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This post first appeared on http://www.atozstatewideplumbing.com

In Pittsburgh and throughout western Pennsylvania, there are many beautiful, historic homes built before our modern concept of installing central air. In a house without ducts, often tenants and homeowners stick to less-effective window units, which do little to make a home energy efficient and often don’t provide the relief from Pittsburgh’s hot and humid climate in late summer.

What are some of the options that owners of Pittsburgh’s historic buildings can use to make their homes energy efficient and cool without having to take out walls and spaces for modern ductwork. Let’s talk about the modern ductless wall air conditioner, and whether it’s a good option for you.

Air Conditioning Options for Homes Without Ductwork

Homes built before the 1970s likely do not have ductwork. So, homeowners looking to install AC with homes like these are stuck, right? Well, there are a few air conditioning options for homes without ductwork:

Option #1: Install new ductwork.

Adding expensive and sometimes ugly ductwork to your building may include adding to your attic, cutting through walls and beams or adding cubbies to your home. Then, after that installation, the central AC unit will need to be purchased and installed. On the whole, this may end up being better for energy than wall units.

Option #2: Deal with window units.

Cope through the hot Pittsburgh summer season with cheap and less efficient window units. This way, you’ll have to take them down every winter and put them up every summer. Tenants who don’t own buildings are frequently stuck doing this, even though it is a great deal of hassle and rarely cools the rooms satisfyingly.

Option #3: Buy a ductless air conditioner.

The ductless AC unit is a relatively new invention, which is perfect for small, older homes. An indoor unit hangs on the upper part of an interior wall. That wall’s other side should be the outdoors. An outdoor unit contains a fan and compressor. A refrigerant line connects between the indoor and outdoor units. Typically, those looking at ductless AC units can choose between high-velocity systems and mini-split systems. Split systems tend to give you more control for each “zone” or room.

Split Ductless Vs. Central Air Conditioning

Those choosing between ductless ac or central air often weigh the following factors:

Factors	Central Air	Split Ductless AC
Ducts	It requires duct installation.	No ducts are required.
Noise	Central air uses a noisier system.	Ductless tends to be quieter.
Energy Efficiency	There are a wide array of energy efficient options.	Often, ductless is more energy efficient, but it depends on the unit.
Costs	Cost is cheaper for homes with a duct system already in place.	Ductless is often cheaper for homes that would need to install new ductwork.
Zoning	Central air tends to affect the whole house.	Split ductless allows you to control each room.
Visuals	Central air is often built into the home.	Indoor ductless units can visually interrupt the space.

 

Cost to Install Central Air with No Existing Ductwork

Typically, this project is in the thousands. Let’s compare the cost of ductless ac vs central air:

The Cost of New Ductwork

Adding new ductwork frequently costs an average of $20 per linear foot, which can add up to about $3,000 for a 2,500 square-foot home. This cost can go up to as much as $10,000, ignoring the cost of the central air unit itself. The installation of the unit itself often costs more than $3,000. Commercial buildings can cost more than that. Not to mention, with historic homes you can sometimes risk having to cut through valuable beams ore priceless walls. Installing central air in a house without ducts can be quite a costly project.

The Cost of Ductless AC

Ductless AC units typically come as a kit and cost between $1,000 and $8,000, with the installation costing about $1,000 depending on the labor time. Typically, this will be cheaper than the cost of installing central air without ductwork, but it depends on your home. Big homes (more than 2,000 square feet) and homes with some ductwork may be better served with central air, but those hoping for more energy efficiency without carving up their interiors will typically benefit from ductless air.

If you’re still undecided on which solution would be better for your older home, connect with us. We’re the local heating and cooling experts in Pittsburgh and have worked on many different types of local buildings.

 

In Pittsburgh and throughout western Pennsylvania, there are many beautiful, historic homes built before our modern concept of installing central air. In a house without ducts, often tenants and homeowners stick to less-effective window units, which do little to make a home energy efficient and often don’t provide the relief from Pittsburgh’s hot and humid climate in late summer.

