Boston Plumbing and Heating Blog

Lots of things get better with age. Central air conditioning and heating is not one of those things. In fact, the federal government recommends that homeowners consider replacing air conditioners that are more than 10 years old. That’s because heating and cooling systems now have significant advancements to save money and energy, and they are more environmentally friendly while improving comfort.

Here are five ways that newer HVAC systems outperform older ones:

Energy efficiency. The purchase of a high efficiency system can help save up to 50% or more on energy bills.

Comfort. Newer systems can better moderate temperature throughout the home. Homes with a multi-stage operation and variable speed blower technology use a “cruise control” type of system that can “accelerate” slightly to avoid temperature swings.  Newer systems also offer the option to “zone” the home, so individual rooms are heated or cooled based on your needs.

Replacement of R-22. R-22 is a refrigerant (also known by the brand name Freon(R)) and has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pumps and AC systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately, R-22 is also harmful to the environment and is therefore being phased out, causing the price to skyrocket. Service and repair of AC systems is becoming very costly for existing units. New systems now include R-410A refrigerant, a much more environmentally friendly alternative.

Less noise, better looks. No one likes the sound of the A/C running. Luckily, systems today are engineered to run almost silently. The design of the systems are also becoming more attractive. Furnaces have become smaller and more attractive.

High Tech. New systems can now be operated via WiFi so the system can be controlled with a smartphone, tablet or computer. They even give you guidance on how much energy you’re using every day.

For more information on replacing your homes central air conditioner, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Daily Markets

If you are a homeowner or landlord, then there have probably been numerous times that you have needed a plumber. But, finding a reliable plumber in Boston can be challenging. And, when you need a plumber, you need one fast! Here are some tips on how to find a reliable plumber.

Ask Around

By asking your social network, friends, family and associates, you may get some good recommendation. You can also get referrals from real estate agents in the area as well as your local home improvement store. You’re looking for plumbers who know how to keep their existing clients happy.

You may also find plumbers that people did not have good experiences with. Stay clear of those.

Ask for a license

Only hire a qualified plumber who has a license and insurance. After you have found a few reputable plumbers, the first steps in the process is to check to see if the plumber has a license to operate in the state. In states that require a plumbing license, the state will typically finger print the plumber, check his background and test him for general competency in plumbing.

Look for reviews

More and more homeowners are leaving reviews and feedback online of their experiences with contractors and plumbers. It’s a great idea to look for reviews and feedback online for any plumbers you are interested in hiring. Looking for plumber testimonials, reviews, and by looking at sites like Angie’s list and Better Business Bureau (BBB) can also give you good recommendations.

Check for Complaints

When you start to move along in the process, at some point you’ll want to check to see if the plumber you’re considering hiring has had complaints filed against him. A great place to check for complaints is with your state’s licensing board. Your state’s licensing board is one of the first places disgruntled homeowners will go to to file a complaint about a bad experience they had with any licensed contractor.

Ask for and Check References

Before you hire a plumber ask them for references. Any good plumber should have several references. It’s really important that you check and call the references,  these are people vouching for the quality of the plumber’s work, so take the time to see that they are real and legitimate. Checking references is one of the best things you can do to prevent the hiring of a bad plumber.

For information on Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating, contact us.

Excerpts - Quizzle.com

As the heat and humidity arrive in Worcester and Boston, there are some tips you can use to keep your home cool, conserve energy, and reduce energy bills according to the Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources.

The following tips will keep you cool, save money, and help prevent unnecessary power outages by easing high demand of electric power this summer.

Replace inefficient air conditioning systems with high efficiency, ENERGY STAR models (www.energystar.gov). For central air conditioners, look for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 14.5 or more.

Maintain HVAC Systems. Heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems need to be inspected annually to ensure they are working efficiently. Change furnace and air conditioning filters regularly, and keep air conditioner coils clean and free of dust and dirt to increase efficiency and lifetime use.

Seal Air Leaks. Over half of our home’s energy is used to heat and cool our homes. Keep the cool air in by reducing air leaks in attics, walls, windows and doors.

Use a Programmable Thermostat. Install and use a programmable thermostat with your central air conditioner and set it to 78 degrees F.

Keep the Cool Air Inside. Keep shades pulled and doors and windows closed during the daytime when temperatures are at the warmest. On cool days and nights—when the outdoor temperature is cooler than indoors—open windows to let cool air in.

Use Fans. Use fans to pull cooler air in through windows at night or to cool your body. Ceiling fans will create a wind-chill effect that can make you feel cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning.

For more information on replacing HVAC and maintaining your air conditioning systems, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.

A common problems for all Hot Water Heaters is issues with the pressure relief valves. The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that prevents the buildup of pressure in a hot water tank. If the pressure in your hot water tanks increases significantly in the tank, the relief valve is designed to let water and pressure escape. In most water heaters it is not advised to troubleshoot the problem without the proper training.

