When To Replace the Furnace

How Often Should Homeowners Replace Their Furnace

A faulty furnace may not be noticeable in the early fall months, but efficient indoor heating is crucial by December. Because a broken furnace can still provide warm air, homeowners may not know when to replace it. A few signs can help detect problematic heating in the winter.

Frequent Repairs

The average lifespan of a furnace ranges from 15 - 20 years. As it approaches old age, more repairs are necessary just to keep an even heat distribution.

Home repairs and annual furnace maintenance are two separate services. Annual maintenance is recommended so that homeowners can prevent future repairs. This is one way to cut down on monthly bills and replacement parts. Repairs occur when there is already a problem with the furnace. If annual maintenance is consistent throughout the decade, sudden repairs are likely a sign of old age.

Common repair problems happen in different parts of the furnace. While rattling noises can indicate a fixable HVAC issue, a cracked heat exchanger is expensive and imperative for the furnace to function.

It can be tempting to forgo repairs, which may lead to earlier furnace replacement. A professional technician should always be notified if the furnace pilot light is flickering or the heating cycles change. A few issues can cause these problems and do not necessarily indicate immediate replacement.

Fluctuating Energy Bills

A large, malfunctioning appliance usually causes a sudden sharp increase in energy bills. The heating system is one of the first places to check. When the furnace can no longer heat each room efficiently, it must work harder to provide the desired temperature. This extra energy expenditure costs homeowners a significant amount of money due to poor efficiency.

A broken furnace may be deceiving. If only one room is warm, the furnace can appear to be doing its job. Unless vents are closed in the other rooms, the furnace is probably over 10 years old and may need significant repairs. It is not always cost-efficient to repair a faulty heating system. Furnace replacement can save homeowners money in the long run.

The average monthly energy bill in Danbury, CT is $279. Depending on the size of the home this may vary, but rarely do heating costs exceed $300. Homeowners are encouraged to monitor their bills throughout the year to compare costs during the winter.

Chilly Indoor Temperatures

When heating systems malfunction, they run more often. This may seem like the furnace is working because of a steady background hum. Unfortunately, when heating cycles fluctuate, this can signify a broken furnace.

A broken furnace ultimately creates discomfort in the home. Not only is this due to a drop in temperature, but humidity levels also change. A broken furnace cannot remove moisture from the air and causes indoor humidity even in the winter. Since humidity helps keep the home warm, homeowners must increase their thermostats to combat the cold.

Multiple repairs can foreshadow a complete heating system shutdown. If this happens, the temperature will drop quickly and can be hazardous for the entire household. The best time for heater maintenance is before a New England winter.

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides furnace repair, maintenance, and installation services. Their heating contractors have years of experience and offer personalized solutions to every homeowner. To learn more about their financing options in Danbury, CT, call Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air today.

November Is the Month to Give Thanks to Plumbers!

Three Essential Services Provided By Plumbers to Be Thankful For

In November, people tend to take stock of what they have and give thanks for all that is good in their lives. Homeowners generally have much to be thankful for, especially when things go smoothly. And the people who provide essential services in the home are a big part of keeping any household running smoothly. This is why, as Thanksgiving nears, it's always a good idea to remember these essential services and how they can help when things aren't going smoothly, as happens occasionally during the year!

Sewer Line and Water Line Services

Water and sewer lines are crucial to a home's plumbing system. The water line brings water into the home, which is then delivered to all the plumbing fixtures for bathing, cooking, drinking, and washing. So if something happens to the water line, it can cause the water to stop flowing altogether — or it can bring contaminated water into the house. Sometimes, a leak in the water line is hard to notice immediately, but it can result in a higher water bill.

The sewer line is crucial for diverting wastewater from the house, typically into the municipal wastewater system, unless there's a septic system. If something happens to the sewer line, it can cause foul, discolored water to back up in all the drains in the house. This is unpleasant. If the sewer line is leaking, it can cause damage to the yard or even the driveway, depending on where the sewer line is located. A professional plumber should address any problem with either the water line or the sewer line as soon as possible.

Gas Line Leak Repair

While non-professionals can address certain plumbing issues, gas line repair isn't one of them. Working with gas can be extremely dangerous, so homeowners should seek the help of a professional plumber who is trained to work with gas lines.

