Looking For a Way to Lower Your Energy Costs? Consider Zone Heating and Cooling!
09.09.2011 04:06 PM
The basic concept behind zone heating and cooling is to heat or cool rooms where people spend the most time. With a zone heating or zone air conditioning system, you eliminate the waste of heating unused rooms. Ultimately, this can save you a ton on home heating and air conditioning costs. Here is just a quick overview on how zone heating and cooling work.
Zone Cooling
Zone cooling uses two or more thermostats located in different areas of the house to direct the cooling. Usually, one thermostat will control the family room, living room, and kitchen, while the other thermostat will control the bedrooms. With zone cooling, you won't be spending extra money and energy cooling down the bedrooms that few people are going to spend time in anyway.
Zone Heating
Zone heaters can come in multiple forms. The most traditional types of zone heating are fireplaces, stoves, fireplace inserts, and masonry heaters, which produce by heating firewood, natural gas, propane, pellets, oil, and coal. These heaters are usually placed in the living room or family room, where people spend most of their time and where the effects of zone heating can be best felt.
Before purchasing a zone heating unit, it's important to find the heater that's right for your needs. Be sure to talk to a professional to find out which heater is right for you. Your heating professional can also give your current heating system maintenance service to ensure it's heating properly.
For more information on how zone heating and cooling can save you energy, visit us at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We perform AC repair and furnace repair in the Fairfax and McLean areas. Call us at (703) 496-5016 to learn more tips on saving energy today!
F.H. Furr: Simply The Best Resource for AC & Plumbing Repair Needs!
09.03.2011 04:04 PM
Recently our articles have covered information about your water heater, air conditioner and plumbing systems. If you’re looking for more information or have further questions about these systems, here are some articles for you to check out. Or, feel free to check out our website for information on all your plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems. F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning prides itself on not only being a leading in the service industry, but also in providing information for homeowners in the Northern Virginia area. For service from “Simply the Best” in the Fairfax, McLean and surround areas, contact F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today at (703) 496-5016.
- Is your water heater making strange noises, leaking, or producing water that is way too hot? Visit this page from HomeTips.com to learn why these problems occur and how a plumber can help.
- To learn how conventional air conditioning systems work and how to choose the unit that’s right for your home, check out this article from Popular Mechanics.
- Depending on where your water comes from, you may be able to eliminate your home’s stinky water through regular water heater maintenance. Read this page from Water Heater Rescue to learn more.
- Interested in upgrading your central air conditioner? Here’s a great page from Energy Savers to help you pick the right one.
- Root infiltration is a severe plumbing problem that needs to be fixed immediately. Here’s more information on tree root-related plumbing issues.
- Water heater safety is extremely important. For tips to ensure that your water heater is in proper working order, take a look at this article from This Old House.
- Ductless air conditioning is very popular among homes without air duct or HVAC systems. Read this article to learn more about how they work.
- To keep your pipes from freezing this winter, follow these helpful tips from Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.
- A water filter can help your home’s hard tap water be more drinkable and better tasting. Here’s a great guide to help you learn more about the benefits of filtered water.
Increase the Life of Your A/C Unit with Proper Maintenance
08.28.2011 01:23 PM
Constant air conditioning repair can be costly and annoying. If you’ve recently installed a new air conditioning system or if you’re interested in prolonging the life of your current unit then read on! Your air conditioner is a large asset to your home so make sure you take care of it with proper maintenance to avoid costly repairs in the future. Here are some basic maintenance tips that you can do today to ensure a long and healthy life for your A/C.
- Give It Some Space: Your air conditioner takes in outdoor air which it then cools to make your home a comfortable living space. Give it some room to breathe by trimming the plants and bushes around the unit. And remember, it’s not an outdoor coffee table. Don’t lean anything on the unit or prop up anything next to it. A good rule of thumb is to give your A/C at least a foot of space in every direction.
