Thursday, July 29, 2010
Green Cooling Ideas for Your Home
Staying cool in warm weather can be tricky business. Rising temperatures outside and strong sunlight beating down on your home and into windows make it difficult to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. Air conditioning certainly helps, but with the high cost of initial installation and mounting utility charges, this isn’t always the most practical option. Additionally, there is the issue of chemical refrigerants used by residential air conditioners that can contribute to pollution and global warming.If you’re looking for a greener alternative to traditional air conditioning, the following common sense ideas and low-cost changes can cool your home without harming the environment or depleting your budget.
The best way to keep your home naturally cool in the summer is to prevent heat from building up indoors in the first place. The most obvious source of indoor heat gain is direct sunlight, which gets absorbed by your home’s roof, walls, and windows. Other, lesser known sources include air leakage around poorly sealed and insulated doors and windows, and heat from household appliances like dryers, dishwashers, and computers.
To keep heat from building up inside your home, use heavy curtains or blinds on windows to block direct sunlight, enhance the landscaping around your home with trees and shrubbery that help deflect or bar the sun’s rays, make sure doors and windows are properly sealed, turn off heat-generating appliances like televisions and computers when not in use, and limit the use of other appliances that use heat —- like the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher—to early in the morning or after dark when outdoor temperatures are likely to be lower.
In hotter climates or in larger homes, simply deflecting the sun’s rays and restricting the use of heat-generating appliances are not enough to cool effectively. Fortunately, there are several environmentally responsible strategies you can employ to supplement traditional air conditioning.
Any time you can reduce the strain on your home’s air conditioning system, you’re saving money and lowering your energy usage (and impact on the environment). So things like shading windows and sealing doors are a good first step in greening up your home’s cooling. Fans and evaporative coolers go even further.
Ceiling fans won’t cool a room, but they make you feel cooler. Using a fan can make a room feel up to four degrees cooler than with air conditioning alone. Installing a fan means you can turn up your air conditioner several degrees, reducing your energy usage and helping you save money.
Evaporative coolers cool the air using water vapor and are only appropriate if you live in a dry climate. However, they consume about a fourth of the energy of conventional air conditioners, which makes them environmentally friendly and energy conscious.
There are now more rebates and financial incentives than ever for homeowners who choose energy efficient options for home cooling. Many utility companies and local governments participate in a variety of programs. If you’re thinking about greening your home’s air conditioner, contact your utility company or local environmental conservation agency for information about available programs in your area.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Do You Need a Sewer Line Replacement?
The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a backed up main sewer line. But sewer line replacement is costly, and the repair process can be invasive. The key to avoiding a disaster is properly diagnosing the cause of your home’s drainage problems.Slow-moving drains or a toilet that takes forever to flush are pretty good indications that something is not quite right with your home’s drainage system. Still, it’s important to figure out if the issue is simply a blockage at the fixture or a more serious problem.
Because toilets send such a large volume of water into the sewer line so suddenly, this is the most obvious place to start if you suspect your sewer line has been compromised. If your toilet is slow to flush or the bowl fills up upon flushing rather them emptying, try plunging the toilet with a handheld plunger. If that doesn’t seem to help, check the other drains throughout the house.
Does the kitchen sink fill with water when the tap is turned on? Does your shower or tub drain seem to back up when the water is running? Is there standing water in your dishwasher or washing machine following a cycle? Affirmative answers to any of these questions strongly suggest that your home’s sewer line is in need of repair.
If every drain in your house is slow to empty, you should consult a reputable sewer line repair and replacement service for further diagnostics. As long as there’s no waste or standing water build-up in your yard or around your septic tank, a sewer line specialist will likely examine pipe couplings inside your house to check for blockages in the pipes. By opening the drain line inside the house, the sewer line specialist can determine if the blockage is close to your home or further out into the sewer line. This can also help reveal how serious the blockage is—if water spills from the open coupling then it’s safe to say the problem is substantial, as standing water in the drain line nearest the house indicates that waste water has been backing up from the sewer or septic tank all the way into the home for some time.
Your sewer line specialist will also conduct a visual inspection of drain pipes inside your home, looking for evidence of leaks and overflowing water that likely indicate a sewer line blockage. In most cases, this will require a special sewer line camera that can be fed through the entire length of the sewer line.
