Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Top Ten Reasons to Love Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems

November 3rd, 2010

Here at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been installing geothermal systems for more than a year now. Our entire team is really enthusiastic about them. Our customers rave about the savings and comfort that they get when they upgrade to a geothermal heating and cooling system, and we’re excited to bring this leading-edge technology to the residential consumer.

Geothermal requires an upfront investment, but it’s worth it! Here’s why we love it:

70% of the energy used by a geothermal system is renewable (using the earth’s own heat). The rest comes from electric power. A geothermal system makes a huge difference in your carbon footprint.
You’ll never buy foreign oil again. In fact, you’ll never buy oil again, period. One of our first geothermal customers had been burning 5-6 tanks of oil a year (1400-1600 gallons). After installing an all-electric geothermal system, not only did he have no more oil bills, but his overall electric bill was reduced too.
Like to buy local? You can’t get more local than geothermal – 70% of your heating and cooling energy comes from right underneath your feet.
You will increase your home’s safety by not storing fossil fuel on the premises.
You’ll be much less affected by volatility in fuel prices. Remember the high oil prices of a couple of years ago? Consumers in southeastern Pennsylvania may soon see a similar increase when local utilities are deregulated in January 2011 – anywhere from 10% to 40%. With a geothermal system, you’ll feel spikes in energy prices much less.
You can get rid of your old, high-maintenance oil-burning heater and replace it with new, long-lasting geothermal equipment that is designed to last for 20 years.
All of our geothermal customers report that they are now more comfortable in their homes.
Geothermal systems are ultra quiet. They’re installed inside (generally in a basement) so there are no noisy outdoor units.
Federal tax credits for conventional heating systems will run out at the end of 2010, but tax credits for geothermal systems will last until 2016. Also, local utilities frequently offer rebates on geothermal systems.
Carney’s offering a $300 discount on all geothermal heat pump systems!

Our own Kevin Carney was recently interviewed on ACHR. Check out the audio podcast to hear more about his experiences with geothermal systems and his commitment to quality geothermal installations:

Halloween Treat – $100 Off a New Sump Pump With Battery Backup

October 28th, 2010

What’s scarier than a cold and stormy Halloween night?

A cold and stormy Halloween night when the power cuts out and the water starts to rise in your basement!

Fortunately, we’ve got just the right solution – at a real treat of a price.

A sump pump keeps your basement dry when a storm comes through your neighborhood!

If your basement regularly gets damp or flooded, eventually it’s going to start looking and smelling like one of those musty old basements in a cheap horror movie. Sump pumps are a great way to protect your home and maximize its usable area.

A battery backup system makes sure that your sump pump works when you need it most – during and after major storms. Battery backup doesn’t add much to the cost of a sump pump – and the peace of mind it gives you is priceless!

Get $100 off a new sump pump with battery backup!

P.S. Happy Halloween, everyone. Have fun and stay safe!

It’s Easy to Prevent Burst Pipes This Winter

October 20th, 2010

Burst pipes are expensive, destructive, and…preventable.

Most people know that they need to winterize the plumbing in a camp or vacation home to keep it from freezing over the winter and bursting the pipes. But you also need to winterize the plumbing in your primary residence, even if you’re going to stay there all winter.

A burst pipe - what you want to avoid this winter

Burst pipes - easier to avoid than you think!

This is really one of those situations where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – and the prevention is easy.

The right pro-active maintenance will keep your home’s pipes warm and cozy all winter, so that you and your possessions stay comfortable and DRY!

Here’s how you do it:

1. Insulate exposed pipes

Check to see if you have exposed piping in un-insulated spaces such as a crawlspace, attic, outside walls, etc.

If you have exposed piping, you should insulate the pipes. The materials are inexpensive and the task doesn’t require a high level of DIY skill. However, it does require patience and care to ensure that pipes are completely covered.

There are a number of different options for insulating pipes. You can wrap regular fiberglass attic insulation around pipes, but an easier alternative is the foam or fiberglass tubing (also called “tubular sleeve insulation”) that is made specifically for pipes. You should look for insulation with an R-4 rating (most standard 5/8 foam tubes have this rating).

Whatever insulation you use, make sure you begin by removing any dirt or grease from the pipes with a rag and mild cleanser. Allow the pipes to dry thoroughly before wrapping them with insulation. Make sure you cover the pipe completely, taking extra care at corners wherever two sleeves or pieces of insulation meet. Wrap these areas with duct tape to seal them completely.

(Always use duct tape to secure the insulation to your pipes. Other forms of tape, like masking or electrical, will stretch or break over time. You’ll lose the integrity of your seal, and eventually you’ll have to tape the pipes all over again.)

