The very last thing you want to happen this winter is to have your heating system break down on you. Nobody relishes the thought of going without heat during a cold winter season, after all. So, if your heating system is unable to get you through the coming winter for whatever reason, now might be a good time to install a new system. If you’re not sure whether or not you should replace your heating system this season, have a look at a few of the signs that you should at least consider it.
Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Bucks County’
Should I Replace My Heater This Fall?
Monday, November 27th, 2017Furnace Repairs to Take Care of Before Heating Season
Wednesday, August 27th, 2014Is it already that time of year again? Or close to it? The end of summer has arrived, and with it comes concerns about keeping homes warms during the fall and into winter. If you haven’t given much consideration to your home’s furnace over the summer—and you likely haven’t—now is the time to ask yourself if the furnace is prepared to handle the cold days that will arrive within a few months.
The best way to know if your heating system can tackle another winter is to schedule a maintenance session for it. A professional technician will inspect your furnace to locate any repair needs that you should have taken care of before the chilly weather arrives. Don’t delay with furnace repairs, since a sudden cold snap could strike and leave you in a freezing house.
We offer same-day service for repairs, satisfaction guaranteed!
Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling and sign up for our maintenance program so you’ll get a head start on heating repair in Bucks County, PA.
Some repairs your furnace may need:
- Cleaning the burner – If you have a gas furnace, the burner is the component where the gas jets ignite to raise the temperature. If the burner has developed dirt and grime across it during the summer rest period, it will struggle to draw oxygen and ignite. Technicians can remove the burner and clean it off so it runs at its best.
- Replacing a malfunctioning igniter – Pilot lights are becoming less common for furnaces, and they instead use electronic ignition to start. If this igniter fails, the furnace’s burners will not activate. During maintenance, a technician will check that the igniter is working and inform you if you need to schedule a replacement.
- Repairing the blower motor – If you also have a central air conditioner, it likely uses the same blower fan to distribute air as the furnace. The motor can start to wear down and lose lubrication over the summer, or dirt along its moving parts can create strain. If you begin to hear shrieking noises from the AC, you may also have a problem for your furnace; schedule a maintenance session and whatever repair work you may need.
- Replacing broken heating elements – For electric furnaces, the heating elements are the critical part of creating warmth. If one or more the heating elements burns out, the furnace will lose its heating capacity. Technician can easily replace the broken heating elements.
When you sign up for our maintenance agreement at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling, you will receive two yearly inspections and tune-ups: one for your heater and one for your AC. You’ll also receive 10% to 15% off any HVAC service or repair and guaranteed 24 hour service, 365 days a year, so you’ll always have the heating repair in Bucks County, PA that you need to stay warm through to spring.
3 Advantages to Improving Indoor Air Quality
Friday, June 6th, 2014Almost as important as the temperature in your home is the overall quality of your indoor air. Air that is free of dust and particles is infinitely preferable to dusty air, and here in Bucks County, indoor air quality often has to address mold and bacteria as well as dust (humidity is a big summer problem around these parts). The existing filters in your air conditioning or heating system can be a big help, but if indoor air quality is a recurring problem in your household – or you have sensitive family members such as newborn babies or people with asthma – you may want to install a whole-house air filter. Here are 3 advantages to improving air quality that you should think about when considering such a decision.
- Improved health. Cleaner air reduces general irritation in the nose and throat, which translates to reduced risk of picking up colds and other bugs. If you have sensitive family members, it will lower the frequency of allergic attacks, and can prevent more serious health problems in the very old or young.
- Reduced amounts of dust. Dust in the air can settle on your furniture, as well as within your air conditioner itself, taking time and effort to clean up. Improved air quality means not having to worry about such problems as often, allowing you to focus your time on other things. This is especially the case in homes where you have one or more pets, which can leave dander and shed hair to build up in your system.
