Keep Your Garbage Disposal In Top Shape

It’s pretty easy to treat your garbage disposal like a trash can. The truth is that the humble garbage disposal is more sensitive than many people believe and can easily break or malfunction if not treated properly. Here is some advice for keeping your garbage disposal in top shape.

1. The Garbage Disposal is Actually Not a Trash Can.

Most of us toss anything and everything into the garbage disposal without thinking too much about it. The disposal is designed to grind up small pieces of soft food so they don’t clog your plumbing. The following items should never be put into your kitchen disposal:

• Eggshells
• Bones
• Meat fats
• Unpopped popcorn kernels or fruit pits
• Anything expandable like rice
• Asparagus, celery and other fibrous vegetables
• Any non-food products

2. Invest In A Repair Tool.

You can find a garbage disposal repair tool or ¼” Allen key for only a few dollars at just about any hardware or home improvement store. Buy one. Most garbage disposals have a hole in the bottom where you can insert the tool and hand crank the mechanism if it gets jammed—no need to call a plumbing professional.

3. Look Sharp.

A garbage disposal has two metal teeth that whip around, grinding food between them. Over time, those teeth can wear down, which means they work less effectively and the disposal can clog. Luckily, it’s really easy to sharpen the blades. You can run a filter full of coffee grounds or a handful of ice cubes through the disposal once a month to keep the blades sharp. Ignore the horrible noise you’re likely to hear—that just means it’s working!

4. Water Is Good…For Your Garbage Disposal.

Anytime you put leftovers in the disposal, be sure to run cold water at the same time. The water helps lubricate the blades and eases the food down through the drain holes. Remember, always use cold water—not hot—because hot water can actually cause substances to melt away from the food and coat your pipes.

5. Hit The Reset.

Did you know that your garbage disposal has a reset function? Many people don’t realize that the solution to many disposal problems is this little-known feature. Sometimes the simplest way to repair a malfunctioning unit is to just reset it. If the disposal gets overloaded, it can trigger a small red “reset” button to pop out of the unit; the motor will stall so the system can rest. If this happens, clear whatever is jamming the disposal and just push the button back in. Problem solved.

Most of these common disposal repairs are simple to do yourself with little expense. However, if you do get stuck or you think the problem is bigger than you should be tackling alone, there’s no shame in calling in professional reinforcements.

Contact Horizon Services

For proper garbage disposal installation, please contact professionals from Horizon Services!

We also specialize in General Plumbing Services and Sewer and Water Line Replacement!

Related Information from Horizon Services…

• What’s the Best Garbage Disposal For You
• What You Can Do About Low Water Pressure
• Horizon Plumbing Services

Limit Your Exposure to Asthma Triggers

If you have asthma, you know how hard it can be to avoid triggers like pollen, pet dander, and dust. Even coming indoors is sometimes not enough to alleviate your symptoms, as indoor air is often just as polluted as the air outside. However, it is possible to limit your exposure to asthma triggers inside the home just by using your air conditioner.

The filter on your home’s air conditioning system is capable of removing significant amounts of mold, dander, pollen, and other contaminants from the air. Air conditioners can also help reduce the humidity inside your house in warm weather; too much moisture in the air makes it easy for mold and mildew to flourish in your home. If you or someone in your family has asthma or another respiratory condition triggered by mold spores, this can be a big problem.

Reduce the Risk of Contaminants Into the House

Air is pulled into the air conditioning system and is then forced through a series of blowers, compressors, filters, condensers, evaporators, and coolers. This creates the cooled air that is then blown into your home at whatever temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. The air keeps circulating through the system, so it’s important to maintain the filters on your unit to ensure the air that comes into your home is always as clean as possible. If the filter isn’t replaced or cleaned regularly, you risk letting contaminants into the house, compromising the indoor air quality and creating problems for asthma sufferers in your home.

Maintain Air Conditioning System

The best way to avoid asthma triggers and keep the air inside your house cleaner is to be vigilant about maintaining your air conditioning system.

There are plenty of things you can do on your own to ensure good indoor air quality. Clean or replace your air conditioner filter once a month. Check the existing filter or system owner’s manual first—some filter models are reusable and can be cleaned with mild soap and water and then put right back into the unit; other kinds of filters are disposable and will have to be replaced. Choose a day that you’ll remember (like the first day of the month) or set a monthly reminder on your smartphone or computer. Dust and vacuum frequently to reduce indoor pollutants and cut down on the contaminants that pass through the HVAC system.

