Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Benefits of Natural Gas over Oil for Heating

November 4th, 2013

Natural gas is one of the most popular options for home heating today. It has surpassed oil, which was once at the same level of popularity. Oil heating still exists in homes today; you might have oil powering your boiler or furnace right now. However, oil has declined in popularity for a number of good reasons. We’ll go over the main benefits you’ll get if you change from oil to natural gas in your house.

Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling specializes in converting homes from oil to natural gas. Although this can be a large task, if you put it in the hands of professionals with years of experience, you should have few problems making the switch. You’ll have better heating in Hatfield, PA with a proper oil-to-natural gas conversion.

Why natural gas is superior to oil

It’s domestically produced. The U.S. gets the majority of its oil from overseas, while natural gas is primarily a domestic product. If you’re concerned about reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, then natural gas is a good way to go.
It’s more convenient. As natural gas becomes the more popular option, it also becomes easier to obtain. Oil and propane must be delivered to your home, but natural gas comes to you through pipes. This means you don’t have to worry about forgetting to schedule delivery of oil and finding out too late that you don’t have sufficient fuel for your heating system.
It’s more efficient. Oil is more wasteful when it burns, since it doesn’t burn as completely as natural gas. You get more energy from natural gas than from an equal amount of oil, and that means savings on your energy bills. To give you a specific example, in 2011 the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the average U.S. homeowner paid $732 to heat their homes with gas during the winter, while homeowners using oil paid $2,535!
It can get you a rebate. Some utility companies, to encourage the switch from oil to gas, offer rebates to residents who decide to make the conversion. These rebates can range up to $400, still more savings to go along with a more efficient fuel source.

If you still use oil to heat your home, we hope we’ve given you something to think about. Making the conversion won’t have to be a headache if you hire experts who have done the job many times before. Contact Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to make your Hatfield, PA heating the best it can be with an oil-to-natural gas conversion.

What Causes a Toilet to Run?

October 28th, 2013

A constantly running toilet is one of the most frequent plumbing problems we encounter in our work. People often ask us what causes a toilet to run and what they can do about it. There isn’t one simple answer to this question; a number of issues can occur in the tank of your toilet that will make it continually run water after it has last been used.

There are two things about a running toilet that you should know upfront: First, don’t panic—a running toilet is rarely a cause for flooding in your home. Second, you need to get it taken care of as soon as possible because of the enormous waste of water it causes. A running toilet can use 2 gallons of water a minute, so imagine the amount of water that will go to waste if it stays running for a few hours.

A plumber will then go down a list of the reasons for that nonstop running. The plumber will lift off the lid from the tank (very carefully, because lids are expensive to replace should they break) and point out the various places where the trouble might lie:

The flapper: This seal on the bottom of the tank can become loose from age deterioration. Since it’s supposed to stop water from flowing out of the tank, it will need to be replaced to create a watertight seal.
The chain: The chain to the flapper can be tangled or too tight, in which case the flapper won’t be able to close.
The ballcock: This valve device, usually near the handle on the tank, controls the flow of water. When the float (see below) rises high enough, the ballcock will shut off the flow. A malfunctioning ballcock won’t prevent the water from continuing to run.
The float: This balloon-like object rests on the top of the water, and when it rises high enough, it will cause the ballcock to close off the flow. If the float breaks, it can’t measure the water level.

Hopefully, this advice will help you get to the bottom of what’s happened. If you find yourself confused or worried about your running toilet, don’t hesitate to contact a Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling professional. Our plumbers can fix most running toilet problems in a short time, so you won’t have money going down the drain.

We’re available with same-day service when you need plumbing assistance. Feel free to ask one of Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling’s plumbers in Blue Bell, PA anything: we wouldn’t offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee if we weren’t confident in our answers!

Causes of Uneven Heating

October 21st, 2013

The heating trouble people worry about the most is that their heaters will stop generating the same amount of warmth that they used to. However, a problem people consider less—and which ends up confounding them more—is when the heater appears to be operating normally, the heat amount seems unchanged, but some rooms are much colder than others.

There are a few reasons that you might be suffering from uneven heating. Our technicians at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling have seen this often, and here are the most common reasons for why it occurs. Contact us for more help with heating in Doylestown, PA if you need it.

Trouble with vents

Let’s start with a simple explanation: blocked vents. If you use a forced air system like a furnace that blows air from vents, the problem might be with the vents themselves. Check to see that they are open in the rooms where the temperature feels lower. Furniture might have been moved to block the vents, or other objects may have been placed in their way.

