Land & Property Archives - Page 6 of 7

Learning About Air Conditioning Services

How Does Your AC Work?

Most modern homes have central air conditioners as their main source of cool air, and as they greatly increase the comfort of a home during hot summer months, they are a great appliance to have.

But most homeowners really don't know much about air conditioners, which is why the below frequently asked questions have been compiled, to help educate homeowners and the public about how air conditioners work. Not only will it give you a better understanding of your system, but also it can help you know the AC services you need without waiting for an emergency.

What Are Air Conditioner Parts?

An air conditioner’s main job is to, of course, keep a home and space cool. It seems like a simple task but it’s not actually the only thing an AC unit does. It also has to monitor the indoor temperature to know when to cool a space.

Additionally, they filter the air and act as a dehumidifier, too, removing moisture from the air. But even with all of this, there are a few main components that keep an AC unit moving between the indoors and outdoors:

Refrigerant: This is a chemical that changes between a gas and a liquid in the AC system to pull heat and cool air. It’s also known as freon.
Evaporator: This receives the liquid refrigerant and evaporates it into a gas.
Condenser: This helps transfer the heat inside the system.
Expansion Valve: This part regulates the refrigerant flow into the evaporator.
Compressor: This is a pump that pressurizes refrigerant, turning it into a liquid.

There are also drain lines, and vents and other pieces that all help make an HVAC unit work, but if you understand these AC parts, you’ll have a basic understanding of an air conditioner.

How Does an AC Work?

An air conditioner works by taking warm air from inside a house, removing the heat from the air, thereby cooling it, sending the cold air back into the house, and releasing the heat outdoors.

It seems like a simple process, but it actually has quite a few steps to accomplish this:

Outside, the compressor circulates the refrigerant until it changes from a gas to a liquid.
The liquid refrigerant is then sent indoors to the evaporator coils. The refrigerant cools the coils.
A fan sends the indoor air over these coils, cooling the air, which also turns the liquid refrigerant back into a gas as it collects all the heat from the air.
The warmed, gas refrigerant is sent back outside where the condenser works with the compressor to release the collected heat from indoors.
Then the compressor once again turns the warm gas back into a cold liquid.

This process then repeats itself over and over until your house reaches the desired temperature.

Scheduling Professional Help

Now that you have a basic understanding of how your air conditioner works, you may be tempted to think you can handle any problems that come your way. But the truth is, AC units are more complicated and complex than this FAQ makes them seem.

They can face problems such as leaks and ice buildup, or frozen coils. And while it may be tempting to try and handle repairs yourself to save money, it may end up costing you more money in the long run.

Not to mention it could put yourself, and your friends and family in danger. This is because refrigerant is a dangerous chemical. It’s actually not safe to be around, which is why professionals are licensed and certified to handle it.

When refrigerant is in its gas state and inhaled, it can cause refrigerant or freon poisoning. If the poisoning is bad enough, it can actually be fatal. This is why it’s so important to leave the repairs and maintenance of your AC unit to professional tradesmen. They’ll make sure to keep your home safe and cool.

Trust Your Local Experts

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been serving the Harrisburg, PA area for over 50 years. Their friendly and professional technicians are here to help you with your plumbing and HVAC needs. They make sure to go the extra mile to fulfill their promise and commitment to their customers.

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Guide to Outdoor Plumbing Blockages

What Are Plumbing Blockages?

A plumbing blockage is usually first noticed when there is a backup in the plumbing somewhere in the house, usually the kitchen or bathroom. The sink or the tub may refuse to drain, or the toilet bowl could be filling up for no reason. Whatever sign it is that is noticed, a plumbing blockage is a serious problem that needs to be fixed right away.

Fixing a blockage can be difficult, but professional plumbers have the training and knowledge to make it happen safely. If there is a blockage in the home, fixing it right away is essential because a blockage could lead to bigger problems for the homeowner in terms of damage. The entire plumbing system can be affected if there is a large blockage somewhere, and built-up pressure can even cause a burst pipe which could be expensive to fix and cause dangerous water damage.

How Does Outdoor Plumbing Work?

The plumbing of the home is often located somewhat outside. The pipes to the inside of the house will be connected to pipes under and around the house. People often forget about outdoor plumbing because “Out of sight, out of mind.”

But outdoor plumbing needs maintenance too to work correctly and is actually more prone to problems than indoor plumbing. Tree roots and plant roots can grow into the pipes of outdoor plumbing and cause problems.

The water pressure from heavy rain is another common problem that can affect outdoor plumbing. Many people have outdoor plumbing in the form of a faucet or another water source outside that is meant for use in a garden, etc.

