Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Hatfield’

Benefits of Natural Gas over Oil for Heating

Monday, November 4th, 2013

Natural gas is one of the most popular options for home heating today. It has surpassed oil, which was once at the same level of popularity. Oil heating still exists in homes today; you might have oil powering your boiler or furnace right now. However, oil has declined in popularity for a number of good reasons. We’ll go over the main benefits you’ll get if you change from oil to natural gas in your house.

Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling specializes in converting homes from oil to natural gas. Although this can be a large task, if you put it in the hands of professionals with years of experience, you should have few problems making the switch. You’ll have better heating in Hatfield, PA with a proper oil-to-natural gas conversion.

Why natural gas is superior to oil

  • It’s domestically produced. The U.S. gets the majority of its oil from overseas, while natural gas is primarily a domestic product. If you’re concerned about reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, then natural gas is a good way to go.
  • It’s more convenient. As natural gas becomes the more popular option, it also becomes easier to obtain. Oil and propane must be delivered to your home, but natural gas comes to you through pipes. This means you don’t have to worry about forgetting to schedule delivery of oil and finding out too late that you don’t have sufficient fuel for your heating system.
  • It’s more efficient. Oil is more wasteful when it burns, since it doesn’t burn as completely as natural gas. You get more energy from natural gas than from an equal amount of oil, and that means savings on your energy bills. To give you a specific example, in 2011 the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the average U.S. homeowner paid $732 to heat their homes with gas during the winter, while homeowners using oil paid $2,535!
  • It can get you a rebate. Some utility companies, to encourage the switch from oil to gas, offer rebates to residents who decide to make the conversion. These rebates can range up to $400, still more savings to go along with a more efficient fuel source.

If you still use oil to heat your home, we hope we’ve given you something to think about. Making the conversion won’t have to be a headache if you hire experts who have done the job many times before. Contact Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to make your Hatfield, PA heating the best it can be with an oil-to-natural gas conversion.

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Warning Signs of a Problem with your Heating System

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

During a Pennsylvania winter, the last thing you want to happen is to have your heating system suddenly die on you. Getting repairs done can be difficult during a season when many HVAC specialists have a backlog of emergency calls. It’s a smart idea to watch out for signs that your heating system is developing problems long before they cause a complete shutdown.

This list addresses some common signs that you may need repairs done as soon as possible. If you live in Hatfield, PA, heating service with Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will provide you with reliable repairs to make sure none of these warning signs evolve into something far worse.

  • Uneven heating: No matter what kind of heating system you have—boiler, furnace or heat pump—you should already have a good idea how effectively it spreads warmth throughout your home. If you notice cold spots, check to see that vents are open and there are no leaks around windows or outside doors. If the uneven heating continues, it could indicate a problem with your system. A professional can diagnose what might be causing this and help you find a solution.
  • Strange noises: The boiler starts to rumble. The heat pump makes a grinding noise. The furnace begins to rattle. All HVAC systems make some level of noise while they operate, but if you start hearing unusual sounds, it could be a red flag that something is seriously amiss. Some simple maintenance, such as changing the filter on a furnace, might fix the problem. But if you’re not sure what to do, don’t try to troubleshoot the issue yourself. Bring in a trained technician to find out if the noise is a threat to your whole heating system.
  • Increased energy bills: If you see an unexpected rise in your energy costs, it may mean that your heating system is working inefficiently. It might still provide you the level of heat that you want, but it is working much harder to do the job. An overworked heater is in danger of wearing out and breaking down.

At Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we recommend that you get a maintenance inspection during the less busy fall season before any of serious damages can develop. Prevention is the best defense. But if you suspect that your heater might be edging toward a breakdown, contact our technicians right away to schedule a visit. For Hatfield heating needs, trust the high-quality services of Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

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What to Keep Out of Your Drains

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Our plumbing systems are often so integrated into our homes as to be unrecognizable. We think of our sink drains and showers in the same way we think of our floors and kitchen cabinets. However, your wastewater disposal system needs to be used carefully. Putting just anything down the drain can lead to untimely blockages and even backflow. At Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we want to help you minimize your repair needs and eliminate unnecessary service calls. That said, we’re available whenever you need us. Give us a call today for excellent New Hope, PA drain cleaning services.

Here are some things you shouldn’t put down your drains:

  • Hair: There’s probably no way to eliminate hair from going down your drains, but you can significantly reduce the presence of hair in your drains by using a hair stopper. These inexpensive devices fit over the shower drain, and they collect hair that would otherwise go down the drain. Hair is one of those organic materials that quickly becomes problematic within the drain.
  • Grease: Grease is another problematic substance that shouldn’t go down your drains. Although liquid when hot, grease turns into a sticky paste when cold, and can prove particularly resilient once it attaches itself to the interior of your drainpipes. Collect your cooking grease, oils, and fats into a container and throw them away.
  • Food scraps: Scraps of food may eventually break down within your drainpipes, but they can also create significant blockages that can hamper the flow of wastewater. This can also result in foul odors.
  • Foreign objects: Nothing but wastewater should go down your drainpipes. Be careful with small objects around your drains, especially jewelry and toys. Not only might it become damaged or lost after falling down the drain, you may end up causing a major clog.

