Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Hiring Guide When Looking for a Plumber

March 25th, 2013

While it may not be difficult to find a plumber in Lansdale, PA, finding a good one can be challenging. After all, your particular home needs are different from the next homeowner, and you want someone who’s fair, reliable, and does exceptional work. You shouldn’t have to settle for anything less. In this post, we’d like to draw on our experience as a team of comprehensive plumbing specialists to give you some tips on choosing a local plumber. When you need a plumber in Lansdale, PA, call Carney Plumbing Heating Cooling today!

Here are some things to consider when hiring a plumber:

Reputation. In this trade, plumbers and homeowners alike rely on reputation. For plumbers, a good reputation is a seal of public approval for plumbing excellence. For homeowners, a plumber’s good reputation is a barometer of quality and trustworthiness. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if your plumber is in good standing.
Reliability. No matter what size your job is—to fix a leak under the kitchen sink or a comprehensive repiping—you need to be able to depend on your plumber to show up at the right time and to perform the work efficiently.
Quality. Quality is a difficult thing to measure, but you’ll know it when you see it. Most homeowners are adept at detecting when a tradesman has cut a few corners. Find a plumber whose reputation precedes him, so that when you hire him, you know you’ll receive exceptional work.
Courtesy. When you invite a plumber into your home, you need him to be courteous and professional. But you also want him to think of your home as an important place, whose cleanliness you take seriously. Find a plumber who is going to keep your home clean while he works, whether by wearing clean booties, or by using a drop cloth.
Value. A good plumber will give you exceptional quality at great value. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and why the work was performed.

We hope this brief hiring guide helps you find the right plumber for your needs. If you’re looking for a plumber in Lansdale, PA, look no further than Carney Plumbing Heating Cooling for exceptional service at great value. Call us today!

Why Replace Your Heating System in the Spring

March 18th, 2013

While most homeowners are considering cleaning out the garage or arranging their patio furniture when spring comes around, many are quick to forget about their heating system. That’s too bad, because the off-season is an opportune time for replacing your heating system, without incurring any unpleasant downtime without heating. There is a host of heating options on the market today, and if your heating system is over 10 years old, or requires frequent repairs, it’s probably an ideal time to invest in the future of the home, rather than its past. When you’re ready to replace your Blue Bell, PA heating system, count on Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for exceptional heating installation. Call us today!

Here are some things to consider for heating replacement this spring:

Energy-efficiency. Technological advances have made the heating efficiency of heaters over 10 years old obsolete. Today’s gas furnaces can reach AFUE ratings of up to 97%. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency measures the amount of heating output against the energy input. This means less waste and increased energy savings. Often, upgrading to a new system will pay for itself in a few years, depending on your heating needs.
Prevent heating downtime. If your heater is on its last legs and you’re weighing your options, consider this: do you really want to keep paying to keep that old furnace alive, when you could save money in the long-term by investing in a new heater? Moreover, delaying the inevitable may catch up to you during the coldest months. Spring is a great time to upgrade because you can avoid heating downtime when you really need it.
Switch to natural gas. Not only can upgrading save you energy and hassle, making the switch to natural gas from oil also has its benefits. Natural gas is eco-friendly, highly efficient, and available without the associated costs of foreign importation. Gas is known to burn cleaner than oil, with less energy going to waste.

As you tidy up your attic or perform various spring cleaning duties, think about upgrading that old heater in the basement. Doing so can help you save money. For heater replacement in Blue Bell, PA, call Carney Plumbing Heating Cooling today!

What is a Hybrid Heating System?

March 11th, 2013

A hybrid heating system combines a gas furnace with an electric heat pump. It provides excellent comfort year round, and tends to be most energy-efficient during moderate heating conditions. While conventional heating solutions opt for one or the other, a hybrid heating system seeks to find a balance between comfort and efficiency, and passes the savings on to you. For more information about hybrid heating in Maple Glen, PA, get in touch with Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We offer an extensive selection of hybrid heating systems, and we have a team of highly experienced and certified technicians ready to help you install it.

