John C. Flood Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric Blog

Importance of Changing Your HVAC Systems Air Filter

Chris Thompson — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:41:00 GMT

According to the EPA, the indoor air we are exposed to is 70% more polluted than the outdoor air and studies show that the average American spends nearly 90% of their time indoors. This puts us all at a greater risk of contracting various diseases from indoor air pollutants. The EPA actually ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five public health risks.

Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems air filters should be changed not when they're dirty but on frequently planned intervals. During peak seasons (summer and winter) your system is working much harder and therefore your air filter will need to be checked and replaced more often. It’s a fairly simple and basic concept, the dirtier your air filter is the harder your system will need to work to heat or cool your home. Not only will it need to work harder, it will perform less efficiently and the added strain on your system will shorten its life expectancy considerably.

Benefits of changing your air filter:

Healthier indoor air. An air filter’s job is to keep the air in your home clear of dusts, molds, pollens and other contaminants, which can worsen allergies and can cause diseases. By changing out your filter on a regular basis you insure you are not re-circulating dust, molds, pollens and other contaminants back through your system and into your home.

Increase efficiency & save money. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make your system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy and decreasing the efficiency of your system. When your system is not working as efficiently as it should, it is using more energy, which means you will be paying more to heat or cool your home.

Increase longevity of your heating & cooling system. An air filter’s job is also to keep the interior of your HVAC system clean. According to Energy Star, a joint venture of the EPA and US Dept. of Energy, “Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of heating and cooling system failure.” A clean filter will prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Environmentally conscious. When filters aren’t clean, it makes your system work harder to give you cooler (or warmer) air. This means more energy is used and wasted energy means more pollution. The more electricity you consume, the more carbon dioxide and other green house gases you release in the air. We all need to do our part to help the environment when and wherever we can – our motto at John C. Flood “Think Green, We Do!”

Filters should always be changed or cleaned based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s probably the easiest thing to do to keep your HVAC system clean, running efficiently, reduce your maintenance costs and extend the overall life of your system.

The tale of the two John C. Flood's and the pending chasm

Chris Thompson — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:16:00 GMT

There are in fact two plumbing/HVAC companies operating under the name John C. Flood within the Metro DC area. Same name offering the same services, but very different views on customer service. We wanted to let all our previous and current customers know that we work hard to earn your business, and more importantly, your repeat business. We are John C. Flood Inc. (Dba John C. Flood of VA Inc.) with our main office located in Alexandria, Virginia.

The two John C. Floods were indeed one company over a decade ago and broke apart for the very simple reason, a very different view on how to treat customers and the level of service you provide. Listen, we are no strangers to the laws of the service industry and the mantra “You can’t please everyone all the time, only some of the people some of the time.”

We strive to meet and exceed your expectations on every job and that has been our creed for over 100 years. We work hard to make every job, big or small, a success for our customers and occasionally we do not meet your expectations. It’s with this in mind that we work hard to correct any outstanding issues so that our customers walk away with a positive experience.

Happy customers are our best referrals and we always want to make things right.

With over 30,000 jobs performed each year we can still say we have many more pleased customers than displeased. With that said, we don’t like to hear the level of service we strive to provide was not maintained and the result, an unhappy customer.

John C. Flood has been around for a long time, serving the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland areas with plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, water mains, sewer drains, and bath remodeling services.

We just wanted to let all our current and potential customers know the story and hope we can continue to provide dependable and quality service.

If you have any questions, concerns, kudos or if you were unhappy with our service we want to hear from you. You can email us at service@johncflood.com.

We are proud to have been named The Best of Service Alley Winner in 2011 in Heating & Cooling.

John C. Flood Signs Endorsement Deal With LaVar Arrington

Chris Thompson — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:36:00 GMT

John C. Flood is proud to announce it has signed an endorsement deal with former 3-time Pro Bowl Redskins linebacker Lavar Arrington. LaVar has always been one of the most vocal players in the NFL and he’s not going to stop now. He’s on the other side of the mic, giving D.C. sports fans the real deal behind what happens on and off the field. Arrington is no stranger to broadcasting; he was part of the 2007 and 2008 NFL Season regular line-up on Comcast SportsNet.

LaVar is currently the host of The LaVar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes weekdays from 2-7 PM on 106.7 The Fan.

John C. Flood has been providing plumbing, air conditioning, heating, electrical, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling services to the Metro DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland areas for over 100 years. We are excited about this arrangement with LaVar Arrington and we are looking forward to providing excellent plumbing, HVAC & Remodeling services.

For more on The LaVar Arrington Show with Chad Dukes visit 106.7 The Fan.

For more information on all the services John C. Flood offers as well as current promotions and specials visit John C. Flood.

John C. Flood teams up with Carpenter's Shelter for the Homeless

Chris Thompson — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:34:00 GMT

It's easy to forget, even on our worst days, there are many people who have it much, much worse then we do.

All of us at John C. Flood realize the plight and severity of the homeless problem, especially in and around the Metro DC area. It's for this reason we have teamed up with Carpenter's Shelter based in Alexandria, Virginia to provide regular necessities such as food items, volunteer time and plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical services to their shelter for the homeless.

We had a chance to visit the shelter recently and we were moved by the quality of care provided to their clients before, during and even after their stay at the shelter. It's shelters like the Carpenter's Shelter that are sorely needed within the Washington DC Metro Area and throughout the country.