If your pressure valve leaks a little water, or shows signs of leaking when the valve is closed, you could have a problem with pressure build-up in your hot water tank. If you see mineralization around or on the valve, the valve  cannot be opened for testing, or does not close properly after testing, this could mean that the pressure-relief valve is malfunctioning.

With a hot water heater, repair can often mean 'replacement'. But, there are two options when there are issues with the water heater pressure valve. 'Flushing Out a Pressure Relief Valve' will let us know if it is seating correctly. 'Replacing a Pressure Relief Valve', is the more common scenario.

Heated water generates pressure. A pressure relief valve relieves the pressure in your tank. Should that pressure get higher than what it considered safe the pressure relief valve acts as a safety feature. It relieves the pressure before your hot water tank blows up.

When the water tank pressure relief valve fails will the tank blow up? No, but it does begin to spray hot water all over the place making a big mess. Therefore, there are not too many options, the only one is to replace the pressure release valve or replace the water heater.

Calling a plumber in early on may lead to unnecessary repair bills. It is a quick fix, and it isn’t that expensive, in fact it is much less than replacing the water heater itself. Contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Allergy season is here in Boston! If you or anyone in your home is an allergy sufferer, protect your inside air. Did you know that in a typical six-room house, everyday living creates up to 40 pounds of dust every year? Your heating and air conditioning system pulls in a sizeable amount of that dust and contaminants. It even may re-circulate irritants five to seven times a day.

Consider your air conditioning system to be the heart and lungs of your house. It breathes air in and out. The cleaner the lungs, the cleaner the air in your home, and the fewer allergy triggers in the air. This is why quality HVAC service and maintenance should be done on a regular basis.

However, AC service does not just make it easier to breath, it helps you save money too. Dust in your HVAC system can make it work harder, using more energy, which costs you more money and may shorten its life. So the benefits to regular service are twofold. Despite filters, the central air conditioning system in your home gets dirty with normal use. When it is clean it does not work as hard, and you save money…and breathe easier.

For AC system maintenance, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Excerpts - Journal Sentinel

Most of us consider plumbing a luxury, it is. When things stop running correctly we are all reminded of how inconvenient life could be without it. When plumbing problems do arise, it is important to contact a plumber that you can count on, with a good reputation and who you can feel comfortable with.

Here are a few of the most common household plumbing problems.

Clogged drain – This is one of the most common plumbing issues. Clogged drains usually can be avoided if you are careful about what you let go down the drain. Be particulary careful in the kitchen, this is the most common drain to get clogged and the most inconvenient when it does.

Dripping faucet – this is very common and starts as the washers in faucets wear out. Use less force when turning the faucet off and on to extend the life of the washer.  

Leaking pipes - This can cause quite a bit of damage to you belongings as well as you floors and walls. Check pipes fairly regularly for rust or lime deposits, this could be the start of a leak.

Leaking water heaters – most often these need to be replaced.

No heat – if you have a broken furnaces or boilers the heat won’t turn on. Check your heating system before you need to use it.

Running toilet –Running toilets usually suggest that some part of the toilet is out of order. It is important to get this fixed immediately because this can use a lot of water.

Leaking toilet – this is a very expensive plumbing repair problem. This can add a lot of money to your water bill. For this it may be necessary to call a professional plumber.

Installing a new faucet – mainly faucets are replaced for decorative reasons. Plumbers guarantee their workmanship.

Many homeowners attempt to fix plumbing problems, but if you are not sure what to do, a DIY fix that isn’t done right can result in an more expensive problem down the line. For help with your household plumbing problems, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

We often get asked by homeowners with private septic if they can have a garbage disposal installed. Garbage disposals allow food waste to fit through your sink drain and plumbing pipes instead of throwing it away in the household waste that ultimately goes to a landfill.  Yes, a garbage disposal can be used with a septic system. However, using a garbage disposal frequently may lead to an increased amount of solids and grease in your septic tank. As a result you may be required to pump your septic system more frequently.

Garbage disposals add to the solid waste load in the septic tank. But, can you use garbage disposals with private septic? Yes. Food waste is waste, plain and simple. Food is organic matter and it will enter your septic system either through the sink or through your wasted pipes. The challenge is, with garbage disposals, water is used while the garbage disposal is running which allows more water into your septic system than would enter without the disposal. Also, you might send more food waste down your sink drain than you would otherwise.  However, there are water operated and electric operated garbage disposals.

A septic tank has microbes in the tank that break down the solids into liquids.  A garbage disposal makes disposing food scraps easy, but it can cause additional strain on the septic system. It is generally recommended that the septic tank be pumped out annually if a garbage disposal is used. This compares to every 3-5 years for homes that do not use a garbage disposal. However there are garbage disposals with enzyme injectors for use with private septic systems.

Garbage disposals installed in your home are a convenience, but you need to be cautious of your water use. Know that the added waste and water they add to the septic tank might mean that the septic tank needs to be pumped more often. For more information or for garbage disposal installation, contact Greater Boston Plumbing and Heating.

