Horizon Services Inc.

Don’t Prolong Repairs If You Want To Lower Energy Costs

frank — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:32:11 +0000

Keeping Energy Costs On The Lower Side

If you want to lower your air conditioning and heating energy costs it will mean your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) — must be working as efficiently as possible. That means any defects in the system must be fixed as soon as they occur.

It is false economy not to spend money on air conditioning and heating repairs because a defective system will only see your energy expenditure rocket. Further delays might even see the air conditioner and heater becoming totally unusable, leading to it having to be replaced and you having to spend a huge sum of money.

Have Your Heating System Serviced Regularly

One of the best ways to ensure that your air conditioning and heating continues to work efficiently is to have it regularly serviced, at least once a year. Of course that will incur added costs, but it need not be as expensive as repairs. What is more, you will be ensuring your property’s continued energy efficiency.

If you want to ensure your property remains energy efficient, the best time to initiate repairs is as soon as you notice something is wrong with your air conditioning and heating. Not only will this save on the expense of having to pay for a complete breakdown to be fixed, it will help cut down on those energy bills. For example, with your heater if there is a blockage between the outdoor unit and furnace, it will have to burn even more fuel to produce the heat. This will, in turn, escalate your fuel costs, something that could have been avoided if the problem had been fixed as soon as it occurred.

How Is the The System Running?

Obviously, problems such as the air conditioning and heating continually cutting out are easy to notice. It is when the air conditioning and heating is becoming gradually less energy efficient that you can be forgiven for lack of action. You may not notice that something is wrong until you start receiving higher than expected energy bills. That is another reason why regular servicing is so important if you want to lower your energy costs, as problems can be fixed before they have any real effect.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

As well as making sure your air conditioning and heating system continues to work more efficiently you can also be proactive when it comes to reducing those energy bills. One way is to have a programmable thermostat fitted. These gadgets avoid the problem of the air conditioning and heating coming on when you do not need it, such as when you are away from home or during night time. Programmable thermostats allow you to set the desired temperature for particular times of the night and day. This means that energy is burned only as when you need it and it is an extremely good way of reducing your energy costs.

Hire An HVAC Contracting Specialist

The key to reducing energy costs is to never put off repairs to your air conditioning and heating system. Ideally the system should be regularly checked to ensure it remains in good working order, but if things should go wrong it makes good economic sense to call out the specialists without delay.

Contact Horizon Services

If you are ready to install or replace a heating and air conditioning system our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists can help. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your 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!

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Beware of the Closed Bedroom Door

frank — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:30:57 +0000

Can You Really Save Energy By Closing Bedroom Doors?

Everyone wants to save on energy costs. One of the most popular ways to save energy in the home is to close doors and vents, especially in rooms which are not occupied. The only problem is this will not save a cent. Energy cannot be saved by closing bedroom doors, or any other door in the home..

Keep Your Home Cool In The Summer And Warm In Winter

To keep your home cool during the summer and warm in the winter, you need to have an efficient HVAC system. This is the system which provides air conditioning and heating. In order for it to work efficiently, air has to be able to circulate within the property. If doors are kept closed, even in unoccupied rooms, the air is not able to circulate freely. This, in turn, will lead to the HVAC system not being able to work efficiently, meaning that energy will be wasted instead of being saved.

Even if doors are closed the air does not even remain within the room. It is able to escape, which leads to draughts and more wasted energy and higher than expected energy costs. What is more, the escaped air is replaced by unfiltered air, such as from down the chimney or furnace flue, which can be unhealthy. For that reason alone it is not worth closing bedroom doors or vents in the misguided belief that it will save energy. The effect will be quite the opposite as new air will still rush in to replace the air that has been allowed to seep away.

Ensure Air Flows Freely Around The Home

It should be understood that best way to save on energy and keep those utility bills affordable is to allow the air from the HVAC system to flow freely around the home, instead of keeping it trapped behind the closed doors of unoccupied rooms.