- Keep it Clean: Rain is corrosive to enough to the metal. Make sure to keep the area clear of any corrosive liquids and spills. That means keeping pets away from the area as well.
- Give it Annual Check-up: Your air conditioner is big investment and keeping it properly maintained can ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible. Keep it up to speed with annual check-ups. An F.H. Furr service call can make sure that it is clean inside and has properly working parts.
If your air conditioner is in need of a check-up, give F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditing a call for routine service. If your air conditioner isn’t running like it use to, it may be in need of serious repair. Call us at (703) 496-5016 before you need more serious repair!
To Duct or Not To Duct?
08.16.2011 09:27 AM
Do you own a home without a central air conditioning system, or are you considering upgrading your ductless AC unit? When comparing central HVAC systems and ductless systems, there are a number of factors to consider such as performance and efficiency, cost, and convenience. Let’s look at these four areas more closely.
Performance and Efficiency
When it comes to performance and energy efficiency, each system has its advantages and disadvantages. Central air conditioning units are modern home building standards simply because they provide all-around comfort to every room in the home. However, you cannot adjust temperature in individual rooms other than by opening or closing your diffusers. Ductless systems allow you to control the temperature in each room independently, but require individual units in each room.
Cost
If you already have a duct system ready for your AC unit, having central air is affordable. However, in homes where air ducts are not installed, choosing a ductless air conditioning system is the cheaper option. Ductless systems have lower operating costs, since each room can be cooled independently, and they don’t require you to install heating and cooling ducts in your home.
Convenience
Because both types of air conditioning are effective, deciding which type of air conditioning is most convenient depends on your lifestyle and tastes. However, some factors to consider include your willingness to clean air ducts, your desire to have wall-mounted units in each room, and your desire to control temperature in each room independently.
Regardless of which system you choose, you can count on the expert air conditioning service technicians at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. to provide high quality air conditioning repair and installation in the Fairfax area. For more information on our AC services in the Fairfax and McLean areas, call (703) 496-5016.
Performance and Efficiency
When it comes to performance and energy efficiency, each system has its advantages and disadvantages. Central air conditioning units are modern home building standards simply because they provide all-around comfort to every room in the home. However, you cannot adjust temperature in individual rooms other than by opening or closing your diffusers. Ductless systems allow you to control the temperature in each room independently, but require individual units in each room.
Cost
If you already have a duct system ready for your AC unit, having central air is affordable. However, in homes where air ducts are not installed, choosing a ductless air conditioning system is the cheaper option. Ductless systems have lower operating costs, since each room can be cooled independently, and they don’t require you to install heating and cooling ducts in your home.
Convenience
Because both types of air conditioning are effective, deciding which type of air conditioning is most convenient depends on your lifestyle and tastes. However, some factors to consider include your willingness to clean air ducts, your desire to have wall-mounted units in each room, and your desire to control temperature in each room independently.
Regardless of which system you choose, you can count on the expert air conditioning service technicians at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. to provide high quality air conditioning repair and installation in the Fairfax area. For more information on our AC services in the Fairfax and McLean areas, call (703) 496-5016.
New Car Smell a Health Hazard? What You can do About Your Indoor Air Quality
08.08.2011 09:36 AM
Did you know that Americans spend about 90% of their times indoors? Of course where else would you spend it with this heat? While this may seem like a great way to avoid polluted air, poor indoor air quality has actually been proven to be a pervasive health hazard. Many indoor air pollutants come from chemicals that we use around the home every day.
In this video you’ll learn about some of the most common indoor air pollutants including organic and gaseous contaminants, as well as volatile organic compounds. You’ll also learn about which cleaning products to avoid to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
To maximize indoor air quality, make sure that your home’s air conditioning and heating systems are well-maintained. F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is the leading provider of air conditioning and indoor air quality services in the Fairfax and McLean areas. Call (703) 496-5016 to learn more about our indoor air quality services and products.