How to Fix Clogged Outdoor Pipes

If the outdoor pipes are clogged the best thing to do is call in a professional to unclog them. In serious cases a clog can cause a pipe to burst and end in a lot of property damage, so fixing it right away is ideal. There are ways to prevent clogs in pipes, such as simply doing regular maintenance on everything, making sure that things are clean.

If the pipes have loose parts it can cause cracks where dirt can come in, causing further clogs, so tighten all the pipes accordingly. When it comes to outdoor toilet plumbing, be sure to never flush anything down the toilet other than toilet paper, because this is a super common cause of clogs.

How Do Hydrojetting Services Work?

A professional plumbing company can provide hydrojetting services for outdoor and indoor plumbing. For large clogs, hydrojetting is one of the only ways to get rid of the clog effectively. Hydrojetting includes using high-pressure water to clean blockages out of the pipes.

This is only to be done safely by a professional. If there are constant clogs in the plumbing, it may be necessary to use hydrojetting to remove any obstacles from the pipes that are causing the blockage.

Hydrojetting is very effective and can quickly remove a clog that has been causing problems. If you’re not sure what is the best way to handle plumbing blockages, contact your local plumbing company for help!

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. provides heating, cooling, and plumbing services in Harrisburg, PA since 1967! For home repairs, maintenance, and installation they have the expert's knowledge, tools, and services that homeowners need. For trusted services and affordable prices look no further than the experts at G.F. Bowman, Inc.

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The Clever Tools Used by Technicians When Fixing Your HVAC

Learn More About HVAC Tools and What They Do

HVAC systems are complicated and require specific knowledge to ensure the job gets done effectively. Not all technicians are created equal. Some are more trained in installation while others work better on HVAC mechanics. There are also technicians that work specifically with AC. When calling in a professional, you want to make sure you are giving them all the information they need so you know you are getting the right technician for the job.

In today’s world, everyone has an HVAC system in their home and office. Because of this, HVAC technicians will continue to be in high demand. There are some things you just don’t want to try on your own no matter how many tools you have, and working on your HVAC system is one of those things. Continue reading to learn more in-depth of the specific tools needed for the job and what these tools do.

The Back Pocket Tools

Every technician will always show up with at least a hammer, screwdriver, a set of pliers, tape measure, wire strippers, a pipe wrench and most likely a step ladder too. The use of the screwdriver and hammer may be pretty obvious, but as for the pliers and wire strippers, their use may not be as well known.

They both perform similar jobs though, the pliers are used to cut through wire, while the wire strippers are used to strip wire and reconnect wire nuts. Nothing too shocking there. These are many essential tools people may have already lying in their garage.

Tools for Specific HVAC Jobs

There are also numerous other tools that are used throughout the typical day of an HVAC technician. Many of these tools you won’t necessarily find in your garage, as they really serve no purpose other than helping a technician out with his job.

A cordless drill, Sawzall, tube cutters and extension cord are used in other professions as well, but HVAC technicians use them almost on a daily basis. Cordless power drills come in handy because they are mobile and can be taken into small places like attics.

That said, things like a multimeter, thermometer, and manifold gauge are all pieces of equipment your HVAC technician may use to ensure things like safety from being electrocuted, determining if leaks are present and if a piece of equipment is working properly. All of which are necessary tools to make sure your HVAC system is working properly and safely.

Safety First

Above all else, safety always comes first. It is important for all HVAC technicians to wear slip-resistant shoes for any job. This is because the chances of walking into a job with a leak are high and slippery floors are dangerous. When working with air equipment such as an HVAC system, the technician must also always have a respirator handy.

You never know when you could walk into a job where you are required to breathe in harsh air. In order to ensure a long career and breathability, respirators are a must. And these are just a couple of the safety precaution tools that technicians must handle.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. Gets the Job Done

Based out of Harrisburg, PA, G.F. Bowman, Inc. is equipped with NATE certified technicians and has been providing quality service since 1967. They get the job done right the first time so you can move on from the inconvenience of HVAC issues quicker.

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Do You Know How to Choose The Right Toilet For Your Home?

Bathroom Plumbing: There is a Right Way

The needs of homeowners are constantly changing and evolving. Due to these changes, many homeowners are looking into installing commercial toilets inside their houses. While the idea of installing a commercial toilet appeals to many owners due to the tankless feature, these toilets are not intended for residential use.

Installing a commercial toilet in a residential area can lead to malfunction and even damage to your plumbing. Read on to learn why commercial toilets should never be installed in the place of residential toilets and what options you have. And remember! Just because they are louder and stronger, does not mean that commercial toilets don't get clogged toilet issues.