For the Thanksgiving holiday John C. Flood will be donating 30 turkey's and a variety of items needed to provide their holiday meal. On an on-going basis we will provide in-kind donations as well as provide plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical service work to the shelter.

The Carpenter's Shelter is an award-winning homeless program based in Northern Virginia, dedicated to offering housing and hope through respect, responsibility and results. Over the past 24 years, Carpenter's Shelter has grown to a full center of learning, and helps children, families and adults stabilize thier lives and overcome homelessness.

We are happy to be teaming up with Carpenter's Shelter and they are always looking for in-kind donations and volunteers. Visit Carpenter's Shelter

Fall Heat Pump Maintenance

Chris Thompson — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:03:00 GMT

Heat Pump’s, like central air conditioners, have an outdoor unit that contains a compressor, a coil, a fan, and other components. To function properly, this unit should be kept free of debris such as leaves and dirt. The unit should be level on its support pad, which is often concrete or heavy-duty plastic.

Clean pine needles, leaves, and dirt out of updraft fans by removing the grille, which are typically held to the frame by a series of retaining screws. Make sure the power to the unit is off before tackling this type of cleaning. A vacuum cleaner hose can sometimes be inserted between the fan blades to remove debris from the sides and bottom of the unit.

At the beginning of each heating season, set a carpenters' level across the top of the metal cabinet and check the level from side to side and from front to back. If the unit is no longer level on the pad, lift the pad back to level by prying it up with a pry bar or a piece of 2-by-4. Build up the ground under it with stone or crushed rock. If your units’ support pad is made of concrete it may be more difficult to do this, so you may need to contact a service professional to help you. Also check the piping insulation for deterioration. If this insulation is faulty, replace it with new insulation, available at heating supply stores. Installation instructions are usually provided by the manufacturer.

If your heat pump has been off for more than an hour because of a blown fuse, a tripped circuit breaker, or a utility power failure, the unit should NOT be operated for approximately six to eight hours, especially if the temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

The lubricant in the pump's oil reservoir may have become too cool to circulate properly and may cause damage to the valves of the unit. Instead, set the pump on emergency heat. This turns the pump off and keeps it from running.

Leave the heat pump in this mode for approximately six to eight hours, than switch the pump to its normal heating setting. If little or no heat is generated at this point, call a professional service technician for service or repairs.

For Do-It-Yourself Video's Click Here

Home Heating System Inspection and Carbon Monoxide

Chris Thompson — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:33:00 GMT

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. A short list of potential sources of CO are your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range or oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater and any vehicle or small engine.

CO Poisoning Symptoms

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

How can I prevent CO poisoning? Now you would think that many of these items should be obvious and follow basic common sense, but alas we cannot rely on wide-spread universal common sense.

Make sure appliances are installed and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by qualified professionals. Have your heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to ensure proper operation. The inspector should also check chimneys and flues for blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skill and tools. Always refer to the owners’ manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning equipment.
Never operate a portable generator or any other gasoline engine-powered tool either in or near an enclosed space such as a garage, house, or other building. Even with open doors and windows, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
Install a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL 2034 safety standard. A CO alarm can provide some added protection, but it is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area of the home. Make sure the alarm cannot be covered up by furniture or draperies.
Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent unless it is specifically designed for use in an enclosed space and provides instructions for safe use in an enclosed area.
Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers to heat your home.
Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
Do not cover the bottom of natural gas or propane ovens with aluminum foil. Doing so blocks the combustion air flow through the appliance and can produce CO.
During home renovations, ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris. Make sure appliances are in proper working order when renovations are complete.

Be sure to get your home heating system inspected sooner rather than later.

John C. Flood exhibiting at the Capital Home Show

Chris Thompson — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:07:00 GMT

John C. Flood of VA will be exhibiting at the Capital Home Show September 23-25, 2011 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

The Capital Home Show has over 15,000 qualified homeowners who are searching for the best products and services in remodeling and home decor. So if you're in the market for building & remodeling, kitchens & bathrooms, outdoor living, interior design & decorating, furnishings & accessories, green living, shopping & lifestyles or financial & professional services then this show is for you.

We will providing information and materials promoting our plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, bath & kitchen remodeling services and more. This is an excellent show for all homeowners and we would love to get a chance to talk with you about your needs and how we can help you. Stop by booth #446 to meet us and register to win a TOTO Washlet personal care system (the first Washlet seat that combines the convenience of a hands-free flush and cleaning system - $500 value - installation not included).

We will have plenty of goodies to give-away but supplies are limited.

On a separate note, Fall is here so be sure you get your Fall System Maintenance check-up to be sure your system is running efficiently before the cold moves in for the season.

We look forward to meeting you this weekend at the Capital Home Show. For information on the Capital Home Show Click Here.

If you plan to attend the Capital Home Show we are offering you $4 off the price of addmission if you purchase your tickets online. Click the logo below.

What to do after your home floods

Chris Thompson — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:56:00 GMT

When your house floods, the water can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home, damage or destroy personal belongings as well as increased chances of indoor health hazards. Flood waters contain many contaminants and lots of mud. High dollar items can get ruined very quickly, even with just an inch of water. A more severe storm or deeper flood may add damage to even more expensive systems, like: ducts, the heater and air conditioner, roofing, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation.