There are several ways to ensure that air is allowed to flow throughout the premises, thereby maximizing energy efficiency. Some people install what is known as ‘cold air returns’ in each room. While this is very effective, it can also be time-consuming and costly, as holes will be have to be cut and ducts run into each room. A less costly, and for most people, more practical solution, is to have a transfer grill installed. Having a transfer grill fitted will also save time and cause less disruption during installation.

Finding A Solution

Whatever system of air transfer you choose, it is usually best to have it fitted by a qualified HVAC contractor. This is because it will have to be installed properly if the system is to work efficiently. The cost of installation will be more than offset over time as energy bills are kept manageable and the home is kept comfortable whatever the time of year.

Contact Horizon Services

For more information, visit our Installation and Replacement section!

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Preston’s March For Energy 5K

frank — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:20:32 +0000

Preston’s March For Energy 5K In Wilmington, DE

On Sunday, May 5, 2013, Horizon Services was proud to support the 2013 Preston’s March for Energy 5K on Delaware’s Greenway. The Horizon Helps team was on site and the company served as the official race shirt sponsor for the event.

Get To Know Preston

At the core of this special event is a 13 year old boy named Preston who has Mitochondrial Disease. Preston suffers from lower-than-normal muscle tone and development delays which cause him to tire easily and have issues with balance which make it difficult for him to keep up with other children. Despite all of this, Preston has a love for biking and outdoor activities and has enjoyed the efforts of his family and friends who in 2011 were able to raise enough money to purchase Preston an adaptive recreation bike.

As a result of these efforts Preston’s family felt the need to “pay it forward” and Preston’s March for Energy was created with a focus of helping children with special needs receive the recreational equipment that would help them lead normal childhoods.

Preston’s March For Energy

Through Preston’s March For Energy money will be raised through private donations, fundraising events, corporations and grants to promote awareness about special needs and the importance of physical exercise equipment. Our main focus will be to provide adaptive bikes to children with special needs.

View Photos from the 2013 Preston’s March for Energy 5K

To view photos from the 2013 Preston’s March for Energy 5K, visit the Horizon Services’ Facebook page.

Ten Secrets For A Successful Spring Garden

frank — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:29:11 +0000

Healthy Gardening: 10 Tips For New And Experienced Gardeners

As the weather warms, gardening enthusiasts around the country get ready to start planting and landscaping their yards. No matter if you are a new gardener or the experienced owner of a green thumb, brushing up on a few tips for healthy gardening will help you get the new season off on the right foot..

Read The Label – before applying any substances to your soil or plants, read the ingredients carefully. Doing so will help you avoid using environmentally harmful pesticides.
Select The Right Plants – ideally, you should choose plant varieties that will thrive easily in part of the country. Doing so will make it easier for you to nurture them, even if the weather becomes extreme.
Select The Right Location – even when you select varieties that suit your area, you will still find that some parts of your garden are hospitable to certain plants. Check the daily sunlight levels before placing your selections.
Prepare The Soil – before planting your garden, spend time preparing the soil by adding manure or compost to enrich it. This will add moisture and nutrients that will help your plants thrive, especially during the vital early stages of growth.
Use Water Wisely – avoiding heavy water use gives your plumbing system a break and ensures you do not over-water your plants. Before watering, check the moisture in the soil to see which plants need attention first. Consider using an irrigation system to increase energy efficiency.
Feed Your Garden – using plant fertilizer to feed your garden is also essential to keeping the plants healthy. Fertilizer helps your plants thrive, even in thin nutrient-poor soil, by adding vital nutrients. Typically, you should use fertilizer that acts slowly, so that it feeds the plants over a long period of time. This helps them to grow at a more consistent rate.
Protect Your Soil With Mulch – mulch is another gardening product that you will want to stock up on before planting for the new season. Organic mulch, such as wood chips or grass clippings, offer weather protection without harmful chemicals. Surround your plants with an even layer of mulch, typically using a couple of inches at a time.
Control Garden Pests – boil grated lemon peel in water and use the liquid to spray your plants to ward off common pests such as mites. Blended hot peppers are also useful as pest control.
Container Gardening – container plants are an excellent way to start a garden, particularly if you are working with a small outdoor space. Place your containers in a sunny spot to allow the plants to get plenty of light. Water the plants regularly and add a few drainage holes to each container if your area gets a lot of rain.
Attract Wildlife – hang an edible birdseed wreath in your garden to attract birds, even during winter and be sure to include a birdbath with water. You can also build a simple butterfly house from wooden scraps and then fill it with moss and tree bark. This will attract butterflies to your garden in spring.

