holiday Archives - PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

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Three Ways to Save Money on Energy Costs for Holiday Shopping

How to Save on Heating Costs This Fall and Winter

Several factors can strain budgets this time of year. The most obvious are the unexpected costs of entertaining guests for holiday get-togethers and buying gifts. Another significant expense is energy bills. The holidays coincide with a drop in temperatures, but the good news is controlling and lowering heating costs can mean more money for fun things like holiday shopping. Here are some tips to help homeowners make their heaters work more efficiently and save money during the holidays.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Replacing the thermostat with a new smart thermostat can help homeowners get their energy bills under control. Old, manual thermostats are reliable, but they do absolutely nothing automatically to help homeowners control energy use. Instead, get technology to do the work.

Smart thermostats use sophisticated technology to learn people's movements in the home and offer many energy-saving features. These devices can adjust the temperature automatically to conserve energy and save money. They also can detail the home’s energy usage to allow homeowners to see where they can save.

Remember the Air Filter Replacements

Newer heaters are designed to be as efficient as possible. However, this assumes that the homeowners are taking the best possible care of the heater. One thing that homeowners shouldn’t forget to do for the energy efficiency of their heating system is to replace the air filters when needed, usually at least every three months.

Changing air filters is essential for a heater’s efficiency. Dirty air filters impede airflow, forcing the system to work harder to reach the desired temperature in the home. When new, clean air filters replace clogged filters, the system will work more efficiently, helping save on energy bills. Additionally, air filter replacement helps improve indoor air quality and prevent system issues, preventing unnecessary repair costs.

Never Forget Maintenance

Efficiency is critical to lowering energy bills, and routine maintenance is another essential step to keeping the system running efficiently. The AC and heater should both be maintained once a year, with heater maintenance in the fall and air conditioner maintenance in the spring. This ensures they will run more efficiently when they are used the most.

So, if heating maintenance hasn’t been performed yet this fall, it should be done as soon as possible. Maintenance has many benefits that save homeowners money, like improving efficiency to lower energy bills, extending the life of the heater to avoid early replacement costs, and preventing problems and unnecessary repair bills.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is a veteran-owned business serving Staten Island and the surrounding areas. They offer fast turnarounds and a beneficial maintenance plan. Call today for heater repair and maintenance services in Staten Island, NY.

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Why a Sump Pump is a Great Addition to Your Holiday Wishlist

Sump Pump Installation Can’t Be Beat as a Holiday Gift This Year!

Everyone is aware of the importance of insurance. Especially homeowners insurance. It protects against the possibility that something terrible will happen, and if it does, it will help prevent the damage done to cause even more problems (i.e., financial problems). Well, homeowners can think of sump pumps as a type of insurance. The good thing about them is that homeowners don’t have to continue to pay for them month after month. This, among the many other benefits, makes sump pumps one of the best holiday gifts to give or get!

Why a Sump Pump?

Before adding a sump pump to the old holiday wishlist, it’s important to understand whether there’s a need for one or not. Certain areas and certain houses benefit more from sump pumps than others. For instance, those houses on low lots, stand on poorly draining soil or are in areas that receive a lot of moisture are all susceptible to flooding.

Sump pumps are installed in the lowest part of the house, dug into the floor. This is usually in the basement. They’re submersible, and they don’t operate unless needed. They have a floating switch that turns them on when water builds up enough to lift the switch, at which point they begin to pump water out of the home, keeping the place from flooding.

Various Types of Sump Pumps

There are various kinds of sump pumps available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. These four main types of sumps pumps are:

Submersible
Battery Backup
Pedestal
Combination

Submersible sump pumps tend to be the favorite because they can lie fully submerged in water in the sump pump basin. They are cost-effective and tend to last around ten years, both of which are attractive to homeowners. Battery backup sump pumps are ideal for making sure the pump will work in the event of a power outage.

Pedestal pumps are another cost-effective option because they tend to be cheaper than their submersible counterparts. The motor sits high on a pedestal to protect it from water damage and to make it easy to work on. Combination sump pumps are ideal for those homes that could see a lot of water. The combination of electric and battery power gives these pumps more power to work for a long time on a lot of water.

Backup or Secondary Sump Pumps

Many homeowners install a secondary sump pump, also sometimes called a backup sump pump. These serve as a second line of defense just in case something happens and the first one stops working. The relatively low cost of installing a backup sump pump pales in comparison to the extreme cost of repairing thousands of dollars in water damage from a flooded home.

Homeowners who aren’t sure whether they need a sump pump or not can call their friendly neighborhood plumber for sound advice. Not every house needs a sump pump, but those that do will be happy they installed one in the event of a house flood.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has been serving Staten Island, NY, since 1979. They provide award-winning service and fast turnarounds. They always offer options to fit any budget. Call them today for sump pump installation in Staten Island, NY.

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Water Heaters Deserve Holiday Gifts Too!

The Importance of Water Heater Repair

The holidays are a time of giving. Families get together and show their appreciation by giving gifts and spending time with one another. Something homeowners don’t realize is that their water heater would appreciate a gift this time of year as well. Contrary to popular belief, the holidays are a great time to have water heart repair and replacement. Ideally, homeowners will have this done before the holidays. Regardless, doing this ensures the water heater can withstand the added stress of the holidays and continue to work efficiently for the rest of the season. It is also important that homeowners understand the difference between signs of repair and signs of needing replacement. For more information, continue reading below.

How To Spot When a Water Heater Needs Repairs

Water heaters are relatively durable appliances. On a daily basis, they don’t need very much attention at all. That said, they still require a certain level of maintenance and repairs. If the homeowner stays on top of maintenance and has problems fixed as soon as they pop up, the water heater will likely work more efficiently longer.

Some common signs that repairs are needed include:

The water pressure is off
The water temperature is inconsistent
The water is discolored
The water smells unusual

Common Reasons Water Heaters Break Down

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The most common reason water heaters break down is because of lack of maintenance. It is recommended for homeowners to have their water heater maintenance done once every year. Households that have large families should ideally have their water heater serviced more than once a year.

It might not completely eliminate the need for emergency repair, but it will significantly reduce it. Some other common reasons for water heater breakdown include:

Misuse
Over-use
Over-working the unit
Neglecting an issue

Is It Time for a Replacement?

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between the need for repairs and the need for replacement. Luckily, a professional can help with this decision. Not only that, but a professional can help the homeowner decide what water heater replacement best suits their household’s needs.

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Regardless, there are still some signs that expressly point to the need for replacement:

The water heater is ten years or older
It experiences frequent breakdowns
It doesn’t keep the water hot for very long (even on a good day)

At the end of the day, water heater maintenance is essential. Homeowners should call a professional today to have their water heater checked out before the holidays arrive!

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning Does It All

When it’s time to call a professional, homeowners should look no further than the experts at PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning. They have the skillset needed to ensure homeowners are safe all winter long. Not only that, but they make sure the home is as efficient as possible so customers can save money in every area of the home. Count on PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning for water heater services in Staten Island.