In this video you’ll learn about some of the most common indoor air pollutants including organic and gaseous contaminants, as well as volatile organic compounds. You’ll also learn about which cleaning products to avoid to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
To maximize indoor air quality, make sure that your home’s air conditioning and heating systems are well-maintained. F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is the leading provider of air conditioning and indoor air quality services in the Fairfax and McLean areas. Call (703) 496-5016 to learn more about our indoor air quality services and products.
Ever Wonder How Your Air Conditioner is Made? Watch This!
08.05.2011 09:39 AM
Although air conditioners may seem like simple, boring machines, they’re actually highly engineered to provide homes and buildings with maximum comfort. Careful design and assembly ensures that each air conditioner is as efficient and effective as possible.
In this video from the Science Channel, you’ll see how air conditioners are assembled in a factory. Learn how this machine that’s in most homes and buildings across America pumps cool air into your home giving you relief from the relentless summer heat.
If you’re looking for a new, energy efficient air conditioner for your home or business, or simply need your current air conditioning unit repaired, then contact the A/C repair technicians at F.H. Furr. We specialize in all types of heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services throughout the Fairfax and McLean area. For more information, call (703) 496-5016 today.
In this video from the Science Channel, you’ll see how air conditioners are assembled in a factory. Learn how this machine that’s in most homes and buildings across America pumps cool air into your home giving you relief from the relentless summer heat.
If you’re looking for a new, energy efficient air conditioner for your home or business, or simply need your current air conditioning unit repaired, then contact the A/C repair technicians at F.H. Furr. We specialize in all types of heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services throughout the Fairfax and McLean area. For more information, call (703) 496-5016 today.
Dealing with Air Conditioning Problems: Choosing Between Replacement and Repair
08.01.2011 10:44 AM
Like every other appliance in your home, your HVAC system is bound to experience occasional problems throughout its lifetime. However, deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner can be a difficult choice as your HVAC system gets older. Here are three factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, furnace, or other HVAC unit component.
Age of the Unit
As your air conditioner gets older, you can expect more frequent problems. Even if you take meticulous care of your units, they’ll eventually experience problems that are too costly to repair and simply not worth the hassle. So how long do air conditioners usually last? Furnaces and air conditioning units are only expected to last about 15 and 10 years at best, respectively. As they reach this age, replacement may become a more economical choice than repair.
Efficiency of the Unit
In addition to becoming more prone to breakdowns, air conditioning units and furnaces become less efficient as they get older. Part of this is simply because of wear and tear on the unit. But your air conditioning or furnace also becomes less efficient relative to newer products on the market. Replacing an older model with a new high-efficiency AC or furnace can help you save money on energy costs.
Overall Performance
Your satisfaction with the performance of the AC unit or furnace is also important. This includes factors such as noise level, quality of performance, and reliability. If you’ve had to repair your air conditioner more than once in the last year or two, then you should consider replacing it.
To learn more about whether it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit or furnace, talk to the air conditioning repair and installation professionals at F.H Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Inc. We specialize in all types of heating, cooling, and plumbing for residential and commercial customers in the Fairfax and McLean, VA areas. Call (703) 496-5016 to have and air conditioning repair technician come take a look at your AC.
Heat Wave Sweeps the East Coast, and Guess Who's at the Center of it All? Hang in There, DC!
07.22.2011 11:07 AM
How do Air Conditioners Work?
Your air conditioner uses a chemical called refrigerant (FREON) to cool warm air as it passes through the system. The refrigerant transfers the warm energy and cools the air as and the warm energy is pushed outside with the warm air.
The refrigerant then cycles back through the system to repeat the process - leaving your home cooler and less humid.
Your cooling system is usually combined with your central heating system because they share the same ductwork for distributing conditioned air throughout your home.
Not sure if your air conditioner needs repair or replacement?
Call F.H. Furr today to schedule a free "Home Comfort Analysis." Our licensed technicians will give a thorough assessment of your home and current heating and cooling system. This is an essential step in choosing a new heating and air conditioning system.