After a flood, cleaning up is a long and arduous process. Below is a list of common techniques for sanitizing and cleaning flooded items:

First thing: call your insurance agent. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flood damage within a standard policy. Most often you would need to purchase additional flood insurance through your current or alternate carrier. List damages and take photos or videotape as you clean. You'll need complete records for insurance claims, applications for disaster assistance and income tax deductions.

Contaminated mud

Shovel out as much mud as possible, than use a garden sprayer or hose to wash away mud from hard surfaces.
Clean and disinfect every surface. Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. Then disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water or a product that is labeled as a disinfectant to kill germs.

Furniture and household items

Take furniture, rugs, bedding and clothing outside to dry as soon as possible. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to remove moisture and/or open at least two windows to ventilate the area. Use fans to circulate air in the house. If mold and mildew have already developed, brush off the items outdoors to prevent scattering the spores in the house. Vacuum floors, ceilings and walls to remove mildew, then wash with disinfectant. Wear a two-strap protective mask to prevent breathing mold spores.
Mattresses should be thrown away.
Upholstered furniture soaks up contaminants from floodwaters and should be cleaned only by a professional.
Wood veneered furniture is usually not worth the cost and effort of repair.
Solid wood furniture can usually be restored, unless damage is severe.
Toys and stuffed animals may have to be thrown away if they've been contaminated by floodwaters.
Photographs, books and important papers can be frozen and cleaned later. They should be dried carefully and slowly. Wash the mud off and store the articles in plastic bags and put them in a frost-free freezer to protect from mildew and further damage until you have time to thaw and clean them or take them to a professional.

Ceilings and walls

Wallboard acts like a sponge when wet. Remove wallboard, plaster and paneling to at least the flood level. If soaked by contaminated floodwater, it can be a permanent health hazard and should be removed. If most of the wallboard was soaked by clean rainwater, consider cutting a 4- to 12-inch-high section from the bottom and top of walls. This creates a "chimney effect" of air movement for faster drying. A reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade works well, but use only the tip of the blade and watch out for pipes, ductwork and wiring.
Plaster and paneling can often be saved, but air must be circulated in the wall cavities to dry the studs and sills.
The three kinds of insulation must be treated differently. Styrofoam might only need to be hosed off. Fiberglass batts should be thrown out if muddy, but may be reused if dried thoroughly. Loose or blown-in cellulose should be replaced since it holds water for a long time and can lose its antifungal and fire retardant abilities.

Electrical system

The system must be shut off and repaired and inspected by an electrician before it can be turned back on. Wiring must be completely dried out- even behind walls. Switches, convenience outlets, light outlets, entrance panel, and junction boxes that have been under water may be filled with mud.

Heating and cooling systems and ducts

Your Central heating and cooling system will need inspection and cleaning. Flood-soaked insulation should be replaced.

Appliances

Appliances will get stains, odors, silt deposits, and gritty deposits and need to be serviced, cleaned and sanitized. Running equipment before it is properly cleaned could seriously damage it and/or shock you. Professional cleaning is recommended for electronics, TVs and radios, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. The hard exterior can be hand cleaned. All metallic appliances that have been flooded should be properly grounded to prevent electric shock. Mud or dirt in a grounded outlet or adapter may prevent the grounding system from working, and you could be electrocuted.

Pump out the basement

If your basement is full or nearly full of water, pump out just 2 or 3 feet of water each day. If you drain the basement too quickly, the pressure outside the walls will be greater than the pressure inside the walls. That may make the walls and floor crack and collapse.

Carpeting

Clean and dry carpets and rugs as quickly as possible. If sewage-contaminated floodwater covered your carpeting, discard it for health safety reasons. Also discard if the carpet was under water for 24 hours or more. To clean, drape carpets and rugs outdoors and hose them down. Work a disinfecting carpet cleaner into soiled spots with a broom. To discourage mildew and odors, rinse with a solution of 2 tablespoons bleach to 1 gallon water, but don't use this solution on wool or nylon carpets. Dry the carpet and floor thoroughly before replacing the carpet. Padding is nearly impossible to clean so should be replaced. If the carpet can't be removed, dry it as quickly as possible using a wet/dry vacuum and dehumidifier. Use a fan to circulate air above the carpet, and if possible, lift the carpet and ventilate with fans underneath.
Vinyl flooring and floor tile may need to be removed to allow drying of subfloor.

Wood floors

Wooden floors should be dried gradually. Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting. Some restoration companies can accelerate drying time by forcing air through the fluted underside of hardwood floorboards. Remove hardwood floor boards to prevent buckling. Remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Clean and dry wood before attempting repairs.

Roof damage and leaks

Defective flashing- Flashing is the sheet metal used in waterproofing roof valleys, hips and the angle between a chimney and a roof. Wet spots near a chimney or outside wall may mean the leak is caused by defective flashing, narrow flashing or loose mortar joints. Look for corroded, loose or displaced flashing on sloping roof valleys and at junctions of dormers and roof.
Clogged downspouts or eaves- Check for choked downspouts. Accumulated water or snow on the roof above the flashing may cause a leak. Ice accumulations on eaves sometimes form ridges, which cause melting snow to back up under the shingles.
Cracks and deterioration- Roofing (especially wood or composition shingles) usually deteriorates first on southern exposures. Check southern slopes for cracking or deterioration.
Holes- Missing shingles or holes in the roofing may be causing wet spots. To find holes, check for a drip trail or spot of light coming through in the attic. Stick a nail, straw or wire through the hole to mark the spot on the outside.