- A more efficient air conditioner. Dust builds up on the interior components, increasing friction and strain on your AC unit. That means it takes more energy to do its job, costing you additional money in monthly energy costs and increasing the likelihood of more serious repairs down the road. A filtration system can serve as an extra layer of defense against that, helping your air conditioner stay free of dirt and do its job more efficiently.
If you’re interested in the advantages of improving indoor air quality, contact Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to install a new system.
Here in Bucks Country, indoor air quality is important, and we’re dedicated to making you completely happy with your new filter. Call us today and let us show you what we can do!
Why Schedule Water Heater Maintenance?
Monday, February 18th, 2013If your water heater is no longer operating like it once did, or if you have any other concerns about its performance, you may want to think about scheduling a routine water heater maintenance visit. Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive and affordable maintenance that help Bucks County homeowners to upkeep their existing water heaters, as well as other components of their heating and cooling systems. Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today for more information.
The main reason why you should consider scheduling a water heater maintenance is because it can save you money. A nominal upfront cost today not only gives you peace of mind for the entire year, it also gives the expert technicians at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling an opportunity to prevent major problems in your water heater before they start. Whether you have a tanked or tankless water heater, our team will inspect and perform any necessary repairs.
If your water heater is old, has rust on its exterior, leaks, or if your water is no longer hot enough, there can be a variety of problems with your system. Scheduling maintenance helps make your water heater more efficient by having a technician inspect your equipment, and carry out any repairs that are needed, from sealing leaks to replacing parts. Indeed, if you feel that your water heater is too old and repairs are becoming too costly, the professional water heater team at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling will be able to give you reliable and honest advice on the best way to proceed. We can determine your water heating needs, as well as offer some tips for how to improve your home’s water efficiency. As one of the leading water heating experts in Bucks County, Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling is committed to helping you extend the life of your water heater. It’s as simple as giving us a call.
How Do Tankless Hot Water Heaters Work?
Monday, January 7th, 2013Storage tank water heaters are still by far the most common models that you will find in most homes. Tankless water heaters, though, are certainly gaining in popularity. Many homeowners are either unaware of tankless water heaters and the potential benefits they have to offer or they simply dismiss the notion because they do not understand how tankless water heaters work.
At Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we understand that tankless on demand water heaters are not for everyone. It never hurts to familiarize with the water heating options available to you in Montgomery County, though, especially if you are considering the installation of a new water heater in your home. Consider this information about tankless on demand water heaters before making any decisions about your next investment.
Unlike storage tank water heaters, tankless on demand water heaters do not maintain a reservoir of hot water at all times. There are a few benefits that result from this. First of all, while maintaining a constant supply of hot water may be convenient, it also means that that water supply must be continuously heated. If your storage tank is not properly insulated it will suffer standby heat loss. This is not a problem with tankless water heaters. They also take up much less space than tank models, making them ideal for homes with limited storage.
When you open a hot water faucet in your home cold water is fed through the tankless water heater. A gas burner or electric heating elements will the heat only the water that you call at that very moment. This means that no water is heated except that which is being immediately used, eliminating standby heat loss. You are also never at risk of depleting the hot water in your storage tank. However, due to their need to keep up with your demand for hot water, flow rates may be affected by tankless hot water heaters.
If you are interested in learning more about tankless hot water heaters, their operation or installation options available in your area, just call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling. A member of our exceptional staff will be happy to answer all of your questions. Call today to schedule service in your Montgomery County home.
The East Coast Prepares for Frankenstorm!
Friday, October 26th, 2012As Hurricane Sandy moves towards New England and a winter storm moves in from the West, the east coast needs to prepare for the potential effects of this massive storm.
CNN Reports, “that Sandy could be a storm ‘of historic proportion’…There is a 90% chance it will hit the American Northeast, said CNN meteorologist Pedram Javaheri, where $1 billion in damage could mount as it rolls inland, even affecting parts of the Midwest.”