Additional Information from Horizon Services…

PA Justice 4 Kids Run

frank — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:07:28 +0000

PA Justice 4 Kids Run In Exton, PA

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, Horizon Services was proud to support the PA Justice 4 Kids Run on the Chester Valley Trail In Exton, PA. The Horizon Helps team was on site and the company served as the official race shirt and water sponsor for the event.

Horizon Helps!

When Horizon Services is presented with the opportunity to help a local worthy cause get off the ground and start an annual tradition, we never hesitate. This just happens to be the case with the Justice4PAKids 5K who hosted its inaugural 5K, Fun Run, and Walk

PA Justice 4 Kids Run

Justice 4 PA Kids is a coalition of child and victim advocates, lawyers, mental health professionals, and concerned local citizens dedicated to eliminating the Pennsylvania statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Through fundraising and awareness efforts the coalition hopes to educate individuals about childhood sexual abuse and its effects on our youth.

View Photos from the PA Justice 4 Kids Run

To view photos from the PA Justice 4 Kids Run, visit the Horizon Services’ Facebook page.

Horizon Services TV Commercial #20

frank — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:41:59 +0000

“Max’s Dad” (:30 seconds)

In this TV commercial, see how Horizon Services technicians work nights, weekends, and holidays to meet your specific needs and have the experience and knowhow to get the job done right and clean the first time.

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

Horizon Services TV Commercial #19

frank — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:14:33 +0000

“Max’s Bike” (:30 seconds)

In this TV commercial, see how Horizon Services technicians care about your plumbing, heating, and air conditioning problems and have the experience and knowhow to get the job done right and clean the first time.

To Avoid Stressful Plumbing Problems Stop Bad Habits!

frank — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:44:41 +0000

Discover Common Plumbing Mistakes Some Homeowners Make

There are some common mistakes some homeowners don’t realize they are making until serious damage has occurred to their plumbing.

For instance, blocked drains and sewer systems can cause disruption in the home and at worst they can threaten the health of everyone who lives there and cause expensive damage. By and large these blockages need never happen, provided you learn some bad home plumbing habits to avoid. Learn these valuable lessons and there is every chance that you will help circumvent lengthly plumbing disruptions and eliminate costly repairs.

Bad Home Plumbing Habits To Avoid

A major cause of blocked drains is hair. Whether you wash your hair in the bath tub, in the shower or over the washbasin, hair will gather in the popup. If allowed to gather over a period of time, the strands of hair will eventually find their way into the drain and build up to cause a blockage. To avoid this problem, gather up the hair from the popup and put it in the bin.

Another likely cause of blockages is putting items down the toilet that cannot be flushed away. These include diapers, baby wipes, paper towels or sanitary products. They are not designed to be flushed, so should be disposed of accordingly. Toilet fresheners can also be a problem if they are not secured properly. They are large enough to cause problems if they fall in when the toilet is flushed.

Food scraps should never be allowed to be washed down the sink drain as they will also cause blockages. Sink strainers will be able to prevent this from happening. Oils and fats should also not be poured down the drain as eventually they will solidify and that, in turn, will block the branch and main drains.

