Summertime often brings with it “sweating” pipes and plumbing fixtures. This is typically not a sign of faulty plumbing, but rather condensation of water vapor in the air. These beads will form in warm weather on any exposed pipes and fixtures containing cold water such as the toilet tank. However, if you notice your tank “sweating” hours after use, it could be a sign that cold water is still flowing through the toilet, which could signal an improper adjustment of the tank valve or a leak. Call JL Brady plumbing specialists for a free in-home estimate.

Old May Mean Dollars Down the Drain

If your cooling and heating system is 10-15 years old you may want to consider replacing it. A new energy-efficient system will pay for itself quickly with savings of up to 20% on your heating and cooling bills. You can also get great rebates from your energy supplier when you take advantage of programs like MidAmerican Energy’s Energy Advantage. There are competitive financing programs as well. Call JL Brady to hear all of your money saving options.

Spring Maintenance

Remember to have your cooling system checked BEFORE you turn on your air conditioning. It’s important to inspect your outdoor unit and remove leaves or debris that have lodged inside the cabinet. Inspect and clean air filters now, and once a month throughout the year. Your air conditioning unit cannot perform at peak efficiency without annual maintenance. An inefficient system will cost you money on energy costs and early equipment failure. Call JL Brady for a complete system check-up before the hot weather begins.

Feeling Green?

One way to “go green” is to install low-flow fixtures, which can reduce water consumption by about 60%. Also, low-flush toilets are a great way to reduce unnecessary water usage, saving about 28 gallons of water per person per day. Call JL Brady for a free in-home estimate and for the latest “green” models of fixtures and toilets.

Out With the Old, in With the New

According to ENERGY STAR, water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home. Consider replacing your water heater if the unit is 15 years or older. Newer models are more energy efficient. Call JL Brady for information on the latest models and eligible energy rebate programs.

Lock Out Mold

According to the EPA, the key to mold control is moisture control. One way to control moisture is to keep indoor humidity low. The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent relative humidity. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, or by calling a JL Brady service technician who can make sure your home’s humidity is at the optimal level.

Don’t Get Burned…

Check the temperature setting and make sure to set to 120 degrees F to prevent scalding and to reduce energy usage. If you’re unsure of where to locate the temperature setting, call a JL Brady service tech help you locate the setting and make sure it’s at the proper temperature.

Protect Your Pipes

Set your furnace no lower than 55 degrees F during the winter in order to prevent pipes from freezing. Even the tiniest crack can unleash 250 gallons of water in a single day. If you suspect a frozen pipe, call JL Brady immediately for 24 hour assistance.

With winter coming…

Prevent the harsh winds, ice, snow, and cold of the winter season from entering your home by inspecting areas of your home that are essential to your heating and protection. Some things to consider:

• Add insulation to attics and crawlspaces. Inadequate insulation in attics allows heat to rise up and out of your home, forcing heating systems to work harder to keep your home warm.
• Insulate water pipes that may be exposed to freezing temperatures. If water in pipes freeze, chances are the expansion will cause them to burst and you’ll be stuck with a huge bill from a plumber.

Change your Air Filter Regularly

Inspect, clean, or change air filters every month and follow the suggested replacement schedule, especially during heavy use months. If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every three months.

Filter clogs cannot always be seen by the naked eye. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool. It can also allow a build-up of dust and dirt in the system and ventilation, which may eventually reach into the open air.

Buying a new home or office?

When purchasing a new property for you or your business, consider calling J.L. Brady for a thorough heating and cooling inspection. Home inspectors are talented individuals, but they may lack the experience to spot small details which can amount to large costs down the road.

Copies of the air conditioning and heating system evaluation, which can include a combination repair and replacement estimate, can be duplicated for your real estate agent.

Still nervous large expenses may pop up unexpectedly? Ask for a home warranty as part of the sale of the property and request J.L. Brady perform your heating or cooling systems should you need service.

Repair vs. Replacement

Should you repair an older air conditioning and heating system, or is it time to replace it? If you are “on the fence” in your decision, call J.L. Brady to send a technician (who can both repair the system and give a price quote for a new one) for a professional analysis.

A well-maintained air conditioning and heating system can last up to 15 or 20 years. However, with improvements in energy efficiency, an A/C system more than 10 years old may be more cost-effective to replace. A new model could cut your cooling costs by 30% and prevent additional repair costs. Similar savings apply to your heating system.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Annual check-ups and maintenance agreements are a great value for customers. Why?

• Without regular maintenance, you are likely to pay for labor and parts for repairs that could have been avoided.
• HVAC system failures are not predictable and often happen at inconvenient times – during the hottest or coldest days of the season.
• Lower energy costs. Maintenance includes cleaning and adjustments that cause your HVAC system to run more efficiently.
• Maintenance will help prevent related damage such as water seepage, broken pipes and dangerous carbon monoxide gas leaks.

