAC technician or a contractor who is a member of the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) group. They will be able to tell you what type of heating unit and fuel will be best for you home. You may also want to talk to friends and neighbors to get their insight.
If you are still uncertain what type of fuel and furnace will be best and whether or not the investment will actually pay off, use this formula to determine the Return on Investment (ROI): Take your first year savings (or potential savings) and divide them by the cost of installation. The answer will give you an idea of how long it will take you to pay back your savings with your new furnace.

For further information on furnaces for you home, please visit www.abelonsite.com today.

Article independently authored by Janet M Slagell. The content herein may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Abel Onsite Heating and Cooling.