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How Boiler Service Can Keep Your Home Cozy in Winter

Now that the temperatures outside are getting lower, many homeowners wonder how their heating system works. Is it operating at max efficiency? Is it keeping the house warm enough? An expert boiler repair service can help answer these questions.

A boiler consists of a system of lines, taps, and radiators, sometimes built into the floors of homes. Hot water is pumped through the system. It is then recycled, reheated, and run back through the system. This intricate system needs regular boiler maintenance and service to ensure proper functioning so that homeowners don’t find themselves left out in the cold this winter!

The Pros of Boiler Installation and Systems

A boiler system is a good choice for any home size. With pros like control over which areas should be heated, plus the lower maintenance needs, there are many reasons to schedule boiler installation this year! When compared to forced air heat, a few other benefits of boilers are:

• Radiant heat is more comfortable, consistent, and evenly distributed throughout the home
• Better indoor air quality - no dust, allergens, or other particles being circulated through the ductwork or home
• Quieter than forced-air systems
• Less expensive to run
• No filters to change!

A trained boiler maintenance technician can make the best recommendation on the type of boiler and radiant heat system that will work for any home.

A Common Problem That May Require Boiler Maintenance

The first serious issue that could arise with a boiler is a pesky leak. Small parts to a boiler, like valves and seals, will degrade and wear down. Sometimes the damaged valve or seal is simply caused by usage and the passing of time. These little internal parts can cause big problems though!

A leak that has developed around the system’s pipes could be caused by corrosion. There could also be an issue with how the system is installed. More serious leaks and damage to seals may require a new boiler altogether. Only a boiler installer can provide this service, so it is advised that a trained engineer help identify and fix any issues right away.

Tips to Keep a Boiler Running More Efficiently

Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency! It’s a hot topic for heating systems, no pun intended. If homeowners want to keep bills low and extend the life of a unit, efficiency is key. A few ideas for keeping a boiler in tip-top shape and maximizing performance are shared below.

“Bleed” the radiators. While this sounds scary, it’s pretty simple and will release air that’s become stuck in the pipes. The result of this release will increase the heating efficiency of the system. What this all means is better heating and lower bills!

Control the temperature. Simply turning the thermostat down by only one degree can provide savings each month. Try setting the thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature.

Schedule boiler service. Regular boiler maintenance is the ultimate way to ensure a boiler operates effectively while prolonging the life of a heating system.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has provided top-quality boiler installation, boiler maintenance, and boiler service to the Cleona, PA area since 1967. Their HVAC technicians are NATE-Certified and offer flat rates for various HVAC, plumbing, and heating services.

Stay Frosty and Prevent These Common Air Conditioner Problems

As summer comes to a close, homeowners will start to turn off their air conditioners. Most homeowners were probably lucky to make it through that summer with no significant problems. Others may have had problems and not even realized it. Air conditioner problems can come in a variety of forms ranging from the subtle to the obvious. Some issues are more easily prevented than others. As the cooling season comes to a close, take a look back and see if any of these common air conditioner problems were experienced at any point in the year.

With advice from these local air conditioning maintenance specialists, homeowners can more easily recognize air conditioner problems that may have been plaguing them all along and prevent them with good air conditioner maintenance.

Insufficient Airflow

Poor airflow is one of the more obvious signs of AC troubles. Poor airflow can come in an insufficient volume of cool air or a total lack of airflow. Some of the causes of poor airflow coming from the AC unit are:

• Clogged filter that hasn’t been changed
• Damaged blower
• Ductwork that is leaking
• Low refrigerant charge leading to frozen coils

Often a major symptom of low airflow is high humidity. When air can’t freely move around the coils in an air conditioner, it won’t remove any humidity. One can handle most of the causes of low airflow during a preseason maintenance visit from a professional HVAC technician. During a preseason check, an AC maintenance professional will thoroughly check the system so that insufficient airflow will never happen.

Refrigerant Leaks in Lines and Coils

Refrigerant leaks usually occur out of the eyesight of a homeowner, so they are difficult to find unless a professional seeks them out. Refrigerant leaks occur when refrigerant escapes from an air conditioner through tiny holes caused by vibrations or corrosion of the copper coils.

Refrigerant leaks can lead to a loss of cooling power in an air conditioner, prompting the need for repairs and refrigerant recharge. Refrigerant leaks are best prevented by keeping filters clean and periodically allowing a professional to clean the coils.

Lack of Power To Unit or Thermostat

This is the most obvious problem on the list. Few things are worse than walking into a hot and humid house only to not have a working air conditioner. This is usually caused by breakers that have tripped that power the air conditioner. Resetting the breaker may allow the unit to come on again, but it doesn’t fix the underlying problem. When breakers trip to an air conditioner, hiring a professional to check the system out is always a good idea.

