Among landscaping’s hidden benefits are:

• Lower heating and cooling costs. With home heating and cooling costs totaling almost 50 percent of the average home’s energy dollars, learning how to use your landscaping most effectively can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs. Plant deciduous trees — those that lose their leaves in fall — on the south side of your home. In summer, they can block up to 90 percent of the sun’s heat from your home. In winter, they allow the sun’s warmth to filter through the bare branches and reach your home.
• Noise buffers. Landscaping is beneficial as an evergreen screen that blocks sound waves between your home and a source of noise so that you have more peaceful enjoyment of your yard. Be sure to plant evergreen trees and shrubs, because deciduous plants allow sound waves to pass through unobstructed when the plants lose their leaves in fall.
• Efficient water use. Native plants are already adapted to a region’s climate and soil, and they typically require less water than non-native species. Plants identified as drought-tolerant require even less water. If you apply a layer of mulch around plants, it helps to slow evaporation, which means even more water savings.

Use your home’s landscaping as an valuable component of a comprehensive energy-efficient strategy. When used in tandem with a home energy assessment to reveal areas of energy loss, your monthly utility bills can show significant savings.

In New Jersey, the professional team at Pipe Works Services, Inc. stands ready to answer all your questions about how your landscape design plus a home energy audit can work together to lower your utility bills. Please call us with any questions you have.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about landscaping and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Install a programmable thermostat. This a relatively inexpensive investment that can increase the comfort level throughout your home, and lower your energy consumption by five to eight percent. They can range from basic, single-program models to advanced WiFi versions that you can program remotely from almost any location.

• Boost your attic insulation. Increasing the amount of insulation on the floor of your attic to R-49, as recommended for homes in New Jersey, can reduce energy losses and help keep the temperature in your living spaces more consistent.

• Eliminate air leaks. Gaps and cracks around your windows, exterior doors, and wherever plumbing pipes, vents, and wiring extrude through your home’s shell allow your conditioned air to escape. To combat this, seal up the leaks with caulking, weatherstripping and expandable foam sealant.

• Keep your HVAC filter clean. During the heating and cooling seasons, change or replace it once a month to ensure you’re getting the maximum amount of airflow from your HVAC vents.

• Seal and insulate your ductwork. Leaks in your ductwork can cause the loss of up to 30 percent of the air your HVAC system pumps out, before it has a chance to reach the rooms in your home. To address this, make sure that all joints are connected properly, seal them with mastic or metal-backed tape, and then wrap the ducting in insulation.

• Have your HVAC system assessed. A professional can identify contributing issues such as an improperly sized system, or airflow imbalances in your ductwork. Your technician may also recommend upgrading to a variable speed blower that can continuously adjust your HVAC system’s airflow to maximize both comfort and efficiency.

If your home’s temperature isn’t consistent throughout, contact us at Pipe Works Services, Inc. We’ve made the comfort of northern New Jersey homeowners our top priority since 2000.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about home temperature and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Contaminated air is produced from many sources, including:

1.  Gases

• Carbon monoxide. Produced during combustion, you cannot detect the colorless and odorless presence of dangerous carbon monoxide gas without CO detectors installed in your home.
• Radon. Occurring naturally in soil, radon gas can permeate cracks in your home and dissipate into your inside air. Radon is not something to dismiss, as it’s the second highest cause of lung cancer.

2.  Vapors

• Solvents, paint and glue. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are vapors released from many household sources, even your printer. An indoor air quality test will let you know where these harmful vapors are coming from.
• Rodent urine and droppings. One of the dirty consequences of the presence of rodents in your home, basement or crawl space is the “deposits” they make. Urine and fecal matter release vapors, which can make you sick when you breathe them in.

3.  Fungi and Bacteria

• Mold and mildew. High humidity levels in your home contribute to mold and mildew growth. Your A/C and a dehumidifier working in tandem can correct this problem.
• Cold and flu germs. At an optimal humidity level of 30 to 50 percent, cold and flu germs are kept to a minimum.

4.  Particulates

• Pollen. Replacing air filters or upgrading your filtration system can go a long way toward relieving breathing problems associated with pollen.
• Pet dander. Although Fido and Fluffy are valued members of your household, their dander can exacerbate allergic reactions.

The professionals at Pipe Works Services, Inc. can perform an indoor air quality test for your New Jersey home to address these and other contaminants. Call us today to schedule your test so we can help increase your family’s comfort.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about indoor air quality tests and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Blowers are not self contained, they are run by using a motor that is attached to the blower proper by a drive belt on a pulley. Without the motor, the blower cannot work.

In older times, one of the primary means of maintaining a blower would mean oiling both the motor and blower bearings by dripping oil into oil ports. These oil ports would be located on the front and back of both the motor and blower directly above the axles.