Have the unit serviced by a professional once a year. Try to plan these visits in the spring, before the pros’ busy season when prices are lower and HVAC technicians have greater availability. This will also guarantee that your air conditioner is in top shape before the heat of summer sets in. A technician will check coolant levels, make sure the coolant is clean, examine mechanical parts and may perform a thorough system cleaning. An HVAC professional will also check cooling coils for mildew and mold, inspect the blower for signs of corrosion, remove dirt and debris, clean or replace the filter, and clean out the drain line.

Contact Horizon Services

While all HVAC equipment should be checked by a professional once a year, and an HVAC professional should always be called in to deal with major issues or repairs, you can extend the life of your HVAC system by taking just a few minutes each month to perform a few simple inspection and cleaning duties.

And, if you are ready to install or replace a heater or air conditioner our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists know heating and air conditioning systems inside and out. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your heating and cooling requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.

Additional Information from Horizon Services…

• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• Horizon’s $89 Air Conditioning Tune-Up
• Save Money and Extend Equipment Life With Yearly Maintenance
• Extend the Life of Your HVAC Equipment with Proper Maintenance
• How do I Know Which HVAC System is Right for my Home?
• Is Your Home Suffering from Hot Flashes?

What Is Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio?

A central air conditioning units’ energy efficiency is regulated by the US Department of Energy and every unit is assigned a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating that measures how efficient a system is; the higher the SEER rating, the more substantial the energy savings.

SEER is calculated as the total cooling output, measured in British thermal units or Btu, delivered by the unit during its regular yearly usage period, divided by its total energy input, measured in watt-hours, over the same time period.

As these ratings can be a little hard to understand, we have put together the following guide to help you through the basics, so you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to purchase your new air conditioner.

Myth #1:

SEER-Rated Devices Are Too Expensive

While it is true that more efficient appliances cost more, they typically pay for themselves with energy savings in just a few years. For most families, the additional initial investment of a high SEER-rated air conditioner is more than made up in just three and a half years. In addition, since most newer AC units last about 18 years, that is a pretty significant return on the purchase price.

Myth #2:

Utility Bill Savings Do Not Really Cover the Cost of Air Conditioners with the Maximum SEER Rating (13)

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the incremental cost of a SEER 13 air conditioner compared to a minimum SEER 10-rated unit is only about $171. With the average American household saving approximately $48 a year on electricity, it is clear that the difference is negligible and is more than recovered in just over three years. These estimates are based on the most recent national average for electricity rates and if they go up, the consumer payback will be even faster.

Some manufacturers would have you believe that the cost of more energy efficient appliances is simply out of reach for most people. These manufacturers often resist improving the efficiency of their products, insisting that higher environmental standards force them to charge unrealistic prices for these items. They sometimes grossly overestimate price increases in an effort to deter consumers from pushing for more efficient devices.

The truth is that the market, not industry or government projections, determines price fluctuations. When new standards are enforced, a high percentage of major manufacturers have no trouble updating their products without dramatic price increases.

Myth #3:

High SEER-Rated Air Conditioners are Bigger Than Lower-Rated Devices, So Installing One Requires a Total Home Makeover

A few SEER 13 air conditioners are bigger than their lower-rated counterparts, but most are not. In fact many high SEER-rated AC units have advanced technology that enables the device to perform at a higher efficiency standard with a size increase of just a few inches. As with any other major home appliance, SEER 13 air conditioners are available in a range of sizes, so it is easy to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Contact Horizon Services

So, if you are ready to install or replace an air conditioner and heater? Our friendly and experienced team of Home Comfort Consultants knows air conditioning a nd heating systems inside and out. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your cooling and heating requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.

For more information, visit our Installation and Replacement section!

6 Typical Air Conditioner Problems With Possible Solutions

Central Air Conditioning is one of those things that you miss the most only have you don’t have it. This is especially true on the first few hot and humid spring and summer days when you first try to turn on your system and nothing happens! A typical central air conditioner will only last between 12 to 15 years, so if your AC unit is about this old you may want to start budgeting for a new one. However, before you call a professional HVAC technician here are six typical Air Conditioner problems with possible solutions:

Problem #1: Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On.

Possible Solutions:

• Make sure the thermostat is set to “Cool” not “Heat” or “Off”.
• Be sure the thermostat is set below the current room temperature.
• Check the circuit breaker that controls the air conditioning unit and the one that controls the furnace. Reset any popped fuses or replace damaged ones. If the problem persists, call a professional HVAC technician to take a look.
• Turn all the switches around the cooling unit to the ‘on’ position, including the external safety switch. This is usually located on an outside wall next to the condenser.
• Check the overflow tray. Sometimes if there’s too much water in this tray the unit will automatically shut off.
• Check the blower door on the air handler; it should be closed securely.

