Carney All Seasons Blog: Archive for November, 2014

10 Facts You Should Know about Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 27th, 2014

Thanksgiving has been celebrated as an official holiday in the United States for over 150 years, so you may think you understand all there is to know about this family feast. Most of us have heard the story of the pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving in 1621 after arriving in North America on the Mayflower. But did you know that only about half of the people on this ship were actually pilgrims? This fact is one of ten things that may actually surprise you about the Thanksgiving tradition!

  1. Although we often consider Thanksgiving a holiday unique to the United States, many other countries and cultures celebrate their own set of harvest-time and thanksgiving traditions. In Korea, Chu-Sok (or “fall evening”) is put on in remembrance of forefathers on August 15th of every year. Brazil celebrates a contemporary version of the U.S. holiday. Chinese, Roman, and Jewish cultures all have a history of harvest celebrations as well.
  2. President Harry S. Truman began the tradition of a ceremony held before Thanksgiving during which the president receives a turkey. George H.W. Bush was the first to pardon the turkey instead of eating it.
  3. In Minnesota alone, farmers raise over 40 million turkeys a year. In fact, U.S. farmers produce about one turkey for every one person in the country.
  4. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American will gain about one to two pounds every year during the holiday season.
  5. On the other hand, turkey is naturally high in protein and has been known to support and boost immune systems to protect against illness and speed up healing. So feast on!
  6. Abraham Lincoln issued a “Thanksgiving Proclamation” in 1863, but a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale can be credited with the idea. While Thanksgiving had been celebrated at different times of year in many areas of the U.S. for years, it was Hale, prominent magazine editor and author of the rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” who urged Lincoln to finally establish the national event.
  7. President Franklin D Roosevelt once tried to change the date of Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of the month in order to extend the holiday shopping season and boost the economy.
  8. Only about half of the people on the Mayflower were what we would consider today as “Pilgrims.” The other (approximately) 50 people were simply trying to find a way over to the New World.
  9. Gobble, gobble! Click, click? While male turkeys make a gobbling noise, females (hens) do not; it’s often described as a clicking.
  10. Even though we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November, the month of June has been declared National Turkey Lovers’ Month by the National Turkey Federation so you can continue the celebration in the summer as well!

From our family here at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we’d like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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How Effective Is a Ductless Mini Split for Heating?

Tuesday, November 18th, 2014

Ductless systems have become very popular with homeowners, particularly for cooling. However, some homeowners question the ability of a ductless system to effectively heat their homes. Understanding how a heat pump works helps to answer this question, but for any heating needs you may have, including repair, replacement, installation or maintenance, be sure to hire trained professionals. Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling technicians have been helping customers in New Hope with their heating needs since 1976, and we can help you, too. Call us today!

How Does a Ductless System Heat?

Ductless heating systems use heat pump technology to heat your home. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one location to another. Refrigerant helps facilitate this transfer. During the winter months, the heat pump absorbs the heat in the surrounding air, concentrates it and then distributes the warm air into your home. During the summer, the heat pump absorbs the heat in your home and transfers it outside. The key to a heat pump’s ability to both heat and cool your home is a component called a reversing valve. This valve changes the directional flow of the refrigerant, which allows the heat pump to change modes. As the homeowner, all you have to do to change the mode is press a button on your dual-mode thermostat; the heat pump does the rest.

Can a Ductless System Heat Effectively?

The simple answer is yes, a ductless system can heat effectively. Here are some reasons why:

  • Customized heating – the indoor blowers in a ductless system operate individually; this allows you to set the temperature as you want it per area. In essence, ductless systems offer zone control to your home.
  • Great energy efficiency – heat pumps use only a small amount of electricity to operate, about a quarter of that of a whole-home air conditioner, and no fossil fuels. Additionally, using the indoor blowers allows you to use only the amount of heating you need, which can help reduce your energy usage.
  • Easily expanded systems – should you add on to your home, or want to have additional heating in another space, it is easy to add on to a ductless system. A single outdoor unit supports up to 4 indoor blowers, so as long as you have the outdoor support, all you have to do is add another blower.

Ductless systems are convenient, durable, energy efficient 2-for-1 systems.

If you are interested in the installation of ductless split heating in your New Hope home, call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today!

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How Does a Submersible Well Pump Compare to Other Options?

Monday, November 17th, 2014

Many homeowners get their water from their municipality, as water flows from a water main and into the supply lines that lead to the home. But according to the EPA, about 15% of people in the United States rely on private water wells instead. A lot of these homeowners are proud of their wells, as they don’t have to pay for an extra utility and they can control the water quality, never worrying about any chemicals added to the water without the homeowner’s consent.

