Carney All Seasons Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Chalfont’

3 Great Benefits of a UV Air Purifier

Monday, October 4th, 2021

UV air purifiers are helpful tools that produce a certain type of ultraviolet light that is usually blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. While UV light is unable to capture particulates such as dirt or pet hair, it can kill many microorganisms. It can also successfully damage the DNA of pests, such as dust mites, to keep them from reproducing. 

That is why UV air purifiers are becoming so popular. If you are dealing with things such as poor indoor air quality, an air purifier could be exactly what you need. If you’re after an air purifier in Chalfont, PA, check out the benefits below.

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A Larger AC Isn’t Always Better

Monday, July 5th, 2021

Is it time for you to change your air conditioner and upgrade it to a new unit? When choosing a new air conditioner, many people make the mistake of going for a larger unit, thinking that it will be better for their home. Unfortunately, bigger doesn’t always mean better. 

Choosing the right sized air conditioner can make a world of difference in keeping your home cool and comfortable. A unit that is too large for your home might not be as good at keeping your home cool without giving you any problems as you might think. It could result in doing more harm than good to your cooling system and burn a hole in your pocket with all the extra costs.

We have prepared this guide to help you understand the importance of choosing the right-sized air conditioner for your home. And if your current air conditioner just needs repairs instead of a replacement, you can always call us for air conditioning repair in Chalfont, PA, to come and fix it for you.

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Should I Be Concerned About Hard Water?

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

Do you have an off-white buildup of gunk around your faucets or sink drains? Does your water taste like it has high mineral content? If so, you may have hard water in your home. Hard water affects the majority of homes in America, and if you have it in your home, your plumbing may be at risk of damage. While hard water is not typically hazardous to your health, it is can affect the extensive network of piping that runs through your home. In this post, we’d like to examine in more detail what hard water is and whether you should be concerned about it. If you’re in need of a water treatment system in Chalfont, PA, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!

First, let’s explain what hard water actually is. Hard water is so called because of its high mineral content. As the water moves through the ground before it is picked up by your water supply source, it can pick up various types of minerals, as well as contaminants. As a good solvent, water is quick to pick up impurities from various other materials. Hard water is mainly caused by high levels of calcium and magnesium in addition to other trace minerals. The higher level of minerals dissolved in the water, the “harder” it becomes.

While hard water in and of itself is not often considered to be a health hazard, it can negatively impact your plumbing. As hard water moves through your piping, it leaves behind mineral deposits called “scale” and these deposits often have a white or green color. As they build up inside your pipes, they actually begin to restrict the flow of water. The rate at which your piping is affected is determined by the level of mineral content. But the consequences of hard water can be dire. It can result in whole house repiping if it’s not caught early.

Fortunately, there are numerous water treatment systems available for installation that can eliminate the hardness of your water, from water softeners, reverse osmosis, and various types of filtration. For a more information about water treatment systems in Chalfont, PA, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today!

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What is Hydro Jetting and How Does it Work?

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Keeping your wastewater disposal system working well throughout the year is critical. While we often take our plumbing for granted, it’s actually quite a complicated system that relies on certain hydrodynamic principles so that you can take hot showers, flush the toilet as much as you want, and clean your laundry. We want to emphasize the importance of drain cleaning in this post. For every bit of grease, hair, food scrap, and non-organic matter that made it into your drainpipes, you risk substantial accumulations within the interior of your pipes that can begin to create plumbing problems. Hydro-jetting is an simple solution to such problems. For all of your New Hope, PA drain cleaning needs, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today!

So, what is hydro-jetting? As its name suggests, it uses a pressurized stream of water to clean your drainpipes. The process is relatively straightforward, but the equipment is specially designed for this task. The compressor, hose, and nozzle work cooperatively to produce an effective stream of pressurized water that can quickly break up sludge, grease, and other debris that can cause partial blockages and even total clogs. While equipment varies, the compressor is calibrated to provide up to 4000 psi (pounds per square inch) at a flow rate of up to 18 gpm (gallons per minute). Hydro-jetting is therefore both thorough and incredibly fast, compared to other methods of drain cleaning.

