Brace yourselves, folks! You're about to go where few men (or women) have gone before...inside your home's main sewer line!

• Call a reputable sewer line contractor. Schedule a camera inspection. It only takes 30 minutes.


• Most obstructed sewer lines can be cleared easily with a simple rooter procedure. It's kind of like an angioplasty for your main sewer line!


• If obstruction and damage to your sewer line is extensive, the sewer line will have to be replaced. Horizon Services uses a state-of-the-art "trenchless" method that allows us to replace your sewer line without having to dig up and destroy your yard, landscape, driveway or sidewalk. And it can be done in less time than conventional sewer replacement.

More Information:

• Horizon Sewer & Water Line Replacement Services

Buying and installing new home heating system is an extremely important investment. The proper heating system for your home will not only keep you and your family warm and safe, it will also run smoothly with minimal problems. It could significantly reduce your monthly heating costs, and it can even enhance the value of your home. And, since investing in a new heating system is a decision you will have to live with for many years, you’ll want to put a lot of thought and legwork into your decision and choose wisely.

Here are six basic rules, concepts and considerations to guide you in the process of shopping for and choosing the right heating system for your home and family.

1. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER.

In order to get the most heat and most efficiency, you should invest in the biggest heating system possible, right? WRONG! One of the most common and most costly mistakes customers make when buying a new heating system is getting one that is too big for their home. For most people, an oversized heating system will cost you more to purchase and to operate...not to mention leave you less comfortable.

If your heating system is over-sized, it will overheat quickly, cool down, then overheat again. Your house will cycle between feeling too warm and feeling too cool. This wastes energy, increases your heating bill and results in a home that is less comfortable. Plus, it increases the wear and tear on your heating equipment and shortens its life.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly half of all existing heating systems sold are over-sized, and this results in 20% wasted energy each year! How does this happen? Many heating contractors simply replace an old heating system with one of the same size or larger. Or they’ll make a rough, ballpark guess on how large the system should be based on the square footage of your house. Or they'll simply go along with the homeowner who unknowingly asks for a bigger system, thinking that “bigger is better”...even though the contractor knows otherwise.

Rule #1...don’t buy an oversized heating system just because you want to make sure your home is warm. Choose a heating contractor who will take the time to help you determine the heating system that best fits your size and style of house to keep the home at a nice even, comfortable temperature, with the most efficient effort, the least waste of energy and the least wear and tear on equipment.

2. SMALLER AND CHEAPER IS NOT BETTER.

Another common mistake is to buy a new heating system that is too small to keep your home warm and comfortable. There are two reasons why this happens.

One reason is because a heating contractor may recommend a smaller, less expensive heating system so that he can underbid everyone else and get your business. He’ll look like a hero, because his price will be so much lower...but you'll be left shivering on cold winter days.

Another reason may have to do with improperly sized and installed air duct and forced-air systems. The National Comfort Institute says that as many as one-third of the nation's air duct systems are improperly sized and installed, and many return air systems are undersized by up to 30-50%! If you’re air ducts are too small, your furnace will have to work harder to push the air through them and this results in equipment problems and system breakdowns.

Rule #2...make sure you buy a big enough heating system to keep your home warm and comfortable without straining your equipment.

3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Any heating contractor you work with should study your home thoroughly before giving you a proposal. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you should only hire a heating contractor who asks questions; measures windows, doors, floors and ceilings; checks insulation; calculates system load,and fixes system problems that may compromise comfort and cost you money. More specifically, you should make never purchase a heating system from a contractor unles he first completes an analysis of your home and checks a list of factors that include:

• The size and style of your house
• How well insulated or airtight your home is
• How much useful sunlight comes in through the windows
• How much heat the lights and appliances give off
• The condition of ducts and pipes
• Your typical thermostat settings
• The number of occupants in the home

Your contractor should take all of these factors into account by doing a computer load calculation. This calculation helps the heating contractor determine how much heat the heating system must generate on the coldest days in order to keep you comfortable. The heating contractor should measure all rooms, check insulation, check windows and doors, and input all data into special industry software to calculate heat loss/gain.

