Make Energy Efficiency a Top Priority in 2011

Each year around this time, millions of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, and other things to improve their health. But how many of us make New Year's resolutions to improve their homes...or save money on their heating and cooling costs? Not many.

The Horizon Comfort Zone doesn't want you to give up those health-related New Year’s Resolutions -- they're great! But why not sweeten the mix by focusing on your home heating and cooling system and overall energy usage, too? Energy-Efficient New Year's Resolutions are not only good for the environment, they're good for your wallet. PLUS -- they're pretty easy resolutions to do and keep...a lot easier than avoiding food, cigarettes and alcohol!

Here are some great energy efficient New Year's resolutions you should consider making for 2011:

• Change Your Furnace or Air Conditioning Filter: Dirty filters impede air flow and make your furnace or air conditioner work harder. This increases your energy consumption, as well as the likelihood of furnace or air conditioner breakdowns. Be sure to check your filters monthly. Replace or clean them according to the schedule recommended by your HVAC service technician or by the manufacturer -- for most heating and air conditioning systems during peak season, that's about once a month.

• Go Digital with a Programmable Thermostat: Why waste energy heating or cooling your home when you are not there? With a programmable thermostat, you can pre-set the times and temperatures in which your heater or air conditioner will run. According to industry experts, a programmable thermostat can save you as much as $200 per year in energy costs.

• Buy a Fan: Fans can help circulate warm or cool air evenly throughout rooms or even entire floors of your house. This reduces a lot of wear and tear on your heater or air conditioner.

• Consider Zoned Heating: Why heat or cool rooms or floors if you're not in them? With a zoned heating/cooling system, you can send heated or cooled air where you want it. No heat or air conditioning is wasted. And the energy savings can be huge.

• Seal Air Leaks: Feel a draft around doors, windows or vents? If so, you could be leaking warm or cool air. That's money out the door for nothing. And as a result of the leak, you are probably running your heater or air conditioner more than you need to; that's adding wear and tear to your heating and cooling system. Check out your local hardware store for caulk, tape and other sealants that you can use to seal leaks around your house. It's a very quick, easy and inexpensive fix and it can save you big bucks in energy costs.

• Stop Blocking Registers and Vents: Check around your house to see if your registers and vents are blocked by furniture and other obstructions If so, you are wasting heat and air conditioning. Move these items aways from vents and registers so you can fill your rooms with more warm air in winter and more cool, air conditioned air in summer.

• Get a Tune-Up: It makes sense to get your car tuned up periodically and inspected once a year. Doesn't it make sense to do the same for your heating and cooling system? Regular tune ups and maintenance are the easiest and most important things you can do to guarantee that your heater or air conditioner performs at peak efficiency and doesn't break down at an inopportune time. Tune ups can extend the life of your heater or air conditioner, too. Don't be one of those procrastinators who say they'll wait till next year to get a tune up...have your HVAC system checked at least annually...starting THIS YEAR!

• Upgrade to a More Modern Heating & Cooling System: Make this the year you get rid of that old clunker of a heater and that rusty bucket-of-bolts you call an air conditioner! Today's technologically advanced heating and cooling systems are a far cry better than the heaters and air conditioners made just a decade ago. They perform at much higher energy efficiency levels. They provide more comfortable heating and cooling. The last longer. They require fewer repairs. And they're a better value: they generally pay for themselves in energy savings in just a few years. Tax breaks, rebates, manufacturer discounts and other incentives make them a better buy today than ever before.

Happy New Year from The Horizon Comfort Zone!

Related Information from Horizon Services...

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• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• Horizon Heating and Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement
• Horizon's Precision Furnace Tune-Up
• 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home

When upgrading your HVAC system, always pay close attention to the ductwork. Flexible ductwork is a growingly popular alternative to traditional hard metal ducts. Before you decide whether or not it’s right for your home, consider the pros and cons carefully.


Pros of Flexbile Ductwork

Flexible ducts are cheaper than metal ones. This can save you money on installation and upkeep. If you are on a limited budget or would like to spend more of your remodeling budget elsewhere—like furniture or custom painting—it makes sense to save with flexible ducts.

Because the materials are cheaper, professional labor charges will be less, too. Installation is simpler, so you won’t have to pay top dollar for experienced labor.