Once it’s been determined that your sewer line is blocked or damaged, a sewer line professional can judge how far along the line the problem is. The sewer line technician will follow the piping and take into account the position of the septic tank or sewer to figure out the most likely spot of the damage.
If the issue is not in your home but further down the line toward the sewer or septic system, chances are root infiltration, aging pipes, a broken pipe, or some other physical damage has caused the line to malfunction. Repair or replacing may involve tearing up your lawn surrounding the pipe, replacing the damaged portion, reburying the site, and re-seeding the yard. Some sewer line specialists, like Horizon Services, employ a trenchless system which can repair or replace the sewer line without tearing your yard up.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Not-So-Extreme Makeovers for Your Bathroom
New Fixtures are a Simple and Affordable Way to Update a Tired Bathroom!Need a quick and easy way to give your bathroom a facelift on a budget? You don’t need gallons of paint, an army of friends, a three-day weekend, and a bank loan to overhaul your bathroom. Start by replacing tired old hardware and fixtures, and for about $250 you can have a bath or powder room to be proud of in an afternoon or less.
Hardware Overhaul
Mounting new knobs and pulls on your cabinetry is one of the least expensive ways to update your bathroom. For less than $100 you can completely update the look of your bathroom without the cost or hassle of replacing cabinets. Most home improvement stores offer hardware in a wide array of styles and finishes to suit just about any budget. Ultimately, the finish you choose will determine the price. Trendy oiled bronze or antiqued surfaces will cost more than more common finishes like brushed chrome and nickel.
When shopping for new bathroom hardware, look for knobs and pulls that match the existing drill holes in the cabinet and drawer face. You’ll be able to replace the hardware without having to drill new holes or fill old ones. You should also inspect the surface of the cabinetry after you’ve removed the old knobs. If there are any dings or indentations, buy new hardware big enough to cover the flaws.
Faucet First Aid:
Replacing an old faucet is a simple fix that can revamp the look of your bathroom instantly. Many manufacturers offer faucets that resemble sleek, elegant designer models for much more wallet-friendly prices. You’ll also find a great selection of finishes to complement any décor, from pewter and nickel to bronze and chrome. Your local home improvement store carries many of these budget models, with prices starting just around $50.
To ensure proper installation, experts recommend matching your old faucet style with a similar new one. If your existing fixtures are widespread—where the spout is separated from the water handles—replace it with a like model. If you’ve got a center-set faucet—where the spout and handles are mounted in a single unit—choose a similar replacement.
Shape Up Your Shower:
Enjoy a hotel-caliber shower every day by replacing your old showerhead and rod with updated models. Large, full-flow rainfall showerheads give you that luxury spa experience for about $60. A curved shower rod is another popular bathroom update that can add as much as six inches of additional space in your shower. Both fixtures are cheap and easy to install, and available in a wide range of sizes and finishes.
Toilet Tank Trade-Up:
Yes, YOU can replace the tank lever on your toilet! This is a cheap and easy way to tie the whole bathroom together after you’ve updated the faucets and fixtures. Decorative tank levers are available at most hardware, home improvement, and plumbing supply stores; you can find many of them for less than $15.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Beware of Chemical Drain Cleaners!
When You Use a Store-Bought Drain Cleaning Solution, You Could Be Playing With Fire!Dealing with a clogged pipe or slow-moving drain rates pretty high on the “ick” scale for many homeowners. Seeking ways to clear clogs without actually having to touch any undesirable substances, most of us reach for commercial chemical drain cleaning solutions. But while these over-the-counter liquid drain cleaners may be affordable and easy to use, they can ruin your plumbing, cause physical injury to you or your pets, and may actually do more harm than good if used incorrectly.
Most drain or pipe clogs are caused by hair, grease, soap, human waste, or other debris that collects in the plumbing. Store-bought chemical drain cleaners work on clogs by creating heat that dissolves the blockage. However, if the substance gets on porcelain, stainless steel, or aluminum bathroom fixtures it can cause corrosion that will ruin these surfaces. To prevent damage, pour the drain cleaner as close to the drain as you can and never use more than the minimum amount necessary to impact the clog. Most drain cleaning chemicals require that you add water to the cleaner or put the cleaner in standing water; do this slowly and carefully to avoid splashing.
