Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Bucks County’

Why Schedule Water Heater Maintenance?

Monday, February 18th, 2013

If 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.

Tags: Bucks County, Plumbing, Plumbing Maintenance, Water Heater Maintenance
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How Do Tankless Hot Water Heaters Work?

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Storage 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.

Tags: Bucks County, Montgomery County, Plumbing, Tankless Hot Water Heaters, Water Heaters
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The East Coast Prepares for Frankenstorm!

Friday, October 26th, 2012

As 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.

Hurricane Sandy | Bucks County | Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 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!

Tags: Bucks County, Carney Plumbing, Frankenstorm, Heating & Cooling, Hurricane Sandy, Store Preparedness, Sump Pumps
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What Is an Electronic Ignition on a Heating System?

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Gas 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!

Tags: Bucks County, Doylestown, Heating, Heating Installation, Horsham, Willow Grove
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Meet One of Our Best: Matt Spinelli

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

There 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!

Tags: Bucks County, Levittown, Newtown, Southampton, Yardley
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Indoor Air Quality Tip: Air Filters and Mold

Friday, February 24th, 2012

Among 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!

Tags: Abington, Air Filters, Buckingham, Bucks County, Indoor Air Quality, Sellersville, Souderton
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Happy Valentine’s Day from Your Bucks and Montgomery County Area Plumbing and HVAC Contractor!

Tuesday, February 14th, 2012

Everyone 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.

Tags: Bucks County, Holiday, HVAC Upgrades, Montgomery County, Valentine's Day
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HVAC Installation Guide: Where to Place a Thermostat for Accurate Heating

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

It’s easy to forget that with your furnace in the basement churning away all day to keep your Lansdale home warm, but your thermostat is the single most important device in ensuring your home is heated to the temperature you want. If it stops working or it misreads the temperature inside your home, your furnace won’t know what temperature it actually is and will turn on and off at the wrong time.

Where Not to Place Your Thermostat

To avoid inaccurate readings, avoid placing your thermostat in the following locations:

Direct Sunlight – Direct sunlight will almost always increase the perceived temperature of the thermostat. Unless you live in a greenhouse, this will be very uncomfortable for everyone in your home.
Windows – Windows can result in direct sunlight and breezes. If the windows are not properly sealed, cold air can blow in and make it seem cooler in your home than it really is. In any of these cases, your thermostat will misread the indoor temperature.
Drafts – Drafts from improperly sealed doors, windows, or anything else in your home can negatively impact the thermostat.
Heat Vents – Don’t place your thermostat near a radiator or heat vent where it is likely to be warmer than anywhere else in the house.
Kitchens – Kitchens tend to be warmer than other rooms in the house, especially when in use. Avoid placing a thermostat here unless you have a zone control system and your kitchen is separate from other rooms.

A properly placed thermostat will ensure your home is heated or cooled to the temperature you desire regardless of outdoor conditions. If you’re unsure whether your thermostat is calibrated properly, check the temperature with a separate thermometer in a different location in the same room. If it is significantly warmer or cooler in one place than another, try to determine which is more indicative of the actual comfort level in your Lansdale home. When properly located, your thermostat should never be an issue again.

Tags: Bucks County, Heating Installation, Lansdale, Maple Glen, New Hope, Thermostat Installation
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What Does a Furnace Fan Limit Switch Do?

Friday, January 6th, 2012

When researching your Plymouth Meeting furnace and potential problems it might have, you’ve probably run across a few references to the fan limit switch. And while you know that it can break in a number of ways, do you know what the switch does and what you should look for when checking your furnace its air handler for problems?

What the Limit Switch Does

To put it very simply, the furnace fan limit switch is a control that tells your furnace’s fan when to turn on and off. So, when the furnace isn’t on, it tells the blower not to operate (and send cold air into your home) and when the furnace is on, it tells the blower to turn on and start circulating the warm air.

While the primary function of the limit switch is to turn the blower fan on and off, it also has a safety role. When the temperature in the air supply plenum gets too hot, the limit switch turns off the furnace boiler to keep there from being any damage from overheating. This is handy if there is a blockage in the air vents or the controls are messed up due to water damage or improper adjustments to the settings.

Looking for Problems

Most of the time, when there is an issue with your furnace turning off or on frequently, the limit switch is one of the first things you will check. Because the switch is electronic and is attached to a thermostat which measures temperature in the air supply plenum, a small problem can result in it not working properly. So, you can easily check it by temporarily bypassing the switch and seeing if your device turns on or off properly.

In many cases, if the limit switch is the problem, you will still need to call a Plymouth Meeting professional for replacement, but you can avoid a lot of headaches related to tracking down the source of the problem. If you suspect a limit switch problem, make sure to call someone immediately, because it does provide an important safety function and because without it your furnace won’t cycle on and off properly.

Tags: Blue Bell, Bucks County, Fort Washington, Heating, Plymouth Meeting
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