Problem #2: Air Flow From The Cooling Vents Is Poor.

Possible Solutions:

• Make sure the air filter is clean. Replace it or clean it if it’s dirty.
• Visually inspect ductwork to make sure everything’s properly connected. Check ducts in attics, crawlspaces, basements, and other hard to reach spots.
• Make sure registers in each room are open.

Problem #3: Air Conditioner Doesn’t Dehumidify Adequately.

Possible Solutions:

• The only real solution to this problem is to replace your AC unit with one that’s properly sized for your home. A unit that’s not pulling moisture from the air is likely too large for your space. You could try increasing the load on the system by expanding ductwork into your garage, basement or attic.

Problem #4: Air Conditioner Doesn’t Dehumidify Adequately, And It Is The Right Size.

Possible Solutions:

• If you know your AC unit is the right size for your home but you’ve still got excess moisture in the house, you may be dealing with excessive humidity caused by open windows, water leaks, or a lack of proper condensation drainage from the furnace’s evaporator coil.
• Ensure all windows are closed so humid air can’t get into your house.
• Make sure the drainage system is working.
• Boost dehumidifying power with a portable dehumidifier in areas that are particularly susceptible to excess moisture.

Problem #5: AC Doesn’t Provide Adequate Cooling With A Long “On” Cycle.

Possible Solutions:

• If your compressor is running a long ‘on’ cycle but isn’t doing much in the way of cooling, it’s likely that the compressor is worn out and has lost the ability to process refrigerant effectively.
• Call a professional HVAC technician to take a look and probably replace the worn part.

Problem #6: Air Conditioner Runs A Very Short “On” Cycle.

Possible Solutions:

• Make sure there’s nothing blocking the thermostat.
• Condensing fins that are bent, dirty or otherwise obstructed can interfere with the cooling cycle. Check the outside condensing unit and fix bent fins with a fin comb.
• Check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
• Call a service technician to check the refrigerant charge, to look for refrigerant leaks, or to replace a condensing unit that’s too large for your home.

Contact Horizon Services

So, if you are ready to install or replace your home’s air conditioner or heater system, please contact Horizon Services. Our friendly and experienced team of Home Comfort Consultants knows air conditioning and heating systems inside and out. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your cooling and heating requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.

Additional Information from Horizon Services…

• Save Energy by Unplugging Household Devices and Appliances
• 7 Things in Your House That Could Explode
• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• Horizon Plumbing Services
• Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
• Horizon Sewer & Water Line Replacement Services

Up to 40% of your cooling costs could be spent cooling air lost through gaps in your duct-work. If you own an older air conditioning system with older duct-work, examine your ducts for cracks, splits or bad connections and use foil tape to seal any openings. While this may seem like an easy fix, it is often temporary and it is always recommended to have a professional inspect your duct-work. A professional sealing will last longer and be more efficient.

It’s Time for Your Yearly Air Conditioning Check Up

One of the best things you can do for your home’s air conditioning system is to maintain it properly. The average residential central AC runs as much as 3,300 hours every year. That is the equivalent of driving 214,000 miles in your car. While you’d never dream of driving a vehicle that long without regular maintenance, when it comes to air conditioners the same set of standards don’t seem to apply. In fact, many homeowners go years and years without ever tuning up their AC units. If this sounds like you, you could be wasting thousands of dollars a year by running a system that’s not running as efficiently as possible.

Maintain A Comfortable Temperature

With regular professional maintenance, your air conditioner will operate at or near its original factory performance for longer. This improved efficiency means that the unit doesn’t have to run as long or work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature; this helps you save big time on utility costs and system repairs. A system that’s well-maintained – and not working harder than it needs to – will also last longer.

Yearly Tune-Ups Offer Other Savings

Besides greater energy efficiency and increased household utility savings, regular tune-ups can offer other savings, too. A professional technician who is tuning up your system will likely find minor problems like loose electrical connections or low coolant levels that can be fixed quickly and cheaply during the course of the check-up. If these small problems aren’t caught early, they can often lead to more serious and more expensive repairs down the road.

Leaking Refrigerant

For example, if your AC unit is leaking refrigerant, a technician can fix the leak in just a few minutes for just a few dollars more than the charge for the tune-up. However, if that same leak is neglected or goes undetected for weeks or months, it can drain the refrigerant completely and burn out the air conditioner’s compressor. A new compressor can be very costly. Not only that, but a unit that’s leaking coolant doesn’t run as efficiently as it could so you’re likely to waste hundreds of dollars in energy costs until the problem is fixed.

