Tag: Rebmann

The Dangers of a Poorly Maintained Gas Furnace

Here at Rebmann Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we want your home to be as safe as possible year-round. Here are some things to be aware of in your home when it comes to using your gas furnace:

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that’s a byproduct of burning carbon-based fuel. It can make humans and animals very sick, causing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, and confusion. In high concentrations, it can be fatal.

While all gas furnaces produce a small amount of carbon monoxide, this is usually expelled from the home through the vent system. However, a gas furnace that’s not maintained can produce high levels of carbon monoxide because of the buildup of dirt in the filter or combustion chamber. This can release carbon monoxide into the air supply. At the same time, fractures in the heat exchanger can release the gas. In addition, if the furnace door is damaged and doesn’t close properly, it can cause more carbon monoxide to escape.

Gas Line Leaks

Because gas is combustible, gas line leaks are extremely dangerous. They’re the cause of many home fires and can even cause explosions.

An unmaintained gas furnace might have cracks or holes in the gas lines, and the gas valve might be broken or connections might be loose. Any of these vulnerabilities can be places where gas can escape into your home.

If you smell a bad odor — usually like rotten eggs — and/or hear a hissing sound, you’ve got a gas leak. Evacuate your home immediately, and call the fire department.

Fire Hazard

In addition to gas line leaks, a gas furnace can be a fire hazard for several other reasons. If there are broken parts, the furnace won’t function properly, which could pose a fire risk. Dust and dirt can build up, and when they get hot, they can catch fire. In addition, if there’s clutter within two feet of the furnace, this could be a fire hazard too as it can overheat and ignite.

Always Maintain Your Gas Furnace

Fortunately, you can avoid all of these dangers by properly maintaining your gas furnace. You should regularly — about once a month — inspect it for any visual signs of damage such as dents, cracks, or loose valves. Make sure that the ignition light is burning blue. If it’s yellow or some other color, then there’s a problem with the combustion and you need to have a technician take a look right away. You should also listen for unusual sounds, as they can also indicate damage. Refer to the manual to determine whether the filters need to be replaced or cleaned and how often. For the best and safest results, follow these instructions to the letter.

If you need furnace maintenance, call Rebmann today to schedule your service! 

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Year Round Benefits of a Heat Pump

Do you live in an area that has a relatively moderate temperature year round? Are you tired of having to crank the heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, all while reducing your efficiency? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then a heat pump may be right for you.

Heat pumps work by using electricity. They move heat from a cool space to a warm place, to put it simply. This way, they are able to make cool spaces cooler, while simultaneously making warm spaces warmer. During the colder months, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house. When it gets warmer outside, heat pumps move heat from your cool house into the warm outdoors.Moving heat instead of generating it can provide the same heating and cooling at 1/4 the cost. Still unconvinced? Here are some other ways that heat pumps can benefit you year  round.

Benefits of a Heat Pump Installation

Shortly after your heat pump installation, you should be able to notice the following benefits in your home:

  •  Low Running Costs: Heat pumps are cheaper to run in comparison to those who run on combustion. This will save you money on your utility bills!
  • Low Maintenance: Heat pumps require far less maintenance in comparison to combustion heating systems. Approximately once a year certain details of the system have to be checked, which could easily be accomplished by yourself. If you are a bit hesitant, consider hiring a professional to check on the system.
  • Safety: Heat pumps are far less likely to cause problems than other heating systems, giving you peace of mind knowing that your home is safe.
  • Reduced Carbon Emissions: Heat pump systems reduce your carbon emissions and it has an efficient conversion rate of energy to heat. For example, water source heat pumps reach reasonably high efficiencies. They heavily rely on electricity to operate, implying that they will never be entirely carbon neutral. However, since heat pumps are electric, they represent a perfect fit for solar applications. Coupled together with solar panels, heat pumps could lead to zero net energy.
  • Cooling: During warmer months of the years, heat pumps are able to reverse the flow process. Because of this, the heat pump can serve a similar function to an air conditioner. Air to air heat pumps can conveniently be switched to cooling mode during the summers.
  • Durability: The lifespan of heat pumps is relatively long in comparison to other systems. In most cases, the average lifespan of a heat pump is somewhere around 14-15 years.

Why Choose Rebmann?

We are happy to provide you with the specific heat pump option necessary for your commercial or residential setting.  Heat pumps provide the ultimate in cost-effective heating and cooling systems while keeping customers comfortable and worry free.