Flexible ducts are…well…flexible. That means they can be installed in tight spaces where traditional metal ducts wouldn’t fit. If you’ve got sharp corners and lots of angles, flexible ductwork is a good option.


Cons of Flexible Ductwork

Flexible ductwork can restrict airflow more than metal ducts. Greater airflow means better HVAC system efficiency, but flexible ducts are more susceptible to interference from compression, pinching, and twisting. If ducts are installed in an attic or storage crawl space where boxes or other items could be pushed up against them, this can also diminish airflow. This decreased efficiency could mean higher energy bills.

Durability is also an issue with flexible ductwork. It doesn’t last as long as metal ductwork, it is thin and can puncture easily, and it doesn’t hold up to normal wear and tear like metal does. Over time, flexible ducts can become brittle and break or crack with even a slight touch.

Installing flexible ducts will save money initially, but you’ll have to replace it fairly often, and long before you would metal. This means you’ll incur that same initial cost several times for as long as you live in your home. For a more long-term solution, metal ductwork is a much better choice.

Flexible ductwork is made of a thin, pliable material. Not only does this make less durable than metal, but it also means that flexible ducts are more likely to become damaged in the short term. It’s difficult to install the material without damaging it, as rips and tears can happen very easily. Pests like mice and some insects can eat through the material, causing tears and holes that may be impossible to repair. Any sharp object stored too close to the ducts can easily cut through the ducts, as well. If your installers are not careful, you may end up paying more to replace damaged sections.


Contact Horizon Services with Your Ductwork Questions!

As with any major home renovation project, it’s a good idea to discuss the advantages and drawbacks of flexible ductwork vs. traditional metal ductwork with a qualified HVAC professional. An experienced contractor can help you decide if flexible ductwork is right for your home and will conduct a thorough inspection prior to starting any work. A professional can also help you weigh the cost savings of installing flexible ductwork against the additional expenses this type of material could bring on later. Talk to your Horizon Services comfort consultant; he'll be able to tell you wha ductwork options are best for your home.



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Give the Gift of Energy Efficiency This Holiday Season!

It is gift-giving season once again, and many of us are struggling to find those last-minute, one-of-a-kind gifts. If a blanket with sleeves or a fruit of the month club membership is not exactly what you are looking for, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants you to shop Energy Star to help round out your holiday shopping list.

The average American household produces nearly twice as much greenhouse gas emissions as an automobile. By purchasing Energy Star rated products, you can reduce these emissions by as much as one-third and dramatically cut energy costs. It is a simple, easy way to help your family and friends save money and fight global climate change.


Home Entertainment

Home entertainment is always a winner when it comes to gift giving. Energy Star puts its label on just about anything you will find in the home entertainment aisle, from surround sound systems to TVs to Blu-ray disc players to stereos.


Office Products

If you are shopping for computers, printers, scanners, laptops, multi-purpose devices or other home office equipment this year, look for the Energy Star label. Your gift of Energy Star home office equipment can save the recipient up to $350 over the lifetime of some products. These devices also have built-in power management features that can help users save even more.


Energy Star Battery-Charged Devices

Energy Star even lends its seal to products that require battery chargers. These items – like digital cameras, electric shavers, power tools, hand vacuums, video game controls, and mobile phones – use 35 percent less energy compared to similar devices that use traditional chargers.
Remind the recipient that old battery chargers are accepted by most electronics recycling programs or, better yet, offer to turn in their old charger for them as part of the gift.


Other Ways to Save This Holiday Season

• Holiday Decorating: Look for the Energy Star seal on LED holiday lights and lighted décor. Qualified strings of LED lights use 75 percent less electricity than traditional lights and are available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes. They are also cooler to the touch, last longer than traditional bulbs, stand up to the elements better, and are more shock-resistant.
  


• Recycle Outdated Electronics: When old electronics are replaced by new Energy Star products, it is always a good idea to recycle the outdated items. Recycling electronics allows the valuable parts of these items to find new life, while the potentially harmful elements are disposed of safely. If you need more information about programs in your area, check out the EPA website for the Plug-In to eCycling initiative.
  