What To Expect From Our Tune-Up

Your 21-Point Air Conditioning Precision Tune-Up and Professional Cleaning Includes:

1. Calibrate and level thermostat
2. Clean filters as needed
3. Monitor volts/amps on fan motor
4. Lubricate and inspect bearings for wear
5. Clean indoor coil if accessible
6. Flush/treat condensate drain with anti-algae
7. Inspect condenser coil
8. Monitor operating pressure of refrigerant
9. Inspect safety devices for proper operation
10. Inspect disconnect box for proper rating and installation
11. Tighten all electrical connections
12. Test/inspect contactors for burned, pitted contacts
13. Inspect electrical system for exposed wiring
14. Test and inspect capacitors
15. Inspect fan blade
16. Clean condenser coil and remove debris
17. Inspect service valves for proper operation
18. Measure temperature difference – supply/return
19. Inspect duct work for energy loss
20. Monitor compressor for proper amperage, volt draw & wiring connections
21. Clean debris from around the condenser

Contact Horizon Services

While all HVAC equipment should be checked by a professional once a year, and an HVAC professional should always be called in to deal with major issues or repairs, you can extend the life of your HVAC system by taking just a few minutes each month to perform a few simple inspection and cleaning duties.

And, if you are ready to install or replace a heater or air conditioner our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists know heating and air conditioning systems inside and out. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your heating and cooling requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.

Additional Information from Horizon Services…

• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• Horizon’s $89 Air Conditioning Tune-Up
• How do I Know Which HVAC System is Right for my Home?
• Is Your Home Suffering from Hot Flashes?

Many homeowners believe that leaving a fan on when no one is home will cool a room. This is not true. Fans cool your skin but do not lower room temperature. When a fan circulates air in a room the air moves across your skin and you feel cooler even though the air temperature in the room remains the same. If you run a fan when no one is there to feel its benefits, the only thing you’re doing is wasting electricity.

Spring Into The Season

Warmer weather is upon us, and spring is a great time to freshen up your home with those projects you have been putting off all winter. Sure, you will clean out your closets, organize your junk drawer, cycle out heavy winter sweaters and snow boots for swimsuits and sandals, and revive your home’s landscaping. But these simple, affordable tips can give your home a brighter, lighter feel as we head into spring and summer.

Accessorize

No, we are not talking about updating your wardrobe. Knick-knacks, photo frames, throw pillows, window treatments and other décor items give your home personality; swapping them out to welcome in a new season is a great way to breathe new life into a tired winter house. Even if you don’t go all out and purchase new accessories, consider moving things you already have into new areas of your home or bringing out pieces you’ve been keeping in storage. Another great way to re-accessorize is to get on the current trend of “up-cycling” or repurposing, using old items in new and creative ways.

Bathroom Makeover

Hit the spring sales and you can totally makeover a bathroom or powder room for less than $100. Put on a new coat of paint, find a great new shower curtain, purchase new towels, change out accent rugs and accessories, and update window treatments. If you’ve got a little more room in your budget, you might consider swapping out bathroom cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures like faucets and showerheads. You might want to also consider installing a high efficiency toilet. A high efficiency toilet is a great way to cut down on water consumption, using less water per flush and chopping your home’s water use in half.

Bring The Outdoors Inside

Lush greenery in a pretty pot can add brightness and light to any room. Use potted plants and flowers to dress up a bare tabletop, shelf, fireplace mantel or neglected corner. Plant a container herb garden for your kitchen and enjoy fresh herbs all year round. Hang ferns or trailing ivy from the ceiling on an enclosed porch. Don’t have a green thumb? Cut wildflowers or greenery from your yard and arrange them in vases around the house to bring the spring indoors.

Big Budget Improvements

Spring is a good time for more extensive home improvements. Plan a major outdoor landscaping project, refinish kitchen or bathroom cabinets, retile floors, replace stained or worn carpeting, update rooms with fresh new paint or wallpaper, change light fixtures and ceiling fans or purchase state-of-the-art, high energy efficiency appliances. If your home’s air conditioner and heater is more than 12 years old, it’s time to replace it. Additionally, for extra security, try combining your project with new locks and the best burglar alarm you can afford.