In addition, your heating contractor should ask you a lot of probing questions, such as:

• Are there any drafty areas in the home?
• Do you have moisture problems?
• Do you have hot or cold rooms?
• Are you about to make any changes to your home?
• How have your heating bills been the last several months?
• Has anyone in the home been sick or had trouble breathing recently?

Finally, you heating contractor may perform tests to check for drafts and measure indoor air quality. These tests help determine exactly where and how your house might be leaking air, and what you can do about it. They should also check for carbon monoxide, dust, pollen, allergens and other invisible air emissions that can cause respiratory and other health problems. These tests will show you ways to make your home safer and more comfortable while lowering your monthly utility bills.

4. THE INSTALLATION EQUATION

How well your heating system is installed is as important as the quality of the system itself. Even with the right equipment, if your heating system is not installed properly, you could end up with higher energy costs and a less comfortable home.

According to industry data, about 65% of how well a heating system's performance is directly related to how well the heating system is designed, installed, and calibrated. Bad installation accounts for the loss of 30% to 50% of the heat in most homes. And over 66% of equipment failure is a result of poor installation and lack of proper maintenance.

When installing your new heating system, your heating contractor should make sure all the elements of your heating system are tuned and adjusted to work together properly. Your heating contractor should balance the airflow by making sure that the setting on the furnace fan is matched to the size and specs of your ductwork and furnace; this ensures that air flows smoothly and consistently through your home without annoying hot and cold spots.

Your heating contractor should also customize and calibrate the setup and operation of your new heating system so that it operates at peak performance and efficiency within the unique conditions of your home. After installing your heating system, your heating contractor should always tune your furnace or boiler and test for efficiency; this is very important because heating equipment which was tuned and adjusted at the factory is probably not attuned and adjusted to work in your home's environment.

5. KEEP AN EYE ON COSTS

The ongoing costs of operation of your heating system are as important as the upfront costs of purchase and installation. To determine which model is the best buy for your needs, you need to compare not only the initial cost to buy and install the system, but also how much it will cost you to operate your system. Your heating contractor or technicians can help you determining which make and model is the most cot-effective to operate andhelp your calculate how much your can expect to save in monthly heating costs by upgrading to a more efficient system.

Make sure you know the energy efficiency of the system you are purchasing. Older, conventional furnaces or boilers can often have an energy efficiency rating lower than 65%. Today’s more energy-efficient heating systems have efficiency ratings that range from 78% to 97% for forced air systems and 80% to 95% for hot water systems. Upgrading to a new, more efficient heating system has the potential for reducing your monthly heating bills by 20-40%.

The extra money you spend for a high-efficiency model will pay you back in energy savings in a relatively short time. For example, suppose you are choosing between a unit with an efficiency rating of 78% and one with a rating of 93%. The higher-efficiency system will cost $500 more, but will probably save you, on average, about $137 each year in operating costs. So you will recover the $500 additional upfront cost in less than five years. If you are not planning to stay in the home long enough to reach the payback point, you may wish to choose a lower-priced model. But remember...a high-efficiency heating system can be a good selling point when it comes time to sell your home.


6. THINK “OUTSIDE THE BOX”

Try to think about home heating as an integrated system rather than as pieces of equipment. Many heating contractors focus on getting the sale by pricing “boxes” (heating equipment only) instead of offering total heating solutions. But to get the heating system that is just right for your home, you have to realize that there is a lot more to your heating system than just a “box in the basement.”

When getting bids from companies, don’t just get a bid for installing a new furnace or boiler. You should also get bids on the cost of buying and installing a complete new system, including any fittings and adjustments required and any changes to the ductwork and piping, plus balancing and adjusting the whole system to work together. It may cost more to have everything done right, but the benefits and the payback are almost always well worth it. Remember: you are investing for the long term. The heating system you finally get will affect your comfort and your heating bills for years.

More From Horizon Services...

If you're thinking about installing a new heating system or replacing your existing heating system, Horizon Services help. Horizon comfort consultants and installation technicians follow all of the guidelines described above. A FREE In-Home Energy Analysis from Horizon is your first step in finding the right heating system for your home.