A complete analysis of your existing heating and air conditioning system is the first step toward helping you choose a new system that is not only the right size for your home but also the most energy efficient. A system that is too large or too small will not properly heat and cool your home, leading to higher utility bills, more equipment repairs and ultimately equipment that fails prematurely.
For air conditioning repair or replacement in the Fairfax or McLean areas, give us a call at (703) 496-5016! We'll get a repair specialist in your home for free.
Tips For Saving On Your Energy Bill During Those Hot Summer Months
07.18.2011 07:27 AM
A recent heat wave has reached Fairfax, causing energy bills to skyrocket. No longer are the days of enjoying a breeze by simply leaving your windows open in your home. Air conditioning is crucial during these long summer days. But how can you stay cool without emptying out your wallet? Here are some tips to keep your energy bills lower.
- Turn up the thermostat when you are not home for long periods of time. It will require less energy from your air conditioner.
- Utilize fans to disperse the cool air from your air conditioner. Fans use less energy than air conditioners. Make sure to turn off fans when leaving a room.
- Keep your home temperature in the mid to high 70 degrees. It will take less energy for an air conditioner to match the temperature.
- Close shades and drapes to keep out excess light and heat.
- Unplug or turn off appliances when not in use. The energy you save will quickly add up. *Interesting fact: Did you know turned off appliances still use energy when plugged in? Take the extra step and unplug your appliances when you’re not using them.
- Replace old an air conditioning unit with a new high efficiency air conditioning system. A high efficiency air conditioner will drastically change your energy bills, for the better!
Gas Prices Draining Your Piggy Bank? Save Money on Energy This Summer with a Programmable Thermostat!
07.11.2011 12:46 PM
The average household spends more than $1900 dollars a year on energy costs, nearly half of which goes towards their heating and cooling systems.
In this video from YourEnergyStar.com, Wendy Reed of the Environmental Protection agency discusses the ways a programmable thermostat can keep you comfortable while using less energy, reducing green house gas emissions and saving $180 dollars a year in energy costs. There are several programmable thermostat options to choose from, including a 7-day model, 5 and 2 day or a 5-1-1 model. Find out which model provides you with the most flexibility in this full clip.
Programmable thermostats are a great option—if you set them correctly. For more tips on how to program your new thermostat or to schedule a service call, contact your AC repair specialists and plumbers at F.H. Furr.
In this video from YourEnergyStar.com, Wendy Reed of the Environmental Protection agency discusses the ways a programmable thermostat can keep you comfortable while using less energy, reducing green house gas emissions and saving $180 dollars a year in energy costs. There are several programmable thermostat options to choose from, including a 7-day model, 5 and 2 day or a 5-1-1 model. Find out which model provides you with the most flexibility in this full clip.
Programmable thermostats are a great option—if you set them correctly. For more tips on how to program your new thermostat or to schedule a service call, contact your AC repair specialists and plumbers at F.H. Furr.
How Installing a Programmable Thermostat Can Save You Money on Your Energy Bill
05.25.2011 01:21 PM
The average homeowner spends nearly $2,000 on utility bills each year, approximately half of which goes toward their heating and cooling systems. Are you struggling to pay for your energy bill each month? You may want to ask your A/C or furnace repair company for energy saving tips. In the meantime, consider how installing a programmable thermostat can save you money on your energy bill.
Energy Efficiency
A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts to your home’s ambient temperature, allowing you to save up to 10% on your energy bill. With 4-6 different pre-programmed settings, programmable thermostats keep your home at a comfortable temperature without over-exerting your HVAC or air conditioner. Get the most out of your unit without spending a fortune!