Here at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling we have already been getting calls about sump pumps and sump pump back-ups from customers eager to prepare for the storm. If current weather predictions are accurate, Hurricane Sandy could be the greatest storm of our time. With only days left before the storm hits in Bucks and Montgomery Counties now is the time to prepare. Here are some helpful tips to keep your family safe during the storm:
Before the storm hits:
- Build an emergency kit, including food, water, warm clothing and other supplies. Plan ahead for the specific dietary or medical needs of your family. Pack enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Include any items that will help you stay warm and safe in the event of a power outage. Please view these additional tips that may be helpful when preparing your emergency kit: http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/checklist_1.pdf.
- Bring pets indoors.
- Plan an evacuation route taking elevation, existing bodies of water and flood-prone areas into consideration.
- Take steps to secure your home, including covering windows, trimming trees and shrubs, clearing clogged rain gutters, reinforcing garage doors and bringing outdoor furniture and decorations inside. Installing a generator is also a great idea for emergencies.
- Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting to keep items fresh in the event of a power outage.
During the storm:
- Stay indoors and away from windows and glass.
- Close interior doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed.
- Remain on the lowest level of your home in a small room, closet or hallway or lie under a table on the floor.
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If you need to travel, use main roads and only travel during the day. Let someone know when you’re leaving, where you’re headed, what route you will take and what time you plan to arrive at your destination.
- Listen to the radio or TV for storm updates.
We hope your family stays safe and warm this winter!
What Is an Electronic Ignition on a Heating System?
Monday, March 26th, 2012Gas furnaces are very complex pieces of equipment to have in your Doylestown home. Modern ones in particular are designed to use as little gas as possible, and to recapture as much of the heat generated from burning that gas as can be done safely. One of the many safety and energy-efficient advances in furnace technology in the least twenty years is the electronic ignition.
The Purpose of Electronic Ignition
In older furnaces and boilers in Doylestown, a pilot light would stay lit continuously whenever the heating system needed to be available. That meant continuously burning gas throughout the fall, winter and spring months for those times when heat was needed. It was inefficient and unsafe, especially in older devices that didn’t have safety valves.
Today, furnaces are built with electronic ignitions – small devices that only ignite the gas supply when the thermostat is on. there are two types of electronic ignition used in boilers and furnaces today.
- Intermittent Pilot – An intermittent pilot is unique in that it releases a spark through an electronic component to the gas pilot, lighting the gas burners.
- Hot Surface Ignition – Hot surface ignition uses an electronic filament (like a lightbulb) to heat up and ignite the burners when the thermostat calls for heat.
Both devices are designed to use a very small amount of electricity and reduce the amount of gas needed for continuous operation of your furnace.
Safety Benefits of an Electronic Ignition
While gas efficiency was a big part of the transition from pilot lights to electronic ignition, safety was an equally big component. Whereas before, the pilot light was continuously lit, meaning gas was continuously flowing into the furnace, today’s furnaces are essentially off when not in use. This means less of a chance that gas will flow unburned or that the pilot will get dirty or burn too soft, releasing carbon monoxide.
If your furnace or boiler still uses a traditional pilot light, consider having it upgraded to electronic ignition, not just to save gas but to keep your home and family safer.
For more information about new Doylestown heating system features, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call today!
Meet One of Our Best: Matt Spinelli
Friday, March 2nd, 2012There is no question that Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a family business. Founded in 1976 by Kevin J. Carney and Diane Carney, the operations are now in the hands of sons Kevin and Ryan. We would like to introduce and congratulate a member of the extended Carney family. Matt Spinelli has been with us for over 5 years. Employees like Matt are the reason that we have been able to provide over three decades of excellence in service and commitment to customer service.
Matt, currently one of our dedicated HVAC service technicians, will be transitioning to a new role in sales. As a Carney Comfort Advisor Matt will be designing and selling the systems that we install. Matt’s knowledge of all aspects of plumbing and his history in the industry will serve him well in this new role. Matt continues to grow in the field and continue his education whenever possible. He attends many HVAC and plumbing related classes every year, and especially enjoys learning about the green products available and the new advances in technology that improve system efficiency and home comfort.