What are some of the options that owners of Pittsburgh’s historic buildings can use to make their homes energy efficient and cool without having to take out walls and spaces for modern ductwork. Let’s talk about the modern ductless wall air conditioner, and whether it’s a good option for you.

Air Conditioning Options for Homes Without Ductwork

Homes built before the 1970s likely do not have ductwork. So, homeowners looking to install AC with homes like these are stuck, right? Well, there are a few air conditioning options for homes without ductwork:

Option #1: Install new ductwork.

Adding expensive and sometimes ugly ductwork to your building may include adding to your attic, cutting through walls and beams or adding cubbies to your home. Then, after that installation, the central AC unit will need to be purchased and installed. On the whole, this may end up being better for energy than wall units.

Option #2: Deal with window units.

Cope through the hot Pittsburgh summer season with cheap and less efficient window units. This way, you’ll have to take them down every winter and put them up every summer. Tenants who don’t own buildings are frequently stuck doing this, even though it is a great deal of hassle and rarely cools the rooms satisfyingly.

Option #3: Buy a ductless air conditioner.

The ductless AC unit is a relatively new invention, which is perfect for small, older homes. An indoor unit hangs on the upper part of an interior wall. That wall’s other side should be the outdoors. An outdoor unit contains a fan and compressor. A refrigerant line connects between the indoor and outdoor units. Typically, those looking at ductless AC units can choose between high-velocity systems and mini-split systems. Split systems tend to give you more control for each “zone” or room.

Split Ductless Vs. Central Air Conditioning

Those choosing between ductless ac or central air often weigh the following factors:

Factors	Central Air	Split Ductless AC
Ducts	It requires duct installation.	No ducts are required.
Noise	Central air uses a noisier system.	Ductless tends to be quieter.
Energy Efficiency	There are a wide array of energy efficient options.	Often, ductless is more energy efficient, but it depends on the unit.
Costs	Cost is cheaper for homes with a duct system already in place.	Ductless is often cheaper for homes that would need to install new ductwork.
Zoning	Central air tends to affect the whole house.	Split ductless allows you to control each room.
Visuals	Central air is often built into the home.	Indoor ductless units can visually interrupt the space.

 

Cost to Install Central Air with No Existing Ductwork

Typically, this project is in the thousands. Let’s compare the cost of ductless ac vs central air:

The Cost of New Ductwork

Adding new ductwork frequently costs an average of $20 per linear foot, which can add up to about $3,000 for a 2,500 square-foot home. This cost can go up to as much as $10,000, ignoring the cost of the central air unit itself. The installation of the unit itself often costs more than $3,000. Commercial buildings can cost more than that. Not to mention, with historic homes you can sometimes risk having to cut through valuable beams ore priceless walls. Installing central air in a house without ducts can be quite a costly project.

The Cost of Ductless AC

Ductless AC units typically come as a kit and cost between $1,000 and $8,000, with the installation costing about $1,000 depending on the labor time. Typically, this will be cheaper than the cost of installing central air without ductwork, but it depends on your home. Big homes (more than 2,000 square feet) and homes with some ductwork may be better served with central air, but those hoping for more energy efficiency without carving up their interiors will typically benefit from ductless air.

If you’re still undecided on which solution would be better for your older home, connect with us. We’re the local heating and cooling experts in Pittsburgh and have worked on many different types of local buildings.

 

The post Air Conditioning Options for Homes Without Ductwork appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

The last thing you expected when you finally headed to your washing machine with that basket of dirty laundry was water puddles everywhere.

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How well do you know your home’s water heater? If you know that it heats up water and that’s about it, there are some more important facts to know, as well as tips for how to best take care of the water heater so it has a long, useful service life.

No, we’re not asking you to become an expert in water heater operation and all the minute details of its construction. And were not asking for you to handle jobs like tank flushing and repairs on your own—which you shouldn’t anyway. The information and tips we have to share are simple, and they can make a big difference for your water heater in Scottsdale, AZ.

