Take Care of Sink Stink...Once and For All!

If your kitchen is beginning to smell like the local landfill but you just can’t figure out why, it could be the garbage disposal. An often overlooked source of unpleasant kitchen odors, the garbage disposal can collect bits of food and waste that rot and cause nasty smells. The following tips can help you clean out the garbage disposal and eliminate garbage disposal odor.


The Basic Approach: Soap and Water
Once a month or so, plug the sink with the stopper and fill the basin with hot water and about 1/8 cup of grease-cutting dish soap. Take out the stopper when the sink is full and run the garbage disposal as the water and soap drain. This should not only remove trapped waste but will also help clean out the pipes for a fresher smelling sink.


The Commercial Approach: Disposal Deodorizer
There are several different garbage disposal deodorizers on the market. You’ll find these chemicals -- usually in liquid, gel, or dissolvable tablet form -- at most supermarkets and home improvement stores. They can be costly, but if used regularly as directed they can help clean out the garbage disposal and prevent odor build-up.


The Natural Approach: Vinegar and Citrus
Vinegar is a powerful and effective cleaning agent that’s been used around the house for decades. It’s a great deodorizer despite its pungent odor and also has some antibacterial properties. There are two ways to use vinegar to remove odors from your garbage disposal:

• Vinegar and Ice: Fill an ordinary ice tray with a 50/50 mixture of water and plain white vinegar (use more vinegar if your drain is particularly smelly). When the cubes freeze, run cold water into the sink and run the ice through the garbage disposal. The vinegar will eliminate bad smells and the ice will help sharpen the garbage disposal blades. Use this method two or three times a month and be sure to clearly label the ice tray so no one accidentally uses a vinegar cube in their drink.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Cover the inside of the drain with baking soda and pour in a half cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour. When time’s up, run cold water down the drain as you run the garbage disposal. Once the vinegar smell is gone, the nasty smells should disappear, too.

Another natural way to freshen your garbage disposal is with citrus fruit. Orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit -- choose the scent you prefer, drop the peels into the drain, and run the disposal. Citrus juice or pieces of the fruit would work, too. Just be sure to cut the fruit or peels into small pieces so they don’t damage the garbage disposal blades.


The Classic Approach: Bleach
Household bleach is another great all-around garbage disposal cleaning agent. Simply plug the sink and fill the basin with a mixture of water and a little bit of bleach. Slosh everything around with a plastic spoon or your hand (wear rubber gloves!). Let the mixture sit for about half an hour, and then unplug the drain. The bleach will clean and deodorize the garbage disposal, eliminating any bad smells.


WARNING:
NEVER put your hand or fingers down the garbage disposal unit. Even if the switch is off, it could easily flip on and your hand or fingers could be sliced or mashed. If you have food or other items stuck down in the garbage disposal, try to remove with prongs or pliers. If you cannot remove the items, call the plumbing and drain pros at Horizon Services; we'll quickly and safely remove the object.



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• Garbage Disposal Do's and Don'ts
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Put an End to that Rattle and Hum!

You love your home’s central heating and air conditioning, but you hate all the noise it makes. Rattling, blowing, ticking, creaking, and a host of other noises coming from your ductwork can turn a fantastic convenience into a real nuisance in the time it takes to crank up the thermostat. Here are a few tips that can help turn down the volume on a noisy HVAC (Heating ,Ventilation and Air Conditionin) system.


Check Internal and External Components:
One of the biggest contributing factors to a noisy heating system is a faulty relationship between the unit’s indoor and outdoor components. If internal and external parts are linked in such a way that they vibrate against each other, this will send plenty of sound through your home’s ductwork. Because ducts connect every room in your house when you have a central HVAC system, you may find it hard to escape all the noise. If you hear whining, buzzing, howling, or vibrations, have a professional check your HVAC system to ensure indoor ducts are independently connected to outdoor components.

How's Your Insulation?
Insulating your ductwork can also really cut down on unwanted noise. Sounds that come through ducts are generally caused by your heating system’s air handler. This metal box has a motor that can make parts vibrate as the system works. Adding a layer of insulation to the air handler can dampen the noise caused by these vibrations, sending less reverberation through the ducts. Insulation can also eliminate noises on the outside of your house, making you instantly more popular with the neighbors.

