Leaking Ductwork May Be Cooling and Heating Your Attic

THE BAD NEWS:

• Old ductwork may not have been properly sealed when installed, or the seals have failed over time.  This is equally possible for nearly new ductwork.
• Improperly installed, or undersized ductwork may result in airflow reduction (less air coming out than going into the system).

THE GOOD NEWS:

Determining if this condition exists is easy.

When looking for HVAC service

HVAC Service

Service Areas

• Allen
• Coppell
• Garland
• North Richland Hills
• Richardson
• Rockwall

What Does A Static Air-Pressure Test Tell You?

Static pressure is the measure of the Air Leakage OR Airflow-Resistance within the duct system. 

How An Air-Pressure Test Works:

 Al's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning takes two pressure readings:

• The air pressure entering the system
• The air pressure leaving the system.
• We add the two pressures together for the total pressure.

Al's Plumbing. (2012, March 3). Static Pressure Testing, Ductwork Pressure Testing Al's Plumbing. Retrieved April 18, 2016, from http://alsplumbing.com/air-conditioning-and-heating/maintenance-tune-ups/static-pressure-testing/

Results:

On the Supply-Air Side (air coming out the ducts in the rooms):

• If the pressure reading is Too Low, there is air leakage in the ductwork bringing air to the rooms.
• If the Static Air-Pressure reading is Too High, there is restricted airflow in the ductwork bringing air to the rooms.

Corrections may include resealing the Supply-Air ductwork, or eliminating airflow blockages.   On the Return-Air Side (the large vents which have no shut-off lever):

• If the Static Air Pressure reading is Too LOW -- there is a disconnected return-air duct, or ductwork is too large.
• If the Static Air-Pressure reading is Too High -- there are not enough return air ducts or ductwork is too small.

Corrections may include adding more Return-Air ductwork, or increasing the size of the Return-Air duct work to increase airflow Here are photos showing Supply-Air Problems:

Unsealed pipes carrying air to rooms resulting in air leakage.

Improperly installed (compressed) ductwork resulting in an air-flow restriction.

The Goal Is Simple:

The amount of air coming out of all the rooms' ducts should be quite similar to the amount going into the return-air vents (adjusting for the airflow resistance caused by the furnace itself -- that information is provided by the furnace manufacturer) Learn how High-Merv Air Filters can dramatically reduce system air flow High MERV Filter and System Air Flow

Would a Programmable Thermostat Save You Money ?

Would an Automatic SetBack Thermostat save you money?

Programmable Thermostats are one of the most cost-effective energy saving investments you can put in your home!  With their modest cost, these thermostats can save you a lot of money by:

• Setting the heat to a lower setting when you sleep
• Setting the heat to a lower setting when you are away.
• Setting the A/C to a higher setting while you are away.

Heating Savings: The energy cost-savings from a Programmable Thermostat is impressive.  According the the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), "By turning the heat back 10-15 degrees while you are at work, you can save 5-15% on your annual heating bill".
Cooling Savings: In 2010 Forbes Magazine ranked DFW as #1 for high electric bills in the United States. * 

*SOURCE: http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/01/biggest-power-bills-business-energy-texas-electric.html  

 A 2.5 ton central air conditioner uses 3500 watts or 3.5 KiloWattHours (KWH) for every hour it runs continuously.  For each degree below 78 energy usage increases by 3--4%. 

 SOURCE: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/cooling.html

Programmable thermostats

Plumbing Service

Service Areas

• Addison
• Flower Mound
• Fort Worth
• Frisco
• Garland
• Rowlett

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Is Your HVAC Running as Efficiently as It Could?

Is Your HVAC Running as Efficiently as It Could?

You rely on your HVAC system to provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. There are many factors that affect HVAC efficiency, ranging from simple tasks you can perform to scheduling maintenance with a professional service. Keep reading to discover how you can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency to enjoy a more comfortable home at a lower cost.

Filter Changes

Your furnace filter screens out airborne particles to keep your HVAC system clean and your indoor air allergen-free. You should change your furnace filter every 30-90 days, depending on your filter type and indoor air quality needs.

Regular Maintenance

Your HVAC system can lose up to five percent efficiency for every year it is not serviced. Biannual maintenance visits from an HVAC professional will ensure your furnace and air conditioner are in good shape and running efficiently. Your HVAC professional will check your system for worn parts and replace them before they become an issue.

Coil Efficiency Testing

Over time, your air conditioner’s evaporator coils can become dirty or worn, affecting their efficiency. A coil efficiency test will determine whether your air conditioner is functioning properly and which steps can improve its efficiency for better cooling at lower energy cost.

Are you concerned about the efficiency of your HVAC system? Contact Al’s Plumbing by calling (469) 808-1855 to schedule a tune-up or coil efficiency test. Don’t forget to stop by our website to check out our current specials and financing options!

Flood Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Flood Prevention Tips for Homeowners

In addition to heavy rains or other outside occurrences, leaks and other plumbing problems can also lead to floods in the home. Although you cannot predict a flood, you can take steps to prevent one. Talk to your Plano plumbing service about your flood risk and how you can protect your home from water damage.

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

When was the last time you had your home’s plumbing inspected from top to bottom? Over time, wear and tear can put your plumbing at risk for leaks and other issues that may cause a flood. Having a professional plumber fully assess your home for flood risks can provide you with the information you need to make repairs and prevent a flood from occurring.

Install a Sump Pump and Alarm

A sump pump is a valuable flood prevention device that activates automatically in the presence of excess water. Sump pump systems are installed in the lowest point in your home—typically the basement—and pump water away from your home in the event of a flood. Installing a sump pump alarm will notify you when the water level in your home is above acceptable limits.

At Al’s Plumbing, we can help you prevent flooding or minimize the effects of a flood with fast, effective, and honest plumbing service throughout Texas. Visit us on the web to find out more about our plumbing and HVAC services in your area, or call us today at (469) 808-1855.

Why DIY Plumbing Can Cost You More Money

When your home has a plumbing emergency, it can be tempting to try to handle it yourself. However, it’s generally a bad idea to try to fix most plumbing issues on your own. Here are some of the problems that can result from do-it-yourself plumbing:

Leaks are hard to find. Many leaks are no bigger than the head of a pin, which means that it’s very hard for non-professionals to find them. If you miss a leak, it will continue to dribble out water—which can lead to high water bills and expensive property damage.

You can cause more damage. If you don’t know precisely what you’re doing, trying to fix a leaking pipe or a malfunctioning toilet can make the damage worse. Rather than spending a whole weekend trying to learn how to make a simple plumbing repair, it’s best to leave the work to a professional.

You can hurt yourself. Plumbing can be dangerous work. It means working with hot water, rusty pipes, and potentially waste-filled water. Professional plumbers have the expertise necessary to make repairs safely; most people don’t.

When you need a plumber you can always rely on, call Al’s Plumbing of Plano. Our experienced plumbers will be happy to assist you with your plumbing problems, from faucet leaks to clogged drain pipes.