Private sewage systems

Flooding of a private sewage system can be a hazardous situation for homeowners. It may lead to a back-up of sewage in the home, contaminated drinking water and lack of sanitation until the system is fixed. When flooding or saturated soil conditions persist, a private sewage system cannot function properly. Soil treatment systems for wastewater rely on aerobic (with oxygen) regions to reduce the amounts of chemicals and living organisms (viruses, bacteria and protozoa). When the soil is saturated or flooded, those hazardous materials can enter the groundwater and your drinking water supply.

Did Your Water Heater Survive the Earthquake?

Chris Thompson — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:43:00 GMT

Over the last few days we have been inundated with calls from customers needing to have their water heater serviced or replaced. This is due to the heavy rattling the earthquake provided this past Tuesday, so if you haven't checked it might be a good idea to make sure your water heater is functioning properly.

Make sure there are no obvious leaks from incoming or outgoing piping
Make sure your water heater is sitting level
If your water heater runs on gas make sure the connection is still secure and there are no leaks (smell of gas, etc)

Most assume their water heater is secure during installation, which typical installations certainly make sure it's level and connections are secure but most are not earthquake proof. Severe shaking and rattling, like what occurred during this past earthquake have caused a large number of our customers to have their water heaters damaged.

We have had a crazy week with the Earthquake and subsequent after-shocks and now with Hurricane Irene hot on our tails it looks as though things may get worse.

If you are experiencing any issues with your water heater that you cannot diagnose and troubleshoot on your own contact us and we'll send out a service technician to sort things out for you right away.

Hurricane Irene - Is Your Sump Pump Ready?

Chris Thompson — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Guide to Inspecting Sump Pumps

With Hurrican Irene only days from slamming into the Washington DC Metro area one of the major issues will be intense steady rain, flash flooding and yes, basement flooding.

Sump pumps remove unwanted water, such as surface or ground water that leak into a building. A sump pump is normally installed in a pit at the low end of a basement or crawl space floor or in another location where water needs to be removed such as in a boiler pit or an outdoor well pit.

Sump Pump inspection list

Water or Sump Pump Alarm protection: where a sump pump is relied-upon to keep water out of a building, good practice includes an alarm to inform someone when the pump is not operating. Various systems use a detector which senses water on a building floor near the sump pump.
Water alarms can sound an alarm to building occupants, turn on a light in a window for a neighbor to see, notify a security service, or even place a telephone call to report this condition. We recommend this protection for any building which is left unattended for long periods.
Battery backup sump pump systems: in areas prone to power failures the sump pump may be a battery-backup installation. The batteries are connected to a charging system and are available to operate the pump when area electrical power has been lost.
Turn off the electrical power to the charger and confirm that the pump is running on battery power. Review the specifications for the system to determine whether or not the pump may be able to continue to operate on battery power for the typical length of time that electrical power is lost.
Mechanical security: If a pedestal sump pump is installed, is it secured against tipping over? A tipped pump will jam its float and stop working.
Motor switch & Electric Motor: Does the pump's electric motor turn on in response to the float?
Pump impeller assembly: does the pump actually move water when the motor runs? Impellers can and should be cleaned of dirt, pebbles, and mineral deposits to keep the pump operating efficiently.
Check valve: is a check valve installed on the sump pump discharge line? If not water will run back into the sump pit each time the pump shuts off.
This defect causes extra cycles of pump operation and may reduce pump or switch life; in odd circumstances such as a sump pump discharge line into a stream, it can even back-siphon outdoor water into the sump pit and into the building.
Discharge line security: sump pumps cause a sudden surge in water through the discharge pipe when the pump comes on.
Many sump pump installations use a flexible discharge pipe which is not adequately secured. As a result, each time the pump cycles on and off the flexible discharge pipe jerks and moves across various contact surfaces. We've seen this result in holes worn into the discharge pipe so that each time the sump pump cycled on it sprayed water across the basement.
Trip hazards: Is the sump pit protected against someone tripping or falling into it?
If radon is a problem in the area, is a radon-cover installed over the sump pit?
Sump Pump pit openings: Is the sump well or bucket properly opened to permit ground water to enter the pit directly? Our first home had a basement sump pump installed in a water tight steel bucket the builder had pushed through the basement floor.
Water had to rise under the basement floor, leak into the basement, run across the floor, and then be pumped away. Making holes in that bucket allowed the pump to draw water from below the basement slab. It lowered the water table and stopped water from entering the basement through the foundation walls.
Sump pump water destination: is the pump delivering water to a legal destination and one which will not send water flowing back towards the building? Water should be discharged no less than 20 ft. from the building and to a spot which drains away from the building. We discuss sump pump discharge routing at Sump Pump Discharge
In a bad building water entry situation water runs across the basement/crawl space floor into the sump pit where it is pumped away (after already wetting the building and inviting a mold contamination problem).
This condition pertains when water is entering a building through foundation walls, often because the roof drainage or surface runoff are directed right against the building foundation itself. Keeping gutters and leaders working and correcting outside drainage errors are critical in keeping water out of a building. Doesn't it make more sense to prevent water from coming into a building than to let it in and then pump it out?
In a good situation, openings in the sides and bottom of the sump pit, or an under-floor drainage system direct subsurface water into the sump pit before the ground water level rises enough to send water into the building. Over several years of operation, and partly by pumping a little soil silt as it operates, a sump pump may actually improve the flow of under-floor water into the sump pit, thus reducing building water entry.