Acoustic Insulation:
Another way to insulate is with materials that absorb sound. This helps deaden noises, making them quieter and less intense until they eventually disappear at the farthest point from your system. Acoustic insulation can be added along ductwork, in the same way you might insulate plumbing pipes.

How's Your Fan?
Cleaning your home’s HVAC system fan is crucial to the quiet, efficient operation of your unit. The fan draws in dirt and dust, which can collect on the blades and interfere with its operation. Built-up debris can cause rattling and vibrations that will travel through the ducts and vents. If your fan is the wrong size for your system, it can also create noise as it struggles to keep up with demand. Keeping the fan clean and ensuring you have the right size fan for your unit will cut down on noise significantly.

Cleaning and Maintenance:
Regular duct and heat system cleaning and upkeep ensures your entire heating system is performing at its best. Professional maintenance keeps parts in good working condition and helps make sure that system components are installed correctly. A certified technician will tighten loose connections, fix gaps, clean parts, and add insulation to any system mechanisms that could be causing unusual noise. You should try to have a professional tune up and your HVAC system at least twice a year. The easiest way to remember is to schedule maintenance in the spring and in the fall, just before the peak cooling and heating seasons.


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• Home Energy Myths Debunked!
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Clobber Clogs BEFORE They Create Chaos!

Clogged drains and plumbing fixtures can turn from minor annoyance to major problem overnight—literally. Most household clogs are cause by misuse or overuse, though some can be the result of improper installation or a feature in need of repair. The following are some easy, inexpensive tips to keep your drains running clog-free.



1. Stop Putting Clog-Forming Substances in the Drain:

Seems pretty basic, but many of us pour clog-forming substances down the drain without even thinking about the consequences. Grease, cooking fat, syrup, gelatin, whole milk, ice cream, and even soaps with heavy moisturizers can coat pipes and back up in drains. When these substances narrow the area of water flow there’s a greater accumulation of crumbs, dust, and hair in the pipes. This combination can lead to huge, troublesome clogs.

Liquid fabric softener is also a common culprit. If you use fabric softener on your laundry, be sure to run your washer’s second rise cycle to flush out as much of the liquid as possible. Fabric softener tends to settle in the pipe bend just past the washer connection and can flood the tub eventually.

Place a trap over drain holes in showers, tubs, sinks, and washing machine rinse tubs to catch the food particles, hair, and other debris that can cause clogs.


2. Use Narrower Pipes:

This seems counterproductive, but the truth is that narrow pipes force water through the system faster. This prevents water from pooling at pipe bends, which can contribute to clogs. Narrow pipes also make drain and pipe snakes more effective in case of a serious clog deep in your plumbing because there’s less area for the snake to cover. Most standard plumbing codes indicate 3-inch diameter pipes should be used for toilets; 2-inch pipes for showers, tubs, and laundry room plumbing; and 1.5-inch pipes for sinks. Using bigger pipes can cause major problems.


3. Replace Aging Pipes

Older homes frequently have cast-iron or galvanized steel pipes. Over time, the interiors of these pipes become rough with lime scale and other deposits from hard water. These crags and crevices collect grease, soap, hair, and anything else that goes down your drain. Replacing old pipes with copper or PVC pipes will cut down on the frequency of clogs and can improve water pressure.


4. Flush More than Your Toilet

Flushing out drains and pipes is a great way to reduce debris build up and dissolve clogs. About once a month or so, plug sinks and tubs, and fill the basin with hot water. Release the stopper and let the hot water drain. The weight of so much water flowing through your pipes quickly will power clogs through the pipes; the heat of the water helps melt away any lingering debris.


5. Go Easy on Toothpaste

Strange? Perhaps. However, most of us ignore the recommendations that come on the back of that toothpaste tube: A pea-sized amount is more than sufficient to get teeth clean and keep them healthy. Thick toothpaste can collect in drains and hold on to clogging debris and goop. Consider switching to a gel formula, which will dissipate more quickly in water.