If you have pipes that have frozen in past winters, or pipes in spaces that will fall below zero, you may wish to consider using heating tape. It is a plastic strip with heating elements embedded in it that can be wrapped around pipes and plugged in. Heating tape is easy to install and can be purchased in most hardware stores. While it is effective, it can be expensive to operate and so should only be used when regular insulation is not enough.

Note: When you’re looking for exposed pipes to insulate, focus on pipes where the water comes in, not pipes where the water drains. Drain pipes – except for the traps beneath sinks, tubs, and showers – generally do not hold enough water to cause damage if frozen.

2. Caulk outside pipes

Caulk around pipes where they enter your house from the outside. There are lots of different types of caulk, so check with your plumber or local hardware store to find out which type will be best for your home.

3. Shut off and drain exterior faucets (or insulate them)

First, go down to your basement and locate the shut-off valve for each exterior faucet. Turn the valve so that the water supply is shut off. Then, go outside and turn the faucet on, so that any remaining water drains out of the faucet. (You can leave the faucet in the on position all winter.)

Not all faucets have a separate shut-off valve in the basement. Check with your plumber if you’re unsure.

If you can’t shut off and drain your exterior faucets, you should insulate them. The easiest, most attractive, and most effective way to insulate them is with molded foam insulating covers. These are available at most hardware stores.

And…don’t forget to drain your hoses and bring them inside for the winter! You should also drain and shut down your sprinkler system (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).

Easy Do’s and Don’ts for Winterizing Your Heating and Cooling System

October 13th, 2010

Like it or not, winter’s coming! And we guarantee you’ll enjoy winter a whole lot more (or at least hate it a whole lot less) if your heating system is working optimally.

Getting your heating system ready for winter will make the winter cozy and fun!

Furnace maintenance is actually very easy – much easier than dealing with a major repair. These simple “to-dos” take about half an hour to complete, and are well worth your time. You’ll save money, avoid annoying and expensive breakdowns, and help keep your family safe and comfortable all winter long.

And, our list of “don’ts” will help you avoid mistakes that can cause equipment breakdowns and endanger your loved ones.

(As a bonus, these do’s and don’ts will help your air conditioning system survive the winter in great shape so that it’s ready to go when summer returns!)

DO…Call for your annual service ASAP, if you haven’t yet.
DO…Remove flammable items that may have been stored next to the furnace over the summer (weed whackers, lawn movers, gas cans, etc).
DO…Change/clean your air filter regularly, especially during heavy use seasons (winter and summer). You should replace disposable fiberglass filters, and wash electrostatic or electronic filters, at least every three months, and more often if they look dirty. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool (a waste of energy). A clean filter will keep dirt and dust out of your system, increasing its longevity and reducing the need for expensive repairs.
DO…Check your thermostat programming to make sure it reflects your family’s current schedule. This will help you reduce energy costs.
DO…Check your chimney to make sure there are no cracks or loose bricks.
DO…Remove window AC units, and cover outside AC units to minimize damage from winter weather and debris (you can buy a cover at your local hardware store).
DO…Install a carbon monoxide detector next to your sleeping area.

DON’T…Try to service your heating system on your own. Leave it to qualified professionals!
DON’T…Wait for the first cold night to turn on your furnace for the first time. Test your heater for a few minutes while it’s still warm out (like in early September), to make sure that it’s working well on the first cold day. Also, if it’s warm, you can comfortably open the windows to disperse that “first time” smell.
DON’T…Try to turn on the heat while the thermostat is still set in AC mode. Just setting the dial above room temperature won’t activate the heat if the system is still in AC mode.
DON’T…Cover outside AC units with plastic. Plastic traps moisture and can lead to rust and deterioration. Instead, use a cover specifically designed for outdoor AC units.
DON’T…Assume that because you have a carbon monoxide detector, you don’t need to schedule a furnace inspection. A carbon monoxide detector should be a second line of defense, not a substitute for annual service.
DON’T…turn off the heat when it’s cold out, even if you are leaving your house for several days. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees so that your house stays warm enough to keep your pipes from freezing.

Why You Should Get a Fall Tune-Up
…Even If You’d Rather Not Think About It

October 8th, 2010

A Carney furnace tune-up will give you peace of mind!

Let’s be honest here. Unless you’re an HVAC contractor, you’re probably not particularly interested in your heating system. And that may lead you to skimp on routine maintenance.

But…if you really want to think about your heating system as little as possible, then routine maintenance is exactly what you need.

Limited time offer: Gas Furnace or Heat Pump Tune-Up – only $99!!

According to a study conducted by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, 9 out of 10 HVAC system failures are caused by dirt and dust. That means that if you hire a professional to clean and service your furnace, and you change your furnace’s air filter once a month, you are 90% less likely to have a breakdown this year!

This, of course, is terrific news for your budget. Not only will you save by minimizing the possibility of a major repair, you’ll also increase your heater’s efficiency, which means lower energy bills this winter.