Top 4 Ways to Stay Cool

Stay cool and comfortable this summer while saving energy and money.

1. Turn off lights, appliances and other equipment when not in use. It saves money and prevents unnecessary heat from being added to the room. Halogens, incandescent light bulbs, computers and televisions all emit some form of heat when in use.
2. Call for a maintenance check-up of your air conditioning and ventilation systems to prevent long-term damage and improve efficiencies.
3. Use fans to reduce the need for constant air conditioning and ease the wear and tear.
4. Install ENERGY STAR products and programmable thermostats.

Limiting Direct Sunlight

Even the best insulated windows let in heat from the sun. Control the amount of direct sunlight for your desired level of heat gain into your home or office.

During the cooling season, block heat gain from the sun shining through windows on the east and especially west sides. Prevent the unnecessary warmth with trees, awnings, landscaping, solar film or screens. Interior curtains or shades can help, but it's best to prevent the heat from getting past the glass.

During heating season, with more sunlight coming directly from the south, consider leaving southern windows unobstructed to allow for desired heat gain during the day.

A/C Unit Made for the Shade

J.L. Brady technicians know an air conditioning unit located in a shady area will use less electricity (up to 10%), and put less wear and tear on the unit. The north side of a building is the best location due to limited exposure of direct sunlight.

If this is not possible or you already have an existing air conditioning system, consider planting trees that will provide shade year-round. Trees not an option? Consider building a platform or shelf above your unit so the unit will not have to work as hard during the hotter months.

Tips for Hiring an HVAC Contractor

Consider these tips when hiring someone to inspect or service your heating and cooling systems.

• Check for proper licenses and insurance – J.L. Brady is fully-bonded and insured in Illinois and Iowa.
• Request specific solutions to your needs – We will address each of your concerns with real solutions.
• Ask for referrals and call them – Our customers appreciate our helpful technicians and on-time service. Ask them yourself!
• Look for ENERGY STAR products – We carry dozens of products to fit your specific budget and energy-efficient requirements.
• Get itemized estimates – The lowest price may not be the best deal: compare costs, energy efficiency and warranties.

Are you Blowing Money Away?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaks in air ducts cause more than 20% of heating and cooling losses. Whether for your home or office, have your air ducts checked periodically for leaks.

If you are on a maintenance program, leak detection could be included. If air ducts are located in a hot or cold space, such as an attic or basement, have the outside of the ducts insulated to reduce heat loss.

Closing leaks and insulating will not only lower your monthly energy bills, but save wear and tear on your HVAC equipment.

Save on your Heating Bills

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating is the single largest energy expense for your home or office, second only to cooling and water heating. Call J.L. Brady to see how you can save on your heating bills.

For your home: Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year. New ENERGY STAR furnaces are up to 15% more efficient than standard models and likely 30-40% more efficient than 10 to 12 year old models.

For your office: A Department of Energy study revealed new energy efficient heating systems can save your business approximately $1.70 per square foot over the life of the equipment.

Put up to 50% Back in Your Pocket

If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system, there is the possibility of receiving nearly 50% back in your pocket within a few months. How? Combine the federal tax credit on nearly all ENERGY STAR products (details apply), with your utility companies energy efficiency rebates.

ENERGY STAR labeled products may initially cost more to purchase than standard models, but you will also benefit from lower energy bills. Not all products qualify, so consider that one more reason to give us a call before these opportunities expire.

Tax credits for central air conditioning, boilers, furnaces and other appliances expire Dec 31, 2010. Call today!

Ready for winter and all the cold?

Cold temperatures can be a strain on finances as well as a strain on the environment. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the cold weather wherever you live, work or play.

1. Have your heating and ventilation systems tuned-up to prevent inconvenient breakdowns and improve efficiencies.
2. Check for air leaks around windows, doorframes and electrical outlets for leaks. Caulk and fill in if necessary.
3. Insulate your HVAC ventilation ducts, water heater and other pipes where they may be exposed to colder than normal temperatures.
4. Install ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat(s).

Preventing Mold

Mold is a growing concern for many households and businesses. But there are simple ways to prevent mold from growing and spreading.

Use caution when turning the air conditioning off during humid months. Extended periods of non-operation may allow humidity levels to become quite high. This can permit mold to gain a foothold and thrive. Consider supplementing your air conditioning with a dehumidifier to pull moisture out of the air.

Another solution is to invest in an air purifier to capture microscopic airborne particles such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander and viruses. They provide healthier and cleaner air separate from your HVAC systems.