6. Get a Haircut, Hippie!

It's inevitable that you're going to have some hair go down the drain when you wash and shampoo in the shower or bath. But if you have long hair, you're more likely to shed hairs...plus they are much longer. Shorter hairs can travel easier through drains; longer hairs are more likely to accumulate into a tangled wad that can cause a major clog. Pay a visit to your barber, Ringo.



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Keep Old Man Winter at Bay When You're Away!

Though winter is not usually an in-demand travel season, many of us do head out of town during the coldest months of the year. From snow birds and holiday travelers to skiers and warm weather enthusiasts, there are plenty of people looking for ways to relieve those deep winter blues by getting out of Dodge!

If you will be spending time away from home this winter, be sure to take precautions to ensure your home is ready for your extended absence. The following winterizing tips will help secure your home and prevent costly damage to your plumbing, HVAC system, interior and exterior while you are away.


Choose Temperature Wisely

You may be thinking you will save money on utilities while you are gone, but if you leave your home’s thermostat off or set too low you could come back to a major – and expensive – problem. Frozen pipes will burst, which can ruin your home’s plumbing and flood the house. Even if you live in an area that doesn’t get much snow or ice, it is still a good idea to set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees. You will still save some money on energy costs, but your house will stay warm enough to keep your pipes from freezing.


Prepare Plumbing

Any kind of pipes can freeze and burst under the stress of neglect or frigid winter temperatures. No matter how cold it gets at your house, preparing your plumbing is essential.

Frozen pipes aren’t the only wintertime plumbing threat. Any crack or leak in the pipes could let in water that can cause significant damage to your home and personal property. If you are leaving your home for more than three weeks, it is best to have your water shut off completely and to drain the water lines. Insulate exposed pipes with pipe insulation available at most hardware stores.


Weather the Storm

For many of us, winter brings the harshest weather: heavy snows, ice, freezing rain, high winds, and sub-zero temperatures. A sudden winter storm while you are gone can wreak havoc on your house. Plan ahead and remove some of the risk factors from around your home and yard.

Secure outdoor furniture, grills, toys, garden equipment or lawn care supplies. Tie them down or put them in a garage or shed where they won’t be affected by bad weather.

Trim dead branches from trees and shrubs, especially where these limbs come close to your home or car.

Securely close and lock windows and skylights to prevent snow and ice from coming in.


Get the Lived-In Look

A great way to protect your home from would-be intruders is to make it look like you are still there. Set your holiday decorations and lights with timers, which you will find wherever you purchase holiday lighting. You might even want to put things like a few interior lights, the television, a radio or your computer on automatic timers.

Arrange for a neighbor to come over to clear walkways if it snows and to collect your mail. If you can get someone to check on your house every few days you can also dramatically reduce your risk of being victimized by a home invasion, or suffering major damage from frozen pipes.


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Do The Right Stuff When The White Stuff Falls!

Even in the harshest winter conditions, Horizon Services' plumbing and HVAC technicians can always be found out on the highways and byways of Delaware, Pennsylvania and Marylands, making their way to your home for service and repairs in our bright orange trucks. With a safety record that's second to none, you can be confident that Horizon service techs know a thing or two about safe driving when ice and snow hit the roadways.

We all know that even a dusting of snow in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland can result in serious traffic jams and scary driving situations. The winter of 2010 saw a record number of snow and ice-related car accidents in our region. The Horizon Comfort Zone recommends that whenever wintry weather threatens, you should exercise extreme discretion, precaution and alertness on the roads. If you really don't have to be out driving in winter weather, just don't. But if you should find yourself out on the roads in harsh winter weather, here are some safe driving tips from Horizon's service technicians:



Slow and Steady Wins The Race:
Would you rather arrive at your destination late...or dead? Our guess is late. Speed kills...especially in the wintertime. There's no shame or embarassment in driving SLOW when the roads are snowy and icy. No arrival time, no appointment is worth putting your safety at risk. Rabbits wind up in ditches...or graveyards. Turtles make it home in one piece. If time is of the essence, leave for your destination early. And try to avoid rush-hour traffic whenever possible.