Chemical drain cleaners can also damage PVC, old, or corroded pipes. If you have or think you have this kind of plumbing, an enzymatic drain cleaner is probably a wiser choice to resolve a clogged drain. While enzyme cleaners are sometimes less effective at dissolving clogs, they are much less corrosive to pipes and plumbing. You can also try a pipe snake if you’re nervous about using a drain cleaning solution.
If you have ever used a chemical drain cleaner, you know how noxious the fumes can be. To avoid breathing in these harmful gases, open the windows and doors in your bathroom and stand back as soon as you pour the cleaner into the drain. Never stand close to a clogged drain and watch the cleaner work.
Chemical drain cleaners contain a variety of different chemicals that can react severely if mixed. If you try one brand of cleaner and it doesn’t work, don’t try another kind. You could unintentionally set off a chemical reaction, release toxic fumes into the air, or even cause a sudden eruption of chemicals from your drain. Mixing different kinds of cleaners can also create reactions inside the pipes that will make it much more difficult—and in some cases even impossible—to remove clogs later manually.
Never, ever mix chemical drain cleaners with any product containing bleach. This can create deadly chlorine gas that is toxic to people and animals.
As with many things, you get what you pay for with chemical drain cleaners. An attractive price tag often hides an ineffective product with a low strength chemical mixture or unstable combinations of substances. You may actually spend more when you buy a discount brand product, as you’ll probably have to use many applications of it before you see results. It’s better to choose a mid- to high-priced product with a recognizable name and reputation for quality. An even better idea? Call a reputable drain cleaning contractor like Horizon Services. The drain cleaning pros at Horizon Services can unclog any blocked-up household drain quickly, cleanly, safely and inexpensively.
Related Drain Cleaning Information from Horizon Services...
Friday, July 16, 2010
What You Need to Know Before You Install Central Air Conditioning
Time for a new central air conditioning system? The average air conditioner lasts about 15 years, so if you live in your home for more than 10 years or so, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually have to replace your system. If you have central air conditioning that was installed back in the 1990s (or earlier), keep in mind that today's air conditioning systems provide significantly greater cooling power and energy efficency.Installing a central air conditioning system is one of the most significant steps you can take in improving the overall comfort of your home. Central air conditioning will also add value to your home, as it’s a very attractive selling point for potential buyers.
That being said, a new central air conditioning system is a major household investment and not a purchase one should make without doing some serious homework. If you’re due for an air conditioning system upgrade, there are several important considerations that can help ensure you get the best possible performance, energy efficiency and value.
Before you commit to a new central air conditioning installation, think about the following:.
- Try Maintenance First. Have you been replacing the air conditioner filters according to schedule? Have you been scheduling a regular air conditioning tune-ups and cleanings? The problem may not be your air conditioner, but you! If your current air conditioning system seems to be operating at less than full capacity, have a professional air conditioning service technician come to your home to inspect it before you blow your savings on a brand new air conditioning system. Sudden changes in the function of an air conditioner that’s been performing just fine up to a point could mean that simple maintenance is in order, rather than a complete system overhaul. A certified professional can clean your system, run diagnostic testing, and make repairs or adjustments as needed. An experienced pro will also be able to tell you if it’s time to replace your central air conditioning system.
- Totally New vs. Upgrading Your Existing Air Conditioning. You may not need an entirely new central air conditioning system at all...just some modifications to your existing system to enhance its performance. Upgrading an aging central air conditioning system requires a much different set of considerations than installing a new one. You’ll want to make sure you match brands and models, and choose new components that are compatible with older ones. If you’ll be replacing an old air conditoning system completely, you may incur extra costs for removal and disposal of outdated parts.
- Air Conditioning Installation Circumstances. Be sure to communicate with your installation professional so he or she knows how best to approach your job. If your new air conditioning installation is part of a larger home renovation project, you may be able to save significantly by arranging for installation at a specific point in the job. Also, when your air conditioning professional is in the loop, he or she will be much better equipped to determine the best kind of system for your home and a much more accurate estimate.