As you probably know, a gas furnace works by drawing energy from natural gas and converting it to hot air to be distributed throughout your home by ducts. A heat pump does not heat air, so much as move heat indoors or outdoors, depending upon the season. It works similarly to an air conditioner, although it does not tend to cool as effectively as a stand-alone air conditioner. That said, an air conditioner only cools, while a heat pump can work throughout the year.

The purpose of the hybrid heating system is to react automatically to changing outside temperatures, and to adjust to the most energy-efficient heating method accordingly. The beauty of this system is in its versatility. On those extremely cold days, your system senses the necessary adjustment and fires up your gas furnace to provide extra heat. On moderate days, your heat pump moves the heat inside the home by the circulation of a refrigerant.

The great thing about this system is that a heat pump also provides cooling in the summer. As a comprehensive system, your hybrid heating system can actually work for you all year long, which means energy and cost savings throughout the year. Not only that, but putting your heat pump to work on moderate days, you are also reducing the amount of fossil fuels used, which make the hybrid heating system far more eco-friendly than conventional furnace-based systems.

For more information about hybrid heating systems in Maple Glen, PA, or to schedule a consultation, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!

How Are Geothermal Systems Installed?

March 4th, 2013

Geothermal systems are becoming more and more popular. Not only are they versatile—capable of both heating and cooling your home—but they also use far less energy than conventional systems. The installation process of geothermal systems is often misunderstood. We want to clear up any confusion our customers have so we put together a short description of how they’re installed. For fast and reliable geothermal installation in Ambler, PA, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.

There are a variety of different types of geothermal heat pumps, including closed loop, open loop, ground source, water source and others. All of these systems are different, but they all share the major geothermal components: the loop, geothermal heat pump unit, and ductwork. The most important consideration of every homeowner thinking of a geothermal unit in their home is professional installation. Only a qualified geothermal expert will be able to ensure that your system is installed correctly.

So, how are geothermal systems installed? Knowing the installation process can be a valuable asset during the installation process. Here are a few steps:

Planning. This stage involves a comprehensive evaluation of your home and the surrounding area in order to ensure your geothermal heat pump matches your heating and cooling needs. We can’t stress enough the importance of planning the installation. There are many factors to consider: from the windows, insulation, and ceiling height to the home’s layout and its orientation on the land.
Excavation and Loop Installation. Depending on the size and layout of your property, there are two basic options for the excavation and loop installation process: deep, vertical holes that go more than 100 feet into the ground, or a relatively shallow horizontal bed of piping. The loop itself is made out of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)that is thermal-fused for strong connections.
Unit. The heat pump itself typically resides in the basement, just like a furnace or air conditioner unit. The refrigerant or water mixture that circulates through the pipes are branched together and run from the heat pump out into the loop.

Geothermal installations in Ambler, PA require quality workmanship, which is why many homeowners rely on Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We perform exceptional work and deliver superior customer service. Call us today!

Plumbing Guide: Water Heater Noises and What They Mean

February 25th, 2013

Does your water heater rumble or produce a popping noise? What does that mean? While water heaters are constructed to last long, water heater noises may be an indication that your water heater needs professional service. To learn more about water heater noises and how they affect the hot water in your Langhorne, PA home, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.

If it sounds as though your water heater is boiling water, it probably is. When sediment collects at the bottom of a tanked water heater, it can cause overheating. The sediment varies greatly, but can contain lime, water scale, silicates, sulfates, aluminates, or silt and sand. This is a common problem and may require periodic system flushing to clear out the build-up. Homeowners should also consult with their local water heater professionals to see if installing a sediment filter would help to prevent a large amount of build-up.

If you have hard water, merely flushing the system may not work. Because the minerals responsible for hard water—calcium and magnesium—often bind to the insides of the water heater, they cannot be flushed as easily. Because minerals in the water tend to precipitate at the hottest parts of the system, the bottom of your tank water heater is their preferred location. Regular deliming of your system by manual scraping or by a de-liming agent can greatly reduce the chance of permanent water heater damage, and it will also greatly improve the energy-efficiency of your water heater. If you have an electric water heater, lime scale can build upon the electrodes themselves.

