Should You Replace A Working A/C System?

Now that Spring has officially arrived and we know the temperatures will stay warm, we'll begin the task of making sure the lawn is mowed and fertilized, the vegetable garden is weeded and hoed and our landscapes are adorned with beautiful flowers and pruned shrubs.

Don't forget your air conditioning system as well.  We've already experienced how crazy Mother Nature has been lately.  One never knows what the Summer has in store for us.  While most might think, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it,"  there are still  "fixes" that don't have anything to do with being broken.  They are called upgrades and improvements.

If your system is over 8 years old, you have an energy hog on your hands.  Air conditioners always go out at the worst time possible, so be sure to schedule a checkup before the summer swings into full gear.  Even if you don't need to buy a new unit, you'll be comfortable during the hot months knowing your unit isn't about to kick the bucket.

If you do need to replace your unit, consider this fancy little acronym SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  The higher the number, the more energy efficient the unit is, which means the more money you will save on your energy bill.  The number to look for is 16-23.  They have a higher upfront cost, but will save you $$$$ in the long run.

If you live in the Capital District Region in upstate New York, give us a call today.  We'll be happy to inspect your system for you.  518- 462-5454

10 Ways To Get "Green" Tax Breaks

Uncle Sam wants you to green up your act! The United States government is offering tax incentives and credits to people who renovate their homes with energy-saving technologies and/or buy hybrid vehicles. These technologies usually save money, and with an added tax break, you'll be raking in the dough.  Here are ten ways to claim federal tax credits and incentives by doing eco friendly stuff:

1. Buying a hybrid, a car that runs on alternative power, or a lean-burn diesel vehicle can net you a tax break of $250-$3,400. This refund is dependent on the amount of gas saved by the engine and the overall weight of the vehicle. If you buy two hybrids, you get two tax breaks.

2. People who buy and install energy-efficient windows, insulation, roofs, doors, air conditioners and central-heating units can receive a $500 tax credit.

3. If you have a swimming pool or hot tub heated by solar power, you can recoup thirty percent of your expenditures, unless it exceeds $2,000. In those cases, you would just get a refund of 2k.

4. You can recoup 10% or $200 from a green exterior window or skylight installation as long as they meet IECC standards.

5. Replacing exterior doors with eco-friendly ones will net you 10% or $500 dollars back.

6. With a metal, Energy-Star roof you can reclaim 10% or $500.

7. Certain types of insulation will allow you to recoup 10% or $500.

8. Greening up your central air-conditioning unit, utilizing geothermal heat pumps, installing air source heat pumps, putting in a gas, oil or propane water heater or an electric heat pump water heater will entitle you to garner a $300 dollar tax credit for each qualifying improvement.

9. A gas, oil, propane furnace or hot water boiler installed in your home will make you eligible for a $150 tax credit.

10. An advanced main air circulating fan allows you to claim a $50 refund. Every state has its own tax breaks. Make sure to utilize those as well. If you plan to go green, check the tax code first.

Made available through http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/personal-income-taxes/green-tax-breaks.htm

Sump-Pumps ~ Are They Necessary?

Spring time means melting snow, heavy rain and whatever else Mother Nature decides to throw our way.  Weather patterns have changed dramatically over the years, which leads homeowners never knowing what to expect.  Flooding is damaging and once it begins, there is little you can do to hold it back.

Even if your basement isn't prone to flooding, it would be wise to make sure your sump pump is operating at maximum effectiveness.

Do you have a sump pump?  Do you have it tested annually by a plumbing professional in order to ensure it is and will run properly when you need it?

If you don't have one and uncertain how it works - well, it's  used to extract accumulated water and generally installed in the basement just under the ground in a hole referred to as the Sump Pit. When the sensor in the pit (often known as the "float") fills with water above a certain level, the sump pump automatically turns on and drains out the water.  

Homeowners often opt to install an emergency backup sump pump just in case the main sump pump runs out of power or breaks down for any reason. Emergency backup sump pumps are used not only in the event of power outages or when the main sump pump fails, but when the water load is too big for your main sump pump to handle as well. Emergency backup sump pumps run on batteries and can be real lifesavers during power outages. These specific types of emergency backup pumps are used only for backup purposes and come with rechargeable batteries which last as much as 6 to 7 hours.

What's the big deal? Besides the damage a flooded basement can do to flooring, drywall, and framing in the basement, mechanical systems such as electrical panels, water heaters and heating systems are at risk in the event of a flood. A sump pump can literally save you thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the loss of personal property you may store in the basement. If structural damage isn't enough to convince you of the importance of a properly functioning sump pump and an emergency back-up system, be aware that excessive moisture may contribute to serious health problems. Moisture leads to mold, which can be extremely hazardous to your health. Additionally, extreme moisture can cause fungus to build up and destroy the wood in your home leading to the infestation of wood destroying insects such as termites.

Often times, sump pumps and backup pumps are not something you think about until it's too late. Therefore, be proactive. If you are considering purchasing and installing a sump pump, we recommend you consult advice from a plumbing professional who can show you how a small investment today can literally save you hundreds of dollars down the road.

What To Look For When Hiring A Plumber

Hiring a plumber for any job, big or small, can make even the most confident consumer shrivel with fear.

The fact of the matter is that hiring a plumber is not always as easy as it sounds. You may think that everything is okay just to learn that you either spent too much money, or hired the wrong person for the job.

The following tips may not be well known, but they can help you hire the right plumber for the job:

1. Group together all of your repairs so the plumber only has to visit your home one time. You can save a lot of money by doing this, while also ensuring that all of the repairs are made without delay.

2. Request a written estimate before the work starts. Many consumers never do this because they take the plumber’s word for it.  There is nothing wrong with trusting your plumber, but to protect both parties this is something you definitely want to do. Every reputable plumber will offer to give a written estimate before getting their hands wet.

3. Select a plumber that is insured and licensed. When you choose a plumber on a whim, such as by an ad in a local paper, you never know what you are going to get.  During your initial conversation, ask the plumber if they are insured and licensed. This can go a long way in easing your stress.

4. Ask how their rate is calculated. Are you being charged a flat rate for the entire project? Or will you be paying an hourly rate? This is an important question, but one that many forget to ask. 

5.  Don't be afraid to ask for references or inquire if they're part of a consumer organization that provides them.  This can be helpful in your selection especially if they are A+ rated.

These four tips may not be discussed all the time, but they can help you immensely when hiring a plumber. If you implement these tips, while also using your common sense, you will hire the right plumber and have all your problems fixed in no time at all.