• Unplug Unused Electronics: Most of us don’t realize that electronics continue to draw energy – and cost us money – as long as they are turned on or plugged in. If you aren’t using something, turn it off; if your battery-operated device is fully charged, unplug it. Using power strips makes it easy to manage multiple devices at once, and you can turn them all off with the flip of a single switch.
  
  

Related Information from Horizon Services...

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Plumbing, Drain and Sewer Line Disasters = A Not-So-Merry Christmas and Unhappy New Year

The holidays are upon us, and along with all the joy comes an increased risk of serious plumbing emergencies. The sudden influx of people visiting your home can put unexpected pressure on your plumbing system – more washing, more bathing, more flushing, and more things going down the drain or garbage disposal.

Winter is usually a busy season for plumbers. On the day after Christmas alone, plumbing contractors in the Delaware Valley -- including Horizon Services, Inc. -- report a jump in business of 20 to 40 percent over a normal day. We get so absorbed in holiday celebrations that we often don’t consider the strain that these parties and out-of-town guests can put on our home’s plumbing.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can dramatically reduce the chances that your plumber will be the guest of honor at your next holiday party. Here's what you can do to minimize the likelihood that you will have a plumbing, drain or sewer line emergency in the midst of your holiday celebrations:


Plumbing Precautions In the Kitchen

Don’t pour grease or cooking oil down the drain or into the garbage disposal. These fats can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs that can back up drains. Wipe grease from pots and pans with a paper towel, and put the towels in the trash. You can also drain grease into a clean, empty can and throw it away.

Don’t put things like celery, poultry skin, pumpkin pulp or potato peels into the garbage disposal. Stringy, fibrous items like these aren’t easily broken down by the disposal blades and may cause clogs.

Run some cold water for about 15 seconds before and after using the garbage disposal. This helps flush waste out to the main sewer line.

Be sure the disposal is running when you put food into it, instead of filling the sink and then turning it on.

Run your washing machine and dishwasher at night to help conserve hot water and water pressure so your guests can shower in comfort whenever they wish.


Plumbing Precautions In the Bathroom

Plan ahead and try to schedule showers if you are expecting company, waiting at least 10 minutes between showers. This gives drains a chance to empty fully and lets your hot water heater refill for the next person.

Turn up the heat on your water heater slightly to help increase its capacity. Be careful not to turn the temperature higher than 125 degrees, though, to avoid scalding your guests.

Put a trash can in each bathroom and empty them frequently so your guests won’t use the toilet to dispose of garbage like used tissues, cotton swabs, facial scrub pads, hair, napkins and disposable hand towels.

Stock each bathroom with a plunger and put it where it can be reached easily if it is needed.

Keep a chemical drain cleaner handy in case of emergency. Most minor kitchen or bathroom clogs can be resolved with these products, and if you watch for slow drains you can usually catch most problems before they require the expertise of a professional. If you do need to use a chemical drain cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use only in a well-ventilated area.


When Holiday Plumbing Disasters Strike

As proactive and precautionary as you may be, you may still find yourself in the throes of a plumbing emergency. May be when you're wrapping presents. Or entertaining guests. Or trying to enjoy some cookies and eggnog. If a plumbing situation arises in the middle of your holiday preparation and celebration, take comfort in knowing that the plumbing and drain professionals at Horizon Services are just a phone call away. Our customer service representatives and plumbing and drain technicians will be available morning, noon and night throughout the holiday season...including Christmas Eve and Day and New Year's Eve and Day!

If you need emergency plumbing, drain or sewer line service any time over the holiday season, Contact Horizon Services -- 24/7!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Joyous Kwanzaa to everyone from The Horizon Comfort Zone!


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Most of us heat our homes with some type of furnace -- oil, gas, electric, propane. While these are great for providing adequate heat in cold months, they can be very noisy.

The most common source of furnace noise is the furnace fan as it circulates heated air throughout the home’s ductwork or out through a vent. The furnace fan usually makes any number of whooshing or whirring sounds, all of which are normal. Your furnace also has other moving parts and components which can emit light clanging or tapping sounds...especially as components and ductwork expand or contract as they heat or cool. These noises are also a normal consequence of operating your furnace.