Keep Your Distance:
Tailgating other cars is a sure way to get into a winter accident. Even if you're driving slow and apply your brakes in a timely manner, it's easy to slide and ram into car ahead of you or skate through intersection into oncoming traffic. During GOOD WEATHER, it is recommended that you maintain AT LEAST one car length of distance for every 10 miles-per-hour in which you are traveling. In the winter time, try doubling or even tripling that amount just to be on the safe side.

Take Control of Skids and Fish-Tails:
One of the best reasons to drive slow is that you will minimize the likelihood that you need to make sudden stops. Slamming the brakes almost always results in skids and sliding on snowy and icy road surfaces. And if a skid has already begun, slamming the brakes will almost always make the skid worse.

• If your rear wheels are skidding, take your foot off the accelerator. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go (that is, if your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right). As you recover, you might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently. If you have an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), do not pump the brakes, but apply steady pressure.

• If your front wheels are skidding, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately. The wheels will start to skid sideways, slowing the vehicle and returning traction. Gradually steer in the direction you want to go; put the transmission back into "drive" and accelerate gently.

Make Sure You Have Good Tire Tread:
New tires usually have about 10/32" treads. To grip snow and ice-covered roads, your tires should have at least 6/32" deep tread. If they don't, replace them. If there is significant snow or ice accumulation and it is expected to be around for quite along time, consider adding chains or snow tires.

Don't Use Cruise Control:
Cruise control is only for fast driving on open highways in warm weather. If you hit an icy patch, cruise control can actually make your car accelerate and hydroplane out of control.

Examine Your Windshield and Windows:
It's important to have good visibility when driving in winter weather. Make sure you have plenty of windshield washing fluid; make certain that it squirts OK onto the windshield. You may also want to apply a water-repelling solution on the outside of your windows like Rain-X to make sure that ice and frost don't accumulate. On the insides of windows, apply a spray-on/wipe-off defogger (available at most auto stores). And make sure you start the winter with a fresh set of wiper blades.

Clear Snow Off Car Roofs and Hoods:
Don't just brush snow off windows; clear snow off your entire car. This will make it easier for other cars to see you, especially in a white-out situation. It will also prevent large chunks of snow breaking off or blinding powder blowing off and endangering the safety of drivers behind you.

Be Wary of Black Ice:
Snow melt during the day can quickly freeze when the sun goes down and temperatures take a rapid dip below the freezing point. This can create a thin, sometimes invisible, but extremely slick coating on road surfaces called "black ice". Black ice is one of the leading causes of winter-related car accidents in the Delaware Valley. Try not to drive after periods of melt...especially if the forecast is for rapidly falling temperatures.

Fill 'er Up:
At a minimum, maintain at least a half a tank of gas at all times during winter months. This will prevent gas line freezing. Also, you never know if you'll be stranded in a snow-related traffic jam. And in a blizzard, gas stations may be closed.

Never Drive Impaired:
Winter driving demands that all of your senses be at their most heightened. Do not drive if you are sleepy, ill, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A mug of coffee or hot chocolate can help keep you alert -- but try not to sip and drive at the same time; keep both hands on the wheel and wait until you come to a stop to take a drink.

Stay Behind Snow-Plows:
They may be moving slowly down the road, but resist the temptation to pass them. First, they are blazing a safe trail for you. Second, in passing them, you are taking a lot of risk. Your acceleration may cause you to skid. You may not be able to evade oncoming traffic in time. And the plow could end up spraying your windshields with snow, salt or gravel. Plus, snow-plows have blind spots: the driver may not see you attempting to pass and end up making a sudden turn right into your vehicle.

Keep a Winter Survival Kit On-Hand:
This should include an ice scraper; a bag of sand, kitty liter or other abrasive material for road traction; snow shovel; de-icer; flares; flashlight or lantern; cell phone; jumper cables; blanket; water bottle; batteries.



More Winter Driving Resources:

• Driving On Snow and Ice (Edmunds)
• How to Drive in the Snow (Edmunds)
• Driving Safely in Snow and Ice (Weather.com)
• Driving Tips (AAA Mid-Atlantic)
  
  

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Everything You Wanted to Know About Toilets...But Were Afraid to Ask!