Fresh out of high school Matt planned on going to college, then he got a job through a family friend working as a helper / driver for an HVAC company. He ended up loving the field so much that he chose to pursue this as his career. Matt continues to find it rewarding to restore comfort in the homes of the clients we serve by repairing their heating and cooling systems. Here at Carney we call Matt “The Scientist”; whenever we encounter a strange or unusual problem we send Matt to get to the bottom of things. In his free time Matt enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and two young daughters.
Congratulations and thank you to Matt Spinelli from the whole Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling family!
Indoor Air Quality Tip: Air Filters and Mold
Friday, February 24th, 2012Among the potential problems that can plague Souderton homeowners, mold is particularly frustrating. It is persistent, the spores are tiny and easily spread and it can be hazardous to your health.
Preventing a mold problem involves properly ventilating moist areas, such as bathrooms, to prevent mold from thriving in the moisture. It also means spotting and eradicating any patches of mold that do manage to take hold. Perhaps most importantly, it also means keeping mold out of the air in your home.
Mold particles and spores can readily break off from a mold colony can get into the air. Eventually, they can be drawn up into your HVAC system and redistributed throughout your house. Once airborne, they can settle elsewhere to start new mold growth or wind up in your lungs, potentially causing respiratory problems.
Simply put, having mold in your home is a health risk, so you want to keep it under control as much as possible. The best way to keep out of the air is with an air filter.
The good news is that most mold spores are rather large (relatively speaking), so a HEPA air filter installed in your air handler can remove them from the air pretty easily. They are often 3 microns in size or smaller, so a filter with a MERV rating of 8 should do fine, although some spores can reportedly be as small as 1.5 microns. If you want to be very vigilant, or if anyone is your home has a particularly sensitive respiratory system, you can get a filter with a higher MERV rating of 12 or so.
Also, UV germicidal lights can be a good addition to your HVAC system. These lights emit UV radiation that is safe for humans to be around, but kills many microorganisms, including mold spores. They also kill bacteria and other pathogens that can cause disease.
In addition to proper ventilation, a quality filtration system can effectively eliminate the health risks to your family caused by mold. For information of the benefits of an indoor air quality system in your Souderton home, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call!
Happy Valentine’s Day from Your Bucks and Montgomery County Area Plumbing and HVAC Contractor!
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012Everyone at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling wishes you a very happy Valentine’s Day! We hope you have a day filled with lots of candy, flowers, and Valentines! Today is all about showing your appreciation for those you love, including your friends, your family, or your significant other. Take a moment today to think about everyone who makes a difference in your life and how you can let them know how special they are to you.
While traditional gifts like candy and flowers are wonderful idea, why not think a little out of the box this year? Upgrading your HVAC system can make your whole house more comfortable, which is something that your entire family will appreciate! A new air filtration system can help you breathe easier, and a new heating and cooling system can significantly lower your energy bills. While not the most romantic of gifts, it certainly will let your family know that you care.
For more information about how a few HVAC upgrades can make your house more comfortable, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call. In addition to making your home cozier, you can also make your friends and family happy by making this delicious recipe for Fudge Truffle Cheesecake:
“When the chocolate addict in you begs for a sweet fix, bake this fluffy chocolate cheesecake over a chocolate cookie crust. Decorate it with even more cocoa delights, such as chocolate-dipped fruit or chocolate whipped cream.”
INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed
milk
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, and butter or margarine by hand. Press ingredients into a 9 inch springform pan.
- In the top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, making sure that they are very smooth.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy with an electric mixer. Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth. Mix in melted chocolate, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Bake at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for 55 minutes. The cake will seem underbaked in the center, but will continue to cook after you remove it from the oven.
For more details, visit allrecipes.com.