- Air Conditioning Power Requirements. Central air conditioners measure cooling capacity in British thermal units (Btu) per hour. Generally, you need about 12,000 Btu per 1000 square feet of well insulated space or 400 square feet of inadequately insulated space. Your home’s structure, windows, sun exposure, and climate will all impact your cooling needs. The best way to get an idea of what you need for your home is to talk to an HVAC professional. While an air conditioning technician may suggest products or installation features that might cost you more up front, they will likely save you much more in the long run.
- Replacing an Aging Air Conditioning System. Like many other household appliances, central air conditioners have become significantly more energy efficient in the last ten years or so. If you’ve noticed a dramatic decrease in your system’s ability to cool your home—temperatures are inconsistent, the system seems to be coming on more frequently or running longer, or your monthly utility bills are steadily increasing—it may be time to replace your air conditioner. If your new air conditioner will be tied into an existing system in your home, talk to an air conditioning contractor about compatibility and installation options.
- Air Conditioning System Accessibility. Installing a central air conditioning system means your installation technician will need access to your home’s air ducts. The easier the access, the less you’ll be charged in hourly labor costs. If your home is older or has limited duct space, you might want to think about purchasing a mini-duct or ductless air conditioner. These alternative systems are a much better and more cost effective choice for homes where installing traditional ductwork would be prohibitive.
- Look for Energy Star Appliances. Choosing environmentally responsible products can be a challenge; for appliances and home electronics, the Energy Star program makes it easy. Simply look for the blue Energy Star label and know that you are getting the most eco-friendly, energy efficient air conditioner for your money. Air conditioning systems can have a huge impact on your summer utility bills, so it makes sense to look for an appliance that’s going to reduce your home’s overall energy consumption and save you money. Shop for air conditioners with a high SEER rating (most units range from 10 to 17). If you’re installing a central air conditioner, make sure your contractor knows your preferences and ask for a unit with the highest SEER rating possible.
- The Noise Factor. This is your chance to get rid of that noisy old air conditioning unit that rattles and hums every time it powers on. Inexpensive air conditioners—either window-mounted or central—can cause a lot of noise pollution, especially if you have to install them in a bedroom, living room, or near a deck or patio. Consider placement carefully, and avoid areas close to living areas, bedrooms, and close to the neighbors. To guarantee quiet operation, go with a higher-end, more expensive model.
- Sun Exposure. No matter how energy efficient your air conditioner, it will struggle to perform properly if it’s placed in direct sunlight. Try to install a new unit in an area of your home with plenty of shade, or plant shrubs or small shade trees close by.
- Consult an Air Conditioning Pro. A professional HVAC technician will be able to answer any questions you have about installing a new central air conditioning system in your home...from proper placement to energy efficiency ratings to correct sizing for your square footage. If you are unsure about any aspect of air conditioning system purchasing or installation, call your local air conditioning contractor for advice.
Related Air Conditioning Installation Information from Horizon Services...
Getting Rid of Clogs in Floor and Shower Drains
Floor and shower drains are designed to withstand far more abuse than sink and toilet drains. However, drains in floors and showers are also more likely to accumulate the kind of debris that commonly forms clogs. Hair, bits of soap, shampoo residue, and other waste materials get caught just below the surface of the drain and can be hard to remove.Shower drains -- whether in standing-only showers or tub and shower combinations -- may be the most frequent clogged drains in your house. With daily use, hair and other materials get caught in the drain and collect. Chances are if your shower is clogged it’s because of hair. The easiest way to try to get rid of the blockage is to pour a common, over-the-counter hair removal product like Nair or Vet down the drain. The depilatory will dissolve the hair and clear the clog. You can also try a simple solution of baking soda and plain white vinegar to dissolve the blockage. These solutions are much safer for you, your drains and your pipes then lye, Drano and other store-bought liquid drain cleaning products.
If your shower drain is clogged all the time, you may want to purchase a new drain cover or an inexpensive plastic catch (like the ones you use in kitchen sinks without garbage disposals) that’s specifically designed for showers. These will prevent more hair from going down the drain and should reduce the frequency of clogging.
If you’ve tried all of this and are still having problems, you should think about calling in a drain cleaning professional. Your drain might need to be taken apart in order to remove the clog; if you don’t know how to do this, it’s best left to a professional plumber. Be sure to ask about the general condition of the drain and your main sewer line, too. Corrosion, weakened couplings and connections, root infiltration, and other situations can affect the shower drain’s function.