Not only will the regular cleaning of your system reduce any irritating noises, the results will benefit your entire water heating system. Your water heater costs will generally be lower than with a system full of scale, and you’ll be extending the life of your water heater. If left alone, you may find you don’t have enough hot water on some days, or that you have dramatically slowed the heat-up rate.

If your water heater requires frequent repair, or if it is very old, consider replacing it with a new model. Not only are today’s water heaters more efficient, but they also tend to last longer. Schedule a consultation with your local water heater technician to learn more about your options in Langhorne, PA. Call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.

Why Schedule Water Heater Maintenance?

February 18th, 2013

If your water heater is no longer operating like it once did, or if you have any other concerns about its performance, you may want to think about scheduling a routine water heater maintenance visit. Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive and affordable maintenance that help Bucks County homeowners to upkeep their existing water heaters, as well as other components of their heating and cooling systems. Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today for more information.

The main reason why you should consider scheduling a water heater maintenance is because it can save you money. A nominal upfront cost today not only gives you peace of mind for the entire year, it also gives the expert technicians at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling an opportunity to prevent major problems in your water heater before they start. Whether you have a tanked or tankless water heater, our team will inspect and perform any necessary repairs.

If your water heater is old, has rust on its exterior, leaks, or if your water is no longer hot enough, there can be a variety of problems with your system. Scheduling maintenance helps make your water heater more efficient by having a technician inspect your equipment, and carry out any repairs that are needed, from sealing leaks to replacing parts. Indeed, if you feel that your water heater is too old and repairs are becoming too costly, the professional water heater team at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling will be able to give you reliable and honest advice on the best way to proceed. We can determine your water heating needs, as well as offer some tips for how to improve your home’s water efficiency. As one of the leading water heating experts in Bucks County, Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling is committed to helping you extend the life of your water heater. It’s as simple as giving us a call.

Thinking of Switching from Oil to Gas? We Can Help Update Your Heating System

February 11th, 2013

If you’re thinking about switching from an oil-fired heating system to a gas-fired one in Lansdale, PA, there are many considerations that you need to think about. There are many benefits to switching from oil to gas and you should always consult the services of a professional heating contractor. If you have any questions about the conversion process, the technicians at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the benefits of switching from oil to gas.

The Oil to Gas Conversion Process

With an oil-fired heating system, there is a tank on your property that need to be filed on a regular basis. Part of the conversion process is that this tank will need to be dug up and filled in. In some cases, your utility company may provide financial incentives by offering to pay for the removal of your tank. Check with your local utility company.

The next step in the process is to dig a trench from the street to your home to bury the new gas line. This is another long process that can be fairly expensive. However, if you have other gas-fired appliances in your home then you may not need to dig such a trench.

After that, you’ll need to buy a new furnace or boiler that burns natural gas. Furnaces are generally less expensive than boilers. Then the gas line from the street will be connected to the new appliance in your home.

Once the process is complete you’ll have comfortable, inexpensive heating in your home without the need to constantly re-fill your oil tank.

If you’re interested in converting your home from oil to gas in Lansdale, PA, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We have experienced and highly trained technicians who can walk you through the process and make it as convenient as possible. Call us today!

Geothermal Guide: Geothermal Environmental Benefits

February 4th, 2013

Whatever your reasoning for wanting to heat and cool your home more efficiently, Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can help. We know that rising fuel costs can make keeping your home comfortable throughout the year a burden on your budget. We also understand that many homeowners are concerned with the environmental impact that doing so has. Whether you are looking to lower your carbon footprint or simply scale back your energy bills, a geothermal heating and cooling system installation in New Hope, PA can help. Contact us today to learn more about the many benefits you can enjoy with a geothermal installation.

While traditional heating and air conditioning systems must consume a fuel in order to create the energy needed to heat and cool your home, a geothermal heating and cooling system does not. Geothermal systems utilize a heat pump in order to keep you comfortable throughout your year. Their great efficiency levels are a result of the heat transfer process that they employ.