A poorly sized heater

Now we’ll switch to a complex explanation: the heater is the wrong size for your home. This can be a problem if you had a poor installation service or if you added onto your house after your heating system was installed. A heater which is too small for the requirements of your home will not be able to reach all the rooms and warm them. A heater that’s too large will shut off before it can finish its cycle, and that can also lead to unheated rooms. An improperly sized heater will either need to be replaced or supplemented to keep your home comfortable.

Inferior home insulation

Is your home properly winterized? Because if you have poor insulation, all the heat your system can pour out won’t mean much: the heat will escape through the walls and windows, around the cracks of doors, and through the attic. Uneven heating is a warning sign that this is happening, since the poorly insulated rooms will feel much colder. Have new insulation put in or have the older insulation patched with work from a professional.

Uneven heating can be a simple fix—or a major project. Whichever way it goes, you can trust the trained staff at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to get to the bottom of the problem and offer a way to fix it. We’ve helped with heating Doylestown, PA for over 30 years, and we’d love you to join our family of satisfied clients.

Plumber Tip: Why Your Toilet Keeps Running

October 18th, 2013

You know the scenario: you’re sitting peacefully in a room of your house, reading a book, watching television, or sorting laundry… and then you realize the sound of the toilet running has been going on for a while. Much longer than it should considering when it was last used. That can’t be right. But what’s causing it? And is it an emergency?

Fortunately, a toilet that keeps running isn’t normally a sign to panic. Often, it’s a small glitch that’s easy to take care of. And if it’s something you can’t fix on your own, it’s usually an issue that a professional plumber can repair fast and without much difficulty. But you should get a run-on-toilet taken care of as soon as you can, because even if the malfunction isn’t threatening your plumbing or on the verge of causing flooding, it is wasting water—using up to 2 gallons a minute! If you’re looking for a Lansdale, PA plumber to handle a problem like this, contact Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling right away—and get the proper repair done right away!

When you notice the problem start, remove the lid of the toilet tank and watch the internal mechanisms at work when you pull the handle. (Please, please be careful with the lid—replacements can be expensive, far more than any of the interior components.) This should help you identify where the problem lies. The flush valve might be sticky. Perhaps the tankball is damaged and incorrectly gauging the level of the water. The ballcock might not be closing properly. The chain to the flapper could be too tight. If you’re familiar with the basic operations inside a toilet tank, you should be able to see if anything is working incorrectly.

Sometimes you can do a quick adjustment by hand (don’t worry, the water in the tank is clean) to fix a misplaced chain. However, if you’re not sure what to do, don’t fiddle around in there too much and risk causing a problem that might lead to overflow. A professional plumber can diagnose the trouble in only moments and will know what parts will need replacement or repair.

Because a running toilet can rapidly cause your water bills to mount—imagine wasting a 120 gallons in just an hour!—getting a plumber to analyze and fix the trouble with a few replacement parts is a worthwhile investment. Don’t just let the toilet continue to run and think it’s no big deal. Get a Lansdale, PA plumber on the job. Contact us at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling: same day service, satisfaction guaranteed!

Plumber’s Guide: Common Shower Problems

October 14th, 2013

Your daily shower is a routine you can’t miss. If you’ve got trouble with the plumbing in your shower, whether in the drain, showerhead, or faucet, you need to get it repaired as soon as possible. In this post, we’ll share with you some of the most common shower problems that plumbers deal with. This will help you prevent some of these issues and recognize how best to get them fixed.

If you find your shower suffering from any of these problems, then all you need to do is contact Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling and we’ll solve it for you.

Hair and soap scum clogs: By far the most frequent trouble people encounter with showers are drains that are slow or completely clogged. The main cause of this is a collection of hair and soap scum in the p-trap (the u-shaped curved pipe below the drain). Sometimes a plunger can clear the drain, but be cautious about trying to use liquid cleaner or a drain snake to fix the problem, since both can cause damage to the pipes. An obstinate shower clog will need a professional plumber. But you can help prevent these clogs with a drain cover that will prevent excess hair from getting down into the p-trap.
Reduced water flow: If the water from the showerhead isn’t coming out at the pressure you expect, there may be a problem with the faucet. The best fix for this is to get a high-flow faucet installed: ask a plumber about having this done. However, the problem may be in the pipes, such as silt and dirt that has gotten in through a break. Only a trained plumber has the tools and knowledge to remedy this.
Faucet leaks: Like any faucet, the one in your shower can start to develop problems like leaks. If you experience extensive leaking from the shower faucet, it may need new rings, seals, or gaskets. Unless you are trained to take apart and repair a faucet, don’t attempt to do this on your own because of the risk of causing further damage.

