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. 

Floor Heating Benefits for Your Home

Considering installation of floor heating in your home? As a homeowner it is important to understand the various benefits that come with the projects you are about to undertake.

Floor heating (typically referred to as radiant heating) is specifically advantageous for people with allergies. Since it is not a forced air heating system, it does not blow allergens into the home. Plus, it is more efficient for this reason because it eliminates duct losses.

Other benefits of radiant floor heating include the following:

• You can place furniture anywhere in the room since there are no vents or baseboards involved.
• The even distribution of heat throughout the room creates an optimal level of warmth.
• This energy efficient alternative allows you to maintain lower energy costs than other heating methods. 

For more on floor heating visit Energy.Gov and Red Beacon. 

At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter we handle a comprehensive list of heating services including wall furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, heat pumps, thermostats and more. For heating services and to receive your free estimate, call us today at 516.874.7937.

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.