Plumbing and HVAC Blog

Last month we talked about avoiding ice build-up and using ice melts. This month we’ll go a step greener: how to avoid using salt altogether:

• Sand can be a safe, green alternative to salt or chemical ice melts. Unlike salt and some chemicals, sand can actually improve some soil conditions in a flower bed.
   
• Remember that sand won’t melt ice or snow. The purpose of sand is to give you traction as you walk or drive over it.
   
• If you choose to shovel snow, wax your shovel first with floor wax. It will keep the snow from sticking to your shovel and make shoveling easier.
   
• If you need to quickly melt ice in a small area, pour a pitcher or bucket of hot water over the ice. Just bear in mind that this is an emergency measure, since it may take more than one bucket to melt the ice and the water will quickly refreeze.
   
• There are different types of salt, so if you can’t completely avoid using it then choose the most environmentally safe form: magnesium chloride.

You may have noticed one of the less attractive signs of an approaching winter: a coating of ice on your driveway, walkways, or sidewalk. There are greener ways to deal with ice, but this month we’re also giving you some healthy hints for a safe new year:

• Stay off your slippery roof. Hospital stays are not green.
   
• Use sand or environmentally safe ice melts where possible. Just remember that all ice melts need time to work, so read the directions on the bag.
   
• While you’re reading those directions, check that you’re not using more ice melt than the manufacturer suggests. Avoid waste and be greener.
   
• Ice can damage water-carrying pipes (and sometimes cause them to burst), so be sure any pipes that run along an outside wall are insulated.
   
• Turn off lines to outside water spigots. This simple act may not only prevent a burst pipe; it can prevent a pool of ice from forming where someone might slip. It’s also a damage  prevention measure in that whatever freezes will melt when temperatures rise—and is likely to drip into your basement, garage or first floor.

For 25 years, Schaible’s Plumbing & Heating has been wishing one and all a happy holiday season, but we’re particularly grateful this year for a number of reasons. Those reasons include our thriving business, our employees, and all those who belong to the Schaible’s family - that includes you, our valued customer.

 It’s no secret that this year has been particularly difficult for many in our area. We’re proud to be able to say that we’ve made it through difficult economic times in the past, and we’re succeeding now. As always, Schaible’s is, and will continue to be there for you when you need us. Our success guarantees it.

For 25 years, we’ve been family-owned and operated. We count our employees as part of that family, and we’re also proud to be able to say that Schaible’s helps support over 40 families by employing our local technicians. Their loyalty and dedication to service and continuing education is the key to our success.

We want to give a special ‘shout out’ to Service Manager Brian Balch, who celebrated 20 years as part of the Schaible’s family in November. We consider his dedication a tribute to our company, and we’re grateful for his service and that of all our employees. Our reputation is built upon every one of them.

Of course, we want to thank you most of all. As our customer, you are the reason we’ve not only stayed in business, but thrived all these years. We do it all for you, and we hope you’ll continue to put your trust in us and know that at Schaible’s, we’re always there for you.

Three ways to save.
Combine them and save more.

Schaible’s Plumbing & Heating offers three ways to save when you replace your furnace or boiler:

• $250 off any furnace or boiler installation.
   
• 12 months 0% financing on furnaces.
   
• $1,500 Federal tax rebate on high efficiency furnaces and boilers, as long as you replace the unit(s) before the end of 2010.

Find more information on how to pick the right heating system.

Read all about the heating services offered to NJ by Schaible's.

Call us at 908-537-6770 to learn more, or contact us online.

Furnace? Boiler? Something else?
How to Pick Your Heat

It’s time for a new heating system. Do you:

A) Go with whatever system you already have?

B) Want something different, but feel it’s too difficult to decide so you return to choice A?

C) Ask an expert to look at your home and then help you select the best system for your needs within your budget?

We know it’s tempting to default to choice A, but at Schaible’s we make it easy to learn and decide.

There are two ends to the heating process: generation and distribution. Generation is how heat is created. Distribution is how heat is moved to each room in your home.

First, you’ll select generating equipment. Boilers heat water to start the heating process. Hot water can heat your home ‘as is,’ or it can be superheated into steam. Furnaces, on the other hand, heat air directly. Both boilers and furnaces can run on oil, natural gas, propane, electricity, or heat from the earth (geothermal).

No matter what generates the heat in your home, you’ll need a distribution system to ‘deliver the goods.’ The best heat generation system will still leave you uncomfortable without an appropriate and efficient means of delivery. Some common heat delivery methods are: ductwork and registers for hot air, piping for hot water and radiant heat, baseboard and radiators for hot water or steam, and panels for radiant heat.

There are some other factors to take into consideration when selecting a heating system, such as whether your current heating system also generates hot water. We’ll ask you questions about your heating and cooling preferences: Do you prefer separate heat and hot water generation? Do you have or want central air conditioning? Is natural gas available in your neighborhood? Will you be adding to your home? Replacing floors or ceilings?

The answers to these questions, along with an inspection and analysis of your current heating system, will allow us to give you the answers you need to make the right choice.

Call us at 908-537-6770 to evaluate your heating system and find a better, more comfortable and cost effective solution. Schaible’s is there for you with options and answers. Talk to us before you rule anything out - you’ll rest assured you made the best possible choice.

There are multiple ways to save energy, but every little bit helps our world and your wallet. If the most energy-efficient method to achieve savings is out of reach right now, try something a bit simpler. It’s better to do something, no matter how small, than nothing. We call this approach Green, Greener, Greenest.

Green: Caulk around a window frame. Greener: Caulk around all your windows. Greenest: Caulk around the foundation sill in your basement.

Green: Put insulation cutouts behind your electrical outlets and switches. Greener: Put batting down on your attic floor. Greenest: Have insulation blown into your uninsulated or poorly insulated walls.

Green: Use cold water to wash laundry. Greener: Dry your clothes during electrical off-peak hours. Greenest: Hang your clothes to dry.

Take a look around and see if there’s a small Green step you can take right now, a Greener step you can take later, or a Greenest step you can plan for. When it comes to energy efficiency, all steps add up to savings.