We know that shower problems can be extremely frustrating; getting professional assistance as soon as possible will ease your mind. At Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we back the work we do—whether on a shower or any other part of the plumbing in your home—with a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today when you need a plumber in Doylestown, PA.

Heating Guide: HVAC Systems to Consider

October 7th, 2013

Fall is the right time to install a heating system, either as a replacement or for a new home. It comes between the crunch times for HVAC technicians during the summer and winter, and the Pennsylvania weather is pleasant enough that you can get through a few days without a heater to keep you cozy.

But even though you’ve picked the right time for installation, have you thought much about picking the right heating system? You’re probably interested in getting the same system you had previously because you’re familiar with it but it may be time for a change. If you consider some of the systems available today, you may discover a new option that will give you superior heating power and greater energy efficiency.

If you need help selecting the right system for heating your Blue Bell, PA home, call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling. We’ve done heating installations since 1976, and we can guide you to the best choice—and install it as well.

Here are a few heating system possibilities:

Furnaces: This is one of the most common options for home heating, and you probably grew up with one. Furnaces can use gas, propane, or electricity to power them, but they all distribute heat the same way: forced air through ducts and vents. If you already have ductwork in your home, furnaces are not difficult to install. The newer models also have high AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings, and are much more efficient than older furnace types.
Boilers: Boilers send hot water around your home which then radiates heat from baseboards, pipes, or radiators. Boilers provide even and efficient heating, and they operate with little noise. Since they don’t use forced air, they pose no danger to air quality.
Heat pumps: This unit combines a heater and an air conditioner into one. A heat pump functions in the same fashion as an air conditioner, moving heat from one place to another. During the winter, the system moves heat from outdoors and puts it indoors; during hot weather, the process reverses. Heat pumps can have trouble with extreme temperature lows, however.

We hope you’ll contact experts to help you make your heating choice. Professionals can also give you invaluable assistance getting the right size of system to effectively warm your home using a heat load calculation. Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling will take you through all the necessary steps, from picking a heater to installing and maintaining it, so that you get the best from your Blue Bell, PA heating system for years to come. Contact us today!

Can Heating Maintenance Save Me Money?

September 30th, 2013

In Pennsylvania towns like Hatfield, heating maintenance is an absolute necessity. A warm and comfortable home becomes more than just a luxury when winter falls; it keeps your family safe and healthy. With that comfort, however, comes the question of cost. Repairs are inevitable in even the sturdiest units, but you can defer or even eliminate those costs with a reliable and steady maintenance program. Can heating maintenance save you money? Almost assuredly yes.

In the first place, maintenance helps improve your unit’s efficiency. A proper cleaning, along with tightening of loose bolts and replacing of minor components such as fittings and washers will eliminate leaks and other drains on your system. As a consequence, your heating unit won’t have to work as hard to do its job, and the saved energy will result in a lower monthly heating bill. Multiply that by the life of your furnace, and the savings could amount to quite a bit.

Even more importantly, heating maintenance helps identify potential problems when they’re still small and easily manageable. Noting a single worn part and replacing it in a timely fashion could prevent a larger component from failing completely, costing you time and worry in addition to more money. Even worse, such a breakdown can take place just when you need the furnace the most, forcing you to deal with a cold house while you wait for the repairmen to arrive.

Sooner or later, everything wears out, and your furnace will need to be replaced someday. But with regular maintenance you can postpone that day for quite some time, ensuring that your furnace functions at peak capacity and lasts well past its warranty date. In Hatfield, heating maintenance and repair falls under the purveyance of Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We know how heating maintenance can save you money, and will work with you to set up a plan that fits your needs. When the time comes for maintenance, we conduct our operations with professionalism and care. Contact us today to set up an appointment. We’ll show you the best ways to save money this heating season and help you make the most out of your furnace.

Warning Signs of a Problem with your Heating System

September 23rd, 2013

During a Pennsylvania winter, the last thing you want to happen is to have your heating system suddenly die on you. Getting repairs done can be difficult during a season when many HVAC specialists have a backlog of emergency calls. It’s a smart idea to watch out for signs that your heating system is developing problems long before they cause a complete shutdown.

This list addresses some common signs that you may need repairs done as soon as possible. If you live in Hatfield, PA, heating service with Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will provide you with reliable repairs to make sure none of these warning signs evolve into something far worse.