You can also have peace of mind knowing that Rebmann also provides fixed, upfront pricing and one-year warranties on all services and products.  Our licensed and highly trained technicians are prompt, professional, and extremely knowledgeable in heat pump installations and repairs.

Call Rebmann today to schedule your heat pump installation!

Benefits of Whole Home Humidification

Did you know that dry air can negatively affect your home? To bring some of the moisture back into your air and protect your air quality, you may want to consider a whole-home humidification system. Not only does it help you maintain home comfort, there are many other benefits to home humidification. Here are some ways it can benefit you:

Benefits of Whole-Home Humidification

  • Better air quality.  Adding a humidifier to your home may help to reduce the spread of most airborne contaminants in your home. Moisture can prevent the movement of debris as they combine. They become too heavy and drop.
  • Better sleep. Removing the dryness in your home can help you sleep. A humidifier can add enough moisture into the air to soothe the tissues at the back of your throat, making for more comfortable sleep and cutting down on any snoring.
  • Decreased allergy symptoms. Adding enough moisture in the air can help soothe your throat and nasal passages, preventing them from getting irritated which can result in coughing and sneezing. Whole-home humidification is also beneficial to those who suffer from asthma and other breathing-related illnesses.
  • Better skin. Dry air can cause your skin to become dry. With whole-home humidification, your skin, hair, and nails will be protected.
  • Protection for wood furniture. The longer your wood furniture is subjected to extremely dry air, the more susceptible it is to cracks and damages. While excessive moisture can harm wood, the right amount benefits it greatly.
  • Keep your houseplants healthy.  Houseplants, which can filter out toxins in the air, are a nice addition to any home, but they will suffer in a dry environment. Keeping your home at a comfortable humidity with a humidifier not only keeps you comfortable and happy but your plants as well!

Why Choose Rebmann?

The heating and cooling professionals at Rebmann are frequently trained in the latest humidifier technology.  They use only industry-leading equipment and are always prompt and prepared.  Warranties are available on all products and services as are various rebates for Long Island heating and cooling installations.

Call today to schedule your whole-home humidification installation!

A Guide to Kitchen and Bathroom Drains

Just like any home or business owner, you’re probably aware of the importance if your drains. If not, it’s important to remember that even though they may be located out of sight, they shouldn’t be out of mind! Your drain and sewer system is one of the most important aspects of your home that you use several times a day.  If you don’t keep it properly maintained, all sorts of issues can occur, ranging from leaking pipes and clogged sewer lines to sediment buildup and blocked drains. One of the most important things you can do to prevent some of these issues from occurring is to keep your kitchen and bath drains in good working order.

Kitchen Drains

If you’re like most households, you make heavy use of your kitchen drain. You use it to wash your hands, wash dishes, and do food preparation. You might even have a garbage disposal you use to get rid of organic cooking waste. However, this heavy use can easily clog up the drain over time.

To prevent this from happening, you should avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. Instead, you can dispose of this by pouring it into a bottle and throwing it away. Also, don’t throw any food waste down the drain unless you run the garbage disposal, and never throw anything made of metal, glass, or plastic into the drain.

In addition, you should clean the drain around once every two weeks. You can do this with a simple, homemade drain cleaning solution. Boil a kettle of water and pour it into the drain. Then pour in half a cup of baking soda and let it work for about 5 minutes. Next, mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of hot water and pour it into the drain. Cover the drain with the plug, and wait for five to 10 minutes. Finally, flush the drain with another kettle of boiling water. To clean your garbage disposal, you can fill it with ice cubes, cover it, and run it for a couple of minutes. The friction from the ice cubes will remove any grease and sediment buildup. Then rinse the drain with boiling water.

Bathroom Drains

Your bath drain might not be as heavily used as your kitchen drain, but it can still get clogged, especially due to hair and soap. You can prevent this from happening by cleaning it once a week. If you have a bath drain with a stop, remove the stop and clean it. Then use the same method as above to clean out the drain itself. You can also use a commercial drain cleaner, but be sure to wear protective gloves and follow the instructions to the letter.

Of course, it’s always possible that despite your best efforts, you can experience a clogged drain or other issue. If you can’t resolve the issue yourself, you’re best advised to call Rebmann as soon as possible. Remember: Paying a little bit of money for some repairs right now can save you a lot of hassle and expenses instead of waiting until the issue gets out of hand!