Washington DC Earthquake - Gas and water line inspections

Chris Thompson — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:19:00 GMT

With the largest earthquake in 34 years hitting the Mid-Atlantic region there will undoubtedly be home owners with water and gas line damage. It will be very important to check all your connections and locate any possible water and/or gas leaks. With the earthquake registering 5.8 on the Richter Scale there is a very good chance some damage has occurred to your home - in particular water and gas lines.

John C. Flood of VA is open and we are ready to send service technicians to your home to inspect your water main and gas lines. We are also here to help with any Air Conditioning issues that may have arisen from the Earthquake.

We hope you and your family are safe and if you need us we are ready to serve you.

Call us today - VA (703) 914-1800 / DC (202) 333-8229 / MD (301) 779-0300 or online at www.johncflood.com.

For more information on the earthquake visit www.usgs.gov.

Air conditioner condenser thefts - how to protect your system

Chris Thompson — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:51:00 GMT

Skyrocketing prices for metal, especially copper, have turned a minor problem into an epidemic. With the economy in shambles and unemployment rate continually rising air conditioning/air conditioner units are being stolen for their scrap value. No one is immune since air conditioning units are being stolen from residential, commercial and industrial customers. The thefts have been to both ground and roof mounted units.

There are some preventatives measures you can put into place that are made specifically to deter theft. Air conditioning alarms and cages can cost you several hundred dollars, but the investment is worth the money you'll save in replacement costs.

Air conditioning cage

Buy a steel or iron work air conditioning cage that cannot be cut with bolt cutters or sawed through with a miter saw. If you opt for a different material, such as polymer, make sure it can withstand cutting. All cages should contain a UV coating to prevent rusting, fading and cracking.
Determine cage size. Air conditioning cages are made for ground and window units and come in sizes to accommodate both large and small residential and commercial air conditioning units.
Install the air conditioning cage. Assembly requirements will vary, so contact the manufacturer for installation instructions.

Air conditioning alarm

Do your research. Air conditioning alarms feature pressure-sensor technology, which can vary by brand. In some cases, consumers have reported false readings and false signals. Find out the average percentage of false signals for each alarm system in which you are interested. Choose a system designed to prevent false readings and has the data to support such a claim.
Consider the location of the alarm system. A system installed within a home or commercial building lowers the possibility of a thief bridging wires or bypassing the alarm system. Determine where and how wiring is concealed before choosing an alarm system company.
Report all true signals to the police and complete an incident report. Complain if a false signal occurs and get it on record.

There are some additional preventative measures that can be implemented and will depend on the location of your unit and you budget.

Lighting - Installing lighting on the air conditioning unit will deter theft.
Obstruction - Hiding the air conditioning unit behind hostile bushes.
Padlock & Chain - Will slow down theft of entire unit, but will probably not prevent stripping of the unit.
Fence - Fencing in the unit will delay and possibly prevent theft.
Moving A/C Unit - Relocating to a less accessible or visible area.

Digital Programmable Thermostats - eco-friendly & energy efficient

Chris Thompson — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:37:00 GMT

The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills - nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings

A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter - when you are home, asleep, or away.

Programmable thermostats have become hugely popular due to their energy saving benefits, improved comfort, convenience and cost – effective savings. These thermostats save energy and money on utility bills by allowing residents to set home temperatures according to various different factors.

Programmable thermostats supply personal comfort through pre-set temperature levels and are generally more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats.

Programmable thermostats are also a plus for the environmentally conscious because they contain no mercury and are eco-friendly. Using less energy helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.

For homeowners who work outside the home during the day and have a different schedule on the weekend, a programmable thermostat can offer many benefits. On the other hand, if you are home throughout the day, seven days a week, then a programmable thermostat will offer more limited benefits.

The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family's schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjust them as appropriate for your family.
The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don't need as much. Use the programmable thermostat calculator to see what you can save with set-back temperatures that work for your family. The pre-programmed settings for a programmable thermostat are:

Setting	Time	Setpoint Temperature (Heat)	Setpoint Temperature (Cool)
Wake	6:00 a.m.	≤ 70° F	≥ 78° F
Day	8:00 a.m.	Setback at least 8° F	Setup at least 7° F
Evening	6:00 p.m.	≤ 70° F	≥ 78° F
Sleep	10:00 p.m.	Setback at least 8° F	Setup at least 4° F

Programmable thermostats can be set to adjust the temperature of a home according to a user's schedule. The temperature on programmable thermostats can be set to change based on whether or not the home is occupied or whether residents are asleep or awake. For example, in the morning before occupants wake up, the thermostat can be preset for a slightly warmer temperature. As well, the thermostat can be adjusted for both heating and cooling seasons.

Programmable thermostats can automatically store settings and repeat those settings each day. However, they can still be manually set, overriding the programming when desired. A programmable thermostat generally allows more precise temperature management and a wider range of selections, offering a number of programming choices.

Most conveniently, it provides daily programming that allows one schedule to be used each day. Additionally, you can program your thermostat with different settings for the weekend. In fact, most programmable thermostats have a full seven-day programming ability, allowing for a different temperature schedule for every day of the week.