It's the centerpiece of every bathroom. It's where many of us do our best thinking. It's the good ol' toilet. But it's not just a piece of porcelain sculpture filled with water. The toilet actually has a long and fascinating history. The Horizon Comfort Zone has collected some little-known factoids about the toilet. The next time you head to the seat of honor to take care of business, keep these facts in mind...and you'll be flush with knowledge!



Who Invented the Flush Toilet?

The concept of a flushable toilet -- in which water is used to clean the bowl after its use -- has been around for about 4,000 years! According to archaeologists, the palace at Knossos, Crete (built way back around 2000 B.C.) contained latrines that were cleaned by water stored in a reservoir and delivered to the bowl through a piping system. Similar devices were also used in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome.

Toilets using a chain to open a valve and deliver water to the bowl were well in use in England by 1775. These devices were usually built into small closets. To this day, people in the United Kingdom frequently refer to the bathroom as the "water closet" or "W.C."

The kind of flush toilet we're most familiar with today was designed in the late 1800s by an Englishman named, appropriately, Thomas Crapper. Crapper's toilet was the first to employ a device that would automatically stop the water from flowing into the reservoir after it was filled. Before this, many people would leave the water flowing continually to clean the bowl.

For more information, check out History of Toilets!



Fun Toilet Tidbits You Can Share at Your Next Party or Social Gathering!

• Over five billion gallons of water are flushed down toilets each day in the United States.
• The average toilet is flushed eight times a day.
• The toilet uses more water than any other home appliance.
• The average person uses the toilet 6-8 times per day or 2500 times a year.
• The average person will spend three years of his or her life on the toilet
• Women, on average, take three times longer than men when using the toilet.
• The average life expectancy of a toilet is 50 years.
• Most toilets flush in the key of E flat.
• The first toilet tank ever seen on a TV show was on Leave it to Beaver.
• The first toilet being flushed in a motion picture was in the film Psycho
• The first toilet stall in a public washroom is the least likely to be used. It is also the cleanest.
• The French King Louis XIII (1601-1643) had a toilet built under his throne and was known to receive visitors while sitting on the toilet.
• 40% of the world's population has no access to toilets.
• The first commercially available toilet paper was developed in England in 1880 and sold not on a roll, but as individual sheets in a box
• The Scott Paper Company of Chester, PA produced the first toilet paper to be available on a roll in 1890.
• According to a survey by Kimberly-Clark, men prefer to fold their toilet paper and women prefer to wad it.
• According to studies, an average roll of toilet paper lasts about five days in the bathroom.
• Americans use an average of 57 sheets of toilet paper a day.
• On average, the Pentagon goes through 666 rolls of toilet paper in one day.
• Only 30% of people in the world use toilet paper.

Some Well-Known People Who Died While on the Toilet

• Heliogabalus; Roman emperor (204-222 A.D.). Murdered by his bodyguards.
• Arius; Christian theologian and heretic (256-336).
• Edmund II; King of England (980-1016).
• James I; King of Scotland (1394-1437). Assassinated.
• Henry III; King of France. (1551-1589). Assassinated.
• Arthur Capel, Earl of Essex; English politician (1631-1683). Committed suicide on the toilet while imprisoned in the Tower of London.
• George II; King of England (1683-1760). After a breakfast of hot chocolate.
• Catherine the Great; Russian empress. (1729 - 1796). Died of a stroke.
• Lenny Bruce; American comedian (1925-1966). Heroin overdose.
• Evelyn Waugh; English novelist (1903 - 1966). Obsesity and drug abuse
• Elvis Presley; American singer (1935-1977). Arrythmia caused by abuse of prescription drugs.
• Don Simpson; American film producer (1943 - 1996). Drug overdose.

Other Popular Names for the Toilet:

• John
• Head
• Can
• Loo
• Privy
• Chamberpot
• Throne
• Commode
• Porcelain Altar
  

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Important Considerations BEFORE You Make the Green Plunge!

By now, we’re all pretty familiar with the term “going green.” When it comes to home improvments and remodeling, however, there are a few facts that you may not have considered. Before you decide to undertake a green home upgrade, it’s important to have all the information.