Of all the kinds of furnaces in use today, a wall furnace is usually the loudest. As the name suggests, a wall furnaces is a heating device that mounts onto a wall. Usualy, no ductwork is required with a wall furnace, as the units blow heat directly into the room or transmit it through convection. Exhaust is vented off the top or out the back to the outdoors. Wall furnaces are usually used for small homes or partial areas of a home and utilize gas or electricity to provide heat.

The following are some tips that can help reduce the noise level of your home’s wall furnace (and other furnaces, too).

Have a Dedicated Furnace Room:
It makes perfect common sense: Put your wall furnace in its own room (rather than in close proximity to a common living space), and you can significantly reduce the noise level. If possible, install your wall furnace in a dedicated furnace room to prevent noise from taking over your home. Apply soundproofing foam or insulation to the furnace room ceilings and walls, and use a door with a solid core to keep noise in the room.

Use Quality Sound Absorbing Materials:
Walls, floors, and ceilings can all be sound proofed by using high quality materials. Soundproofing tiles and carpeting can significantly cut down on noise from the furnace, and can be customized depending on the size and amount of material you need. Avoid installing wood or concrete floors near furnaces, as these conduct noise and make sounds louder.

Check for Duct Leaks:
The same ducts that carry hot air throughout your house also carry the noise from your furnace. Air moving through ducts causes vibration that can actually amplify noise. Any breaks, tears, or leaks in your ductwork allow noise to escape, carrying the sound through the house. Carefully inspect ductwork for leaks, especially at the joints. If you find any tears, use a high quality duct sealing tape to close off the holes. This will dramatically cut down on sound travel and whistling air.

Use Flexible Ducts:
Installing flexible ducts at the point where the duct meets the furnace is an easy way to cut down on noise. This helps reduce vibrations from the furnace blower, which reduces the sound made when the air enters the ducts. A solid duct doesn’t move along with the vibrations; a flexible duct has more give and can move along with the air.

Pad Your Ducts:
When ducts sit too loosely on the straps and clamps that hold them in place, they vibrate and create noise. Insulating or padding ducts at the straps can reduce vibrations and eliminate much of the noise coming from your furnace. This material can be simply wrapped around the outside of the ducts and held in place with a durable duct tape. Most do-it-yourselfers can handle this process without much experience; you’ll just need access to the ducts in your home and a high quality padding material. If you are unsure about the proper insulation, consult the staff at your local hardware or home improvement store.


When to Call a Heating Professional About Your Furnace Noise...

While today's furnaces are much quieter than the furnaces of the past, some furnace noise is inevitable with any kind of heating system. However, unusual or excessive furnace noise is usually a sign of a major furnace problem...one that could lead to a furnace breakdown or even a fire. Here are some furnace noise situations that should alert you that something serous may be going on with your furnace:

• Sudden occurence of furnace noise after a long period of relatively quiet operation
• Noise that sounds like loose parts or fastenters jangling around
• Noise that is accompanied with smoke, ash, sparks, odor or burn marks
• Noise that occurs in a rhythmic pattern
• Any harsh noises (grinding, scraping, slapping)
• A noticeable decrease in furnace performance
• A noticeable increase in the furnace's surface temperature

If you observe any of these noise problems with your furnace, call the heating specialists at Horizon Services. They will quickly diagnose the source of your furnace noise and provide a reliable, affordable solution.



More Furnace and Heating Information from Horizon Services...

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How to Make a Big Impact in Small Places!

If you rent an apartment or condo, you may feel pretty powerless when it comes to controlling your energy consumption. After all, most tenants are at the mercy of their landlords when it comes to things like selecting an HVAC system, water heater, or appliances. There are simple ways to change how much energy you use and reduce the cost of your utilities, though, regardless of your landlord’s choices.

The easiest place to start is with electricity. Figure out where and how you use electric power. This will help you evaluate your actual energy needs—Does your laptop really need to be plugged in and turned on all the time if you only use it to check email once a day? From there you can figure out ways to reduce your usage and increase efficiency. Whenever possible, purchase energy efficient appliances like washing machines, dryers, microwaves, TVs, stereos and computers. Look for the government’s Energy Star seal to help you identify brands that qualify. Use daylight as much as possible and only turn on lamps when absolutely necessary. Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent ones, and turn off lights when you’re not using them.