Rising home heating costs have many homeowners scrambling for affordable heating alternatives. If your utility bills skyrocket when cold weather strikes, you may have considered purchasing a space heater to offset the cost of whole home heating. Using a portable space heater can definitely help you save money and energy -- especially if you generally spend time in one room of your home or office. However, there are some very important points to consider before you buy a space heater.

• Horizon Heating Services
• Horizon Heating Equipment - Sales, Installation, Replacement

"Help! My toilet is overflowing onto the floor and it just won’t stop! I tried shuting the water off underneath the toilet and it helped a little, but it still keeps flowing. I'm up to my ankles in sewage! What do I do?"

You have no idea how many times we at Horizon Services have received that phone call from frantic homeowners! If your toilet starts to back up and overflow, don't panic. The important thing is to get the overflow under control and to identify the source of the problem. That means keeping a cool head and taking an analytical approach.

First off, whenever your toilet overflows, it is a good idea to turn off the water to the toilet because it eliminates any more water from being used until the problem is fixed. The shut off is beneath the bowl, usually on the left side.

Did the overflow begin when you flushed the toilet? When your toilet overflows right after you flush it’s usually a sign that the toilet itself has a blockage. If it turns out that the clog is in the toilet itself, you could try using a toilet plunger to move the blockage through the toilet. That may be all you need to rectify the situation. Give it a few plunges to see if clears the clog. If not, don't continue -- it will probably just make things worse. Call a plumbing and drain professional; they can unclog the toilet quickly, inexpensively and safely.

What if your toilet keeps overflowing even when you haven’t flushed it? Usually this means the clog is in a drain pipe, possibly your main drain pipe or sewer line. If this is the case, when you run water from any fixture such as a shower, the water will back up from the main drain pipe and come out of your toilet bowl because it is the lowest point in your drain system. Of course, this makes it seem like the toilet is the problem, when in fact it’s your main drain pipe or sewer line that isn’t letting water go down. If you stop using water at other fixtures, the toilet will stop overflowing.

If it appears that your main drain or sewer might be clogged, call a drain cleaning professional as soon as possible. Powerful drain clearing equipment is required to unblock a main drain.

If you have a private septic system, the problem may be that your septic tank is full and is causing your main drain to back up into your home. If your septic tank has not been pumped within the last eighteen months, you should have it done to see if this is the cause of your problem. Even if you discover the problem was not in the septic tank, taking care of past due maintenance on your septic system is money well spent.

It's also very possible that the problem is not on your end. If you are on a town sewer system it is possible that the city sewer is blocked and sewage from your home and or your neighbors’ homes is backing up into your home. Check with your neighbors to see if they are having any problem with their main drains. If they are, be sure to call your town sewer department. If your neighbors or town say they are having problems, your town will take care of unclogging the sewer pipe. If raw sewage has backed into your home, you can call a professional cleaning company to handle the clean up and properly sanitize your home.

Related Information:

• Horizon Plumbing Services
• Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
• How to Properly Use a Plunger to Unclog a Toilet, Sink or Tub

Just as tuning up your car on a regular basis is essential to keep it running efficiently and dependably, regular care and maintenance is just as important for your home heating system. Heating system manufacturers recommend that you have your furnace and heating equipment completely cleaned and tuned every year, and there are good reasons for this. Yearly furnace tune-ups can reduce your heating bills as much as 10%. They also help spot and correct problems and prevent them from causing breakdowns; and they even help extend the life of your equipment.

It's usually best to perform your furnace tune-up just before the winter season kicks in. You'll have the confidence of knowing that your heating system is in tip-top shape for the winter ahead. You'll also beat the winter rush of tune-up procrastinators and those who need to schedule service because their heating systems have broken down.

In addition to getting annual tune-ups, here’s a list of simple things you can do year-round that will help keep your home heating system running smoothly.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you reduce unnecessary load, wear and tear on your furnace...as well as reduce your energy consumption. You can set your thermostat so that your heating system only runs when you're at home. It will automatically turn on or off at pre-determined times. You can also set temperatures to automatically adjust at different times of the day or night. Most programmable thermostats go for about $150...but they can pay for themselves in no time!