Protected Trees and Tree Farms

The phrase “tree-hugger” has long been used as a slightly derogatory description of an individual who is environmentally conscious. The implication is that people who care about the natural world are against any practice or industry that disrupts organic processes—like cutting down trees. It’s sort of ironic, then, that one of the greenest construction materials you can buy is wood harvested from tree farms. Farmed trees are cultivated and grown specifically to supply American construction demand; this means that indigenous, protected, or endangered trees are left alone.


Think Global, Buy Local

This mantra has been associated with eco-consciousness for some time, but when it comes to home remodeling it’s an important consideration. You may spend months researching the most environmentally responsible building materials, but if those items have to travel by ship, train, and truck over thousands of miles to get to you, what have you really accomplished? The greater the distance a product has to travel, the more energy it takes to get it to its final destination. Measuring the impact of transport is difficult, so it makes sense to shop as close to home as possible.

What’s the easiest way to do this? Compare prices. It seems simple, but often the price of materials is a good indication of how far it’s had to go to get to your local supplier. You’ll pay more for items that have be shipped all over the globe during the manufacturing process, while materials produced and fabricated closer to home will usually cost less.


Green Today, Green Tomorrow?

Maintenance is an important consideration if you’re thinking about green remodeling. While that natural marble countertop you’ve chosen may seem like the most eco-friendly choice now, you’ll have to frequently reapply sealant that contains high levels of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) to keep it looking great. You can buy zero-VOC marble sealant, but it’s significantly less effective than the nasty stuff. Artificially engineered stone, on the other hand, may seem like an “un-green” choice, but it requires no sealant and minimal upkeep, making it the more environmentally responsible option in the long run.

Residential fencing is another area where the greenest choice is not always apparent at the outset. Based on information we provided earlier, it may seem like wooden fencing is the best option. However, wood exposed to the elements has to receive yearly treatments with high VOC sealants to keep it looking presentable; this means you’re releasing harmful toxins into the air year after year. It may seem that aluminum or vinyl fencing takes a bigger toll on the environment initially, but when you consider how little maintenance they need (a spray with the garden hose or a high pressure wash every couple of years) there’s really no comparison.

• 101 Ways to Save Energy and Money in Your Home
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• Cutting Edge Solutions For Energy Efficiency
• Home Energy Myths Debunked!
• 14 Web Sites That Can Save You Energy, Money and Time
• Seasonal Energy Saving Tips

Don't Get Left in the Cold with a Plumbing Emergency!

It's a new year. Winter has officially arrived. Already, most of the nation has experienced has experienced an episode or two of nasty winter weather...including cold temperatures. Unfortunately, winter is also the time when your home is most prone to plumbing problems -- both routine and outright disasters.

Most of the more serious winter plumbing problems -- like cracked, burst and frozen pipes -- should be left to the plumbing experts. But as homeowners, there are plenty of things we can do ourselves to prevent these plumbing mishaps and to ensure that our home plumbing systems work as efficiently as possible all winter long. A regular round of checks and some preventive steps can be easily carried out to help maintain the long-term optimal working of your plumbing system and save on costly plumbing repair bills.


It's Always Wise to Winterize!

If you didn't do it before winter arrived, make sure now that any outside hoses are disconnected from faucets and and outside pipes turned off and drained, as water in them will freeze and expand. This will cause pipes and fittings to crack and burst. This can lead to serious leaks and even flooding. This can happen to plastic as well as metal pipes.

This shut-down of external pipes can be made easier if your home has shut-off valves installed, which will close them down and drain the water off. Once effectively disconnected, the exterior faucets can then be protected from the cold weather with lagging.

If you have pipes situated in areas of the home that are not heated, such as garages, these can be insulated from temperature extremes using heat tape or insulating sleeves available at most hardware stores.

To increase energy efficiency, seal doors and windows from drafts using materials you can buy in any home centers. This will keep warm air inside your home, adding a few degrees of warmth to your pipes and fixtures.

Check your water heater, which has an extra burden placed on it during cold months, flushing it out to get rid of any build-up of sediments, as these cause corrosion and greatly effect efficiency and longevity of the unit. Drain off a few gallons using the faucet situated near the base of the unit. Also check the pressure release valve, which should snap smartly back into place when lifted after allowing a spurt of water to the drain. If it is slack, get somebody in to replace it.