Professional New Hope, PA drain cleaning is the best way to prevent the accumulation of debris in your plumbing system. Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today.

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What Fixtures Should I Use for My Bathroom Remodel?

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Are you remodeling a bathroom in your Bedminster home? The plumbing fixtures and appliances that you choose are important since they will be in your home for a long time. Because a bathroom or kitchen remodel will add value to your home, you want to get the fixtures that will improve your home the most without spending a large amount of money.

To get the most cost-efficient upgrades, the plumbing experts at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling have included a few suggestions to keep in mind.

Water-saving plumbing fixtures and appliances have improved over time. Now you can use less water without sacrificing performance. Dual-flush toilets will add value to your bathroom because compared to standard models, they save as much as 50% of the water use with every flush!

Installing low-flow faucets and fixtures can also provide up to 60% in water usage and utility savings. These are also a great option if you have decided to upgrade to a tankless water heater since they help increase the efficiency of the tankless water heater if they have to produce less hot water for every application.

While you may not have thought of it, you may want to consider installing a tankless water heater as part of your remodeling project. Tankless models do not have the heat loss that you get with a traditional tank model. As mentioned above, a tankless water heater works well with low-flow plumbing fixtures.

You have two options: A single unit that is used to heat all the water in your home. Or you can choose to install individual units located near the hot water applications that use the most water, such as a washing machine or dishwasher.

Feel free to call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for all your Bedminster bathroom plumbing remodeling needs!

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Why Should I Be Concerned about the Refrigerant in My Old AC System?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

All old ACs used R-22 refrigerant to carry out cooling functions. In fact, R-22 has been the choice for global AC systems for decades now. But did you know that this refrigerant can be a real danger for the environment? R-22 is one of the more harmful greenhouse gasses and it can cause serious damage to the Ozone layer.

In fact, R-22 has been banned in most places and is going to be phased out by the year 2020. Most manufacturers have stopped using this refrigerant and it is going to be increasingly difficult to find on the market. R-22 is also going to become more expensive in the near future. In fact, the trend has already caught on in most parts of the world.

Considering the amount of damage R-22 causes to the environment, you don’t really need more of a reason to consider changing refrigerant from your Ambler home’s old air conditioner. The best and most recent answer to this issue is the use of another refrigerant known as R-410A. This refrigerant is being marketed under different names by various manufacturing companies but it is essentially the same thing. Though you will still find R-22 refrigerant till the year 2020, it is still a smarter option to make the switchover as early as possible. If you can do your part towards helping the environment, why not do so at the earliest time possible?

For more information about your Ambler air conditioning system, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call today!

 

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Fix Water Leaks Before They Cause Major Damage

Monday, April 30th, 2012

Water leaks are one of the most destructive and frustrating problems in many Lansdale homes. Undetected water leaks can rot wood, destroy drywall, and cause mold to grow in unseen spaces of your home. Spending the time and money to find and fix water leaks before they cause significant damage is one of the most cost-effective actions a homeowner can take.

Sinks

Cabinets beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks are a good place to start. Look for signs of water damage or build up. Mold and mildew are telltale signs of water leaks. Touch the pipes, particularly the areas where they enter the faucet. Run the hot and cold water faucets for a few minutes and repeat the inspection. Finally, fill the sink with water, let it stand a few minutes and open the drain. Now check the drain pipe and the joints that connect it to the sink for leaks.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers can’t easily be checked for leaks without pulling them out from beneath the counter. But you can inspect the water lines that connect the dishwasher to the kitchen sink. For some units, you may be able to shine a flashlight beneath the dishwasher to look for puddles.

Toilets

Toilets can leak from the water supply pipes filling the tank and from the seal between the toilet and the waste pipe in the floor. Flush the toilet several times and carefully look for any signs of leaks in the  joints of the water supply pipe and the floor around the base of the toilet. Lift the lid off the tank and flush the toilet. When the tank refills, the water should completely shut off. If the flush valve or water control unit is old, corroded, or loose, the water will continue to run. Running water cools the water delivery pipe to the toilet and the tank, which will cause them to collect condensation in humid weather. The condensation will drip and eventually cause water damage to the floor behind the toilet. Bottom line – don’t ignore a running toilet. Have the water control and flush valve fixed or replaced.

 Tubs and Showers

Inspect the caulking around the tub or shower. Old, cracked, or missing caulking can allow water to leak into the wall. Water dripping from a leaky faucet or shower head will go down the drain and not cause any damage, but the faucet may also be leaking water behind the tub or shower.

Hot Water Heaters

Finally, inspect the hot water heater for leaks, and the boiler if the house has hot water heating. The first place to look is the floor around the appliance, but also look at the joints where the water pipes connect.

If you need any help with leak detection or any other problems with your Lansdale plumbing, give Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling a call!