• Be a Frequent Filterer: Check your furnace filters every month or two during the heating season, and if need be, replace them. Your Horizon heating service technician can show you how to do this.



• Check for Smoke Signals: Be alert to trouble signals such as black smoke rising from the chimney, soot collecting at the burner, strange odors, or surging water in a boiler. These may indicate malfunction or improper adjustment, and you should get professional help.



• Achieve Balance: If you have hot and cold spots in your home, or if one area of your home is getting more heat than it needs, your heating system probably needs to be balanced. A heating technician can do this for you.



• Plug Those Leaks: Once a year, inspect your heating ducts to look for air leaks. You can repair them with quality duct tape. Also inspect windows and doorways for drafts -- seal with caulk or install draft guards.



• Insulate Yourself: Heating ducts and water or steam pipes that pass through unheated areas, such as attics, crawl spaces and basements should be covered with duct insulation or unfaced R-11 insulating batts or blankets. This adds up to energy saved for you.



• Be a Dust Buster: If you have radiators, convectors, or baseboard heating units, vacuum them regularly. Dust acts as insulation and wastes heat. Also, clean your furnace's fan blades at least once a year and keep the area around the furnace free of dust, lint and litter.



• Let it Bleed: Once a year, you should bleed the air from hot-water radiators, because air in the lines inhibits circulation. Just open each radiator valve, hold a cup under it and keep it there until water begins to come out. This gets rid of the air.



• Use the Right Paint: For the best performance, paint radiators with special radiator paint. Your hardware store can provide this for you. A quality oil-based paint is recommended; it is more heat-resistant and durable than latex paints. Also, if you paint your radiator black, it will generate more heat than if you paint it white or a neutral color.



• Don't Block the Flow: Don’t block air inlets and outlets, including radiators, with furniture, drapes or clothing.

Related Information:

• Horizon Heating Services
• Horizon's Famous 21-Point Furnace Precision Tune-Up

Low flow toilets have been touted as a way to cut down on water usage while whittling utility costs. However, critics question the real value of these low flow commodes. Sometimes the toilets need to be flushed two or even three times to completely clear waste—and doesn’t that sort of defeat the purpose?

It has been estimated that we Americans flush more than six billion gallons of water down our toilets every day. That’s a lot. Previously, residential toilets sold in the United States were designed to use about 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. Most low flow toilets use about 1.6 gallons per flush at most.

In order to really understand the effectiveness of low flow toilets, we need to think about how often the average American uses the bathroom.

Obviously, going to the bathroom is not an exact science. It’s pretty safe to say, however, that the majority of people in the US pass liquid waste more frequently than solid waste in a typical day. For the sake of this example, let’s just assume that the average American uses the toilet six times a day—five times for urination, once for a bowel movement. With an older toilet, using 3.5 gallons of water per flush multiplied by six flushes, that’s 21 gallons of water consumed in a single day.

One of the biggest complaints lodged against low flow toilets is that it sometimes takes more than one flush to fully expel waste—particularly solid waste—from the bowl. So if we factor that into our example and say that those same six bathroom visits require a total of ten flushes with a low flow toilet (five for the liquid waste—because even the weakest low flow toilets should have no problem voiding a little extra liquid—and five more for a single solid waste event), at 1.6 gallons of water used per flush that’s still only 16 gallons a day. No matter how you slice it, 16 is significantly less than 21 and in this scenario would save almost 2000 gallons of water a year.

Keep in mind, too, that low flow toilets have come a long way over the past fifteen years. Sure, the first models left much to be desired in terms of complexity of design and functionality. In fact, most manufacturers simply added parts to existing fixtures, which sometimes inhibited the reduced water flow technology. Now, though, low flow toilets are much more comprehensive, and other elements like the shape of the bowl and configuration of the tank mechanisms have been revamped to work more effectively with water conservation features.