Occasionally, power will go out to the thermostat, rendering the whole system unusable. When this happens, check the batteries first. Some thermostats are hardwired in, while some still run off of batteries. Homeowners can change the batteries if present and save a visit from an HVAC contractor. Otherwise, calling for help can quickly fix the problem.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been a family-owned business for 5 decades. Their trusted staff and friendly service are ready to help solve air conditioner problems. Call today for quick air conditioner service in Cleona/Lebanon, PA.

Plumbing Issues Can Hamper Summer Fun

Outdoor barbecues, backyard volleyball, and a whole lot of get-togethers are just some of the many fun activities that homeowners and their families are gearing up for this summer. With lasting warm weather on the horizon and the sun soon shining bright, there is every reason to smile. But not if homeowners have to deal with the headaches of home plumbing issues!

Several different plumbing issues can wreak havoc for homeowners, and these can hamper the summer fun. Homeowners must understand the common issues to look out for to identify any problems early on, seek professional help to address the issues immediately, and keep the party going!

Broken Sprinklers

Broken sprinkler systems are the first major issue to watch out for. Often, debris can get stuck in the sprinkler valves that sit above-ground. Typically, when sprinkler systems turn on, these valves spray water that has traveled underground. But if debris is stuck, then these valves cannot properly move up and down, which throws off the whole system.

As for other sprinkler issues, so many other problems have to do with damage to this underground structure. First, the sprinkler lines can break due to pressure from the surrounding soil or other causes like tree roots. In severe cases, there may also be burst pipes that result from colder weather conditions.

Faulty Hose Bibs

In addition to the sprinkler system, homeowners need to watch out for their hose bibs. These hose bibs connect a hose to a water source – they are essentially “outdoor faucets.” Often, hose bibs connect directly to the side of the house.

Many different issues can result from the hose bibs, such as structural damage to the bib itself, water leaks or puddling in or around the hose bib area, debris buildups, or rusting strange sounds during use. All of these may be signs that there is a faulty hose bib.

So why exactly do these issues matter? Well, if not addressed early enough, homeowners may end up having a bigger problem on their hands. Since the hose bibs often connect to the side of the home, continued leaking can potentially lead to cracks or other sorts of damage to the home foundation. This is definitely a no-no that homeowners will want to avoid at all costs!

Worst of All: Sewer Line Issues

Homeowners must beware of sewer line issues, as these can be extremely unpleasant and hugely problematic. Sewer line issues can occur for all different reasons, including corrosion or backups in the pipes, tree root issues, or drastic fluctuations in temperatures.

There can be other downstream issues like draining problems, water flow issues in plumbing fixtures, highly foul odors, and more when there is damage to the sewer lines. Homeowners must watch out for these signs and call for immediate help should they suspect issues with their sewer lines. Failure to do so will most certainly hamper the summer fun!

About G. F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. of Cleona, PA is a family-owned and operated business providing trusted plumbing solutions for over 50 years. Their team of experts offers high-quality workmanship, permanent solutions, and top-notch customer service for each of their clients. Call them for plumbing help today!

Keeping the Home Dry With a Dehumidifier

Spring is a wonderful time of year. As the weather changes from cold and dreary to pleasant, it means that summer is around the corner. But spring also brings rain, which brings moisture. And too much moisture in the home can be a terrible thing. Not only can too much humidity make it downright uncomfortable in a home or building, but it can also worsen allergies, cause mold growth, and damage parts of the home.

Luckily, the right dehumidifier can make quick work of this, allowing homeowners to stay comfortable and avoid some nasty humidity-related issues. Read on to find out how to pick the right dehumidifier.

What Does a Dehumidifier Do To Prevent Mold?

Moisture is more common in some months, and some areas, than others. During the rainy springtime season, humidity tends to be pretty high in Pennsylvania. And while an air conditioner can remove some humidity from the home, sometimes it requires a dehumidifier to help it along. A dehumidifier works by pulling warm, humid air in with a fan. That air passes over cooled coils, which can trap the moisture to those coils. That moisture then condenses and drains down into a receptacle. The dehumidified air is then sent back into the home.

Having a dehumidifier is the best way to ensure that mold doesn’t grow in the house. Mold needs moisture to grow, so when a dehumidifier is allowed to work, it removes that necessary factor of mold growth. This helps protect those in the home with allergies while keeping the interior comfortable even when it’s raining cats and dogs outside.

Kinds of Dehumidifiers

The two main kinds of dehumidifiers are portable and whole-home. Portable dehumidifiers are ideal for removing moisture from just one room at a time. They’re great for those rooms where the home’s AC just doesn’t seem to cut it and needs a little help. Or for those who only have cause for using one on occasion.