Temperature Control
Unlike traditional thermostats, programmable units allow you to set a temperature schedule for an entire day. For example, let’s say it’s winter and you want your home to be 72 degrees when you wake up in the morning, 70 degrees when you get home from work, and then up to 75 degrees when you go to sleep. A programmable thermostat allows you to program accordingly so that your home is always at your ideal temperature. This also means less wear and tear on your unit, since it runs less during the day.
Away Settings
Programmable thermostats also come with Vacation or Away modes for ultimate energy efficiency. What’s the point in paying to heat or cool your home when no one is in it? Vacation modes allow you to temporarily turn off your unit for a substantial amount of time to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Whether you are interested in a programmable thermostat or are just looking for an air conditioning company in your area, professionals with F. H. Furr provide the plumbing and furnace repair services for your needs. For products, services, maintenance tips, locations, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website today!
Energy Efficiency
A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts to your home’s ambient temperature, allowing you to save up to 10% on your energy bill. With 4-6 different pre-programmed settings, programmable thermostats keep your home at a comfortable temperature without over-exerting your HVAC or air conditioner. Get the most out of your unit without spending a fortune!
Temperature Control
Unlike traditional thermostats, programmable units allow you to set a temperature schedule for an entire day. For example, let’s say it’s winter and you want your home to be 72 degrees when you wake up in the morning, 70 degrees when you get home from work, and then up to 75 degrees when you go to sleep. A programmable thermostat allows you to program accordingly so that your home is always at your ideal temperature. This also means less wear and tear on your unit, since it runs less during the day.
Away Settings
Programmable thermostats also come with Vacation or Away modes for ultimate energy efficiency. What’s the point in paying to heat or cool your home when no one is in it? Vacation modes allow you to temporarily turn off your unit for a substantial amount of time to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Whether you are interested in a programmable thermostat or are just looking for an air conditioning company in your area, professionals with F. H. Furr provide the plumbing and furnace repair services for your needs. For products, services, maintenance tips, locations, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website today!
Stay Cool While Saving Energy: 8 Great Tips To Keep in Mind This Summer!
05.15.2011 11:12 AM
Do you want to stay cool on hot days without paying a huge energy bill? There are many things you can do to stay cool and save energy so you don't get stuck spending a fortune.
- Set the Thermostat: In the summer, plumbers recommend you set your thermostat to 78 degrees. Every additional degree will increase your bill by 5%. When you leave for vacation set the thermostat even higher.
- Turn off Lights and Appliances: Turn off all unused lights and appliances in the summer. Appliances and lights give off extra heat and make the air conditioner work harder than it needs to. You can save money and energy with just a flick of a switch and the pull of a plug.
- Use Ceiling Fans: Use your ceiling fans. Heat rises, so using fans helps circulate air and reduce air conditioner use.
- Check Doors, Windows, and Pipes: Make sure all doors and windows are closed and sealed with good weather strips and caulking. Also, check and see if all plumbing pipes are sealed off from outside your home.
- Block the Sun: Close all curtains, drapes, and window shades when the sun is shining bright to keep the heat out and cool air in.
- Replace Your Filters: A dirty air filter only makes your air conditioner work harder. Clean or replace the air filter every month.
- Arrange Your Furniture: Make sure no vents are blocked by furniture.
- Close Empty Rooms: Close off rooms that are not used often. Only cool the areas you are in and use on a daily basis.
A/C Checkup: 4 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repairs
03.01.2011 01:24 PM
For many of us, our air conditioner or HVAC is the most important home appliance. Unfortunately, problems with our units can often go undiagnosed until they become costly repairs. Worried that you may need an A/C repair or furnace repair company? Consider these 4 signs that your air conditioner needs repairs.
- A/C is Not Cooling Your Home: A major sign that you need to set up an air conditioning repair service is when your A/C is not producing cool air. This could be caused by a dirty air filter or dirty coils and may just need to be cleaned. However, if you thoroughly clean your unit and it is still not working, then it may be time to call the professionals.