Home Maintenance

Before the busy summer season, have a professional come in and:

• Tune-up your air conditioner
• Flush out your water heater
• Check plumbing lines
• Check sewer and water lines
• Inspect ductwork

Other ways to get your home ready for spring:

• Change out your lampshades
• Replace wall art
• Create a gallery wall display of antique mirrors, family photos, bright prints, your kids’ artwork or vintage book pages>
• Bring clean wicker or wrought iron outdoor furniture indoors
• Decorate with spring-scented candles

Contact Horizon Services

Horizon Services: The only full-service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, geothermal, drain cleaning and sewer and water line replacement company in Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania and Maryland that guarantees on-time service, up-front pricing and the job done right and clean the first time!

Additional Information from Horizon Services…

• Save Energy by Unplugging Household Devices and Appliances
• 7 Things in Your House That Could Explode
• The 7 Deadly Plumbing Sins
• The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• Horizon Plumbing Services
• Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
• Horizon Sewer & Water Line Replacement Services

Don’t Wait Until It Breaks!

Even if you never get your hands dirty changing an air conditioning filter, inspecting a furnace or boiler, fixing a leaky faucet, draining your water heater or unclogging a sink drain, there are a few simple air conditioning, heating and plumbing tips every homeowner should know. Do it yourself or hire a professional – these tips can help you get started.

Air Conditioners

Schedule a professional inspection twice a year. In between professional tune-ups, you can clean the outside unit yourself with a garden hose, keep it clear of debris and shrubbery, straighten bent fins and change the filter every two to three months.

Furnaces and Boilers

According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission, homeowners should schedule an annual professional inspection of chimneys, flues and furnace vents for leaks, built-up debris, and to ensure connections are secure. Inspectors should also check the furnace or boiler units themselves to make sure the appliances are running properly, taking in adequate fuel, maintaining good gas pressure and proper operating temperature.

An inspector should also check the furnace and boiler for adequate ventilation and gas leaks. Never place furniture or other heavy objects over vents, and be sure your furnace filter is clean. Always use only the fuel your device has been designed to consume, and hire a professional to handle appliance fuel conversions or modifications.

Install a carbon monoxide alarm in the hallways near the bedrooms in your home. Like a smoke detector, these CO alarms emit a loud beep when unsafe levels of carbon monoxide are in the air. Carbon monoxide is a potentially deadly gas that can build up in your home when heat sources aren’t properly ventilated or functioning. CO alarm batteries should be checked every month and replaced once a year.

Leaky Faucets

An easy way to fix leaks is to replace worn or aging fixtures and washers. Small replacement parts and new fixtures will pay for themselves in water cost savings in just a few months, and they are easy to install. Of course, a professional plumber can also come to your rescue for a relatively affordable cost if you’re not a do-it-yourself-er.

Water Heaters

If you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t think too much about your water heater – until you’re the one stuck with a cold shower. You can extend the life of your water heater by draining the tank regularly (or hiring a pro to do it for you). This makes it easy to remove the sediment that can build up in the bottom of the tank; sediment build up can clog your water lines and limit the heater’s energy efficiency.

Drains and Sewers

Maintenance is the best way to keep bad drain smells at bay and to keep drains flowing freely. There are plenty of commercial drain cleaning solutions out there; you can find them at any grocery store or
plumbing supply, home improvement or hardware store. Alternatively, you can do some research on natural homemade solutions or simply hire a professional to come in once or twice a year to flush your system.

Root infiltration can damage sewer and septic lines, causing slow-flowing drains, noisy toilets and leaks around appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher. Luckily, these are all symptoms of sewer line problems, too, so if you notice them early you can save yourself the costly headache of complete sewer line replacement.

Contact Horizon Services

So, when you are ready to install or replace your home’s air conditioner or heater system, please contact Horizon Services. Our friendly and experienced team of Home Comfort Consultants knows air conditioning and heating systems inside and out. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your cooling and heating requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.

Additional Information from Horizon Services…

• Save Energy by Unplugging Household Devices and Appliances
• 7 Things in Your House That Could Explode
• The 7 Deadly Plumbing Sins
• The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
• Horizon Air Conditioning Services
• Horizon Plumbing Services
• Horizon Drain Cleaning Services
• Horizon Sewer & Water Line Replacement Services

Old food and disgusting grime are the perfect combination for a horrible smelling drain. Eliminate unwanted odors by pouring in a cup of baking soda and letting it sit for 20 minutes. After the baking soda absorbs the odors wash it down with acidic vinegar which will react with the baking soda causing it to bubble and clean the drain. Other stench-busting remedies include the use of essential oils and citrus peels such as lemons or oranges.