Except in commercial settings, modern blowers and motors have self-sealed bearings that cannot be oiled, so maintenance is far simpler than it was way back when, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t maintenance issues to do every season. Here are a few tips.

• Make sure that there is power to the blower. If not, check the circuit breaker. Check the on/off switch that controls the furnace function and make sure the door to the furnace is in place, or the unit will not run.
• Check the electronic thermostat. Switch the thermostat to the “On” setting, and if the furnace does not come on, change the battery.
• Make sure that the vents are open and unblocked, and keep the furnace filters changed and clean.
• If the motor runs but there is no air movement, turn off the furnace and check to see if the belt is intact. A worn or broken blower belt must be replaced for proper blower operation.

Knowing how a blower works and using these simple maintenance tips, may be the difference between a chilly night without heat or a warm and comfortable well heated home.

If you would like more advice about furnace blower operation and maintenance, please contact Pipe Works Services Inc.Located in Chatham, NJ, serving the Morris, Union, Somerset and Essex counties for more than a dozen years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace blowers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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What are Tankless Heaters

Instead of the giant storage tank for hot water, a tankless heater is a small unit that heats up water as you need it. They are installed right on the water line near one of the main taps in your home.

When you turn on the hot water tap, they instantly start heating water flowing by using either natural gas or electricity as fuel. Both are both popular. There are more options for fuel, but you will have to consult with an HVAC professional to find the most practical fit for your home.

Benefits of Going Tankless

Here are some of the main benefits you will get from installing tankless water heaters.

1. Fast water. Instead of having to come up from your storage tank, the water is heated very close to the point-of-use. This means that within seconds you will have hot water.
2. Lifespan. Most tankless units last much longer than the storage tank alternatives, sometimes up to 10 years.
3. Unlimited. As long as you have fuel available to burn, your heater can keep supplying you with hot water for as long as you need.
4. Savings. Because there is no water sitting around that has to continuously be kept warm, you don’t waste any heat. Most tankless heater owners experience a smaller energy bill after switching.
5. Small. These heaters are very small so that they can be installed on your water line. They typically fit in small places under counters or in closets.

One of the most important things to consider before purchasing a tankless heater is the water demands and size of your home. If your home is very large you may need more than one heater, which will cost a lot more upfront. To consult with a professional about tankless heating and your New Jersey home, please contact Pipe Works Services, Inc.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about tankless water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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So needless to say, putting your water softener on a scheduled maintenance plan (similar to all your other appliances, including heating and air conditioning units) makes good sense. That’s because, when it isn’t in working order, it has the ability to cause all sorts of problems (and usually expensive ones) with your plumbing and appliances. Traditional models use salt to help soften the water; although that is still a popular option, some newer units don’t require adding salt on a regular basis.

Signs that you need to check your water softener are:

• Soap with a diminished lather.
• Increased staining (usually orange) on your sink and bathtub.
• Drinking water will have a “mineral” taste.
• If you notice anything “different” about the tap water in your home.

Things to check on your water softener unit:

• Check that the salt level is constantly maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Look inside the brine tank in the unit for buildup that reduces water flow.
• Confirm there are no issues with the electrical connection; check the fuse box or circuit breaker for a blown fuse or tripped circuit.
• If there are any other electrical or mechanical issues with the unit, call a reputable service provider.

For more expert advice about your plumbing, heating and air conditioning along with all other issues related to home comfort, please contact Pipe Works Services, Inc. We’ve been serving the Morris, Union, Somerset and Essex Counties and surrounding areas in New Jersey since 2000.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about water softener and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Removal of Airborne Particles

It’s scary to think that you’re very likely breathing in dangerous pollutants inside the safety of your own home, but if your air isn’t being treated, then it’s absolutely true. These particles include germs, viruses, bacteria, mold spores, mildew, and other harmful organic elements. Luckily for us, these pollutants have no natural defense against ultraviolet radiation, which is emitted by germicidal lights. When exposed to this radiation, they are immediately eliminated from your air.

Installation and Maintenance

These are two important elements that you must follow if you want the germicidal lights to be effective. It’s important to note that installation should be completed by a trained HVAC professional to ensure the lights’ effectiveness. The first choice you have is to install the lights in a location where the air passing through your home’s ductwork will be treated. This acts as a great line of defense and will remove the majority of airborne particles from your air. If you go this route, you’ll want to replace the lights once per year.

The other choice is to install the lights in an area near your HVAC system’s indoor coils and condensate pan where mold and mildew build-up occurs. This constant bombardment of ultraviolet radiation will prevent the build-up of these dangerous particles and will keep your system running more efficiently, in addition to prolonging its life span. If installation is done in this location, you can wait to change out the bulbs once every two years. Just make sure you don’t wait any longer than that.