Tips to Cut Back on Costs While Using Your Water Heater

Have you ever thought about how much you use hot water in your home? Every time you wash your dishes, take a shower, or throw a load of laundry in the washer, you’re using hot water. You may not think about it, but the more hot water you use, the more it will show in your utilities. If you have an old, outdated hot water heater, it can cause your bill to skyrocket. Here are a few tips to help you save money while using your water heater:

Use Less Water

This is the most obvious way to save money. People use a great amount hot water when they shower. By tweaking your shower habits a little, you can save a good amount of money. Try taking warm showers instead of cranking the heat all the time. You can also use cold water to wash your clothes. Not only does it help to preserve your clothing, so they last longer – it cleans just as well as hot water!

Turn Down the Temperature

Your hot water stays the same temperature 24/7. That means that the water is constantly hot and ready to be delivered to you through your pipes. As you can probably imagine, this requires a lot of energy. By turning down the set temperature on your water heater, you can save. This cuts energy usage drastically and can help you save on your utilities. If you’re unsure about how to go about setting the temperature, as a professional for assistance.

Switch it Off When Appropriate

If you’re going on a trip or you know that you will be away from your home for a lengthy period of time, its perfectly find to switch off your water heater. Most models only take an hour to reheat after cooling completely, so be sure to give it time before hopping into the shower. If you’re not around to use the hot water, why should it have to stay hot?

Insulation

Your tank should be insulated! Any tank that isn’t can suffer massive heat loss which is a major waste of energy. Insulation is inexpensive and can save you on your utilities. Try touching your tank – if it’s warm to the touch it means you’re losing heat.

Set a Timer

Programmable timers on electric models can shut the heat off when you don’t need it. You don’t need hot water while you’re asleep in bed or away at work for the day. Again, it’s important to remember that it does take a while to heat back up. Just be sure that your timing is thought out and you won’t even notice that its off!

Switch to Tankless With Rebmann!

Most water heaters with tanks work well, but in reality, their design is antiquated. A tankless model is the newest, most effective technology in the world of water heating that give you the following benefits:

  • They provide an endless supply of hot water
  • They provide cleaner water than conventional tank heaters
  • Less likely to leak than conventional tank heaters
  • Less wasted energy and higher efficiency
  • Manufacturer’s warranty of 12 years
  • Lifespan of over 20 years

Here at Rebmann, we want you to be comfortable in your home and have access to hot water when you need it. To learn more about tankless water heaters, or to have one installed into your home today, give us a call. We’ve got you covered!

How to Cut Your AC Bill in Half While Staying Cool This Summer

As temperatures rise outdoors, you spend more time inside to beat the heat. As you may already know, excessive AC use can cause your electric bill to skyrocket. Here are a few things that you can do this summer to not only stay cool but keep your money in your wallet!

Use a Fan

When the heat outside isn’t too extreme, you probably don’t need your AC on full blast at all times. A fan won’t be able to completely lower the temperature in a given room, but wind chill plays a major role in keeping you cool. Portable fans can be moved from area to area for continuous comfort, and ceiling fans are useful as well. Not only do they provide a cool breeze, but they also help to disperse air evenly throughout the space.   Like your AC, fans should only be kept on when you’re using them. Forgetting to shut them off will lead to wasted electricity.

Use Your AC Only When You Need It

Staying cool and comfortable in your home or business shouldn’t mean having to set the thermostat as low as possible. Just setting it a few degrees higher than you normally do can  impact your electric bill (for the better).  When you’re heading to work for the day or you know that you will be out for a while running errands, you don’t need to leave your AC on. Most models can cool things down very quickly when you return. Programmable thermostats can make this easier for you – they can lower temperatures or turn off your cooling system when you need them to.

Keep Curtains Closed

The more you keep your curtains, blinds, or shades closed, the easier it will be to cool your home. During hours of direct sunlight, this can help keep cool air inside and the warm air outside.  If the temperature is already lowered in your house, you won’t need to put as much stress on your AC. This will help you save money on your utilities throughout the summer months.

Keep Your System Maintained

Routine professional maintenance is a must! This allows a technician to fully examine and service your entire system – from the outdoor unit to the ventilation system. If there are any issues or areas of concern, they will be fixed before they have time to escalate. Routine maintenance boosts energy efficiency, reliability, and give your AC a longer lifespan. It also helps you keep the air quality in your home safe! To schedule your AC service, call Rebmann. We’ve got you covered!

Limit Heat Building Activities

When temperatures get higher, you can help keep your home cool by limiting household chores that quickly build heat.  Using your oven or stove, running the dishwasher, drying clothes in the dryer;  these are all heat-generating activities. Instead, you can use the microwave or grill to cook or let your clothes dry outdoors. Finding alternatives for these routine activities will help you stay cool and comfortable indoors while cutting back on your electricity bill.