Know the type of water heater you have and its energy source

“It’s the round type of water heater” isn’t a sufficient answer on this. There are many types of water heaters now available to consumers, and if you didn’t install the water heater in your house, you may not be aware of some important specifics. See if you have a tank or tankless model (i.e., does the unit store water for use or heat it as needed?). Make sure you know its energy source: natural gas and electricity are the most common, but there are also propane and oil-burning water heaters. You can use the serial number on the tank to find out more information: input it into a search engine browser.

Find out how to shut off the power to the water heater

In case of an emergency, you should know how to turn off the water heater or cut it off from its power supply. A gas water heater will have a valve, and for an electric water heater, determine which breaker switch on the electrical panel you can use to stop voltage flow.

Locate the water heater shut-off valve

Here’s another important emergency precaution. This water flow valve is often on the top of the water heater, and you may need to shut it off if the water heater is leaking. In some cases, turning this valve requires a special tool, which will often hang near the valve. Make certain that you have access to the right tools!

Check the aquastat setting—and know where to keep it

The aquastat is the thermostat for the water heater: it controls the temperature of the water inside. This shouldn’t be a device you manipulate often. We recommend keeping it at 120°F. Please do not raise it above 140°F, since this will create a potential scalding hazard.

Arrange for annual professional maintenance

The best care for your water heater comes from professionals. Each year, schedule a time for the pros to come to your house to inspect and clean the water heater, including a tank flush if necessary.

Have an emergency plumber’s number handy

In case of emergency, know who you can call—us! We have emergency repair service available. When you run into trouble, shut off the power to the water heater (and the water flow if there are leaks) and call the Trusted Plumber!

Call us for any water heater service you need. The Trusted Plumber serves Glendale, AZ and the surrounding areas.

This post first appeared on https://www.thetrustedplumber.com

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It’s important that we talk about common myths and misconceptions on our blog. Not just because we like to brag about our plumbing expertise, but because time and time again homeowners are looped into thinking something about their drain that really isn’t true. The more you believe in myths instead of science in regards to your plumbing, the more likely you are to run into expensive problems that we end up having to fix.

When you take the time to educate yourself about bathroom plumbing in Essex County, it really shows. Drains that last longer and clog less can be the result of homeowners who really understand how they work and do their due diligence to contact a plumber when it matters.

So, let’s talk about some myths that surround our plumbing systems and discuss some possible solutions to the problems associated with them. If you’re not satisfied with the information on this blog, make sure you call us for our professional opinion!

Myth #1: Chemical Drain Cleaners Work

If you headed to the grocery store right now, you’d probably see a whole aisle full of chemical drain cleaners. While this may make you feel like they’re a plausible solution to your drain clogging problem, there’s a more sinister reality at play. Chemical drain cleaners might technically work, but when we say work, take that with a very large grain of salt. They actually eat away at the materials that line your plumbing system while they get at clogging material. Not only that, but sometimes they don’t work, and you end up dealing with the fumes, chemical burns, and a ruined plumbing system as a result.

We’re more concerned with discussing plumbing solutions that are tried and tested to work every time. Put that drain cleaner back on the shelf and call us for some healthier options.

Myth #2: A Slow Drain Is Fine

Many of us deal with slow drains at home which can be frustrating. What’s more frustrating is the myth that slow drains are just normal, and you’re going to have drains that operate slowly forever. This is not the case!

Slow drains usually indicate that a clog is forming. Honestly, slow drains can be a great sign to heed, because they allow you time to call a professional plumber to arrive and deal with it before it becomes an actual clog.

Myth #3: Only Call a Plumber as a Last Resort

Far too many times do we arrive at a home to be the last resort. While we’re always happy to help a struggling customer, proactive solutions are always better than reactive ones. If you’re unhappy with the way your drains work, or with a clog that’s forming in your pipes, you can always call us. A plumber doesn’t have to be the solution that comes after you’ve tried everything else—sometimes calling a professional plumber is a quick and simple solution that you know will work.

Give Us a Call

Are you having trouble with your plumbing system? Perhaps you’ve got a slow drain or a clog that’s forming in your bathroom plumbing? Call our team today for expert drain cleaning services.