- A/C Doesn't Run: If your air conditioner will not turn on at all, then make sure that the thermostat is set to ‘cool’ and is currently below the ambient temperature in your home. Not the problem? Check the circuit breaker for a blown fuse. If this does not solve your problem, then examine the furnace power switch or the outdoor condenser to ensure the power is on.
- Loud Noises: It is normal for your air conditioner or HVAC to make some noise while it is running, but squealing noises are generally a bad sign. Many older units use belt-driven motors that may slip or tear over time. If you have a direct-drive blower motor, then grinding noises are usually a sign that the motor bearings are broken.
- Pooling Water: A properly functioning air conditioner creates a significant amount of condensation which travels out of your home through a plastic drain tube in the floor. If you are noticing pools of water near the base of your air conditioner, then it's possible that the tube has been dislodged or broken. It may also be possible that the condensation pump itself has stopped working.
Routine Maintenance is the Best Way to Prevent the Need for Heating and Air Conditioning Repairs
02.11.2011 01:34 PM
Although you may not have noticed, living in your home causes slow but steady deterioration. From the furniture to the plumbing, everything in your home faces a certain lifespan. However, if small and frequent maintenance measures are taken, a homeowner can put off the need for professional repair for a long time.
Heating and air conditioning are two systems which can break down during an inconvenient time—such as during a freezing snowstorm. In order to prevent costly AC or furnace repairs, take a look at these following steps:
Heating and air conditioning are two systems which can break down during an inconvenient time—such as during a freezing snowstorm. In order to prevent costly AC or furnace repairs, take a look at these following steps:
- Air Filters: Once a month, be sure to inspect the air filter for your furnace and air conditioning system. Because a dirty air filter reduces efficiency and causes your system to work harder, it is important to clean or replace your air filter on a monthly basis.
- Lubrication: Because a heating and air conditioning system utilizes a motor with moving parts, it is important to lubricate necessary parts. If parts of your system are not lubricated, then friction will eventually wear down the motor—leaving you with an unnecessary bill.
- Check Your Connections: If your heater has poor connections to the gas or oil, you may be posing a fire hazard to your home—not to mention inefficient operation. Be sure to inspect connections between your heater and energy source, for both your heating system and your health.
ENERGY STAR REBATES for 2011: Where do YOU stand?
01.03.2011 01:50 PM
It’s not too late for those New Year’s Resolutions! We at F.H.Furr are big fans of turning a home energy efficient. Save money and protect the environment this year by switching to Energy Star Plumbing and HVAC (Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning) equipment. Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
What is included in the 2011 Federal Tax Credit?
- Tax Credit: 10% of cost up to $500 or a specific amount from $50 - $300
- Expires: December 31, 2011
- Details: Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not qualify.
Products that qualify:
- Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan: This is an efficient fan, or blower motor, which blows the air that your furnace heats up through the duct system.
- Air Source Heat Pumps: Good for moderate climates. Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from a cool space into a warm, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer. Because they move heat rather than generate it, heat pumps can provide up to 4 times the amount of energy they consume.
- Central Air Conditioning (CAC): Not all units are eligible. To verify tax credit eligibility, ask our HVAC specialist to provide the Manufacturer’s Certificate Statement for the equipment you plan to purchase.
- Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler: These units use water circulated throughout the home in a system of baseboard heating units, radiators, and/or in-floor radiant tubing.
- Natural Gas, Propane, or Oil Furnace: This uses the combustion of fuel and air to create heat.
- Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater: Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home.
- Electric Heat Pump Water Heater: Hope this gives you some ideas for motivating you to turn energy efficient and save money! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Keep visiting our blog for more information on how to save money and make your home energy efficient!
For more information on Energy Star products, visit their website at www.energystar.gov
How to Green Your Bathroom
11.22.2010 01:33 PM
Stop, put down the green paint!!! I’m not talking about that sort of Green.
Whew. Welcome back! If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, I’m talking about making your bathroom more environmentally friendly! Earlier last week we talked about how to Green Your Toilet. As an addition to that article, here are some ways to save yourself some Washington green and save Mother Nature from early retirement:
Green your toilet! See previous post...