Whole-home dehumidifiers are another story altogether. They require professional installation and effectively remove moisture from the entire house, provided it’s the right size. Whole-home dehumidifiers are generally more energy-efficient than portable models. They’re also quieter and are generally installed out of sight in the basement or attic, so it doesn’t take up space in the home.

Which Is the Best Choice?

Deciding which kind of dehumidifier to use can be fairly easy. The big question is how much space needs the humidity removed and how often. A smaller space, like an apartment, can get by with a portable model. This is also ideal because those renting an apartment don’t want to invest money to install a whole-home system.

However, those in small, medium, or large family homes who want to protect their walls and their household members should consider a whole-home dehumidifier. They have a higher up-front cost, but they tend to pay for themselves pretty quickly by preventing mold and keeping the walls from developing moisture damage. Those still unsure about which dehumidifier is best should talk to their local HVAC experts for more information.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been serving Cleona and Lebanon, PA, since 1967. Their trusted staff members are all about delivering honest, quality service and long-term solutions. Their focus is always on customer satisfaction and excellent workmanship. Contact them to learn more about whole-house dehumidifier installation today!

April Showers (Sometimes) Bring Home Plumbing Troubles

When it rains, it pours. This is especially true with spring flooding. While the pitter-patter of raindrops signals the start of warmer weather, it also should come as a warning sign to homeowners that there is potential for plumbing problems to arise around the home.

Most homeowners think of flooding toilets and backed-up pipes when asked about plumbing emergencies. But, a wet spring can lead to hidden plumbing problems that begin outside the home. From saturated soil to flooding underground pipes, spring weather can pose a serious risk to a home's safety and integrity. Keep reading to discover how to identify, prevent, and handle common spring plumbing problems.

Problem # 1: Saturated Soil

Most homeowners would be surprised to find out that soil has pores. Yes, pores. The pores of soil serve as a storage space for oxygen and water essential to plant and soil health.

Saturated soil refers to soil pores filled with water. Once the pores are filled with water, the integrity of the soil becomes compromised. But why is this a problem for a home's plumbing?

• Saturated soil can leak groundwater into a well, introducing hazardous materials into a home's drinking water.
• Saturated soil can also reduce the efficiency of a septic tank to treat water.
• Additionally, saturated soil poses a risk to the foundation and underground pipes of a home. The excess water puts pressure on these materials, risking cracks of foundations and damage to pipes.

So, how does someone locate, prevent, and fix groundwater issues? Proper irrigation of water. If a home has standing water frequently around it, there's an irrigation issue.

Homeowners should have a plumbing professional come out to ensure that groundwater is being directed away properly from a home, reducing the build-up of water in the soil pores. Additionally, reducing soil exposure to elements by using plants, mulch, or other organic matter can help prevent saturation from developing.

Problem # 2: Foundation and Slab Leaks

When one plumbing problem arises, another can quickly follow. This is especially true if saturated soil has been an issue for a home. Saturated soil frequently contributes to foundation and slab leaks, which weaken a home's structure and stability.

Foundation and slab leaks usually develop due to soil shifting around the foundation. Cracks develop, and in severe cases, the home may shift enough to look crooked. When foundations slide, this can damage pipes and other plumbing fixtures in the process.

Repairing foundation and slab leaks can be a costly endeavor. Only professionals can do it legally, and there are usually city ordinances and building codes to follow while completing the work. Homeowners can keep an eye out for cracks in walls and floors, gaps around windows, and sagging floors that might indicate a foundation issue. If these signs crop up, call a foundation specialist right away to get the problem sorted out early.

Problem # 3: Busted Underground Pipes

Underground pipe issues can arise from a variety of spring-storm-related factors. Flooding can super-saturate soil, leading to shifting of underground pipes and fixtures, or in some cases, a pipe can burst due to the pressures of the flooding water.

But these pipes are underground, so what do they have to do with the inside of a home?

• Burst pipes can introduce hazardous materials into the soil and drinking water of a home.
• Pipes that have bowed underground won't drain properly, leading to more clogs and increasing potential for damage to the pipe itself.
• Sagging or shifting of pipes can lead to a backflow of sewer lines into a home, introducing hazardous waste back into the home's drains.

Homeowners can prevent underground pipes from bursting under the strains of spring weather by having them inspected and cleaned annually. Clean pipes can handle demands better than dirty ones, and during an annual inspection, a plumber can tell if a pipe has begun to sag or if it needs a clog broken up before the spring rains come.

When it comes to spring plumbing issues, it's better to be prepared!

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman Plumbing, Inc. knows the value of honest work. They began in a small garage in Cleona, PA back in 1967, and since then they've been bringing their home-grown values to the job every day. Every job is completed with customer satisfaction in mind while providing economical plumbing solutions for their clients. Call now for plumbing services!