If you are having your home renovated, make sure that no debris is allowed to gather up inside open pipes as this will cause major problems with drainage. While the work is being carried out, any exposed pipe should be covered.

One of the major problems associated with sewer systems is sewage overflows. By far the biggest cause are tree roots outside the home blocking the drainage. One way to avoid this problem is by planting trees, or other vegetation with roots that spread, well away from the sewer lines. This advice is very valuable, especially if you are planning to have the land attached to your property landscaped.

Ways To Avoid Blocked Drain And Sewer Systems

The best way to avoid blocked drains and sewer systems is to avoid letting items be washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet which will cause blockages, and by ensuring that no trees or vegetation are planted where the roots can damage the drains.

Another preventative measure would be to have the drain and sewer system periodically inspected by a licensed plumber.

Contact Horizon Services

With over 20 years of service experience, we have helped thousands of homeowners in the Delaware, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington County New Jersey and Northeastern Maryland areas with their plumbing needs. Our team of plumbing professionals consists of some of the most experienced and most qualified plumbers working today in the Delaware Valley. These are top-notch plumbing technicians who can accurately diagnose and quickly fix any and all plumbing problems. Plumbing emergencies are our specialty!.

Related Plumbing Information from Horizon Services…

Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Lyle — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:14:03 +0000

Grease and food splatter can turn your beautiful cabinets into a genuine kitchen nightmare. The easiest way to remove stubborn, stuck-on food build-up is by using mild detergent and mixture of water and vinegar. Use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean around door handles, drawer pulls, and cabinet faces then wipe away traces of the detergent with a combination of water and vinegar. Once clean shine the cabinets with fragrant orange oil. It will create a glossy shine and protect them from further attacks of grime.

Important HVAC Information You May Not Know

frank — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:38:38 +0000

Because What You Don’t Know Will Cost You…

Anyone who is buying a new home or installing a new HVAC unit, should understand it is very important, whatever the system you buy, that selecting the correct size for the property and having it installed properly, will determine around 75% of its performance and efficiency.

What Should People Be Wary Of When Buying A New Home?

People purchasing a new home should be wary when it comes to the contractor installing the HVAC unit. To save on his costs he may install an inferior system, but even if a superior HVAC unit is selected it might be poorly installed. In either case this could be a major problem, in the long term, for the home owner. Energy bills will soar and the system could become prone to breakdowns, ensuring further misery as heating and air conditioning fails.

The best way to avoid such problems is to ensure that the contractor installs the best HVAC unit possible and that it is the correct size for the property to ensure energy efficiency. Not only should it be the best unit, the installer should be properly trained.

What Problems Can Occur With A Poorly Installed Or Inferior HVAC Unit?

One of the first signs that the HVAC has been incorrectly installed, or is not up to the job, will be the noise. The outside unit will be very loud and if the duct work has not been properly installed, the airflow will also be very noisy. If the air returns are too small they can put a strain on the system and reduce energy efficiency. If registers which are the wrong size have been installed, or if they are unable to be adjusted, that can lead to insufficient air being allowed to flow into rooms.

All of this can be avoided by ensuring that only the correct HVAC system is fitted into the home and that it is installed by skilled and well trained technicians.

What To Expect From A Properly Trained HVAC Installer

Most people can be forgiven for not knowing the complexities of a HVAC system. That lack of knowledge, however, can prove to be very expensive, as an incorrectly installed unit will lead to higher energy costs and hard earned dollars being spent on repairs when the system malfunctions.

The best way to avoid these problems is to use the services of a properly trained HVAC installer.
It is important, therefore, that people should know what to expect when the technician arrives at the door to carry out the installation.

A professional installer should arrive at a convenient time and the work be completed as cleanly and as tidily as possible. The installer should also take the time to explain to the customer how the HVAC system works and how it is operated. The customer should also be made aware of the various service plans that are available should any problems ever occur.

Contact Horizon Services

For more information, visit our Installation and Replacement section!

Additional Information from Horizon Services…