How Rebmann Can Help You Save

When your air conditioner is running efficiently, safely, and properly, it will save you money. If your cooling system isn’t already in the best shape, Rebmann can help! Our AC repair and maintenance services include:

  • Better overall health, comfort, and well-being of your family, friends, and employees.
  • Better energy efficiency AC system that is easier on the environment and your wallet.
  • Improved airflow to maximize and refresh the indoor air you breathe.
  • Peace of mind that any air conditioning emergency will be taken care of instantly by qualified Rebmann professionals.

To start saving, call Rebmann today to schedule your AC services!

Signs You Need AC Repair

As the weather heats up, you’ll be spending more time indoors to beat the heat. If your AC is experiencing problems, you should have it repaired before summer heat rolls in. Small problems can escalate quickly, causing an uncomfortable disruption in your home. If it does need repairs, your AC may be sending you warning signals. If you are experiencing any of the following problems in your home, call Rebmann today.

No Power or Start-up Issues

This the most obvious sign that you have a problem with your air conditioning system. Whatever temperature you set your thermostat to, your cooling system should be able to reach it with ease. Turning it on should never be an issue either. If temperatures are high outside, your safety could be affected by a broken air conditioner. If it doesn’t turn on at all or it switches often, you should start looking for a replacement.

Excess Moisture

Do you have wet spots or condensation on your unit? Pooling water should be addressed as soon as possible as it can cause mold or mildew. Not only do they grow and spread at a rapid rate, they can harm your air quality as well.

Inadequate Cooling

Your cooling system should be able to cool your whole home or a designated area within it. If you start to notice that some rooms or areas aren’t being cooled properly, it’s a sign that your system is no longer capable of cooling your whole home. A Rebmann professional can give you more insight into the cause, but if your model is outdated or failing, it may be in your best interest to have it replaced.

Weird Sounds

Your AC shouldn’t be too noisy. Any loud bangs or groans from your unit or duct system should be checked out. It could be that a piece has detached or that debris has built up in your ducts. On the other hand, it could also be a sign of motor failure.

Warm Air

Your AC should blow cool air only. While you use it, air should be cool and spread out evenly into your home. you may have a lack of refrigeration, which can be replenished. If you have a leak, it may be much harder to fix. This should be addressed by a professional immediately, as it can cause other problems throughout your home. If you’ve already spent money on repairs in the past, it’s in your best interest to replace your AC.

To get your AC ready for the heat, call Rebmann today! 

 

Why Should I Invest in Central AC?

Summer may feel far away, but it’s still a good idea to think about your indoor comfort needs before it arrives. Here in Long Island, we’ve had record-breaking heat in recent years. Because of this, it might be time to make the jump to central AC. Here are some reasons why you should install a central air conditioning system before the summer heat arrives.

  1. Better efficiency. Central air has made some big jumps in efficiency in recent years. If not managed properly, central air can waste a lot of money on unnecessary cooling. However, there are now all sorts of features like smart thermostats, zoning capabilities, and ductless central AC systems out now. These can all cut back on energy waste, especially when the system is running while no one’s home.
  2. Straightforward maintenance. Central air maintenance is fairly basic. All you need to do is give it an annual inspection from a professional. If you give it regular maintenance, the average central air system can last ten to fifteen years. After that, you’re likely better off getting a new system to avoid costly repairs and to make use of more efficient air conditioning technology.
  3. House-wide cooling. One of the most obvious advantages of a central air system is the fact that it can cool your entire house with one unit. While some people may be able to have adequate cooling with one or two window units, any more than that and the bills may become too much. If you plan to stay in your current home for several years, central air is likely your best option.
  4. Much quieter. Your average window air conditioner makes a great deal of noise when operating. This can be annoying during the day and make it hard to sleep at night. Central AC units are much quieter in comparison.
  5. More space inside. Instead of being stuck in your window, the central system for your central air is located by the side of your house. This can help you save on space indoors and keep your house looking modern. No more awkward-looking ACs sticking out of your window!

 

Why should I have Rebmann install my central AC?

For three generations, Rebmann Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has provided their expertise to the Long Island area. Our highly-skilled professionals provide a wide variety of services involving air conditioning installation, replacement, maintenance, and repairs. All of our projects come with a one-year warranty that lets homeowners feel confident in choosing us. If you’re looking to get central AC installed in your home, call Rebmann today!