When you choose a new pump for your water well, you generally have two major options, a submersible pump or a jet pump. Let’s take a look at why about 60% of homeowners rely on a submersible pump to deliver water to the home and provide adequate water pressure.

Submersible and Jet Pumps: How They Work

The majority of well users in the United States have a submersible pump. With this type of unit, the pump and the motor are installed several feet below the well to ensure water is always available. The motor operates a set of impellers, which push water out of the well and into the pipes. A jet pump, however, is not submerged in the well, though the equipment is located nearby, usually in a basement. These instead use pressure to create a vacuum that brings well water to the surface.

Advantages to Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps are the most common types used for residential wells today, likely because they offer a key advantage. Submersible pumps tend to need fewer repairs because there is a low risk of pump cavitation, which occurs when sudden pressure changes (caused by the jet pump which pulls water in instead of pushing it to the surface) create a void in the pipes. Submersible pumps are also popular because they use less electricity than jet pumps.

The type of pump installed for your well will depend on your climate, elevation, and the size of your well, so it may be the case that a jet pump is actually better for your home.

Call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling to learn more about how professionals install both jet pumps and submersible well pumps in Warrington.

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What Happens During a Professional Heating Tune Up?

Monday, November 10th, 2014

It’s getting chilly here in Pennsylvania, and many of you may have already turned on your heating system for the winter. Before you turned your system on, did you schedule maintenance? Maintenance is a tune-up for your heating system in Yardley, and if you haven’t had your system maintained in over 12 months, it’s time to give your Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling technician a call and schedule an appointment.

What Happens?

Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling performs maintenance for all combustion heating systems, heat pumps and geothermal systems. Here is a general overview of what to expect from a routine maintenance appointment:

  • Thorough inspection of system
  • Check for corrosion, holes and/or cracks on components
  • Cleaning
  • Lubrication of all moving parts
  • Adjustments made where needed
  • Small repair (corroded wiring fixed, fan belts replaced)
  • Safety tests
  • Check and changing of filter (if applicable)
  • Check of refrigerant (for heat pumps)
  • Check of system pressures (boilers)
  • Check and cleaning of burner assembly (combustion systems)
  • Performance tests

Why Schedule a Tune-Up?

Here are the benefits you and your heating system can gain from scheduling a fall tune-up:

  • Increased energy efficiency – your heating system was made to operate at a certain level of energy efficiency. When it is worn and dirty, it is very hard for the system to achieve this.
  • Helps prevents repair – your technician conducts a thorough inspection of your system during a maintenance appointment to detect any existing or developing problems. This, coupled with the cleaning, adjusting and lubrication the components receive, helps prevent repair needs.
  • Extends life of your system – maintenance keeps your system and its components in good working order; this helps reduce the level of wear and tear on your system, which can help extend the life of your equipment.

It is strongly recommended that you schedule a tune-up for your heating system in Yardley every 12 months.

Winter is just about here, so take some time to call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling and schedule an appointment with your technician today!

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How a Heating Replacement Can Save You Money

Monday, November 3rd, 2014

Replacing your heating system in Warminster presents you with the opportunity to invest in a more efficient, reliable heater. Aging and/or malfunctioning heating systems can cause multiple problems that cost money and time. There are a lot of choices when it comes to installing a new heating system, and working with a trained professional can help you determine what the best system is for you and your home. For over 30 years, Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling has offered comprehensive heating services, so make an appointment with one of our installation experts today.

Reasons Replacement Can Save Money

Wondering how a new heating replacement is actually a great opportunity? Here are some reasons:

Energy Efficiency

Today’s heating systems are very energy efficient. The average lifespan of a combustion heating system is 15-20 years. If your current system is this old or older, it is very likely that you are missing out on the savings a more energy efficient unit can offer. You may also want to look at other more energy efficient options, such as ductless heating. Installing a new heating system provides the opportunity to greatly increase your energy efficiency, which can save you money.

Reliability

No one likes dealing with a broken heating system. An even worse scenario is dealing with a heater that breaks down frequently, causing stress and discomfort, and costing you money. With a new heating system, you won’t have to worry about the unpredictability of an aging system. Instead, you can enjoy comfort and warmth all winter long.

New Lifespan on Equipment

If your combustion heating system is 15 years or older, it is questionable how much time your equipment has left: is it one more season? Is it three? With a new system, you have the opportunity to re-set the clock and take comfort in knowing you have time, reliability and energy efficiency on your side.

A heating replacement in Warminster is a great opportunity for you, your home and your wallet.

If it’s time for a new heating system in your home, call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

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