You probably don’t have much of a voice when it comes to the type of heating or cooling system your landlord has installed in your building, but you do have complete control over when and how much to use these units. In cold weather, turn your heat down a degree or two lower than what’s comfortable; raise the temperature of your air conditioner a few degrees higher in the summer. Use fans or open up windows in warm weather, and consider purchasing an energy efficient space heater to help supplement your apartments heating system in winter. Hanging thermal drapes can also help you save significant energy and money.

Another area that you may not have much control over is the kind of water heater that’s connected to your apartment, but you can try to reduce your hot water consumption. Take quick showers rather than long baths, run the dishwasher or washing machine only when you have a full load, and use cold water to wash clothes (it will get your stuff just as clean as hot water and is actually easier on the fabric). Turn off the water when you’re not using it, and be sure to notify your landlord or superintendent if you have a leaky faucet, running toilet, or other plumbing problem you aren’t able to fix yourself. If you do have access to your apartment’s hot water heater, turn the thermostat down to 120 degrees. Water at this temperature is hot enough to clean and to prevent bacteria from forming in the tank, but is more cost effective.

If you are hunting for a new apartment here are some very important items to consider:

Does your apartment building have multiple floors? If so, those who live on the upper floors usually save a little more money on heating bills in the winter months. That's because they can take advantage of the residual heat that rises from the apartment units beneath them so they can lower their own thermostats a few degrees. The flip side of course is that apartment on top floors also tend to be warmer in the summertime due to both rising heat and to receiving more direct sunlight.

Most apartment hunters prefer a unit which faces south because they will get more sunlight over the course of a day. That's fine in the winter time when you want your apartment to be as warm as possible...but in summer, watch out: that extra sunlight means that you will probably run your air conditioner much more than your neighbors who face east, west or north.

Apartment buildings with stone or brick facades tend to be much warmer than buildings with siding. They hold in much more heat generated by both your heating system and from the sun. That can be a blessing in the winter time; but in summer, these buildings can often bake like a brick oven.

One trick that you can do to save on both your heating and cooling costs is to keep your apartment door open whenever you can. Chances are that your landlord heats and cools the lobby and hallways. If you have neighbors who like to run their heaters and air conditoners at full blast, a lot of their warm and cool air is going to wind up out in the hallways. If you can bring in some of this wasted or little used air into your apartment, you can really cut back on your own usage.

Discuss your energy efficiency concerns with your landlord and find out if there’s anything he or she can do to help make your apartment or your building more energy and cost efficient. A nice little reminder to sneak into that conversation: Tenant savings = landlord savings.



Related Energy Efficiency Information from Horizon Services...

• 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home
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Read This BEFORE You Tackle That Plumbing Job Yourself!

With the rising cost of…well…everything, more and more homeowners are turning to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for everything from growing their own produce to car repairs. DIY home improvement has always been popular, and there are benefits and drawbacks to undertaking these projects yourself.

When it comes to DIY home plumbing, there are thousands of plumbing resources available—books, videos, online resources, television shows, magazines, and more. DIY plumbing is attractive because it seems relatively easy and can save a significant amount of cash over hiring a contractor or professional plumber. But before you take on that plumbing project, consider the pros and cons of DIY plumbing.


DIY Plumbing Pros

One benefit of DIY plumbing is that you can usually trust who you’ve hired – as long as you trust yourself! Though asking for referrals from friends and family is a generally reliable way to find a good professional, many homeowners are wary of inviting contractors into their homes. When you know you can do the work yourself, you never have to worry about the skill or reputation of workers in your house.

Also in the pro column, many basic plumbing and drain repairs -- like unclogging a slow drain or plunging a stopped up toilet –- are relatively easy and quick. It may seem silly to call a professional plumber on these occasions, so knowing how to do them yourself can save a lot of hassle and a ton of cash...especially on weekends or holidays when plumbers’ rates jump drastically.


DIY Plumbing Cons

The main problem with DIY plumbing is that there are a lot of unknowns to contend with. Even simple projects like repairing a leaky faucet or changing a shower head can quickly become more complicated than the average weekend warrior can handle. And a plumbing mistake can be far more costly than messing up the paint job in your living room or installing a crooked chair rail in your dining room.