Install a graywater system
It’s a safe and practical way to capture and filter the water used by faucets, washing machines, dishwashers and appliances, and reuse it for non-potable purposes. More info, call us!
Turn off the tap/showerhead when not in use
This no-brainer saves an average of 4 gallons per minute!
Fix leaky faucets & pipes
Roughly 14% of US household water is lost down the drain due to these!
Buy a faucet aerator & low-flow showerhead
This decreases the flow of water to save you from wasting!
Use natural cleaners
These can be home-made or store-bought. Many stores sell cleaners that are even non-toxic, making it safe for children and pets.
Dispose of pharmaceuticals properly
Ie, not down the drain! Your meds can end up in drinking water and harming wildlife
Use a shower timer
Any one will do – even an egg timer from the kitchen!
Use a non-vinyl shower curtain
Vinyl curtains off-gas harmful chemicals and can harbor other health problems, so a good alternative is Hemp, PEVA, organic cotton, or one made of recycled materials.
Install bath enclosures
A nice long-term alternative for those who don’t want a curtain
Buy eco-friendly towels
Dry off with ones made from natural and organic fibers and low-impact dyes
Use eco-friendly toilet paper and facial tissue
You want ones with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content and that have been whitened without chlorine bleach.
Now that you’ve got some ideas how how to Green Your Bathroom, go! Green your bathroom and be a better person for it!!
Keep checking our blog for further postings on how to green your home!
Whew. Welcome back! If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, I’m talking about making your bathroom more environmentally friendly! Earlier last week we talked about how to Green Your Toilet. As an addition to that article, here are some ways to save yourself some Washington green and save Mother Nature from early retirement:
Green your toilet! See previous post...
Install a graywater system
It’s a safe and practical way to capture and filter the water used by faucets, washing machines, dishwashers and appliances, and reuse it for non-potable purposes. More info, call us!
Turn off the tap/showerhead when not in use
This no-brainer saves an average of 4 gallons per minute!
Fix leaky faucets & pipes
Roughly 14% of US household water is lost down the drain due to these!
Buy a faucet aerator & low-flow showerhead
This decreases the flow of water to save you from wasting!
Use natural cleaners
These can be home-made or store-bought. Many stores sell cleaners that are even non-toxic, making it safe for children and pets.
Dispose of pharmaceuticals properly
Ie, not down the drain! Your meds can end up in drinking water and harming wildlife
Use a shower timer
Any one will do – even an egg timer from the kitchen!
Use a non-vinyl shower curtain
Vinyl curtains off-gas harmful chemicals and can harbor other health problems, so a good alternative is Hemp, PEVA, organic cotton, or one made of recycled materials.
Install bath enclosures
A nice long-term alternative for those who don’t want a curtain
Buy eco-friendly towels
Dry off with ones made from natural and organic fibers and low-impact dyes
Use eco-friendly toilet paper and facial tissue
You want ones with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content and that have been whitened without chlorine bleach.
Now that you’ve got some ideas how how to Green Your Bathroom, go! Green your bathroom and be a better person for it!!
Keep checking our blog for further postings on how to green your home!
How to Keep Your Home’s Pipes Protected from the Next Hard Freeze
11.15.2010 01:35 PM
When a home utility is working properly, it really is a convenience. Dealing with faulty plumbing or air conditioning is a huge drag—one which takes time out of your busy life. If you act accordingly, however, utility problems can be taken care of before they happen.
If you reside in an area which drops below freezing during the cooler times of the year, one important part of your house to keep in mind is the piping. Without proper knowledge, you might face burst pipes—costing you a fortune. Here are a few tips to prevent your pipes from freezing up:
If you reside in an area which drops below freezing during the cooler times of the year, one important part of your house to keep in mind is the piping. Without proper knowledge, you might face burst pipes—costing you a fortune. Here are a few tips to prevent your pipes from freezing up:
- Insulate: For exposed pipes, insulation via wrapping is a great way to prevent frozen pipes. However, if you choose to do so, make sure that the entire pipe is insulated. Any cold air which can reach the pipe increases the likelihood that your pipes will freeze.