Clogged floor drains are a special kind of plumbing matter. Typically found in laundry rooms, basements, and garages, these drains are often the final resting place for all kinds of nasty debris—lint, sand, oil, dirt, and other solid materials—as well as wastewater from washing machines, air conditioners, water heaters, and more. These substances can collect and harden in the drain; even powerful commercial chemical drain cleaners are not enough to get rid of clogs that have crystallized. Furthermore, if left untreated, a clogged floor drain can cause water to back up into your home causing expensive damage.
If you suspect a clogged floor drain, rent a power pipe snake that will break through the clog with special cutting blades. You may have to take apart some of the drain assembly, as many floor drains are designed to make accessing clogs or blockages easier. However, knowing how to disassemble your drain and knowing where to apply the snake can be tricky business. If you’re unsure about this method, it’s best to call in a plumbing and drain cleaning contractor. A plumbing and drain professional will not only get rid of the clog, but will also check the general state of your pipes and give you some tips about avoiding problems in the future.
Related Drain Cleaning Information from Horizon Services...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Air Ducts 101
What You Can't See May Be Costing Hundreds of Dollars in Wasted Heating and Air Conditioning Bills!Your heating and cooling systems use more energy than any other system in your home. Typically, 46% of your entire utility bill goes for heating and air conditioning alone. For many homeowners, a large chunk of that heating and cooling bill may be completely wasted...and the culprit is hidden out of sight beneath your feet and over your head.
Your home’s air duct system is a complex network of tubes made of sheet metal, fiberglass or other materials that runs throughout your walls, floors, and ceilings, carrying heated or cooled air from your home’s furnace and central air conditioner to each room. But if these air ducts have leaks or are poorly insulated, as much as 60% of your heated or cooled air can be lost before it even reaches the registers in these rooms. That can result in a lot of wasted energy...and money. As well, ducts that are damaged or don’t work properly can create serious, life-threatening carbon monoxide (CO) problems in the home.
Sealing and insulating air ducts that are in unconditioned spaces -- such as an attic, crawl space or basement -- is extremely important and can be a great way to get a handle on out-of-control heating and cooling costs. Insulation if fairly easy to install on existing duct work. If you are buying a new duct system, consider one that comes with insulation already installed. Sealing your air ducts to prevent leaks is even more important if you want to save energy and money. If the supply ducts are leaking, large amounts of heated or cooled air can be forced out of holes or unsealed joints and lost. In addition, unconditioned air can be drawn into return ducts through unsealed joints. In the summer, hot attic air can be drawn in, increasing the load on the air conditioner. In the winter, your furnace will have to work longer to keep your house comfortable. Either way, your energy losses can cost you big bucks.
In most cases, air ducts in unconditioned spaces should be sealed and insulated by a qualified HVAC and duct work professional using appropriate sealing and insulation materials -- especially if the air ducts are concealed. If you're a handy do-it-yourselfer, here are a few simple tips to help with minor or temporary repairs to visible duct work.
- Check your ducts for obvious air leaks. Look for sections of duct work that should be joined but have separated, as well as for holes or punctures.
- If you use tape to seal your ducts, avoid the common cloth-backed, rubber adhesive duct tape that you can get at any old store. This garden variety duct tape tends to fail quickly. Instead, most HVAC and duct contractors recommend professional quality mastic, butyl, foil or other heat-resistant tapes. Look for tape with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) logo.
- Be award that insulating ducts in the basement will make the basement colder. If the heat ducts are fully insulated, water pipes and drains in the basement could freeze and burst if the basement temperature gets too cold. Use electric heating tape wrap on your pipes to prevent this. Also consider insulating your basement walls to hold more heat in or installing heating in your basement.
- If your basement has been converted to a living area, hire a professional to install both supply and return registers in the basement rooms.
- Make sure that a well-sealed vapor barrier exists on the outside of the insulation on cooling ducts to prevent moisture from building up.
Related Heating and Air Conditioning Information from Horizon Services...
