April is Earth Month, So Consider Ways to Be Ecologically Friendly With Plumbing

Celebrate Earth Day with These Tips for being more “Green”

Most people want to have ecologically sound habits, but many are under the mistaken impression that being eco-friendly means extra expense. Striving for a home that conserves water and is energy efficient can save the household a good deal of money. There are many options for reducing water and electricity usage on the market today. 

This article will discuss a few ways a home’s plumbing system can be made more friendly to the planet.

Efficient Water Conserving Fixtures

toilet There are several ways to decrease water usage in a home easily. While having members of a  household who are mindful of their water usage is the first step, several modern fixtures can assist with this endeavor. Several types of toilets, faucets, and washers can help in a homeowner’s quest to save the earth.
  • Pressure-Assisted Toilets: These toilets use less water by delivering it at a higher pressure and assisting with the flush. They are perfect for a guest bath or powder room.
  •  Dual Flush Toilets:  These toilets have a flush that uses approximately half the usual amount of water for one flush and has a flush to take care of, ahem, larger problems.
  • Touch Faucets: While this may seem like an innovation of convenience, this is an ecologically sound method of saving water. The faucets that touch on and off use only the precise amount of water necessary, and one does not lose a little bit every time they turn off the tap.
  • Smart Washing Machines: These washers use only the amount of water necessary for a load of laundry by using sensors that measure the weight. This prevents water waste and saves money by using less detergent.
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Energy-Saving Water Heaters

Energy and water conservation don’t always converge, but it is in appliances like water heaters and the washers mentioned above when they do.  Water heaters have been around for a long time, but technology continues to improve to make them more efficient. 

One of the more recent developments in the tankless water heater or instant water heater. These highly efficient units save energy because they heat the water quickly as it goes through a short series of pipes, not by heating a large tank of water and maintaining that temperature which takes quite a bit of energy.

Does A Pipe’s Material Make a Difference?

When it comes to the maze of pipes that course the water around a home, the material that composes those pipes can be a pretty big deal for water and energy conservation.  Listed below are four types of pipes and their benefits:

  • Copper: Durable, great for hot water, recyclable, 50-year lifespan.
  • PVC: Inexpensive, easy to install, can be used for water supply mains, indefinite lifespan unless damaged
  • CPVC: Strong and somewhat flexible, good for hot water delivery, good for indoor use, and not subject to corrosion
  • PEX: Flexible and easy to install, good for hot water delivery and indoor use, not subject to corrosion

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has served its community for over 50 years. They believe in being honest and upfront with their customers and offer permanent solutions to plumbing, heating, and air conditioning problems. Call them today for plumbing services in Harrisburg, PA.

Fall Isn't Friendly To HVACs

The Different Ways Fall Weather Affects the HVAC System

In places like Pennsylvania, it is crucial to have an efficient AC unit and heater. This means that regular HVAC maintenance is vital to the home's overall efficiency and safety all year round. 

The fall is the perfect time for maintenance because it is right before the cold hits and significantly reduces the risk of breakdown during the winter. It also prevents the unit from experiencing any issues due to the effects of changing weather. Continue reading to learn more. 

Leaves Crowd and Suffocate the System

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It might seem harmless at first, but when leaves pile up on the AC unit, it could cause many malfunctions. 

Some different things that could happen from letting leaves crowd the AC unit include: 

  • The airflow is clogged and causes the unit to overheat
  • The unit is less efficient because it needs to work harder
  • The unit won't turn on

If the unit is covered in leaves, it might be best to call a professional to clean off the unit. AC units are fragile, and if they aren't cleaned properly, it'll make the problem worse. Luckily, by removing or pruning back branches that could cause issues with the AC, homeowners will also knock out another maintenance task off their list as well - yard work! 

Dirt and Debris Don't Help Either

The two main parts of every air conditioning unit are the compressor and condenser coil. If either one or both of these parts are damaged, the unit will have trouble working properly, and could lead to the system shutting down entirely. 

When the unit is covered in dirt and debris, it could easily lead to broken parts. This includes the condenser coil and compressor, both of which aren't the world's cheapest repairs.

Harrisburg experiences all types of weather. After a heavy rain or snowstorm, homeowners should check their outside units for anything that could suffocate or damage the unit in any way. Not only that, but the wind from the storm could cause damages as well. 

Why Heater Maintenance Is Important

For most people, when they have something in their life that means a lot to them, they tend to take care of it the best they can. This includes repairing it and cleaning it when it gets dirty. The same goes for any HVAC system. It is the heartbeat of the modern home and keeps the residents of Harrisburg safe from extreme temperatures. 

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Not only are the residents safer, but the unit is as well. A well-maintained HVAC unit doesn't have to work as hard to match the thermostat, saving homeowners money on their monthly bills. It also reduces the risk of breakdowns between maintenance visits, which saves the homeowners even more money in the long run. 

G.F. Bowman, Inc. Is the Trustworthy HVAC Company

If homeowners live in the Harrisburg area, they can trust the experts at G.F. Bowman, Inc. to maintain, repair, or replace their HVAC system efficiently and properly every single time. They work hard for their customers because they understand how important a working HVAC system is to a home. Don't hesitate to call today to schedule a maintenance visit!