The nozzle at the end of the hose is designed to clean at 360° so that the entire interior surface of the drainpipe is thoroughly cleaned. The hose is typically insert at the “cleanout,” which is an access point designed for professional service needs. The hose works against gravitational pressure so that any dislodged debris can then run down the cleaned section of piping. Hydro-jetting is so powerful, it can often remove mineral deposits, but it does so safely, without the use of chemicals that can damage your plumbing as well as the environment.

For comprehensive New Hope, PA drain cleaning services, call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today! 

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Why You Need Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Monday, April 1st, 2013

When you need to schedule professional drain cleaning in Chalfont, just call the pros at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. That is the easy part. The difficult part for many homeowners is understanding why professional drain cleaning is necessary. Well, we have some information that should help you better understand why professional drain cleaning is so important. We know that the drains in your home serve a vital purpose. That is why we take such pride in the quality of the plumbing services we offer. Consider this information and call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling with any questions you may still have.

There are few problems that you may experience with the plumbing in your home that are more annoying than slow moving or clogged drains. What a lot of people fail to realize is that, in addition to being annoying, clogged drains can actually lead to much more serious problems in your home. Clogged drains can throw off the pressure in your plumbing system, which in turn can lead to numerous other problems.

While many homeowners think of clogged drains as a minor problem, they really do justify scheduling professional service to resolve. Over the counter chemical cleaners, for instance, may remove enough of a clog to allow water to flow through the drain. However, it is very unlikely that the clog will be completely cleared with such cleaners. Leaving parts of a clog behind means that in just a short time the clog will likely become large enough to cause issues again. Snaking drains is generally more effective, but without the skill and knowledge of a professional plumber it is easy to simply force the snake through a clog, leaving much of it attached to the surfaces of your drain pipe.

Call the Chalfont drain cleaning professionals at Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling to ensure that your drain cleaning service is a complete success. We use the latest tools and equipment, such as video camera pipe inspection, to make sure that the job is done right. Contact us today for more information or to schedule service.

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

Monday, 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!  

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Considerations for Oil to Gas Conversion

Monday, October 29th, 2012

If you’re considering switching your house from oil to natural gas fuel, it is a huge decision that requires careful consideration. Whether your boiler needs to be replaced or if the price of oil in your area has skyrocketed, switching to natural gas can be a good option for some homeowners. Below we outline some of the major considerations you should think about before switching over.

Availability of Natural Gas

While the United States is experiencing a boom in natural gas production, it still isn’t available everywhere. Depending upon where you live, you might be out of luck simply because the infrastructure isn’t there yet.

Cost of Conversion

This tends to be the area that discourages some homeowners from making the jump. The cost of converting your home from an oil-fired furnace to natural gas can expensive. However, some homeowners make that up in energy savings within 5 years. Obviously, that time-frame can vary drastically by region and your specific situation. If you don’t have a natural gas line right now, one will have to be installed. That involves digging up your yard and part of the street to bury a line and connect it to the main line.

Incentives

To encourage people to make the switch to natural gas, some gas companies will offer certain rebates or other incentives to reduce the initial cost of installation. These vary by region and company, but some will pay for a new gas-fired heater or pay to remove your old oil tank from your property.

If you have questions about switching to natural gas from oil, call the experts at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience helping our customers in Lansdale make the switch from oil to natural gas. Our friendly heating experts are available to talk to you and discuss your situation.

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Steps to Take When Your HVAC System Breaks Down

Monday, September 17th, 2012

If your Chalfont heating or air conditioning system breaks down, there are a few simple steps you should take before calling a professional. Here is a rundown of exactly what you should do and how these steps will ensure the system is fixed quickly and properly to help keep your family comfortable at all times.

  1. Check the Power – First, check the electrical power to your system. Look for a blown fuse or flipped circuit if the system won’t turn on at all. If this is the problem, watch for a recurrence. If it happens more than once, you should call a professional to fix the problem in the future.
  2. Check the Thermostat – Check all of your thermostats to ensure they are not only reading the proper temperature, but that they are set to the right temperature. Often, what seems like a big issue can simply be due to a thermostat being set wrong.
  3. Inspect the Outdoor Unit – Check outside for debris or brush around your condenser unit. This can block air flow and cause the system to shut down.
  4. Inspect the Indoor Unit – Check your indoor units for the same buildup of debris around them and for any other issues like dirt or dust on the coils.
  5. Check the Filters – While a clogged filter would not necessarily shut down an HVAC system under normal circumstances, it could lead to such a problem if it gets bad enough.
  6. Call a Professional – Finally, if you try everything listed above and you cannot get your air conditioner or heating system to turn back on or run consistently, now may be the time to call a Chalfont heating professional for a thorough inspection. This is when it could be a real breakdown which is likely more costly to repair.