Contact John C. Flood if you are interested in having a digital programmable thermostat installed in your home today. We currently have a special running for a Honeywell Digital Programmable Thermostat for $255 installed.

John C. Flood starts implementing QR Codes

Chris Thompson — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 16:11:00 GMT

John C. Flood of VA Inc has started implementing QR (Quick Response) codes in marketing efforts as well as on their service vehicles. QR codes are starting to pick up steam here in the U.S. for use within advertising and marketing and John C. Flood wanted to be sure we implemented this new tool ahead of the curve.

For those of you who don’t know what a QR code is, it’s a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR readers, Smartphone’s, and, to a less common extent, computers with webcams. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data. Microsoft has joined the QR space by allowing users to create multi-pattern and color codes, which steps away from the black and white traditional version. (see our version in the image above)

Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. The QR code was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.

The technology has seen frequent use in Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea, while the rest of the world has been slower in the adoption of QR codes. In order for you to be able to scan and read a QR code your Smartphone needs to have a reader, which typically does not come as a pre-installed application but you can download free versions through your phone.

We have been servicing the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland areas for over 100 years with air conditioning, heating, plumbing and electrical services. So we have been around a long time, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to keep up with the newest online, web and mobile technologies to reach our current customers as well as new clients.

Heat index for Washington DC area predicted to hit 116 by Friday

Chris Thompson — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:42:00 GMT

The NOAA just released a statement that the heat index prediction for D.C this Friday to reach a stunning 116 degrees! This heat wave is also predicted to last for several days so air conditioning will become not only a comfort, but a necessity. To view the NOAA statement Click Here

Your air conditioner will be put to the test the next fews days and the last thing you want is for it to stop working or not cool your home. Getting your AC inspected now will be a very, very good idea especially for children and the elderly.

Call us now and we can schedule a HVAC technician to come to your home and inspect your AC system and ensure it's working and working efficiently before this sweltering heat wave hits the Metro DC area in the next 48 hours.

You can view several previous John C. Flood blog posts for home cooling tips here:

http://blog.johncflood.com/blogjohncfloodcom/bid/62877/Summer-cooling-tips-will-help-reduce-stress-to-your-Air-Conditioner

http://blog.johncflood.com/blogjohncfloodcom/bid/59351/Your-Air-Conditioner-is-just-one-way-to-help-stay-cool

http://blog.johncflood.com/blogjohncfloodcom/bid/58857/Summer-Air-Conditioner-Maintenance-Filters

We are ready to serve your air conditioning needs when the need is the most, so contact us today. Don't wait until it's too late!!

Call us today or visit John C. Flood

VA (703) 914-1800

DC (202) 333-8229

MD (301) 779-0300

John C. Flood advertising launches ad campaign on mobile only network

Chris Thompson — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:45:00 GMT

John C. Flood of VA Inc. has launched a mobile-only advertising campaign through the xAD Network on July 18, 2011. This program will pass along mobile-friendly ads through the largest portfolio of local mobile directory search, navigation, 411 sites and services.

The xAD network powers over 70% of the free local mobile apps on iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows mobile devices. The network generates over 300M local search and requests per month.

This channel will allow John C. Flood to penetrate the mobile device advertising space and make it easier for Smartphone users to find our services and connect with us for any of their Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical services offered within the Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC areas.

We realize the ever-increasing use of mobile devices by users for researching local vendors and service providers and that mobile-local searchers are further along in their buying process and are ready to buy. 9 out 10 searchers take action as a result of a mobile search with 7 out of 10 contacting the business resulting in more than 50% making a purchase.

So be sure to be on the look-out for John C. Flood advertisements to show up on your local mobile searches.

Summer cooling tips will help reduce stress to your Air Conditioner

Chris Thompson — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:46:00 GMT

With the record-breaking heat canvassing more than half of the United States keeping you and your family cool and comfortable will high on everyone’s list. This will also mean your central air conditioning system will be working hard to keep your home cool. This will be taxing to your system and your wallet, so we are providing some simple tips to help you stay cool.

Use Air Conditioning and Fans Wisely

Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
Use a programmable thermostat with your air conditioner to adjust the setting at night or when no one is home.
Use a fan with your window air conditioner to spread cool air effectively throughout your home without greatly increasing power use.
Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It won’t cool your home any faster, and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
Don’t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioners thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.

Shade your windows - sunny windows make air conditioners work two to three times harder.

Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing window’s.

Following a few or all the tips above will help you stay cool during the summer heat and put less stress on your AC system and your wallet!

Polybutylene “Big Blue” Pipe Replacement

Jake Haislip — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:49:00 GMT

Polybutylene was once thought to be revolutionary within the plumbing industry in the United States. This specific form of plastic was implemented in high volume for plumbing pipes and fixtures from the mid 70’s through the mid 90’s. These plumbing pipe systems were installed in millions of homes before Polybutylene Pipes were discovered to be highly defective.

The problem with Polybutylene pipes can be found in their high rate of failure in standard operating conditions. The deterioration has been linked to chlorine additives added to the water to sanitize, but failures have been reported by customers with private water supplies as well. In North America, it has become unacceptable due to its history of failure over its decades of use. Typically you will see a surge in Polybutyene pipe replacements when the seasons change. The change in temperature causes the “Big Blue” to expand or contract aggravating its weakness.