Several university studies have proven that today’s average low flow toilet is just as effective at removing waste, if not more so, than a standard commode. You may have to shop around and do some research to find a model that doesn’t require repetitive flushing or developing a close, personal relationship with your plunger, but they are out there.


Got a Toilet Problem? Call Horizon Services!

Broken toilets, running toilets, leaking toilets, clogged toilets, toilets that won't flush, toilets that need to be installed...the plumbing and drain professionals at Horizon Services can handle virtually any toilet job under the sun!

• Learn More About Horizon Plumbing Services
• Learn More About Horizon Drain Cleaning Services

"Going green" is an inescapable buzz-phrase these days, and we’re all looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment. And in today's economic climate, "saving green" -- ie. cash -- is just as important. When it comes to energy usage and savings in your home, "waste not, want not" should be your mantra. Thus, it's imperative that you become aware of those items, areas and behaviors that are causing you to needlessly waste energy.

• PECO Energy Estimator Tools
• Delmarva Power Online Energy Audit Tool

Some of the most common recommendations that result from energy audits are really simple changes you can make almost immediately that can have a significant impact on your home’s energy consumption.

• Inspect lamps and light fixtures. Consider using traditional bulbs with lower wattage or switching to compact florescent bulbs. These last longer than regular light bulbs and can save more than 3% on your electric bill.


• Take a look at your heating and cooling equipment regularly. Look for problem areas, replace filters often, repair tears in ductwork right away, and have units professionally cleaned at least once a year. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly insulate pipes that pass exposed through unheated places.


• In older homes, inspect insulation levels in basements, attics and walls. Check for any signs of deterioration, animal activity, gapping, or moisture accumulation. Damaged or insufficient insulation can increase your energy usage and cost you money.

Horizon Can Help You With Your Energy Audit Needs!

Contact Horizon Services to schedule a FREE, no-obligation In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation. An experienced Horizon Comfort Advisor will come to your home to discuss with you your energy-saving needs. He/she will inspect and measure your home, assess your current heating and air conditioning system (including ductwork) and review heating and cooling options that will use energy more efficiently and can save up to 35% off your utility bills!

• Schedule Your FREE In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation Now!

Household plumbing problems can cause anxiety and stress for many homeowners. Leaking pipes, water back-up, clogged drains and drippy faucets are not only annoying, but they often lead to more serious trouble like water damage and mold. In a perfect world, we’d all have a reputable, trustworthy plumber on call any time of the day or night. But what if you don’t have that magic number taped to your fridge or printed on a business card stowed handily in your wallet?

Take some of the panic out of plumbing repairs and installation by devoting a little extra time to finding the right plumbing company for your job. If you’ve decided that you need to bring in a professional to work on your home’s plumbing, there are some important areas to cover with your plumber before you sign a contract.

• Get Prices Up Front. No one likes to be surprised by hidden fees and additional charges. A good plumber will provide a complete estimate free of charge before beginning a project and will get your approval for any unforeseen fees that pop up as work goes on. Generally, you can expect to pay for hourly labor, parts and travel time; extra charges are almost always tacked on for emergency service. Keep in mind, though, that cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to plumbing. The best way to keep costs under control is to get a ballpark number up front.

• Choose the Right Plumber for Your Job. Plumbers fall into two general categories: those who work on emergencies like burst pipes and water back-up, and those who do installation and renovation. Hiring a plumber who doesn’t have experience doing the kind of work you need done is like flushing money down the drain. Make sure the plumber you hire is qualified to do your job—even the trusted general plumber who never fails to come to the rescue when you have a plumbing emergency might not be able to manage a bathroom remodel.

• Do Your Homework. All reputable plumbers are licensed, adequately insured and certified; every state has a set of standards that these professionals must adhere to in order to do business. Don’t rely on your plumber’s word, either. Check with your local regulating organization to make sure the company or contractor’s license and certification are current; ask about insurance policy coverage details; and get a list of references. A good plumber will provide this information (and more) willingly and will encourage you to do a background check before signing a contract.