Monday, July 12, 2010
How to Shop for a New Air Conditioner
A Few Cool Things to Know Before You Make Your Next Air Conditioning Purchase!With summer upon us, thoughts naturally turn to your home’s air conditioning system. Is it ready to handle the summer heat? Could it use a tune-up? Any air conditioning repairs that you’ve been putting off? Or perhaps it’s time to purchase a new air conditioning system altogether.
Buying a new air conditioner can be a scary process, especially if it’s been a while since you purchased one. Trying to sort through the noise of commercials, advertisements, brand names, promotions, rebates, and special offers can send any homeowner into a tailspin. As with any significant investment, it pays to take your time and do your research before committing to an air conditioning purchase. There are five main factors you should look at to help you compare air conditioners and air conditioning systems.
1. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)
Air conditioners are rated on a scale from 10 to 17. The higher the SEER, the more expensive the unit. While this may serve as a deterrent for some, it should help to know that a high SEER value also means a longer warranty, less maintenance, and lower utility bills. On the other hand, a low SEER value makes for a less expensive air conditioner, but the warranty, rebates, and energy efficiency are also lower. Units with a low SEER rating also cost more to operate.
Anything with a SEER value less than 10 is well below current government and industry standards; these units aren’t even an option in new construction. Be wary of companies that still market 9 and 10 SEER units at deep discounts. These systems are already out of date. For cooling products sold on the market today, the government requires a minimum SEER rating of 13.0.
2. HSPF
If you're considering purchasing a heat pump to meet both your cooling and heating needs, you'll need to know its HSPF rating. HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is a term used in the heating and cooling industry to measure the efficiency of air source heat pumps. HSPF is measured on a scale of 1-10. The higher the HSPF rating of a unit, the more energy efficient it is. All new heat pumps manufactured after 2005 are required to have an HSPF of at least 7.7. A heat pump with an HSPFgreater than or equal to 8 can be considered high efficiency.
3. Matching Your Living Plans
If there’s a chance you could move in a year or two, it may not make sense to invest in a high efficiency air conditioner. However, if you are preparing new construction, have just moved into your home, or plan to stay in your home for several more years it makes sense to consider a high efficiency air conditioning system. You can expect to recover at least the cost of your purchase in a short amount of time thanks to energy and repair savings.
A highly efficient air conditioner will definitely boost your home’s resale value, but you aren’t likely to get your initial investment back. Still, if energy efficiency or environmental responsibility is your main objective, buying a new and efficient air conditioning system is always worth the cost.
4. Compare Warranties
Better units will have a longer warranty. Some air conditioning manufacturers offer as much as a 10-year warranty, which means they will repair your air conditioning unit for any reason for the first ten years that you own the system. Often, warranties can be extended to a new homeowner in the event that you sell your house before the protection expires; many air conditioning companies offer these for a nominal fee at the time of purchase.
5. Choose a Reliable Air Conditioning Contractor
Look for someone who is willing to communicate with you, who is properly licensed and insured, and who will supply you with a list of customer referencess. Check and double-check everything, including references, and take the time to make the right decision for you.
Related Air Conditioning Information from Horizon Services...
Thursday, July 8, 2010
We Answer Your Air Conditioning Questions!
The Horizon Comfort Zone receives lots of questions about plumbing, heating and air conditioning. With the summer heat upon us, we thought it would be a great opportunity to answer some air conditioning questions we have recently received from our readers.Question: Our air conditioner is working, but not very well. The air is somewhat cool, but it's not cool enough to keep us comfortable! Why isn't our air conditioner getting the job done?
Answer: There are a number of things that could diminish the cooling capacity of your air conditioner. The most common causes for this are a clogged air filter, or a loose fan belt. Another explanation is that your system is low on refrigerant. On top of not producing enough cool air, is your air conditioner starting and stopping frequently? If so, this may be caused by any of these same three problems.
The first thing you should try on your own is to see if the air filter is dirty. If so, clean it or replace it. In general, air conditioner filters should be replaced on a monthly basis.
Air conditioning fan belt and refrigerant issues are best left to the air conditoning pros. Unless you are familiar with air conditioning systems, a service technician will need to check whether the fan belt is loose or if the system is low on refrigerant. Still, these are simple problems to fix.