The water heater’s thermostatic control should be set according to the season. In winter you’ll want optimum performance, of course, at about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also have to clean debris such as dead leaves from around the downspouts to allow for better drainage after the coming thaw.

It's important to prevent ice build-up in your pipes during the winter. Try not to let any sink, tub or toilet go idle for too long. Be sure to use as many fixtures as regularly as you can so water doesn't accumulate in one place and freeze. One good idea to make sure that water keeps flowing throughout your pipes is to leave faucets on at a very slow trickle...especially at night when temperatures can take a sudden plunge.

Going on a winter vacation or plan to be out of the house for an extended length of time? It’s a good idea to close the main water valve and then open the faucets at the top and base of the house to drain the system, keeping the heat on as you do so.

You need only a very basic set of tools to maintain your home plumbing system this winter. A pipe wrench is probably the most important, enabling you to get a good grip on pipes and fittings. A pair of pliers will help you to adjust nuts and bolts, but these can damage fittings if you slip up, so get some smooth sleeves to fit. These tools are fine for the small maintenance jobs you’re likely to be carrying out, but for bigger home plumbing jobs it’s best to get the professionals in, otherwise things could take a turn for the worse.


Related Plumbing Information from Horizon Services...

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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...

• Horizon Heating Services
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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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• 5 BIG Mistakes Homeowners Make When Replacing Their Heating and A/C Systems...
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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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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...

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If your home has a central heating and air conditioning system, maintaining the ductwork is essential to keeping your home comfortable and healthy. Neglected ducts can harbor high levels of air pollutants, circulating them inside your home and contributing to conditions like asthma, allergies, sinus irritation, and other respiratory problems. Inefficient ducts can also impact your energy usage and may cause a significant increase in your monthly utility bills.

Many homeowners think that simply cleaning their ducts will take care of any air quality problems inside their homes. This just isn’t the case. While keeping ducts clean is important, far more significant is what’s going into the ductwork. Harmful fumes from paint and cleaning supplies, tobacco smoke, and even cooking are some of the main causes of poor indoor air quality. If you are having trouble with the quality of air circulating through your home, take a closer look at any of your daily activities that could be contributing to the problem.

Still, cleaning ductwork is important. Mold and odors caused by deceased vermin behind the walls of your home can seep into ducts and interfere with air quality. When cleaning ductwork be sure to replace the air filter, remove any foreign objects, and repair any noticeable cracks, tears, or weak spots. A professional HVAC technician can thoroughly clean your system and make necessary repairs or recommendations to improve the quality of air inside your home.

An impeccable duct system is nothing without a good support team: well insulated windows, doors, attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Without the proper joints and sealants, all the warm or cool air pumped out through your home’s ductwork will be lost to the outdoors. This not only affects the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, but it also raises your monthly utility costs. Be sure that all windows and doors are properly fitted and sealed, and that your home is adequately insulated.

Perhaps the most under-appreciated part of any heating and cooling system is the air return ducts. Proper return ducts ensure consistent, comfortable heating and air conditioning which improves ventilation, air quality, and the overall temperature inside your home. If the air return ducts aren’t functioning properly it can even force your furnace or air conditioning unit to work harder; this can increase wear and tear on your equipment and may shorten the overall life of your system.

Because air return ducts are a complex part of your home’s heating and cooling system, it’s best to leave them to the professionals. If you notice that the rooms in your house with outside walls are often a different temperature than the rest of the home, or that your energy bills are going up even though you haven’t changed your usage habits, it’s a sign that you may be having trouble with your return ducts. It would be wise to call in a professional technician to check things out.

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Plumbing DIYers...Take the Time To Do It Right!

If you do any of your own simple plumbing repairs, you know that tightening plumbing fittings is not always the easiest task on your to-do list. Taking your time and following these basic tips will help you turn a wrench like a pro without damaging your plumbing fixtures.

1. Hand Tight is Right. It seems to go against common sense, but plumbing fittings don’t have to be super tight in order to function properly. In fact, pipes should only be hand tight to help aid the flow of water throughout your home. The unique construction and configuration of pipes means they are made to be tightened just enough; making them super tight can actually prevent water from flowing properly. Over-tightening will also warp the rubber fittings inside the pipes over time, which can increase the risk of leaks. Turn a plumbing fitting only until you feel it tighten, then stop. Continuing to turn past that point can lead to trouble.
   