If you have a problem with your air conditioner or heating system, definitely check common issues that could have led to the breakdown, but always call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling if real repairs are needed.

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Features to Look for in Geothermal Heat Pumps

Monday, July 30th, 2012

Geothermal heat pumps are a wonderful technology that is now being used more and more in both the residential and commercial HVAC industries.  Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has a team of Lansdale geothermal technicians that can help you understand the various features to look for in geothermal heat pumps, as well as being able to aptly perform geothermal installation and repairs.

There are a number of geothermal features that make this type of heating and air conditioning system a wise choice if you want to save energy and money on your monthly utility bills. Geothermal heat pumps utilize the more stable temperature found in the ground or from a nearby water source in order to produce either heated or cooled air, depending on the time of year and the need; therefore, geothermal heat pumps provide year-round comfort in one system.

Geothermal systems can utilize one of three main types of heat pumps: a closed loop system, an open loop system, or a hybrid system. The hybrid option utilizes a dual-source heat pump, which combines the use of a traditional air-source heat pump with a geothermal heat-pump (ground-source heat pump).

While the initial cost of installing a geothermal heat pump system tends to be more expenesive than other HVAC systems, they are easy to maintain and are some of the most efficient ways to heat and cool your home or business. Many on the market today have been awarded the ENERGY STAR label. With these models, there are often government incentives, such as federal tax breaks, for purchasing geothermal heat pump systems.

Additional geothermal features that are available include dual stage scroll compressors, chlorine-free and environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant, quiet water valves, high quality blower motors, suction line accumulators, and heat exchangers. It is also good to look for a geothermal heat pump that is covered by a good warranty.

Carney Plumbing, Heating and Cooling supplies quality geothermal services in Lansdale, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.  As fully licensed geothermal contractors we have the field-experience and proper education necessary to work with complete geothermal heat pump systems. Let us help you understand the features to look for in these systems so that you can determine which geothermal energy system is right for your specific needs. Call us any time!

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Is Your Furnace Not Blowing Enough Air?

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Have you ever been in your Jamison house in the winter, listening to the furnace trying to heat the house, but noticed that the whole place is still cold? If you checked the heating vents in this situation, you would probably find that there is not much air flow coming out of them, which is why you are still freezing.

It is entirely possible for the furnace to be burning away, producing hot air, without enough of that warm air ever actually being distributed through your home. So it continues to run and run, resulting in excess wear and tear on the heating system that will probably shorten its productive life, as well as keeping your whole home too chilly.

Why does that happen? There are a several common culprits for insufficient air flow from your Jamison furnace. Below is a list of the most frequent offenders, along with solutions for each:

  • Cause: Dirty or broken air filter. An air filter that has accumulated too much build up or is damaged will slow down air flow in a hurry.
    Solution: Clean or replace the air filter as necessary. This should be part of routine furnace maintenance in order to ensure efficient operation. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations to see how often you should check your air filter(s).
  • Cause: Damaged, corroded, broken or collapsed ductwork. Your ducts are like the road that warm air travels on. If the road is out, then no one can get through. Simple as that.
    Solution: Have a professional inspect and repair your ductwork. A routine ductwork check is also part of a professional’s annual maintenance inspection.
  • Cause: Blower fan not blowing enough. This can be caused by a loose fan belt, or a dirty motor.
    Solution: First, clean the blower fan and the area around it. It has to deal with a lot of air, so it naturally becomes dirty over time. If that doesn’t fix it, the fan belt probably needs to be replaced.

There are some other causes of improper furnace air flow, but those are the most common and easiest to detect and repair. If your heat registers are not returning any warm air at all, that is likely a different problem and you should call Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to look at the system right away.

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