• Get Everything in Writing. An honest plumber will provide a written estimate containing details of service fees, labor charges, cost of parts, and any other costs associated with your job. This simple piece of paper can not only help you budget, but will also prevent you from sticker shock and price gouging once your project is finished. A plumber who won’t give you this information in writing is probably not someone you want to hire.

More Plumbing Information from Horizon Services:

• Horizon Plumbing Services
• Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
• Horizon Sewer & Water Line Replacement Services
• How To Choose the Right Contractor

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2010: A new year and a new decade have begun. No better time than to give your home a quick inspection and address those household projects or problems you have been putting off, ignoring or just have not noticed yet. If your house is starting to feel like less of a home and more of a leaky, drafty, moldy money pit, it could be due to any one (or more) of the following common household problems.

• High Energy Bills: We all know the drill: The utility bill arrives in the mail and we brace ourselves for the inevitable monthly sticker shock. If you heating or cooling bills seem higher than usual, it could be because of air leaks in your HVAC system, inefficient or poorly insulated windows and doors, incorrectly installed heating and air conditioning systems, or badly sealed and insulated air ducts.


• Mold and Mildew: Noticing a musty, unpleasant smell? It could be mold or mildew accumulation resulting from water leaks or high levels of humidity inside your home. Excess water can cause wood rot; bubbling or peeling paint and wallpaper; structural damage; staining on walls, floors, or ceilings; and health problems like allergies and asthma. If your home has a central air conditioning system, the problem could be linked to components that are the wrong size or that have been improperly installed.


• Water in Basement: Dampness in the basement is usually caused by water that seeps in through your home’s foundation. Any time standing water is present in your yard, like after heavy rain or when winter snow and ice begin to melt, there’s an increased chance of moisture coming in your basement. Cracks or breaches in the foundation make it easier for water to get in, causing higher levels of indoor humidity and promoting the growth of mold.


• Cold Floors: If you wouldn’t think of touching a toe to the bare floor during the wintertime without layers of wool socks and slippers, it could be due to insufficient insulation or invisible drafting through improperly sealed windows and doors. Obviously, certain floor coverings (hardwood, stone, ceramic tile, concrete) will feel colder on bare feet during the winter months, but excessive frigid temperatures might indicate a more serious problem.


• Drafty Rooms: When you can’t seem to keep your house a consistent temperature or notice that certain rooms are always much hotter or colder than the rest of the house, it could indicate drafts coming in through poorly sealed windows and doors. Air leaks in the attic, crawl space, or basement can also make a house feel drafty.


• Excessive Dust: Wearing out that duster and furniture polish? Excessive amounts of dust or a sudden increase in dust could mean it’s time to change the air filter on your heating and cooling system. It could also point to a problem with your home’s HVAC system or ductwork.


• Ice Dams: These nasty ice formations are caused when warm air from inside your home leaks out through attics and ceiling crawl spaces that are poorly insulated. As the air escapes, it warms the snow and ice on your roof and makes it melt. The water refreezes as it moves away from the air leak and forms icicles and ice dams. Ice dams can seriously damage your roof, eaves, gutters, shingles, and trim, thus it's important to remove snow and ice from these areas as soon as you can.
  

• A FREE, No-Obligation In-Home Energy Analysis and Consultation: A Horizon Services Comfort Advisor can come to your home and perform a FREE audit and assessment of your present heating and cooling system. He or she will also answer all of your questions about heating and cooling, discuss your existing system (including duct work), measure your home to determine the right size equipment and discuss options that are best for your home and budget, and show you how to save up to 35% off your utility bills. Learn More!
  


• A Precision Tune-Up for Your Furnace: Want your furnace to perform more efficiently? Want to avoid costly breakdowns this winter? For just $89 and in just one-hour, Horizon Services can perform a 21-point precision tune-up and system cleaning for your furnace. It’s like having your furnace rejuvenated to factory fresh condition! Then…if your system breaks down this winter after our tune-up, we will either refund your $89 or credit it to the repair necessary to get your furnace back in working order. IN ADDITION, if you don’t see a savings on your utility bill — or don’t feel that the furnace tune-up was worth the money — we will also give you a refund…NO QUESTIONS ASKED! Learn More!