Call MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. for expert plumbing services.

This post first appeared on https://margoplumbing.com

Something has gone terribly wrong with your plumbing system and you’re scrambling… it seems like your home is bursting at the seams and you just don’t know what to do. First things first—don’t panic! Panicking is what’s going to make a situation that’s already heading south downright catastrophic. The first thing that you want to do is call an emergency plumber in Orlando, FL. After this, there are a few things that you can do the ensure that your plumbing system doesn’t ruin your home while you wait for the aid of a plumbing professional.

What You Can Do

Here are a few things you can do if you find yourself in the midst of a plumbing emergency. We want to make this clear—although we are suggesting that you do a couple of things to mitigate the situation while you wait for a professional to come to the rescue, we’re never suggesting that you take it to the point of a DIY effort. Here are a few things you can do:

Turn It Off

If things are really bad and your home is spurting out water where it definitely shouldn’t, you’re going to need to turn off your water system at its source. The water source that you need to run to depends on what’s going wrong in your home. If something is going wrong with your toilet, you can shut off the valve at the base of the unit. If things are a little more intense and affecting multiple parts of your home, you can shut off the main water valve to eliminate the issues that are happening.

Do What You Can with the Leaks

Let’s say things are a little less intense but you know they’re going to get worse if you let things continue on unmitigated. You can do a little something to patch up the leaks that you have going on. If you have some tape or some paste sitting around, then it might be a great idea for you to grab these items and patch up the spots being affected. This isn’t a long-term solution. Even if you do a great job and you think that you’ve solved the problem, still make sure that you come to a professional to finish up the job and give you a great plumbing system long-term.

Phone a Friend(ly Plumbing Technician)

When in doubt, call a plumber. This should be the first thing you do as soon as you notice a plumbing problem, but let’s say that the specific problem that you’re having increases in severity while you’re waiting for help to arrive… what can you do? Call again!

One of our helpful plumbers can talk you through the process. Remember, we’re professionals so we’ve seen it all. We know how to handle high-stress situations because we’ve been in them so many times. We’ll help you stop the problem and make sure that your problems never get too severe.

Contact Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Proudly Serving Central Florida Since 1975.

This post first appeared on https://www.modernpi.com

When the summer temperatures soar, the heat can put a great deal of stress on your AC system. While your air conditioner will generally perform admirably despite the heavier workload, periods of peak use often mean compromised efficiency when it comes to the amount of cool air you get in exchange for the energy consumed. The average American spends thousands each year in energy costs, so one of the best ways to trim the fat from your household budget is through greater energy efficiency. Given the amount of power that your AC consumes, it’s a likely first target for anyone who wants to reduce energy bills without sacrificing comfort. Fortunately, with the advice of skilled providers of HVAC service in Pittsburgh, PA, you can take many steps to reduce AC energy consumption.

By performing routine maintenance on a regular schedule and arranging for proactive HVAC repair, homeowners can take charge of energy usage by installing high-efficiency systems, keeping them well-tuned through maintenance, and monitoring cooling inefficiencies elsewhere in the home. Doing so may seem like a tall task, but operating an efficient AC system is important in the summer months. Keep reading to learn a few of the reasons why.

Cost Savings

The first reason to strive for energy efficiency in terms of your home AC system is that it will save you a tremendous amount of money over the course of the average year. You may not realize how much of your household energy bill is dedicated to climate control, especially in the summer months, when the AC may run almost continuously to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home. Depending on the size of your house and the degree of efficiency you can create with improved equipment and modified operating practices, the savings could amount to hundreds of dollars per year.

Extended Service Life                                                           

When an AC unit runs efficiently, much of the stress levied by heavy usage is alleviated since the system can perform its work more easily and with less energy consumed. Energy efficiency also requires frequent maintenance and upkeep of your AC, which is usually performed by professionals who can monitor the state of your system and offer proactive repairs to developing problems that will keep the system running smoothly. Those factors combine to result in an extended life span for your system; the more efficiently it can run, the longer it will last.

