The History of Heating

Just like the invention of plumbing, the rise of heating systems took a long time to evolve into what they are today. In fact, it could have taken as long as 1 million years! From the discovery of fire to the invention of the furnace, it was a long ride filled with a few steps forward and then a few back. Today, over 85% of the homes in America have some form of heating system and we owe it all to those who came before us. Here is a timeline of the events that led to heating as we know it: 

A Very Long Time Ago: Human beings discover fire which allows for the advancement of the species. Originally it was only for warmth, then it became a source for cooking meats to disinfect them. Safe to say without this discovery, we wouldn't be in business today. 

7500 B.C: This is when we started to see open hearths in homes and building structures. For years, humans had experimented with controlled heating systems and this is the most primitive and original form. 

2500 B.C: In the Temple of Ephesus, archaeologists discovered flues in the ground that circulated heat created by fire. The Greek and Roman empires were so advanced that we didn't see these types of radiant heating systems again until the late 18th century. 

1200 A.D: Monks in christian monasteries started experimenting with central heating using wood-burning furnaces. They would dispose of the smoke by using what would later become known as the chimney. 

1400 A.D: Masonry stoves begin to appear and these evolve over time into the wood and pellet burning stoves that we still see today.

1700 A.D: This was during the rise of the steam engine and its inventor, James Watt, decided to put it into the realm of home heating. The system worked on a central boiler and a system of pipes. 

1935 A.D: Scientists develop convection wall heaters that use a coal burning furnace, electric fan and duct work to transport heat throughout your home. Eventually this turns into gas and electric burning furnaces that can be controlled with the push of a button. 

As heating advanced, there became a need for services that could repair and install its parts. That is where we fit into this whole timeline. For over 50 years, Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter has been providing heating service to the Nassau County area and we love what we do. Our technicians are highly trained and they have the experience to repair or install whatever heating system you are working with. 

To schedule service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web! 

Preparing Your Furnace For the New York Winter

The fall season is flying by and the winter is shortly over the horizon. This means it is time to get serious about the current state of your furnace. If you decide to leave it as is, you are making a mistake and taking a chance that you might lose heat at the most inopportune time of winter. Applying these maintenance tips to your weekend routine could go a long way in providing long lasting heat to get you through the cold. 

Your Maintenance Tools

• Filters 
• Vacuum 
• Screwdriver 
• A Helping Hand 

Maintenance Checklist 

1. Similar to a central air unit, a furnace needs to maintain a clean filter for maximum efficiency. The first thing you'll need to do is remove that filter and exchange it for a new one. Make sure that when you install it, the arrows are facing the same way as the filter you just removed. 
2. If you're in the maintenance mood, you might as well upgrade that old filter of yours. Try using a HEPA filter this season and see if you notice the difference in air quality.
3. The next thing you'll need to do is clean out the vents and ducts. Over time, these areas can suffer from dust build up and collect debris that will impede air flow. Cleaning this area is fairly simple. All you have to do is remove the plate with a screwdriver and vacuum up whatever is inside. It can get narrow, so you might want to use the extension to get a full clean.
4. Don't put your screwdriver away, you'll need it for this next step. You're going to want to remove the steel plate that is covering your main air handler. Once you've done this, locate your blower belt (the big rubber thing) and make sure it isn't cracked or loose. If it does appear to be waning, call in the professionals and let them have a look. 
5. The last step is to check on the exhaust flue that carries unwanted air out of your home. Make sure it is free of obstructions so that you avoid dangerous blockages.  

At Nassau County Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we are more than just a plumber. We have been providing quality heating and plumbing service to the Nassau County area for over 50 years and we are look forward to another season! 

To schedule service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!

5 Warning Signs of a Faulty Heating System

Once the calendar flips into October the nighttime air will see a steady drop off. That makes this the perfect time to evaluate your old heating system and proceed with the proper maintenance or replacement. Replacing your unit might seem unnecessary, but it could be wasting money in places you didn't even notice. Take a look at these five warning signs and determine if your unit fits the criteria for a replacement. 

Age 

If your furnace or boiler is outdated, it is wasting energy and it is just simply unsafe. The experts at Energy Star recommend replacing your old heating unit with a more efficient one after 15 years. New qualified furnaces are 15% more efficient than older units and while they have a high initial cost, their long term savings are worth the investment.  

Uneven Heating

This could be related to duct problems in your home and it is a sign that you aren't getting the most out of your heating system. The problem could be related to multiple factors and only a heating professional would be able to tell you where the issue lies.

Excessive Dust

Heating and cooling systems can harm your indoor air quality if they aren't being maintained properly. Try changing your filters or sealing your ducts before you make any drastic decisions. If this doesn't work, you could have a bigger problem on your hands that might require the installation of a new unit. 

Noise

If your unit is humming an annoying buzzing sound, this isn't something you should ignore. Not only is it irritating, but it could be a sign that your duct system is undersized or your coils are malfunctioning. 

Constant Repairs

Sometimes heating repairs are beneficial if you have a trustworthy technician like the guys at Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter. But there comes a point where repairs start adding up to the cost of a new heating system. You need to sit down and go over how much a new unit will cost and how long it will take you to make that money back in energy savings. If the numbers match up, a new unit could be your most viable option. 

Whether you choose to replace or repair, look no further than Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter for your service. We are more than just a plumber and we offer an array of heating services to the Nassau and Suffolk areas. Let's get your home ready for the cold together! 

To schedule service, call 516-874-7937 or visit us on the web!