- Cracks: In order to keep out cool air, be sure to seal up any cracks may be present where the wall and the pipe intersect. Caulk is a great form of insulation, and can be used for a ton of other projects as well.
- Air Circulation: By opening up cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom, you can allow warm air to circulate to pipes located underneath the sinks. Also, any pipes which are located in walls next to the cabinet will also benefit from the circulation.
- Heading Out? Don’t Forget to Drain! If you are heading out for an extended period of time, make sure that you turn off and drain your water. Any water left behind will likely freeze—leaving you with an unwanted surprise when you return to your house.
Greening Your Toilet
11.11.2010 01:45 PM
Outside it may be snowing, but inside you’re probably wondering what more you can do to save money and help Mother Earth from growing gray hairs.
A question that’s becoming increasingly popular is, “What can I do to green my home?”
Well, that’s a question with many answers, so today, we’ll start with your bathroom. More specifically, your toilet.
Not to be confused with turning your toilet green, greening your toilet can be accomplished several ways. We’ve written a list to make it easy!
Keep checking our blog for more info on how to green your house!
A question that’s becoming increasingly popular is, “What can I do to green my home?”
Well, that’s a question with many answers, so today, we’ll start with your bathroom. More specifically, your toilet.
Not to be confused with turning your toilet green, greening your toilet can be accomplished several ways. We’ve written a list to make it easy!
- Flush less often: Listen to Bernie Focker, and “if it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down!”
- Flush with less water: You can place a filled jug into the storage tank.
- Check your toilet for leaks: Leaky toilets can waste up to 200 gallons per day!
- Choose recycled toilet paper: The higher the post-consumer fiber the product contains, the better.
- Install a high-efficiency toilet (HET): HETs use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf) and can save over 4,000 gallons of water per person per year. If you want to go a step further, use a dual-flush toilet! This allows for less water to be flushed for liquid loads, and more water for those that might need a little extra push. Feel neck deep? Call us for more info.
- Dispose of pharmaceuticals properly…not down the toilet! Most wastewater treatment facilities aren’t equipped to filter these substances, so your meds can turn up in drinking water supplies or harm wildlife.
- Recycle your old toilet: The porcelain is often used to make concrete for roads and sidewalks. Ask your local recycling center if they have recycling programs for toilets.
Keep checking our blog for more info on how to green your house!
Basic Home Maintenance : How to Troubleshoot a Heating System #DIY
10.27.2010 01:37 PM
Before you pick up the phone to call a professional, why not have a try at the problem for yourself? Many quick-fixes are easy to do—plus, they don’t break the bank.
In this video, Tim Gibson offers some tips on troubleshooting a heating system. By ensuring that the gas valve is open, you can further look into what may be causing a problem. If you open up the front panel on your unit, you will find either a pilot light or an electronic ignition device. Additionally, check the maintenance switch to see if it has been engaged or not.
If you would like further assistance with your heating system, please feel free to visit F.H. Furr. We can provide high quality AC repair for your home, so please contact us today!
In this video, Tim Gibson offers some tips on troubleshooting a heating system. By ensuring that the gas valve is open, you can further look into what may be causing a problem. If you open up the front panel on your unit, you will find either a pilot light or an electronic ignition device. Additionally, check the maintenance switch to see if it has been engaged or not.
If you would like further assistance with your heating system, please feel free to visit F.H. Furr. We can provide high quality AC repair for your home, so please contact us today!
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Green
Hard Water
Health
Heating
Heating Experts
Heating Tune-up
Heatwave
How-To
Humidifiers
HVAC
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Products
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Tankless Water Heaters
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