Other more serious problems that diminish air conditioning cooling capacity stem from the system design. For example, lack of return air ducts, or even oversized equipment are among the conditions that will diminish your air conditioner's cooling ability. These problems are fixable but are more complex and costly.
Question: I am not getting enough cool air from my air conditioning system. I checked to see if the furnace was running and I noticed some water on the floor around my furnace. Is there any connection here?
Answer: Your cooling coil may be frosted inside your air conditioning system. This happens when there’s not enough air getting through the system and passing over the cooling coil. Some simple things that you or your air conditioning technician can check are:
- Is the air filter dirty?
- Do you have any closed registers blocking the airflow?
- Are there some closed dampers in the duct lines?
Your cooling coil can also frost up again after you defrost it if your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant. Be sure to have your service technician check the level and make sure you have the right amount of refrigerant.
Question: My air conditioner is making some weird noises. Is this just because the air conditioner is old and cranky, or do I have a major air conditioning problem?
Answer: Odd noises coming from your air conditoning system are not typical. If you do hear strange noises, you probably do have a problem with your air conditioner, but the kind of problem you have depends on the kind of noise it is making. For example, if the outdoor unit is very noisy when it first starts up, this could mean that the compressor is working too hard. Check to see if leaves or grass are blocking the fins on the unit. If so, remove them so more air can get to the system.
If there are no leaves or grass blocking the fins, yet the air conditioning unit is still making noise, or if it makes a humming noise but doesn’t really start up, the compressor itself might be burned out. If so, it would need to be replaced.
If you hear a strange chattering noise, this means that the contact points in the wiring for your system are burned. You’ll need to call an air conditioning service technician to get them replaced.
Question: In the past, I’ve had the problem where our air conditioning wasn’t coming on and I had to go to the electrical box and reset the breaker or replace the fuse. But what if the air conditioner stops again? Is it okay to just keep resetting the breaker?
Answer: Occasionally a breaker trips or a fuse burns out (once every couple of years). In that case, sure, you can reset the breaker or replace the fuse again and see if that works. There’s no problem with doing that. However, if the problem persists and the air conditioning unit keeps starting and stopping—perhaps even over a period of weeks--then you need to call your air conditioning service technician. Something is clearly wrong with the air conditioning system that is causing the breaker to keep tripping.
Got a Plumbing, Heating or Air Conditioning Question for The Horizon Comfort Zone?
Send it to webmaster@horizonservicesinc.com.
Related Air Conditioning Information from Horizon Services...
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Outdoor Showers Gaining Popularity!
Hey...Who Needs a Bathroom Stall When You Can Take a Spritz in Your Own Backyard?More and more homeowners are embracing the outdoor shower as a fun and functional way to add value and interest to their homes. The new trend toward the outdoor shower leaves behind the feature’s roots in grungy campgrounds and rented summer cottages, though. Today’s outdoor showers are sleek, well-appointed extensions of the indoor bathroom...except they're located outside of your home.
So what’s driving this unusual fad toward the great outdoors?
“We spend so much time in cyber reality, in front of the TV or the computer, on the phone, in our cars, divorced from the natural world, that people really respond to something like an outdoor shower,” explains Ethan Fierro, a designer and author of The Outdoor Shower. “It allows you those 10 to 15 minutes to connect with nature.”
In fact, reclaiming outdoor spaces for traditionally indoor activities has been popular in home construction and renovation for some time.
“The outdoor shower is definitely part of the trend of people bringing the outdoors in, with people now building outdoor bathrooms and even outdoor kitchens,” says David Buchanan, a Boston-based architect.
Today’s outdoor showers aren’t just for those who live in warm climates, either.
“Clients who ask for outdoor showers aren’t usually deterred by a chill in the air,” says Elizabeth Demetriades, an architect in Lakeville, CT who has designed several outdoor showers for clients in the Northeast. “The showers are typically used until the onset of freezing weather mandates draining the pipes for winterization—and clients frequently push the envelope in this regard.”
Buchanan has noticed the same mentality in his clients.
“At a house we did in South Dartmouth, MA. Part of the appeal was that you could take a hot outdoor shower in chilly weather then crawl immediately into a warm bed,” he says.
While there’s definitely something appealing about the idea of an outdoor shower, there are certain considerations that must be taken into account before undertaking such a project.