Residential VS. Commercial Toilets

While both residential and commercial toilets appear to be similar, there are key differences that are important to learn. Residential toilets are installed with the correct setup to connect to city sewer piping. They are created to handle a smaller volume of water and waste and function using a suction system to flush.

Residential toilets use tanks to force water and waste through piping. Pipes are often of a smaller diameter. Commercial toilets, on the other hand, are designed to handle more significant amounts of waste and water.

They connect to large industrial piping, and their tankless feature uses a large amount of force and water volume to flush waste through the piping. These are installed with larger diameter piping and use a pump to force water through the bowl for each flush.

Inspect Your Underground Plumbing System First

One of the reasons for differences in residential toilets and commercial toilets comes down to the plumbing systems used. Residential plumbing has smaller piping that connects to the city sewer system. Residential piping is built to handle a smaller volume of water and waste.

Commercial plumbing, on the other hand, is built to handle high volumes of water and waste. Plumbing for malls and other large building complexes are hooked into the sewage system with much larger piping. Commercial toilets use larger piping that is not available for residential homes. A commercial toilet cannot be installed in a home because the piping available for commercial toilets will not connect properly to piping used in houses.

Why Do Homeowners Opt for Tankless Toilets?

If you want the tankless feature of a commercial toilet but live in a residential area, you aren’t out of luck. The good news for you is that there are tankless toilets designed especially for houses. Tankless toilets function as their name implies, without a toilet tank.

By using a specially designed pump and pipe attachments, the tankless toilet is capable of flushing waste through your residential piping using high volume water pressure. These toilets are completely safe for residential use and provide you with all the benefits of a commercial toilet.

Tankless toilets are easy to clean. Without the tank to worry about, you can easily get behind the toilet bowl when moping or scrubbing, improving overall cleanliness and sanitation. Tankless toilets give your bathroom a sleek modern look and are a wonderful space-saving feature.

Plumbers You Can Trust

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been serving the Cleona and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area for over 50 years. They offer services for all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and geothermal needs. Priding themselves on going the extra mile for every customer, they’re sure to get every plumbing job done right.

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Don't Forget About Thanking HVAC Technicians this Thanksgiving

Why Thanking HVAC Technicians is Important

Since the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the celebration of Thanksgiving has been an important tradition in this country. It’s a sacred time when family and friends come together to give thanks for the many blessings in their lives. It’s also a reminder of the importance that communities place on gratitude and appreciation.

In keeping with the spirit of the season, it’s a good time to reflect upon the individuals that help to make your life better and to show them gratitude for what they do. While they’re often underappreciated, HVAC technicians play a major role in keeping your family comfortable and healthy year-round. As such, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to fully appreciate what they do and to show gratitude for their work.

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

While it’s not talked about a lot, indoor air quality has a big impact on your quality of life. Most individuals spend more time in their homes than anywhere else, and indoor air quality is usually lower than outdoor air quality.

As a result, it’s important to work to keep your indoor air quality high. This is particularly true if you or members of your family have allergies or respiratory issues. The good news is that if your HVAC unit is well-maintained and working properly, it will maintain your indoor air quality.

So, while you might not think about it much, your HVAC technician does, and it’s your technician’s ongoing efforts that help to keep your indoor air quality as high as possible. This is important to keeping your family healthy and comfortable, so make sure that you thank your HVAC technician for helping to maintain your indoor air quality.

Just the Right Temperature

In this time of extreme temperatures, it’s important to have a heating and cooling system that can keep your home comfortable even on the hottest or coldest days. Keeping your home at a steady and comfortable temperature with adjustable thermostats amidst rapidly changing and extreme outdoor temperatures are something that is easy to take for granted.

It’s through the efforts of HVAC technicians, who work in extreme temperatures, that you are able to trust that your home will be comfortable no matter what the outdoor temperature is. So the next time that you walk into your cozy home on an especially cold day, take a moment to appreciate the work of your HVAC technician that made that possible.

Searching for Heating Services Near You

As cold days approach, it’s not surprising that one of the most commonly searched phrases is “heating services near me.”

Thankfully, there are HVAC technicians working in local businesses throughout the country that are readily available to meet customers’ heating needs, whenever they arise.

Not only does this help you to stay comfortable, but it also gives you the peace of mind to know that should you ever have a heating issue in the middle of winter, there are technicians close by that are available 24/7 to make sure that your home stays warm.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. Is Your Dependable HVAC Company

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been providing the Harrisburg area with quality heating, cooling, and plumbing services since 1967. With experienced technicians and a commitment to excellent customer service, they have been the area’s trusted plumbing and indoor comfort experts for over 50 years.