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How to Read Different Types of Meters

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Most people in Hatfield ignore their meters and only think about gas and electric use when the bill shows up every month. But, by ignoring those meters, you miss possible warning signs that something is wrong with an appliance. Imagine getting a huge gas bill because of a faulty boiler or furnace. Had you checked the meter in advance, you would have been able to fix it before the usage increased so much.

Here are some tips for reading different types of meters in your home.

Electric Meter

The electric meter measures usage in kilowatt-hours. A watt is the basic unit of electricity you use and a kilowatt is one thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the usage of 1,000 watts in one hour. As electricity moves through your meter, it causes a motor to turn and your meter increases, matching your total usage.

The more current you draw at any given time, the faster the gears turn and the more your meter goes up. To read an electric meter, write down numbers from right to left and make sure you go to the smaller number if the hand falls between two numbers.

Gas Meter

Gas is measured in cubic feet. For every cubic foot of gas you use, you are billed accordingly. Of course, your bill isn’t as simple as that. Instead of simply billing for a cubic foot, the gas company often bills in “therms” which represent 100 cubic feet or (CCF). The meter installed in your home measures the gas pressure as it flows through the meter. To read your gas meter, go from left to right, recording the numbers across the meter.

Using Your Meter Readings

It is a good idea to keep an accurate count of your meter readings, especially if your gas meter is only read once every two or three months and the rest of your bills are estimated. This allows you to know what you owe and make adjustments to your consumption throughout the month to keep your bills down. If you think that your heating and cooling system is using too much fuel, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call to schedule an inspection.

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How to Check if Your HVAC System Is the Right Size

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Do you ever feel that your Chalfont home just doesn’t get cool enough during the warm months or warm enough during the cold months? You have tried to adjust your thermostat to the right comfort level but it just never seems right. And on top of that, you notice that your utility bills keep going up and up. Even when you dial up the thermostat in the summer and dial it down in the winter to saving on energy usage, your bills are still about the same.

You could try adding fans and shedding clothes during the warm months or wearing sweaters and crawling under a pile of blankets in the cold months. But do you really enjoy living that way? There must be another solution as to why your heating and cooling (HVAC) system is just not keeping you comfortable – and affordable.

That air conditioning condensing unit sitting in your backyard and the furnace in your basement should be making your home as comfortable as possible. But in many cases, they are not.  That’s because whoever installed those HVAC system components didn’t do their homework on your home. The components were sized incorrectly. If a furnace or air conditioner is sized incorrectly, it usually cannot keep up with the demand for heat or cold and often puts such a burden on the equipment. As a result, regular failures and repair bills are commonplace.

And it may not be the fault of the installing HVAC contractor. Over the years your home may have undergone renovations including additions and new windows, which have increased the square footage or demand for more heating or cooling. Those renovations may not have included upgrades to your home’s HVAC system.

All of these factors are considered when determining the equipment size. In air conditioning jargon, you will hear about tonnage of cooling capacity. An example may be a 2.5 ton air conditioning unit for a 2,000 square foot home. In furnace jargon, you will learn about Btu ratings, which are British thermal units. Most furnaces are sized in 20-25,000 Btu increments. Each is matched to the cooling or heating needs of your home. Your HVAC contractor will likely recommend using a programmable thermostat, too. That way, you can set the temperature of one or more zones in your Chalfont home to when each zone is occupied.

To have a load calculation performed on your home, give Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call today!

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Is Geothermal Right for My Home?

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Geothermal heating is a great alternative to other types of home heating systems in Lansdale. It is safe and efficient, costs very little to operate and makes use of a great renewable resource right below our feet. But is it right for you? Well, geothermal heating may be the right choice for many people, but there are many things to take into account before you can determine whether or not it is the best choice for your home.

The first important thing to understand when you are trying to decide whether or not to go with geothermal heating is how one of these systems actually works. A geothermal system heats your home by extracting heat from the ground and then transferring that heat into your indoor air. This happens when liquid, usually water or antifreeze, passes through a loop of pipes installed several feet below the ground.

The liquid absorbs heat from the ground, which in the winter is always warmer than the air, and carries is back up to an air handler inside your home where that heat is allowed to disperse into the air. Once the air is heated, the air handler blows the air through a system of ducts throughout your house, providing a constant stream of heated air to all areas of your home. The liquid, on the other hand, simply cycles back through the ground loop to pick up more heat and repeat the same cycle over again.

Because a geothermal heating system does not actually generate heat, it requires very little energy to operate. This means that it is both very cheap for you to run and environmentally friendly. But since installing a geothermal heating system involves putting pipes in underground, it can be pretty expensive initially. However, as long as the amount you save every month on your heating costs is enough to offset the high initial price of installation, it is worth it to put down the money up front.

Another alternative, of course, is a more traditional air source heat pump. These are much cheaper to install and nearly as cheap to run. However, air source heat pumps are not as efficient when the air temperature gets below freezing as a geothermal system can be. If you live in an area with harsh winters, the geothermal heat pump is a better option than an air source unit.

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