Dangers of Portable Heaters

Now that we’re well into December, chances are you’ve been doing all you can to stay warm at night. And even though your central heating is a reliable source for comfort, there’s always that one spot in the home that just won’t seem to warm up.

If you’re like most people, you probably turn to your portable heater to get that spot feeling more cozy. Although portable heaters are convenient and easy to use, they can also be a major fire hazard. Stay safe by keeping the following rules in mind when using these heating devices:

 

Give it space.
It sure feels nice to sit close beside your portable heater, but think twice before you do. These devices can heat up pretty quickly, and if too close to flammable materials you might be at risk of a house fire. So create a specific space for them, at least a few feet away from furniture and bedding.

Use it sparingly.
Go ahead and heat up that cool bedroom before dozing off or your living room before guests arrive, but don’t forget to shut it off (or set it on a timer to go off) before you leave the room or fall asleep. Leaving these devices unattended can be a hazard to your health and can add a larger expense to your electric bill.

Shut it off.
Don’t leave your portable heater on all day either. Not only should you turn them off before dozing off or leaving the room, but you must also turn it off before leaving your home. Of course, each portable heater is different, so be sure you read instructions before using. If you really need the extra heat, turn to your central heating system as a more safe option.

For all your winter heating needs, turn to the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer a comprehensive selection of services to ensure that your home receives the best repairs and maintenance for optimal indoor temperatures all season long. To view a full list of our heating services, click here. For more information, call us at  877.713.8136 or visit our website for more information.   

How to Prep Your Home for Cooler Weather

Tomorrow marks the first day of October, which means we’re leaping into fall. It also means you’ll soon be thinking about turning on the heat. But before you do, there are a few ways you’ll want to prepare:

Tune up your furnace. First things first: have your furnace tuned up. Checking on its performance and efficiency will lower the risk of costly repairs when you need heating the most. While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to change the filter or ask a professional to take care of it.

Repair the boiler. Whether it's loud noises, leaking, or low pressure, there are several problems that you’ll want to check for before the weather gets cool. Your boiler is an essential part of staying warm during the fall and winter, so ask one of the pros to take a look and troubleshoot even the tiniest issue.

Clean vents. Before the first cold day, you’ll want to go around the house and vacuum your vents and baseboards. There’s a lot of dust and dirt that accumulates over the summer and if you forget to clean these spots, your heat will just kick up all the dirt.

Install zone controls. One way you can save a lot of money on your energy bills is by installing zone controls in your home. Zoned temperature controls allow you to set different temperatures around your house as needed, providing your family with complete comfort and efficiency.

Whether you need a boiler repair, a furnace tune-up, or a zone control installation, turn to the professionals at Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We offer several services to ensure that your home stays comfortable during the cooler months. Call us today at 877.713.8136 for emergency services or visit our website to learn more.   

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. 

Your Property’s Water Heating System: Pros and Cons

Trying to decide how to heat the water in your home? Whether you realized it or not, there are options based on your home type that could be more suitable than others. With the help of Proptery24, we are able to specifically look at the differences between a solar geyser heating system and heat pumps.

There are many factors involved in deciding which heating system is right for your home. You want to think about the amount of water the system will need to provide, the space and budget available, as well as the climate in the region your home is located. For example, one major benefit of using a solar geyser system is that it “can provide sufficient hot water, regardless of weather conditions and water quality.”

While multiple advantages and disadvantages come with the installation of each water heating system, today we are only going to highlight a few:

Solar Geyser

Pros

• This type of heating system provides uses free and renewable energy. 
• A solar geyser can save you up to 90 percent of your family’s water heating costs. 

Cons

• There are high upfront investment and installation costs associated with this heating system. 
• Routine maintenance is needed. 

Heat Pumps

Pros

• Heat pumps can be stored in a small space. 
• This heating system uses electricity, which means you are guaranteed to have hot water at all times. 

Cons

• Heat pumps can be noisy. 
• The system becomes less efficient if the hard water is not softened. 

Keep in mind that the maintenance needed for heat pumps requires a plumber that truly is qualified and can do the job right. Call New York Plumber or visit us on Facebook with more questions or concerns.

Learn more at property24.com.

Winter Safety Tips: When the Cold Gets Colder

Between the recent snowstorm and the frigid temperatures, “heating systems are running at full force and many people are resorting to other sources to keep their homes warm.” The Red Cross wants to keep people safe and avoid fire dangers. NY Plumber & Sewer wants to keep you informed as well, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important tips listed on The Daily News Online:

• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
• If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Use generators correctly. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.
• Keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.
• Avoid frozen pipes - run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

As always, NY Plumber & Sewer is available 24/7 for any emergencies you may face. If you have any other winter safety tips, lets us know on our Facebook Page.

Read more at thedailynewsonline.com.