Homeowners need plumbing that works. Unfortunately the drains get clogged and the toilet backs up. Regularly, we come across plumbing problems that are caused by homeowners. Here are some things that ruin your plumbing.

Pouring grease down the kitchen drain.

If you’re in the habit of pouring bacon grease down the kitchen-sink drain, you might as well call the plumber now. Grease is one of the best things for clogging drains.

Putting everything down the kitchen drain.
 
Don’t put everything down the garbage disposal.  You should especially avoid putting flour, rice, potato peels (and some other peels) and many fibrous foods such as asparagus and chard down the garbage disposal.

Using the toilet as a trash can.  

If it isn’t waste or toilet paper, don’t flush it. The toilet should not be used as a trash can. The toilet has a 3-inch drain pipe that leads into another drain pipe, which is THE drain pipe to your entire house. In other words, flushing one improper item down the toilet ultimately can stop up everything in the house.

Leaving hoses connected during winter.

This is a classic plumbing error. Hoses can cause damage when left out all year: they can lead to freezing of the outdoor faucet or its water supply pipe. It’s also very bad for your hose.

Using too much drain cleaner.

When used judiciously and on the right kind of clog, drain cleaners can be effective and relatively safe for drains. When used with abandon, they can corrode some drain materials, and they can actually make clogged drains worse.

Pouring chemicals into a septic system.

If you’re used to living with private septic, you probably know how to take care of it. But if you just bought a house with septic, you might not think twice about using chemicals like drain cleaner, chlorine bleach, paint and even anti-bacterial soaps. These chemicals kill the essential waste-eating bacteria in the septic tank.

Nailing or cutting into a wall with hidden plumbing pipes.

Know where you are nailing, screwing or sawing into a wall. You don’t want to hit the pipes.  

Joining two different metals in piping.

When you hire a plumber, make sure they know what they are doing. When dissimilar metals, such as copper and steel, are touching, a process called galvanic action leads to corrosion. Corrosion leads to leaks. Such joints must be made with a dielectric union or other approved fitting. Be sure you plumber is using the right type of metal pipes.

For your plumbing problems in Wellesley, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.

Networx.com

Homeowners who are looking to spend less on energy bills this summer will find a solution by ensuring the proper installation and service of their home air conditioning.

It is estimated that nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in U.S. homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, which means homeowners pay higher operating costs over the life of the equipment. Older heating and cooling systems waste energy, create a bigger carbon footprint, and ultimately cost you more money.
 
Fortunately, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation's largest industry-endorsed, certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning technicians, recommends some steps you can take to maximize your home's efficiency while also being environmentally friendly.

• Look at your current energy bills to identify inefficiencies. Or call a plumber help you decide if your current system should be replaced.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR air conditioners. High-efficiency systems reduce your impact on the environment and can also save you money. You may also be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit.
• Compare the SEER or AFUE of your cooling or heating system with newer models. If it's below 13, you may want to consider a new, more efficient system. Remember, the higher the rating, the less wasted energy and reduced carbon footprint. Use our energy savings calculator to help determine the efficiency of your current cooling or heating system as compared to a more efficient HVAC system.
• Look into geothermal heating systems. By using the earth's natural heat, these systems are among the most efficient and energy-conserving heating and cooling technologies currently available.
• Change your air filters monthly.
• Ceiling fans can help delay or reduce the need for air conditioning.
• Plant more trees on your property. By doing so, the shade it gives off will make your home feel cooler in the warmer months. In addition to climate control, trees also improve air quality.
• Install a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures regulated all year long.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated--drafty windows and doors waste energy.
• Have your AC system serviced regularly for optimal performance by an HVAC professional.

For AC service or installation in Boston and Worcester, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.

WSJ

Right now is the right time for preventative maintenance on your central air conditioning system.  Air conditioning condensing units that are on the ground or roof need to be cleaned.

The cost is minimal to have your AC unit inspected annually. The cost of not having it serviced or inspected could be too much. If you wait to have your AC serviced when it’s hot and you need it you may be in for a surprise and for some heat! Once the weather turns hot, too many people need service. If you have an issue with your air conditioning, you could end up spending a few days sweating and waiting for service.
 
To ensure that your AC is running efficiently and effectively, you should replace your air filter monthly as well. A dirty air filter will restrict the airflow, and the performance causing your electric bill to go up and your system to work too hard.  

To keep your home cooler and your energy costs down, you should also close the blinds or curtains to keep out the sun. Believe it or not, this will lower the temperature in your home by a few degrees. Additionally, installing a programmable thermostat, or keeping your thermostat above 78 will also keep your costs down. Every degree lower than 78 degrees adds 5% to your energy costs in summer.  

Long term investments, like replacing an old air conditioning unit, one that is older than 10 or even 20 years will save you money.

For more information on service and maintenance of your home air conditioning in Boston and Worcester, contact Greater Boston Plumbing.