Reduces Environmental Impact

Most people eagerly choose to protect the environment if given the opportunity, and maintaining energy efficiency in your household AC system is just such a chance to engage in good stewardship of natural resources. Given the amount of energy used to cool the average home in the summer, efficiency measures can reduce the amount of energy consumed, which means fewer fossil fuels will be burned to meet the demand, and less carbon will enter the atmosphere. Maintaining energy efficiency at home is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your environmental footprint.

Fewer Repairs Needed

The functional components of an HVAC system work in tandem with one another in a symbiotic relationship. However, when one component begins to degrade or malfunction, there’s a ripple effect that impacts the other parts of the system as well as overall system performance. That means one failing part begets additional failing parts as the workload is transferred. When your system is optimized for maximum energy efficiency, there are often fewer major repairs needed since maintenance is frequent. Your HVAC technician will get ample opportunities to see potential issues as they develop so that they can be repaired before they cause more extensive problems for your systems.

AC energy efficiency is critical, especially during the summer months, because it not only saves you money on energy costs, but also protects your system and allows it to run more smoothly. With the help of an HVAC company in Pittsburgh, PA, you can maintain an efficient system and enjoy the associated benefits throughout the hottest months of the year. To learn more about the importance of energy efficiency as it pertains to your AC, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at (412) 273-1000.

 

The post The Importance of an Efficient Air Conditioner This Summer appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

Plumbing emergencies can be a nightmare come true. They always seem to happen when it’s least convenient, such as in the middle of the night or when relatives are visiting. 

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You’ve probably heard of hard water before. But what exactly is it? Is it dangerous for your plumbing or, more importantly, for your health? This blog will give you a complete overview of hard water, so keep reading to get answers to these questions and more. And if you need home plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA, reach out to the plumbing experts here at Stahl Plumbing.

What Is It?

So, what exactly is hard water? You probably know that it has absolutely nothing to do with the water’s texture. Rather, a water’s “hardness” refers to the level of certain minerals within the water—specifically, dissolved calcium, magnesium, and metallic elements. We call it “hard” water because it’s hard to wash things clean with water that contains high levels of these elements; this is because hard water prevents soap from lathering properly.

Levels of Hardness

Despite what you may have heard, there isn’t simply “hard water” and “soft water.” There’s actually a range of hardness that is broken down into 5 separate categories:

1. Soft – fewer than 1.0 grains per gallon of water
2. Slightly hard – between 1.0 and 3.5 grains per gallon
3. Moderately hard – between 3.5 and 7.0 grains per gallon
4. Hard – between 7.0 and 10.5 grains per gallon
5. Very hard – more than 10.5 grains per gallon

Most homes fall somewhere in the middle categories and experience very few issues relating to their water, while other areas of the country have to find solutions to their hard water problems.

Potential Complications

First and foremost, we want you to be aware that there are no health issues associated with hard water. It’s perfectly safe to wash in and even consume hard water. However, it does create some complications around your home.

As already mentioned, getting things clean with hard water can be quite difficult. You’re likely wasting soap and shampoo without even realizing it since you need more of it to get a good lather. You’ve also probably seen hard water spots on your dishes, even after they’ve been run through the dishwasher.

If your hardness is on the upper end of the scale above, you could experience much larger complications with your plumbing too. The dissolved calcium and magnesium salts can collect in your plumbing. This can lead to problems with your washing machine and dishwasher, as well as in your pipes. You might notice scaling on your faucets and showerheads; now, just imagine that kind of buildup accumulating in and blocking your pipes.

What Can You Do?

If you have very hard water, a water treatment system can help. A reverse osmosis system is one treatment option, as well as a water softener. If you have hard water-related issues, contact us at Stahl Plumbing. We can offer bathroom plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA, to correct any problems you have and clean out the scaling, then install a treatment system for your home. Give us a call now to get a quote on the services you need, and say goodbye to scaling, unsightly buildup, and ugly water spots for good!

The post Hard Water: A Complete Overview appeared first on Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.