Uneven heating: No matter what kind of heating system you have—boiler, furnace or heat pump—you should already have a good idea how effectively it spreads warmth throughout your home. If you notice cold spots, check to see that vents are open and there are no leaks around windows or outside doors. If the uneven heating continues, it could indicate a problem with your system. A professional can diagnose what might be causing this and help you find a solution.
Strange noises: The boiler starts to rumble. The heat pump makes a grinding noise. The furnace begins to rattle. All HVAC systems make some level of noise while they operate, but if you start hearing unusual sounds, it could be a red flag that something is seriously amiss. Some simple maintenance, such as changing the filter on a furnace, might fix the problem. But if you’re not sure what to do, don’t try to troubleshoot the issue yourself. Bring in a trained technician to find out if the noise is a threat to your whole heating system.
Increased energy bills: If you see an unexpected rise in your energy costs, it may mean that your heating system is working inefficiently. It might still provide you the level of heat that you want, but it is working much harder to do the job. An overworked heater is in danger of wearing out and breaking down.

At Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we recommend that you get a maintenance inspection during the less busy fall season before any of serious damages can develop. Prevention is the best defense. But if you suspect that your heater might be edging toward a breakdown, contact our technicians right away to schedule a visit. For Hatfield heating needs, trust the high-quality services of Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

Tips for Heating Your Home Efficiently

September 16th, 2013

As the calendar changes and summer moves into the past, people begin to think about how their energy bills will change with the season. Winters in Pennsylvania can be very beautiful, but also very harsh. You can expect that your heating system will put in a lot work for you during the months that follow. You want to get the most efficient heating in Blue Bell, PA as possible so you don’t see any unpleasant spikes in your power bills.

Efficient heating means finding ways to make your system do the least amount of work possible during the cold months. Here are some tips:

Use a programmable thermostat: Modern thermostats come with the handy ability to automate temperature changes. You can set the thermostat to lower the temperature at night, and then raise it before you get up in the morning. If you’re gone during the day, the thermostat can turn the heat down, and then raise it to a comfortable level an hour before you return home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider getting one professionally installed.
Seal leaks around windows and doors: You can use the flame from a small candle to discover where cold air is creeping into your home. Try to get these fixed before the temperature drops further, since your heating system will need to fight against these frigid invaders in order to keep the temperature at the level you want.
Schedule preventive maintenance: Don’t take for granted that your heater is just fine because you haven’t used it all summer. A professional maintenance check from an HVAC expert will determine if your heater is working at top efficiency, and can also identify any repairs you may need to make to get the most from it.

Although there are many things you can do around the house to prepare for the cold weather, when it comes to your actual heating system you should turn the job over to a professional. Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers full service on heating in Blue Bell, PA and throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties. With our 30 years of experience, we are the people to call for your winter heating needs.

Air Conditioning Guide: Signs of an Overloaded Compressor

September 9th, 2013

You may have heard mention of the “compressor” in your air conditioning, but what does it actually do? In simple terms, the compressor is the “engine” of your AC. It compresses the refrigerant that comes from the indoor evaporator coils before it travels to the condenser coils, making the refrigerant both hot and highly pressurized. This is an essential part of the cooling cycle.

If your compressor overloads, it can cause serious trouble for your system. In this post, we’ll run through a few of the signs that your compressor is working too hard and possibly heading for a burn out. For Lansdale, PA air conditioning service, trust Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling for expert knowledge:

Noisy operation: You turn on your AC, and instead of the whir of soothing white noise you expect, you hear a strange buzzing or clanking sound. Although a number of components in your unit can cause unusual sounds if they aren’t working properly, these specific sounds often point to the compressor.
Increased electrical bills: You probably know what to expect on your energy bills during a season—so if you notice an unexplained uptick in what you’re paying for electricity during the month, it may mean that the compressor is draining too much power to do its job. The compressor requires the most energy of any part in your AC to run. Getting the compressor repaired can not only prevent failure, but also save you money.
Circuit breaks and blown fuses: A compressor that is working too hard can cause a power surge that may trip a circuit breaker. This will happen soon after the compressor starts operating, so if you experience trouble with circuit breaker or blown fuses not long after you switch on your AC, the compressor is the likely culprit.

It is a smart idea to call in an HVAC technician to deal with an overworked compressor. Trying do-it-yourself tactics can not only damage your AC, but pose the danger of electrical shock. A professional can safely perform the diagnosis and help determine if your compressor needs repairs or replacement. When you need this work done, call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling’s Lansdale air conditioning experts—we’ll give you the service satisfaction you need to keep you cool.