Signs You Need Drain Cleaning This Spring

5 Signs You Need Drain Cleaning

How often do you think about the health of your drain system? We often take for granted how many things our drain systems allow us to do each day. It lets your family get water at the turn of a tap, take showers, and clean dishes and clothing. When you use any of these systems, the water drains easily through your pipes. But what happens when your drain system isn’t performing at its best? You may need to call the professionals at Rebmann Plumbing to schedule a drain cleaning and get your system back to its top performance. We’ve put together the five signs your drains need professional cleaning.

Slow Draining Sinks and Showers

Is your sink slow to drain lately? Does your shower or tub seem to drain forever? If you’re noticing these symptoms each time you run the faucet or take a shower it might be a sign of a larger drain issue. A store-bought drain drainer can only do so much- when you call Rebmann we’ll ensure your drains are cleared the first time.

Toilet Overflows

Toilets clog and overflow- it happens to everyone on occasion. But if you’re constantly cleaning up after an overflowing toilet, there’s a bigger issue at hand. Especially if you have two toilets clogging at once, it’s best to call a licensed plumber to inspect the issue.

Water Backup

If your drains back up with water every time you run the sink or turn on the shower, it’s the sign of a larger drain problem. If the water is backed up in other drains while you run a separate tap, you may have unforeseen water damage.

Foul Odor

Do your drains have a foul smell? This can be a clog of old grease that is rotting away or other debris caught in your system. If you can smell any type of sewage, then the problem may be bigger than a normal clog. No matter the issue, odd smells from your drains are a reason to call a professional.

Sewage Backup

A blocked drain can lead to sewage leakage in the most serious cases. This may appear as puddling on your lawn as the sewage escapes the pipes and leaks into the ground. This is very unsanitary and should be addressed by a professional immediately.

Why Call Rebmann Plumbing For Drain Cleaning?

Rebman Plumbing has been serving Long Island homeowners for three generations providing the most dependable and trusted home services. We know local homes and plumbing systems better than anyone. Why go through this more than once? With Rebmann, we’ll get the job done right the first time. When your drains need professional cleaning, call Rebmann! 

Benefits of a High Efficiency Boiler Installation

If your boiler isn’t working as well as it used to, you should consider replacement before the cold weather really gets a chance to set in. Your boiler is an appliance that is often overlooked until it starts to show signs of struggle or malfunctions completely. Before yours shuts down and leaves you in the cold, you should consider replacement done by Rebmann. Our main concern is your home comfort and safety – we want to make sure that you and your loved ones stay warm this fall and winter. Here are a few ways that a high efficiency boiler installation can benefit you:

Smaller Footprint

The higher the efficiency, the smaller the footprint. Not only do they have a smaller environmental footprint, they literally take up less physical space in your home! A newer, high efficiency model will save you floor space while being better for the environment. They’re also much better for maintenance and safety purposes.

Ability to Adjust

Models with higher efficiency come equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Essentially, newer models are more “smart.” This modern system technology allows for maximum control and function. High efficiency models can run at several different intensity levels while monitoring when to do so. Because they are consuming on demand and can regulate themselves, they are much less wasteful than older models. This can save you a substantial amount of money on your utilities, as well as prolong the lifespan of your equipment.

System Upgrade

Maybe you want your boiler system to be more efficient, but you don’t necessarily need a whole new appliance yet. Don’t worry, because there are ways to update your existing boiler without a full replacement. Certain fixtures and components of your older model can be replaced with newer, high-tech parts that can boost efficiency until you are ready for a total replacement.

Savings

Sure, boiler replacement costs more up front than simply leaving your old system in place. However, you should consider replacement as an investment for your home. Not only will a newer boiler give you significant savings on your utilities, it will save you maintenance and repair costs as well. Because they’re working much smarter than older models, the likelihood of service interruption drops drastically. Also, if you are looking to sell your home down the road, a high efficiency boiler will increase your home value.

Why Choose Rebmann?

If you are looking for a local heating company who can provide a brand new system, please call Rebmann today. We can install a brand new boiler in your home quickly, ensuring you do not have to go through a single day without heat. We can provide boilers from top brands and even consult with you before installation to ensure you are getting the right system for your home. With our help, you will have a boiler providing longer-lasting, highly-efficient performance.

You can have peace of mind knowing you have a system keeping the whole family comfortable. You also won’t have to worry about high energy bills at any point through the season. It’s crucial at this time of year to have a reliable source of heating, especially with outdoor temperatures on their way down. Calling us will ensure this fall and winter will be your warmest to date.

If you have questions about a high efficiency boiler installation in your home, call Rebmann today!