It’s not a matter of when this style of piping will fail, but rather when. Therefore, it’s important that Polybutylene pipe replacement be done before a break or burst since it usually costs less to repair or replace. Polybutylene pipe was used in many major areas throughout the country, including the Washington DC metropolitan area.

How can I tell if Polybutylene is being used within my home?

Is there blue plastic pipe visible where your water service enters your home?
Is there a gray plastic fitting visible when your water service pipe enters your home?
Polybutylene connectors are barbed with a crimp or compressing ring and it can be made of copper or plastic.

In many cases you may find that Polybutylene is completely hidden under the ground and cannot be seen. What are some other ways I can tell?

Sump Pump is being over-run.
Neighbors have it, or have had it replaced.
Elevated water bill.
Home was built between 1975 and 1995

If a break occurs in the foundation wall, or near it, you could have water damage which could include personal property damage i.e. carpets, furniture, walls, even AC and heating equipment. There is also a risk of mold developing in your walls or under your carpet which can get into your duct system and spread throughout your home causing health risks.

Contact John C. Flood today if you suspect you have Polybutylene piping within your home or we can have someone come out and inspect your home to determine if you have Polybutylene piping.

Benefit of Trenchless Pipe Replacement or repair

Jake Haislip — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:48:00 GMT

“Trenchless Pipe Replacement” can be observed as an unknown term to most people, though it can also be referred to as “pipe breaking” or a “No dig” job. Within using the Trenchless technique, the operation is simple, requiring relatively few steps to complete the process. The trenchless method installs the new pipe by pulling it through the old existing pipe all at the same time, even if the existing pipe seems to be collapsed or severely damaged. This trenchless technology is executed with the use of a powerful pulling machine that is located particularly at the destination point of the pipe.

Trenchless technology consists of a large variety of methods used for installing and improving underground utility systems with a minimal amount of surface damage or disruption. This method pertains to replacing underground pipe-work without digging long, unattractive trenches that disrupt lawns, sidewalks, driveways and just about any other feature located on one’s property that has the misfortune of existing above an underground line.

As you can see, there are several advantages to be realized within the trenchless technology or “trenchless pipe replacement” option.

-Minimal damage done to the concrete and yard around one’s home or property

-90% of one’s ground will be saved from being dug and opened up when using the trenchless pipe replacement technology.

-A major elimination of disruption towards other systems such as water, electrical, and gas lines.

-After installation, damages to the systems are now easily located.

-Increased flow capacity/efficiency.

Your Air Conditioner is just one way to help stay cool

Chris Thompson — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:36:00 GMT

With the first official day of summer less than two weeks away we should all be prepared for the hot and humid days of Summer. The 2011 Farmers’ Almanac has predicted the following:

“As June turns to July, the weather will become hotter in most regions. We expect to see a spell of widespread extreme heat and humidity for the latter days of summer, predominantly during late August. About two-thirds of the country will experience above-normal summer temperatures, with an unusually large region of much above-normal temperatures for the Southern and Eastern States.”

So with that delightful tidbit of information we all should be pro-active in following tips to keep ourselves and our families cool this season. The pre-Summer season for HVAC contractors becomes increasingly busy and once we are into full Summer mode getting immediate help will be considerably more difficult and expensive. The following are 8 tips to help you and your family keep things cool and comfortable going into the Summer season.

If you don't have a programmable thermostat, buy one. The savings tally to nearly $200.00 a year. This way, when you are out of the house, on vacation or sleeping, you can set your 'stat to "Save."

Search your house for leaky ducts. The majority of homes lose about 20% of their cooling energy through leaky ducts.

Seal off any ducts to unconditioned areas, and insulate rooms like the garage, attic or cellar. (Families with larger homes and empty nesters consider not cooling the wing of the house no one ever goes into.)

It may be time for an AC upgrade. Get a qualified professional to inspect your system. Look for models that have the EPA's Energy Star and replace filters at least every three months. We are offering a special for $89 get a full AC system inspection. DON’T WAIT!!

Replace those old-fashioned, round light bulbs. The Energy Star fluorescent light bulbs use two-thirds less energy and generates less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Turn off all appliances and lights when not in use. Coffee makers and toaster ovens don't need to be plugged in all day.

Make sure your fan is spinning clockwise. This will create a wind-chill effect. Turn your ceiling fan off when you exit the room. Fans cool people not rooms.

This sounds simple, but drawing your blinds will significantly reduce the accumulation of heat indoors.

Summer Air Conditioner Maintenance - Filters

Chris Thompson — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:03:00 GMT

An air conditioners filter, coils, and fins require regular maintenance for the unit to function effectively and efficiently throughout its years of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while your energy use steadily increases.

By far one of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform, which will ensure the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner, is to routinely replace, or clean the filter. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and reduce a system's efficiency significantly. With normal air flow obstructed, air that bypasses the filter may carry dirt directly into the evaporator coil and impair the coil's heat-absorbing capacity. Keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioners energy consumption by 5%–15%.

For central air conditioners, filters are generally located somewhere along the return duct's length. Common filter locations are in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioner unit itself. Room air conditioners have a filter mounted in the grill that faces into the room.

