5 Simple Ways to Cut on Energy Costs

Today is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day and we think there's no better time to read up on some great AND simple ways to save. With the new year underway, we're all striving to make a difference in our homes and lives - for the better. Why not save a chunk of change in 2015 by picking up on better habits.

Consumer Energy has 100 ways you can save on your energy bills, but for now we'll stick with our favorite five:

1. Call your heating professional for a tuneup! Poorly maintained heating systems are major culprits of heat loss. To decrease your heat loss by up to 1 or 2% have your heating system inspected at the start of every heating season.

2. Get with the program! A programmable thermostat is an efficient way to conserve your energy use. There's no need to have the heat set as high when everyone is out and about mid-day. Programming a thermostat will make these daily adjustments easy for you.

3. Purchase a low-flow aerator or flow restrictor and install it on your shower head. Not only will the water pressure feel even better than before but you'll use less water in the meantime! Sounds like a good switch to us.

4. Think about what is in your refrigerator or freezer before you open it. Browsing allows cold air to escape, causing sneaky increases in your energy costs. Better to keep it closed or pick quick!

5. Use supplemental heating equipment for hard to reach areas. Almost every home has a room that's hard to heat. Instead of forcing more heat out that the rest of your house doesn't need, try heating that room with a space heater or natural gas fireplace.

Happy Saving!

Whether you need boiler repair services or hot water heater installation, turn to the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer a comprehensive selection of services to ensure that your home or business receives the best repairs and maintenance for optimal indoor temperatures. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information. 

Deep Freeze Safety Tips

These freezing cold winter temperatures have us wishing for hibernation and any way to stay warm, but it could also be stirring up possible problems in your home. From your heating to your plumbing, it's important to become aware of potential safety risks.

Below are a few tips to keep in mind. (Don't worry - Cutting out hot cocoa isn't on our list).

Don't use appliances for alternative purposes. Stove tops and kitchen ranges are for cooking. They aren't meant to produce heat and should not be used that way as it is both a fire hazard and carbon-monoxide risk.

Read space heater directions completely and thoroughly. Though a great way to add a little extra heat to your home, space heaters can be extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. Never use a space heater labeled for outdoor use only indoors and make sure they are always pulled away from surfaces and combustible materials when turned on. Make sure to inspect the cord for frays or damage periodically and never use an extension cord.

Do not neglect your furnace. Strange noises and drips should always be addressed. It is also important that the furnace area and vents are free of flammable objects and blockages. You'll also want to properly insulate all pipes to avoid freezing.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is your neighborhood plumber. From plumbing repair to heating services, bathroom and kitchen installation and more, we are available 24/7 for whatever you need. Call us today at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information. 

When is it Time to Call the Plumber?

Have a handyman at home? They probably cover some of the basic home care needs on their own. Saving money where you can is smart. However, tackling more difficult projects can lead to other damages that will cost you more money in the long run.

Not sure when it's a good idea to pick up the phone and call a plumber? Turn to the most common examples below:

You notice low water pressure throughout your home. There are a number of reasons your water pressure could be low. A licensed and professional plumber is trained to pinpoint the exact cause quickly and get your water flowing freely again.

There's no hot water. Again, determining the cause could take quite awhile. Professional plumbers know everything there is to know about heating appliances and can find the right fix quickly.

You need to replace your water heater. Installing a new water heater is no easy feat. To ensure your new water heater will begin working properly, turn to a plumber who has the routine down pat and installs them on a regular basis.

Your sewer line is backed up. Plumbers have advanced technology that can inspect and repair your sewer line efficiently. Attempting to dig up your yard on your own and fix the sewer line may actually end up being more costly.

Your pipes are frozen. If the pipe has already burst or cracked, you'll need a professional plumber to make the repairs. Even if the frozen pipe is still intact, you may want a plumber to take a look at it to prevent more sever damage.

Other than these common plumbing emergencies above, calling a plumber for regular routine maintenance is also a smart idea. Being proactive with your plumbing is the best way to avoid those little surprises throughout the year.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

Tankless Water Heaters - Making the Switch

Tankless water heaters are all the "rage" right now and homeowners everywhere are wondering if they should make the switch. Should you? Well, just like any other home heating or cooling appliance, it's all about what is right for you and your home.

Here's a little breakdown on the advantages and disadvantages of going tankless, so you can make a well-informed decision when it comes to making the switch:

Advantages

• Energy efficient and saves on heating costs
• Endless supply of hot water
• Smaller than a conventional heater and can be installed almost anywhere 
• No build up of rust or sediment
• Lasts longer than a conventional heater (about 20 years)

Disadvanatges

• More than one tankless heater may be needed based on home hot water usage
• Complex venting systems are required
• Electrical components and gas lines need to be set up and working properly 

For more on tankless water heaters, click here, or call us at 516-874-7937 to discuss your unique home heating needs. 

How to save Money on Your Energy Costs

We're talking about ways to save again. Between everything you have to pay for in your home, it is normal to find that the price is becoming overwhelming. That's why NY Plumbing and Sewer wants to share with you a 3-step plan by Oprah, from basic to advanced, that helps you curb your energy costs:

1. Do a home energy audit: If you know your home, you are better equipped to manage the energy it is using. Certified energy raters can identify the extent of air leakage with a blower door test. For this test, they put a powerful fan in your doorway which sends air through your home and all the tiny holes that may be letting in cold or heat. A home energy audit would require no personal labor and costs up to $500.

2. Identify leaky spots: Air infiltration is one of the easiest problems to correct and may be part of wasted energy in your home, especially if your home was built before 1970. Sealing leaky spots in your home can save you as much as 9 percent on your energy bill and all it takes is a trip to the hardware store for a caulking gun and some caulk. Moderate labor is required, however, the cost is low (under $50).

3. Reinsulate your home: Even with the heat or A/C turned all the way up, it is impossible to keep a good temperature in your home if your walls are not insulated properly. Places to check for poor insulation are your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. Different kinds of insulation are valued at different prices and it may take a few years to cover the investment. However, as many investments go, reinsulating home saves you money in the long run, especially if you have already done a home energy audit and identified leaky spots in your home. Both the labor and costs associated with reinsulating your home are high in the short run. 

For all heating services and installations, call us at 718-514-7145. Let us know what you think of this 3-step plan on our Facebook page. 

Emergency Heating Services and Installations

We understand that you need a plumber you can trust. That's why NY Plumber & Sewer Rooter has a history of quality, reliability, and excellent workmanship. It doesn't matter if you own a commercial, residential or industrial property. We provide the heating services you need so you can keep the rest of your life up and running!

Nassau Plumbing Heating Services Include:

• Thermostats

• Boilers Repaired

• Hot Water Heaters Installed

• Zone Controls

• Floor Heaters

• Heat Pumps

• Wall Furnaces

• Water & Gas Repiping

• Forced Air Systems and Furnaces

• Roof-Top Heating Systems

• Central Heating Systems

You can depend on us to provide the most experienced and professional plumbers in Nassau County. Visit our website to get a free estimate today or like us on Facebook for more info and updates.