Another DIY plumbing con is that changing your home’s plumbing significantly, such as expanding your kitchen or adding on a bathroom, usually requires a permit from your local municipality. For plumbing amateurs, navigating this often complex process can be difficult and may cut into your project deadline and budget. Professional plumbers are adept at cutting through bureaucratic red tape in order to secure the proper permits, ensuring your plumbing job is completed on time and on budget.

If you carry homeowner’s insurance, your carrier may require that any significant plumbing work be conducted by a licensed professional. If this is the case and there is any damage done to your home during the course of the plumbing project, your insurer will only pay on a claim if the work has been performed by a qualified plumbing contractor; if you do the work yourself and a disaster occurs, you’ll have to foot the bill out of your own pocket.

Plumbing is often physically taxing work. Carrying pipes, knocking out walls, shimmying into tight spaces, and loosening tight or rusty pipe joints requires strength and stamina. Plumbing and drain jobs often require the use of chemical solvents, welding and soldering equipment, torches and other potentially harmful materials and tools. If you’re not up to the task physically, best to leave the work to a plumbing pro.


Bottom Line: Don’t Take Chances With Your Home's Plumbing

If you have some plumbing knowledge and are a natural handyman, many plumbing jobs can be done on a DIY basis. But let’s face it – in this day and age, most homeowners – male and female – aren’t very mechanically inclined. Plumbing is a complex skill that requires years of training. Letting an inexperienced person play with plumbing is like letting a child play with a loaded gun. Bad plumbing work today will lead to extensive and expensive plumbing repairs tomorrow. When in doubt, call the plumbing professionals at Horizon Services. You’ll get a quick, accurate diagnosis of your plumbing problem and effective, affordable plumbing solutions that you can trust.


Related Plumbing Information from Horizon Services…

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Furnace Filter Maintenance Is Great for Your Budget and Health

What's the simplest thing you can do to make sure your furnace runs efficiently this winter, costs little to operate, and doesn't break down? Always have a clean furnace air filter! Dirt, dust and debris easily accumulate in your furnace. This can impede moving parts and block airflow -- the leading causes of furnace inefficiency and damage. It can also serve as a breeding ground and launching pad for pollen, bacteria, fungi, allergens and other airborne particles that can seriously affect your health and well-being.

Furnace filters not only increase your heating system's productivity by blocking dirt and dust, they screen out unwanted airborne agents. By regularly cleaning or replacing your furnace filters, you can maintain clean, healthy indoor air quality. Furnace filter cleaning or replacement also keeps the your heating system running at peak efficiency AND prolongs its lifespan.

The Horizon Comfort Zone recommends that inspect your furnace filters monthly to see if they need cleaning or replacement. In fact, you should check even more frequently during times when your heating system is being used continuously. If you see dirt or dust accumulation on your furnace filter, clean it or replace with a new one (available at most home and hardware stores). If you don't clean or replace your furnace filter, your heating system will have to work extra hard this winter-- and this will reduce furnace performance and increase your utility bills.


How to Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter

First, turn off your furnace and locate the service panel. You should be able to remove the panels by hand or with a screwdriver.

Locate the furnace filter near the intake-outtake blower and check the level of dust accumulation. If you have trouble seeing through, then it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

If you have a reusable furnace filter, then simply rinse away the dust particles in your sink or with a hose. Allow the furnace filter to dry and put it back in place.

If you have a disposable furnace filter, dispose of the the dirty one; buy and replace with a fresh furnace filter.


Types of Furnace Filters

Furnace filters are either disposable (with cardboard frames) or reusable (with fiberglass or metal framing). Disposable furnace filters cost less per filter, but require monthly replacement; thus it's always a good idea to have several on hand to last you throughout the year. Reusuable furnace filters are more cost-effective but require more time and elbow grease because you must manually clean them on a regular basis.

All furnace filters come with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) Rating. The MERV rating tells you furnace filter's capability in trapping particles and helps you compare the performance of different filters. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration performance.

Here's an overview of the different types of furnace filters that are available on the market:

Mechanical Furnace Filters: These are the most commonly used furnace filters. They are basically a net of dry, man-made or natural fibers that simply captures particles in its meshing. Most mechanical furnace filters are disposable, but some can be reused if cleaned regularly. They are not as effective for smaller particles or for homes with allergy sufferers. But for most homeowners and if you don't mind replacing them each month, they're both efficient and inexpensive.

