 |
|
Helpful Tips |
12 Money Saving Tips from Joe Hardy of
Hardy Plumbing, Heating & Air
Conditioning:
Tip #1 All homeowners should have
their heating and hot water systems
inspected by a professional once a year.
Tip #2 If your boiler or furnace
is over 20 years old, you should
consider replacing it. Thanks to new
technology, there are systems available
that operate at 96% efficiency. Most
systems 20 years or older are operating
at as low as 50% efficiency. According
to Money Magazine, replacing your old,
inefficient system can save you more
money than any other home improvement
project and will pay for itself within 3
to 5 years.
Tip #3 Your boiler, furnace and
hot water heater, whether gas or oil
fired, should be cleaned and serviced
every fall by a qualified service
company. You can improve the efficiency
of your system by nearly 15%
Tip #4 All heating and air
conditioning filters should be replaced
or serviced twice a year. Clogged
filters can reduce your heating
efficiency up to 35% when left unchanged
for long periods of time.
Tip #5 If applicable, always have
the antifreeze and corrosive inhibitor
tested in your boiler system once a
year. Most hydronic fan coil systems
require antifreeze due to the blower
units installed in unheated attic
spaces. This is a simple process that
can avoid catastrophic damage to your
home if left unchecked.
Tip #6 Service your humidifier
once a year to prevent shrinkage of
decorative moldings, health issues and
overall dryness in your home.
Tip #7 If you have hot water
heating, consider installing a dedicated
line connected to your boiler system
below the main valve. This allows you to
turn off the water supply to your home
while you are away and keeps the
hydronic heating system pressurized.
This installation can prevent
considerable water damage to your home
should you have a freeze-up
Tip #8 If your gas, oil or
electric glass-lined hot water heater is
over 12 years old, it should be
inspected. Tank failures in these older
heaters can cause considerable damage to
your home.
Tip #9 Always disconnect you
garden hoses by November 15th. Drain
your outside showers as well. Most homes
now have frost-free hose bibs installed.
However, leaving a hose connected to the
bib when temperatures fall below
freezing will cause a flood in your
basement that will result in a lot of
damage to your home.
Tip #10 Inspect your washing
machine hoses. Older machines have
rubber hoses that "dry rot" and leak.
Many homes are destroyed by a bad
laundry hose. They must be replaced with
stainless steel braided hoses to keep
your home safe from water damage.
Tip #11 If your home has a well
system, you should have the well tank
serviced on an annual basis and it
should be charged with air. Many times
the well tank becomes water logged and
causes the submersible pump to cycle and
burn out. One simple service call can
save you nearly $4,000.00 in expense
later if the pump fails due to cycling.
Tip #12 Every homeowner with a
well system should have their water
tested for iron, hardness and pH. Low pH
is extremely corrosive to your entire
plumbing system. If your water is "blue
staining" your fixtures or discoloring
your hair, you need to have your water
tested. |
|
|
|