And that means more money for that new car, the kids’ college tuition, or (just maybe) your dream vacation.

But even better than that, routine maintenance leads to peace of mind. You’ll have less hassle, less worry, and a lot more time relaxing cozily in your house, doing whatever you want to do, while your heater minds its own business in your basement.

So, now that you’re persuaded…what routine maintenance do you need?

You should get an annual tune-up/inspection every year. A good furnace tune-up will include:

Checking the thermostat to ensure that the settings are comfortable and energy-efficient
Checking all electrical connections, motors, and controls
Testing the pilot light and the ignition
Lubricating the blower bearings and blower motor as recommended by the manufacturer
Cleaning dust from the blower compartment
Inspecting gas or oil connections, gas pressure, and burner combustion
Inspecting the heat exchanger to make sure it’s not leaking carbon monoxide
Checking the pilot light if the furnace has one
Testing air flow
Checking vents, drafts, and flues
Checking for gas leaks
Checking the safety components, such as limit controls and pilot safety; and
Inspecting the condensate drain (if the system includes central air)

Then, there are a few simple things you should do yourself.

Make sure nothing flammable has been stored next to the furnace over the summer (weed whackers, lawn movers, gas cans, etc).
Give the outside of your furnace a good dusting (also, dust the areas near it).
Test your heater for a few minutes while it’s still warm out (like in early September), to make sure that it’s working well on the first cold day. Also, you can comfortably open the windows to disperse that unpleasant “first time” smell.
Make sure that your thermostat is set in the heating mode when heating season starts. Just setting the dial above room temperature won’t activate the heat if the system is still in AC mode.
Change/clean your air filter regularly, especially during heavy use seasons (winter and summer). You should replace disposable fiberglass filters, and wash electrostatic or electronic filters, at least every three months, and more often if they look dirty. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool (a waste of energy). A clean filter will keep dirt and dust out of your system, increasing its longevity and reducing the need for expensive repairs.
Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector near your bedroom, and test it monthly. (Tip: do this whenever you change your air filter. And replace the batteries each year when you test your heater.) Please note that a CO detector should be a second line of defense, not a substitute for an annual furnace inspection.

Everything on the list above should take you about half an hour a year, in total. That’s a pretty minimal amount of time in exchange for months and months of worry-free operation!

PS. Everyone is suddenly interested in their heating system if it’s the first cold night and their furnace doesn’t work. This is not the time to schedule a tune-up. Do it now and beat the rush!

Call Carney at 215-346-7160 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Pennsylvania Home Heating Rebates!

August 20th, 2010

Effective August 2, 2010 – the second phase of the Pennsylvania Home Heating Rebate Program has enhanced the monetary rebates provided by the Commonwealth to homeowners who replace their current, less efficient home heating systems and water heaters with new high efficiency, energy saving models! The new ceiling for natural gas, propane gas and oil heating systems is now $1,000 (a $500 increase over the previous amount)! Additionally, the Commonwealth has increased the rebate for Energy Star Qualified water heaters to $250 for tank style water heaters and $300 for tankless water heaters!

Families across Pennsylvania are taking advantage of the PA Home Heating Rebate Program.

Details on qualifying models, updates on the programs and other information can be found at the Pennsylvania Home Heating Rebate Qualifying Products Page.

Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling continues to install dozens of tankless water heaters and home heating systems that qualify for these rebates and the Federal Tax Credit (up to $1,500) every week! These two rebates alone save homeowners $2,500 towards the replacement of their older, less efficient heaters.

BUT ACT NOW! As of August 20th, the funding for this program was nearly 1/3 exhausted, additionally – the Federal Tax Credit is scheduled to expire on December 31st and there are no current plans to extend it. Call Carney today at 215.346.7160.

Carney PHC Featured in Intelligencer

July 27th, 2010

Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling was recently profiled in The Intelligencer as part of their “Going Green” series that appears each Monday in the print version of the paper as well as on line.

Kevin Carney with a geothermal heat pump days before it was installed in Bucks County.

The article highlights several of the Federal, State and Utility rebate and credit programs that financially aid homeowners who choose to install “green” energy saving appliances. In this case Carney was contacted to provide insight on how these rebates have effected the decisions that homeowners are making when replacing heating and air conditioning systems.

A photo of the owner of Carney PHC, Kevin J. Carney, was taken standing next to a geothermal heat pump that was installed in a Bucks County home days after the photo was taken. This homeowner will enjoy a reduction in their income taxes that will equal 30% of the cost to replace an aging oil heating system with an ultra-efficient geothermal heat pump system that will reduce heating, cooling and hot water costs up to 70%!

Call Lisa at 215.346.7160 to schedule a free consultation regarding geothermal heat pump systems.