For more expert advice on the use of germicidal lights to clean your air, or any other home comfort concerns, please contact the professionals at Pipe Works Services, Inc. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Northern New Jersey since 2000.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about germicidal lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Water damage can ruin valuables

Over time, water can cause permanent damage to valuables. If you store precious items in the basement or a crawl space and a pipe leaks, your items may be lost. Check pipes around your home regularly and repair any leaks you see immediately.

Cold showers

The hot water heater might be one of the most taken for granted appliances in your home. When it starts to leak, it’s a sign that the hot water heater’s last days are quickly approaching. Depending on the size of the leak, you may wake up one morning to an unwelcome cold shower.

Wasteful

Ask the folks in California, suffering through a drought, how precious water is. By neglecting a plumbing leak, you are, in essence, wasting water. Even if the New Jersey reservoirs are at capacity, you’re having to pay for that extra water. Fix the leak and save the water costs.

Prevent freezing

If the water can get out, cold air can get in. Even if you’ve taken the step to insulate your outdoor pipes, a water leak will negate your efforts. Leaks can soak the insulation making it more likely your pipes will freeze. Homeowners knows that frozen pipes are bad news. Fix the small leak now or the burst pipes later.

Mold/mildew

Slow plumbing leaks often go unnoticed. The longer they’re present, the longer mold and mildew have to grow and infest your home. In addition to affecting your property resale possibilities, such contaminants can negatively impact your family’s health. Check for rust or water droplets on the pipes in your home to prevent such an invasion.

For a plumbing problem that is beyond the scope of your abilities, call us Pipe Works Services  for professional assistance. We’re here to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about plumbing leaks and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Maybe you’d admit to not being much of a plumber? Try our suggestions for restroom relief.

Determine the Damage

Just like clogged drains, a major crack in either bowl or tank can mean expensive water damage to surrounding areas, while external surface crazing to the glaze may be no more than cosmetic. Any crack that’s more than 1/16 of an inch wide indicates you should replace the damaged component, as do internal hairline cracks.

Cosmetic Damage

Shallow hairline cracks on the outside of both tank and bowl can be repaired using waterproof, silicone plumbing epoxy to seal them. Follow this procedure:

• Turn off the water to the installation.
• Flush to drain the toilet.
• Dry every part of the toilet using towels and then an electric hair dryer to remove all traces of moisture.
• Inspect the cracks to confirm none have traveled entirely through the porcelain (if it’s visible on both sides, replace the component).
• If not, follow the epoxy manufacturer’s usage instructions.

Flushed with Success

Wait out the maximum cure time advised on the epoxy packaging, then carefully check around the repair for other hairline cracks or fractures that may have appeared. If some have, this also indicates it’s time for a new component. If not, turn the water supply back on then fill and flush the toilet several times, checking for leaks. If all is sound, you’ve averted a household emergency.

A cracked toilet installation isn’t something you need to caulk up to experience. You can get on with your daily life without missing a beat by contacting Pipe Works Services, Inc. Serving all of Essex, Morris and Union counties, we’ll make sure you always keep your sense of toilet humor.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about cracked toilets and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Possible Clogging Problems

The first thing you’ll want to do is identify the specific problem, if possible. There are times when you may not realize exactly what’s wrong and will need to call on the help of a professional HVAC technician. In the meantime, keep these possibilities in mind:

• Partial clog – If the flue vent condensate line or collector box has become partially clogged, there is a good chance that the inducer fan will trip your unit’s pressure switch, causing your furnace to stop working.
• Debris – Unfortunately, debris can be somewhat common and will stop the pressure switch from operating normally. This is also the case with frozen condensate and improper draining.
• Accumulation of condensate – Once detected by the furnace’s pressure switch, this accumulation will stop the furnace from operating until the problem has been repaired.
• Excessive water – Although this isn’t always the case, you may experience a large amount of water spilling out of the drain hole once you disconnect the line.
• Intermittent issues – You might not experience a complete shutdown of your furnace in the event of a clogged condensate drain. Instead, the furnace may start and stop operation on an intermittent basis.

How to Fix the Problem

Regardless of what has caused the condensate drain to become clogged, it’s definitely something that you need to tend to right away. If not, there’s a good chance that your furnace will become non-operational. The best way to ensure that the drain is cleaned properly and thoroughly is to call on the help of a professional.

For more expert advice on a clogged condensate drain, or for any home comfort concerns, please contact the friendly professionals at Pipe Works Services, Inc. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Northern New Jersey since 2000.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, New Jersey and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about clogged condensate drains and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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