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!

What You Need To Know About Floor Heating

Floor heating, or radiant floor heating, has been around since Ancient Rome and it is gaining popularity of late. Traditional heating systems do a great job throughout the winter, but they leave out one key component-- the floor. We all know heat rises, so what better place to start then the bottom of your home? Keep reading to learn a little more about what radiant floor heating can do for you. 

No More Cold Feet 

On those cold, New York winter mornings, there is nothing worse than getting out of the shower. It's nice and warm on the inside, but the last thing you want to do is put your feet on the iceberg that is your bathroom floor. Well, installing a heating system on that very same floor can take away all of your fears. Start ending your showers with confidence! 

Smooth Heat

Compared to a forced air system, floor heating gives you a nice even temperature. When air is blown into a room, it settles near the ceiling and then only half of your body is getting the desired temperature. With a radiant floor system, it builds from the bottom up, evenly distributing heat along the way. 

Options

Radiant floor heating has evolved over the years and it has split into two main categories. 

• Hydraulic Systems- These floor heating systems tend to have a high initial cost with a lot of savings down the road. They pump hot water through a series of plastic pipes under your floor to maintain the desired room temperature. Over time, this saves a ton of energy because the hot water is often recycled and pumped back through the system. It is also better for indoor air quality and homes where people have asthma. 
• Electric Systems- These are perfect for heating small areas like your bathroom but they are often too expensive for the entire home. This system uses a series of plastic mats, which contain copper wires that radiate heat throughout the room.

If you're interested in learning more about the array of heating services we offer, don't hesitate to give us a call. Our friendly customer service representatives will advise you on your options and send a technician out whenever you are ready. At Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter, we take customer service seriously, and it shows on each and every visit. 

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