Air Conditioner Rebates

July 10th, 2010

From July 12th through July 31st, Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will be offering an exclusive and instant rebate on air conditioning systems – up to $1,000!.
These rebates are very simple – Carney will deduct up to $1,000 on new air conditioning systems until July 31st. These Carney rebates can be combined with the PECO Rebates, the PP&L Rebates and the Federal Tax Credit. They can even be combined with the Carney Coupon for Energy Star rated Heating & Air Conditioning Systems (mention this blog post for combo with the coupon). These systems are also eligible for 12 months interest free financing!

Modern Air Conditioners reduce energy consumption up to 25%.

In total, select systems combine for up to $3,350 in rebates and credits from Carney, PECO or PP&L and the Federal government’s tax credit program!
Best of all – these systems brand new, state of the art high efficiency systems designed to also save you money on your heating and cooling costs for years to come – in most cases, up to 25%! They also come with a full 10 year parts and labor warranty.

Call Lisa today at 215.346.7160 to schedule a free estimate that will save up to $3,350 on a new energy saving heating & air conditioning system.

PECO Tax Credits?

June 25th, 2010

Over the past few months, we’ve had a lot of homeowners calling and emailing, inquiring about “PECO Tax Credits”.
PECO is not offering Tax Credits for air conditioners or heaters.

PECO air conditioner rebates and PECO heater rebates are available right now for customers who replace their air conditioning and heating system with higher efficiency models – up to $600! These PECO air conditioning and heating rebates can be combined with the Federal Tax Credit that homeowners can apply towards 30% of the cost of the installation (up to $1,500) of a new high efficiency air conditioning and heating system.

The difference between the two programs is that PECO sends homeowners a direct rebate check following the installation of qualifying air conditioning and heating systems while the Federal Tax Credit for air conditioning and heating systems is applied to a homeowner’s Federal Tax returns – we always advise consultation with your tax preparer.

One thing that each of these programs have in common is that they are available for a limited time.
The Federal Tax Credit is set to expire at the end of 2010, and the PECO heating rebate is currently on schedule to exhaust funding sometime in September as we posted here earlier this month. PECO has also reported the same regarding the limited opportunity for heater rebates.

Additionally, each of these programs are providing homeowners with an unprecedented opportunity to receive significant financial assistance towards the replacement of air conditioning and heating systems. We have installed thousands of air conditioning and heating systems that qualify for PECO rebates in addition to the Federal Tax Credit, and we continue to advise consumers to take advantage of this opportunity – as this appears to be coming to a close within the next few months.

Call Lisa today at 215.346.7160 to schedule a free consultation to take advantage of these programs while they last.

Air Conditioner Repair Tiips and Suggestions

June 16th, 2010

Three Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling employees work together to save 4 year old’s birthday party in Lansdale PA!

In the past few weeks, we’ve performed several hundred air conditioning repairs in Lansdale, North Wales, Doylestown, Ambler, Warrington and Chalfont. The following is a note that we received from a new customer in who needed an air conditioner repair in Lansdale, PA:

Dear Mr. Carney,

I just wanted to take a moment to write to you and share a recent experience with your company. Two weeks ago, our air conditioner stopped working a couple of hours before we were about to have over 50 people over for my 4 year old daughter’s birthday party!

Air conditioners in Bucks and Montgomery Counties are working hard this time of year!

I tried calling several air conditioning repair companies in the Lansdale area and no one was able to help, most didn’t even answer their phones. It was hotter inside my house than outside so I went outside to make phone calls to every company I could find in the phone book when I noticed one of your trucks and yard signs at my neighbor’s house a few doors down.

I walked over to get the phone number and as I approached the sign, one of your men was walking to his truck. I explained my situation to him and asked him if he could come over when he was done and look at our air conditioner. He explained that he worked on air conditioner replacements and that he did not have repair parts on his truck, but he offered to take a minute to call your office and see if you could help. When he hung up, he told me to call your office and ask for Lisa and that she would “make it happen”! I was so relieved! I called your office and asked for Lisa. As promised, she was expecting my call and assured me that she would get a repair man to my home as soon as she could.

About an hour later, your air conditioning service man, Jim arrived at our home – at this point, I was really worried and almost in a panic. He assured me that he would do everything he could to get it working and asked me a few questions about when it stopped working and if I had noticed any patterns or noises from the system before it broke. After that he went to work, back and forth from the basement to the outside unit. About 45 minutes later, he got it working again and we had cold air coming from the vents! It took a little while for the house to get cool again, but everyone was comfortable and the birthday party was a big hit!
Thank you so much for having such great people in your company, everyone that I talked to was so friendly and accommodating and they did everything they could to help.
We know that we need to get a new air conditioner soon, and we’ll definitely be calling Carney to replace it – my neighbors are so happy with the new one you just installed in their home.

Thank you again and please pass along my thanks to Lisa, Jim and the replacement technician that made the phone call for me in the first place – they were all great!

-Michelle S, Lansdale, PA