Rather than burning fuel to condition air, heat pumps and geothermal systems transfer existing heat into or out of your home. This process requires just a small amount of electricity to heat and cool your home. By transferring heat into your home in the winter and back out in the summer you can keep comfortable in a more environmentally friendly way.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are often even more efficient than other heat pump options, such as air-source heat pumps. Whereas these heat pumps draw energy from the air around them, geothermal systems take it from beneath the ground or under water on your property. The temperature at these depths is much more constant than in the air, meaning that even less energy is required to make use of it. Save money and make your home a little greener with a geothermal installation in New Hope, PA.

There are many factors that will affect the success of your geothermal heating and cooling system. Make sure that you call the geothermal experts at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to handle your service. We can help you scale back your energy costs while making your New Hope, PA home more efficient and eco-friendly than ever before. Contact us today for more information.

Plumber’s Tip: Types of Water Treatment Systems

January 28th, 2013

Are you considering a water treatment system for your Quakertown, PA area home? At Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we offer water softeners, acid neutralizers, ultraviolet (UV) lights, and water testing and analysis to help you get the cleanest possible water for your home. If you are not sure which type of water treatment system is right for your home, call one of our water treatment experts to review the different types of systems with you.

Before we can help you decide which water treatment system is best for your home, we will need to test your water to see what contaminants are affecting your water system. With a whole-home water filtration system, you get more purification than installing a faucet filter or with a filtered water pitcher. Whole home systems also protect your pipes from being damaged by minerals in homes with hard water. Whole-house systems are designed to provide your entire home with clean water, and they require basic maintenance that is easy to do.

Acid neutralizers are also called chemical feed pumps, and like water softeners, they use salts and minerals to remove contaminants that may be in your water system, such as arsenic or sulfur. Acid neutralizers are quite safe and can be a cost-effective way to improve the quality of your water.

While you may have heard of using UV germicidal lights for your HVAC system, they can also be used to treat water. Poor water quality can lead to illness, and UV lights kill harmful microorganisms that cause certain illnesses.

We put your safety and comfort first at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. That’s why we offer water testing, water analysis, and a variety of water treatment systems for your Quakertown, PA area home. Call today to set up a consultation.

The Importance of Sump Pump Maintenance

January 21st, 2013

You work hard to keep your home safe and working well. That’s why many homeowners have decided to put in a sump pump in their basements. Sumps pumps are a great way to make sure that your property is safe in the event of a flood or a burst pipe. One of the nice things about sump pumps is that they are a pretty robust piece of equipment. However, like all things, they do require regular maintenance and check-ups. At Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, we provide complete sump pump maintenance and installation as well as sump pump repairs in Lansdale. We want our customers to be comfortable in their homes and to know that their property is safe. Check out some of the benefits to getting your sump pump regularly maintained in Lansdale.

Common Sump Pump Problems

Stuck float – One of the most common reasons why your sump pump might not turn on.
No power – Unless you have a water-powered sump pump, yours probably runs on electricity. If you lose power, if the wires get corroded or if the plug gets accidentally unplugged, your home will become vulnerable to flooding.
No water in sump pit – This is usually associated with bad sump pump installation.
Sump pump won’t turn off – This can sometimes be from a stuck float, but it could also be that your sump pump is just overworked. This can be because the check valve is letting water from the discharge pipe get back down into the pit. It could also be that your sump pump pit is too low or that your home is on an area with a high water table or a natural spring.

Benefits of Sump Pump Maintenance

Here are some of the major benefits to getting regular maintenance for your sump pump.

Reliability – Because your sump pump is designed to work during emergency situations, you absolutely need to know that it will work when you need it to. Regular sump pump maintenance in Lansdale is a great way to make sure that it will come on and do its job when you need it.
Efficiency – When your sump pump does come on, you want it to work as efficiently as possible. You need to know that it will have the ability to successfully evacuate the water in your basement. Without regular maintenance, your sump pump may become worn out. While it may turn on, it might not be working well enough to do the job it needs to do. With regular inspections and tests, your plumbing technician will be able to tell if it is up to the job.
Extended life – Often, we see that small problems that were left unattended ended up destroying one of our customer’s sump pumps. When you have your sump pump regularly inspected, you can make sure that those small issues get resolved quickly.

If you’re interested in sump pump maintenance in Lansdale, just call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing fast and reliable sump pump maintenance throughout the Lansdale area for many years.