Electrostatic Furnace Filters: These furnace filters consist of polyester strands which become charged with static electricity as air flows through them. This static electricity attracts more dust and pollens to the filter; thus, these filters have a slightly higher MERV rating than mechanical furnace filters. Most electrostatic furnace filters are bound to a metal frame They usually do not need replacing and can often go up to three months without cleaning.

Electronic Furnace Filters: Unlike traditional filters which have actual fibers or other material to trap dust and debris, these specialized filters use a grid of electrically charged wires that attract particles. In fact, electronic furnace filters are so efficient that within a few days their MERV rating may actually plummet due to excess dust buildup. Thus, if you are thinking of using an electronic furnace filter, keep in mind that it needs to be cleaned at least once a week.

HEPA Furnace Filters: HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particle Absorber. This is the most efficient of all furnace filters. It has no MERV rating because it actually exceeds MERV requirements. HEPA furnace filters have a 99% efficiency testing which is considered exceptional for filtration. However, HEPA furnace filters are more expensive than all other furnace filters. Because of their superior filtration, these furnace filters tend to only be used in high-sanitary commercial environments, such as hospitals, laboratories, and surgical facilities; it's very rare to find them residential homes. WARNING: If you decide to look for a HEPA furnace filter, read the labels carefully; there are quite a few imitation brands out in the marketplace that claim to be but may not be true HEPA products.


The Bottom Line on Furnace Filters

Cleaning or replacing your furnace filter only takes a few extra minutes or a few extra bucks each month. Trust us...it's well worth the time and money. If you have questions about which kind of furnace filter is right for you, how frequently you should replace or clean your furnace filter or how to clean or replace your furnace filter, a Horizon Services heating technician can give you the answers you need.



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Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open for Key Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Signals!

Your bathroom is one of the most versatile and functional rooms in your home. It helps you stay clean, takes care of waste, and can even help you unwind at the end of a long day. With so many different functions, it’s not surprising that your bathroom can become overworked. The good news is that if you pay close attention, your bathroom will often “tell” you exactly what it needs. Here are some common messages your bathroom may be sending you.

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They're Not the Same as Other Heating System Tune Ups!

Horizon Services' customers throughout Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington County New Jersey, and Northeastern Maryland rave about our EXCLUSIVE 21-Point Pre-Season Furnace Tune-Up. Over the summer, while it's inactive, your heater can accumulate dirt and dust. This can dramatically reduce your heating system's efficiency and is the leading cause of heating system breakdowns and malfunctions.

An annual tune-up of your heating system -- before the winter season kicks in -- is, undoubtedly, the smartest thing that you can do to minimize the likelihood of furnace breakdowns and keep your heating bills low. A tune-up can also extend the life of your heating system.

One of the most frequent questions we get at Horizon Services is: "Why does an oil heater tune up cost more than an electric heater or gas heater tune up?" There are several reasons:

1. Oil heaters are more complex than gas and electric heaters.


2. Oil heaters produce more soot and residue than other heaters.


3. Oil heaters tend to attract and retain more dirt and dust than other heaters.


4. While it usually takes about an hour to clean and tune up a gas or electric heater, it usually takes twice as long for an oil heater.


5. In order to give an oil heater the proper cleaning, it needs to be taken apart to have dirt and debris removed. There is more disassembly and reassembly required than with electric and gas heaters.


6. Oil heaters have several additional components that need to be replaced which are part of our tune up cost. These include the oil filter, the oil nozzle and the pump strainer.


7. Since an oil furnace is a very sensitive piece of equipment, it is important to have the air flow checked to ensure it is disbursing equally. Having too much air flow going into the unit will cause a lot of the heat to go up into the chimney without heating your home. Having too little air flow going into the unit can potentially cause a soot backup in your home.

Related Information from Horizon Services...

• Horizon Heating Repair Services
• Horizon Heating/Cooling Installation & Replacement
• Horizon's 21-Point Pre-Season Furnace Tune Up Offer
• A Precision Tune-Up is Your Air Conditioner's Best Friend!