Depending on building codes in your area and the design of your shower, you may be required to install an appropriate drainage system.
“When hot water—and by inference soap and shampoo—will be used, connection to a properly engineered septic or dry-well system is a must,” says Demetriades.
Be sure your architect and contractor have experience designing and building outdoor showers so you don’t run into any unforeseen environmental or plumbing issues.
Privacy is another consideration, but surprisingly it’s not as high a priority as you’d think.
“Many clients aren’t all that concerned with privacy, particularly in more rural areas where neighbors aren’t an issue,” explains Demetriades.
You should think hard about your home’s location before taking the proverbial plunge. Modesty may not be your number one concern if you live out in the woods, but if your house sits in the middle of a suburban development you could risk raising more than a few eyebrows at the next neighborhood block party.
Another important privacy concern: sightlines. If your neighbor’s kitchen window overlooks the spot where you want to install your outdoor shower, you should probably find a more suitable placement.
And let's not forget sound. If you sing in the shower, the whole neighborhood can hear your enitre repertoire...for better or worse! And an outdoor shower can never duplicate that great audio quality and echo you get in a traditional indoor shower.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Monday, July 5, 2010
Summer Cooling and Air Conditioning Advice from EPA and Energy Star
Great Ways to Beat the Heat and Save Some Bucks!The average American home spends about 20 percent of its total utility bill on cooling and air conditioning, yet with some simple, inexpensive changes it’s possible to save money and make your home more environmentally friendly while staying cool and comfortable. Here are some simple cooling and air conditioning tips from the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Star that will cost you no or little money.
No Cost Cooling and Air Conditioning Options
Program your thermostat according to your summer activities. If you spend most of the day away from home, set your cooling system a few degrees higher than normal when the house is empty. You can then set the thermostat to a lower temperature shortly before you return home. Using a programmable thermostat properly can save nearly $200 a year on energy costs.
Check the filter on your home’s HVAC system once a month. If the air filter appears dirty or worn, change it. The filter should be changed at least once every three months anyway. A dirty filter inhibits air flow, forcing your system to work harder and driving up utility costs.
If you have ceiling fans, use them along with your air conditioner to create a cool breeze. Running a ceiling fan makes it possible to raise the thermostat—just two degrees higher can lower energy costs by as much as 14 percent. Don’t forget to turn the fans off when you leave the room, though.
Close curtains, blinds, and shades against the sun’s powerful rays. Blocking out the sun during the heat of the day can prevent the interior of your home from overheating. You can also try moving indoor plants and trees in front of windows to create shade.
Low Cost Cooling and Air Conditioning Options
Have your cooling system inspected by a professional once a year. Hiring a technician to clean and service your unit regularly will cost significantly less than replacing or repairing a neglected unit that has become damaged.
Change incandescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient options, like compact fluorescents (CFLs). Look for the Energy Star label to identify lighting that uses less energy and emits 75 percent less heat than traditional bulbs. This can help lower your cooling bill.
Make sure air ducts are sealed tightly using mastic sealant or metal tape. Insulate ducts in attics, crawlspaces, basements, and garages, too. About 20 percent of the cool air moving inside your home is lost through gaps and loosened connections in ductwork.
Check vent and register connections at walls, floors, and ceilings to ensure that all the ducts are fastened and sealed tight.
Other Cooling and Air Conditioning Considerations
If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, look for the EPA’s Energy Star label. We could keep about 900 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions out of the air every year if each single room air conditioner in the country was Energy Star rated.
Insulate your attic. If every American household did it we could save more than $1.8 billion in energy costs every year.
Replace an air conditioning unit that’s more than 12 years old with an Energy Star rated system; you could cut your cooling costs by as much as 30 percent.
Related Cooling and Air Conditioning Information from Horizon Services…
- Horizon Air Conditioning Services
- Help! My Air Conditioner is Frozen!
- Heat Pumps Can Maximize Your Heating and Cooling Efficiency and Comfort!
- Air Conditioning Alternatives
- Do The Math…High Efficiency Air Conditioners Drastically Reduce Energy Costs!
- A Precision Tune-Up is Your Air Conditioner's Best Friend!
- 5 BIG Mistakes Homeowners Make When Replacing Their Heating and A/C Systems
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