2. No Stripping. Plumbing fittings look like extra large bolts. Inside each bolt are threads that allow the fitting to screw onto the pipes to create a tight seal. If you tighten the fittings too much, you may strip the threads inside the fitting or on the outside of the pipe. As with any household screw, once the threads are stripped it’s nearly impossible to get the fitting to tighten on the pipe. This makes it more likely that a leak will develop, and it also increases the chance of a cracked or burst pipe in extreme weather or high water pressure.
   


3. Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty. This isn’t just a playground rhyme; it really works. Turning a screw, opening a jar or bottle, operating a faucet, and adjusting a plumbing fitting all function on the same principle. Turning to the left loosens the plumbing fitting; turning to the right tightens it. Remembering this simple rhyme can prevent a bad seal and stripped fittings. It’s also handy in a pinch if you need to shut off the water supply quickly.
   


4. Plumber’s Tape is Your Friend. One of a plumber’s most trusted secret weapons is common plumber’s tape. It is usually made from silicone and helps create a stronger, waterproof seal on pipes and fittings. Using plumber’s tape around fittings while you tighten them will prevent over-tightening, protect against leaks, and ensure a good seal. Plumber’s tape is available at most home improvement or hardware stores in the plumbing section.
   


5. Keep Pipe Fittings Warm. If you’re working on exterior pipes located outside your home, it’s wise to keep plumbing fittings wrapped in magnetic insulation. Water that is allowed to leak or spray from loose fittings outside in cold weather increases the likelihood of freezing, cracking, and bursting—which means big trouble inside your home, too. Wrapping outdoor fittings to protect them from harsh weather will help maintain a constant temperature and ensure your pipes stay in good repair. You can also find pipe insulation at home improvement, hardware, or plumbing supply stores.
   

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There IS Sump-thing You Can Do About Your Sump Pump!

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Be Heat Vigilant and Observant This Fall and Winter!

We tend to take our hot water and home heating for granted, but when something goes wrong with our home heating systems, we can easily go into panic mode. The professionals need to be contacted in some cases, but for a lot of smaller matters it’s possible with a few basic tools and some elementary knowledge of how the system works to fix the problem ourselves and save time as well as money. Here are the some of the things you need to be aware of and be prepared for before and during heating season.

The main components of any home heating system are the heat source, the system for distributing the heat and finally the thermostat which controls the temperature. A breakdown of any of these three will seriously interfere with your comfort and convenience.

A simple loss of power may be the cause of a failure in the furnace or boiler which supplies the heat in the first place. The fuel needed by the unit for it to work may not be reaching it. Even if it is reaching it, ignition may be the problem in the case of gas or oil. Or everything may be fine with the heat source but the heat itself is not reaching its destination, which would point to a problem either with the blower that gets the heat from the source or else the distribution system that carries it around the house. A fault in the thermostat will cause the unit not to switch itself off and on as it should in the heating cycle to control the level of heat in the house. So isolating the problem is the first step to solving it.

First off, check the power source for any blown fuses, and then try resetting the furnace or boiler using the reset button near the motor. The thermostat may not be set to the proper adjustment, so try raising or lowering it to see whether the unit will then activate. Check whether the pilot light is lit and that the gas supply is on, or in the case of oil that there is an adequate supply of it.

With gas heating systems you need to be especially careful, as the air quality is a major factor when these are replaced or undergo maintenance. By-products from the combustion process can damage your health, and ensuring that the chimney is unblocked and that there is proper ventilation for the gas heating system can help ensure no leakage of these harmful products into the home environment.

Keep an eye on the vent connection pipe and the condition of your chimney, as there is inevitable deterioration as time passes and repairs can be costly. In the case of the boiler or furnace, check the control settings for their provision of optimal temperature and water levels, and check for any cracks in the combustion chamber. Clean the blower and remove any debris such as soot that may have accumulated.

Just making a few regular checks to your boiler or furnace, and the distribution system of vents or pipes, will help maintain their condition and ensure a longer effective life.


Related Heating Information from Horizon Services...

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