The homeowner's responsibility is the gas line running from the gas meter to the home. Such is the case with all the gas lines in the home. Damage to a gas line can be very dangerous, so any homeowner who suspects a leak should evacuate the home and call the gas company immediately, followed by a plumber to help locate and repair the gas line.

Water Heater Repair and Services

Plumbers also provide water heater repair and maintenance services to homeowners that can ensure the water heater runs efficiently for as long as possible. Regular water heater maintenance involves:

Flushing the tank out to clear any sediment buildup
Checking the anode rod
Looking for leaks
Ensuring all valves function properly

The water heater can become damaged or break completely without this yearly maintenance. If the water heater is malfunctioning or leaking, a professional plumber can get it up and running again — or replace it if need be — without all the mess and troubleshooting of DIY water heater repair. For all these reasons and more, November is the perfect time to thank local plumbers and their services!

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has over thirty years of local experience serving the Danbury, CT, area. They use the latest technology to provide expert workmanship promptly. They are also an A+ BBB-accredited business that offers upfront pricing. Contact them today for plumbing services in Danbury, CT.

What to Know About Heat Pumps

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are rising quickly in popularity, which is not surprising given the tax rebates offered on these energy-efficient appliances. Although heat pump technology is familiar, it has only in recent years become good enough to be a viable option for homes in most climates. That said, many homeowners are unaware of what heat pumps are and what kind of benefits they can bring to the home. Read on to learn what heat pump installation can do for homes.

What Are Heat Pumps?

Some confusion surrounds heat pumps, and part of it concerns the name itself. The name heat pump doesn't tell even close to the whole story. This is because heat pumps can not only heat a home, but they can cool it as well.

Heat pumps pull heat from outside the home (even when it's cold outside) and transfer it inside. However, this cycle can also be reversed, allowing the heat pump system to pull heat from inside the home and transfer it outside, thereby cooling the home. This is similar to how a refrigerator works, pulling warm air out of the fridge's interior and transferring it out. In this way, a single heat pump system can work as both a heater and an air conditioner.

What Are Some Benefits of Heat Pumps?

As mentioned above, one heat pump benefit is the single-system factor. One heat pump system can do the work of both an air conditioner and a furnace. However, there are other benefits; the biggest one is their efficiency. These highly efficient systems rely less on fossil fuel energy to function than other heating and cooling systems. This also means they can help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

Heat pumps are also very quiet — nearly soundless. Unlike a central heating system, where the sound of air blowing is unmistakable whenever the system is in operation, heat pumps produce little to no noise when in operation. Like HVAC systems, they help to improve indoor air quality by filtering the air. Heat pumps also help to dehumidify the home, much like air conditioners do — only they do it more efficiently.

What Are Common Signs a Heat Pump Repair is Needed?

While heat pumps require less maintenance than central air systems, they require some maintenance. And with any system that requires maintenance, there could be times when the heat pump malfunctions. The trick is knowing when it's time for heat pump repair. The following signs are indications that it's time to call a professional for heat pump maintenance or repairs.

If the heat pump is having trouble heating or cooling, it's a sign that it's time for maintenance. Likewise, if the heat pump runs longer than usual, it could indicate an issue within the system. Finally, odd sounds or smells could indicate an issue with the heat pump. Rattling or screeching sounds should be checked out by a professional. Odd smells should also mean it's time for professional heat pump repair.

About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning professionals have been proudly serving Danbury, CT, for over 30 years. Their courteous technicians arrive on time to perform expert and no-mess service. They also offer 24/7 emergency service and flat-rate pricing. Contact them today for heat pump installation or maintenance in Danbury, CT.

Dealing With a Burst Pipe? Here Are Its Causes and Methods for Prevention

What You Need To Know To Avoid a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe is one of the worst plumbing problems at home. Not only do burst pipes require extensive repair or replacement, but the sheer damage that water leaking out of a burst pipe can do is sometimes beyond comprehension. When a pipe bursts, it doesn’t just allow water to leak gently. Instead, it usually expels water with enough force to create a torrential downpour, spewing water everywhere and causing damage not just to the home but also to everything inside it.

The good news is that burst pipes are completely preventable and repairable. But to do so, homeowners need to know and understand its most common causes so that measures can be taken to prevent them from happening.