Some filters are reusable; others must be replaced. They are available in a variety of types and efficiencies. Clean or replace your air conditioning system's filter (or filters if you have more than one unit) every month or two during the cooling season. Filters may need more frequent attention if the air conditioner is in constant use, is subjected to dusty conditions, or you have fur-bearing pets in the house.

We offer a “do-it-yourself” video which explains how to locate and either clean or replace your air conditioners filter. Click Here to view the video.

The cool benefits of an Attic Fan

Chris Thompson — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:10:00 GMT

As summer progresses, there is an increasing accumulation of heat in the roof, beams, attic, walls and furnishings of the home. While it is true that some lowering of temperature of the home occurs during the night, summer nights are too short to allow for anything like an equalization of temperature.

Attics can reach temperatures of 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit during a summer day, although outside air temperatures are only 95 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling load for a home air conditioner depends on the difference in temperature between the inside and outside air, and reduction of attic temperatures from 155 degrees to 105 degrees Fahrenheit will result in a significant reduction in cooling load. In a home with poor ceiling insulation, heat movement through ceilings may account for 30 percent or more of the total cooling cost. With a well-insulated ceiling, this source of heat may account for only 12 to 15 percent of the total cooling cost. Thus, high attic ventilation rates are most important for poorly insulated ceilings.

Therefore, an attic fan can not only dispel this heat, it can draw gentle breezes throughout the house whenever and wherever the home owner wants them. By the simple touch of a button, cooling breezes are wafted in through the soffit vents, sweeping the heat and stagnant air up through the attic fan and out of the house.

Standby Generator Power

Chris Thompson — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:51:00 GMT

The allocation of a backup (standby) generator power source is a sign you are prepared. This is not just something that old Boy Scout’s carry into their adult age, but what a home owner with a family does to take care of their family.

The reason an alternative power source is needed has been shown with the recent weather changes of the past couple of years. No one is just quite sure what to expect. The storms are getting larger and more powerful. This leads to more destruction and wide spread power outages along with drinking water shortages.

A reliable back up power source for most home owners use gasoline or diesel as the fuel to power the generator. This can be hard wired into your existing system to kick on automatically when the power from the electrical grid is no longer present.

The old way of having to manually start up the backup generator then running extension cords into the home can and still is done today, but can be avoided if preferred.

The most commonly cited reason to have such a backup system is to keep the food in the freezers and refrigerators from spoiling. The secondary reason was to keep the heat on in the winter months. The third is for security reasons then comes lights and the rest of the reasons we like to have a continuous and reliable power supply into our homes.

When considering the installation of a backup power source for your home, the wattage you will need should be determined so the unit you purchase can successfully handle the load. You would not like to underestimate this and end up like Oliver Wendell Douglas of the 1960’s Green Acres show who had to plug in and out the correct appliances to prevent an overload. It was humorous when his generator would blow, but in real life it would add to your list of headaches in a crisis situation.

Some important facts that need to be considered are that the refrigerator runs on average 1200 watts, but requires 3000 watts upon start up. This is common of most appliances around the home and should be taken into consideration when figuring your power needs.

The permanent backup generator power source can be placed outside you home. Its appearance will resemble a large condenser like what the air condition has on the exterior of your home. This allows for the aesthetic appearance not to take away from the beauty of your property while still supplying the power you need when you need it.

How to clean your central air conditioner drain tube

Chris Thompson — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:31:00 GMT

Any home that has a central air conditioner unit installed has a condensate drain line. Air conditioning units produce one natural by-product, Water! The warmer air from your home, meets the colder surface of the evaporator coil and naturally, condensation occurs. The water from your AC unit runs down the sides of the coil and collects inside the condensate pan, eventually reaching the condensate drain and flowing off to the drain method your installer chose during installation. If the drain line becomes clogged, there is no place for the excess water to go. This leaves your home opened to water damage.

There can be a variety of drain set ups depending on the size, set-up and location of your central A/C system, so you will need to locate the drain on your system.

Regular care and maintenance of your air conditioning unit are important to keep it operating properly. A/C drain tubes should be cleaned once a year to keep it free of algae and clogs.

We have produced a do-it-yourself video showing you how to clean you’re A/C drain tube. Click Here to view the video.

A/C Condenser unit Do-it-Yourself Video - John C. Flood

Chris Thompson — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:27:00 GMT

The outdoor condenser coil of your air conditioner performs a tough job in warm weather. It takes the concentrated heat collected from your home and dumps it into the hot outdoor air. To get rid of the collected heat, your outdoor condenser coil has to move a lot of air. If the coil is dirty or if plants or other objects are too close to the conditioner unit, the fan in the outdoor coil can't move as much air as required for good performance and efficiency. This raises your electricity cost for air conditioning and may shorten the life of the outdoor condensing unit.

Around the outdoor condensing unit of the air conditioner, remove plants and other debris from within 3 feet of the unit in all directions. Make sure the air's upward path in leaving the unit is unrestricted for at least 5 feet. If your outdoor unit is installed under a deck or if someone built a trellis or some other structure above it, either move that structure or hire an air-conditioning contractor to move the outdoor unit.

Most condenser coils are loaded with pollen and dust even when you can't see it. The longest a condenser should go without cleaning is 2 years, depending on how much it operates during the summer. If your cooling season is 4 months or more, annual cleaning is an excellent idea.

We offer a “do-it-yourself” video which explains how to clean your condenser unit. Click Here to view the video.