Clogs and Blockages

One common cause leading to a burst pipe is the presence of a large enough clog within the pipes in the system. When something gets lodged in the pipe that cannot easily be removed, the blockage tends to reduce the diameter of the pipe at certain points, creating a clogged pipe with narrow pathways that cause pressure to build up. When enough pressure is put on the pipes, they can burst and create a catastrophe.

To keep this from happening, homeowners are encouraged to practice correct waste disposal habits, such as keeping large particles out of drainages. This includes food material, non-biodegradable waste, and other items that can get lodged in the pipes and become difficult to displace.

Homeowners can also benefit from routine drain cleaning conducted by a professional plumber. Drain cleaning, especially the hydro jet drain cleaning method, flushes pipes clean and helps keep debris from accumulating and creating clogs in the system.

Frozen Pipes

Regarding the most likely cause of a burst pipe, pipes freezing takes the top spot. This usually occurs when temperatures drop suddenly without much notice, leaving pipes vulnerable to freezing. When a pipe freezes, the liquid inside it expands as it transforms into ice, causing the pipe to burst.

Preventing this scenario involves installing pipe insulation. Selected materials specifically designed to reduce heat gain or loss must be wrapped around pipes that are particularly vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature. Doing this would protect exposed pipes from unexpected weather and climate changes.

When Pipes Succumb to Corrosion

Finally, homeowners must keep their pipes well-maintained to delay the effects of decay and corrosion since pipes that have begun to rot or corrode eventually burst and spring a leak. Keeping pipes intact for longer means engaging in routine maintenance and avoiding the use of strong chemical substances such as a drain cleaner which, while effective at unclogging pipes, may damage them irreversibly too.

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is the trusted plumbing solutions provider in Danbury, with over 30 years of experience handling plumbing and HVAC issues within the local neighborhoods and communities. They offer top-notch services, beginning with NATE-certified technicians available 24/7 emergency services, all while using the latest technology. They offer upfront, flat-rate pricing and a 100% guarantee of satisfaction. Call them today for plumbing services in Danbury, CT.

What to Know About Improving Indoor Air Quality

What Is IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that indoor air quality refers to the air quality in and around residences, commercial buildings, and factories. When there’s good air quality, homeowners can take a deep breath without coughing, sneezing, or feeling throat irritation. On the other hand, signs of poor air quality include coughing, sneezing, and general malaise.

It’s vital to ensure that the home has good indoor air quality. After all, a healthy home is a happy household. Here are some basic things homeowners should know about improving their home’s air quality and the importance of HVAC maintenance.

Good IAQ is Central to One’s Health

Poor IAQ can cause a host of adverse health effects, including:

Headaches
Dry eyes
Nasal mucus and congestion
Fatigue
Nausea

Those with lung problems are very susceptible to the symptoms listed above. Thankfully, no one has to deal with poor IAQ forever. They have many options when improving their home’s air quality.

The Air Filter Needs Replacing Every Three Months

Routinely replacing the home’s air filter does a great job of regulating the air quality. Here are some things homeowners should know about this:

According to EnergyStar, homeowners should replace their air filters once every three months. However, if a household has many pets (furry pets, to be exact), members should replace the air filter sooner.
Air filters come in all shapes and sizes. Ensure to understand the specific AC needs before running out and buying one. Getting an air filter that’s too big or small will not do the job.
There are reusable air filters! Homeowners can remove them every three months, spray them with a hose, and re-insert them. This saves money and waste.

One can replace an air filter themselves or consult a professional to thoroughly inspect the HVAC system.

Get an Air Purifier or a UV Sanitizer

Some products on today’s market do a remarkable job of removing smoke, pollen, and dander from the air. These products include:

Air purifiers. Healthline notes that these devices filter and remove airborne contaminants. Some portable ones go from room to room, and others tie into the home’s heating and cooling system.
UV air sanitizers. Medical News Today notes that UV air sanitizers use ultraviolet rays to remove germs from the air. However, they don’t remove VOCs. Like air purifiers, there are both portable and stationary installation options.

The best option for one’s household depends on the residents’ situation. Before deciding, one should consider their household’s size, occupants, and energy needs. While air purifiers are better at removing dander and pollen, UV air sanitizers kill bacteria.

About Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Need fast HVAC maintenance or repairs? Call Carmine! Carmine’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, that is. These professionals offer services to those living in Danbury, CT. They pride themselves on around-the-clock service, upfront pricing, and easy scheduling options. Homeowners can call today for air quality services!