Lots of American households are seeing the benefit of making their homes as environmentally friendly as possible. Through more energy efficient home devices and regular maintenance and upkeep, it’s possible to keep your plumbing system in good, working order and cut down on your water bill.

Here are some easy tips to go green.

1. Keep Your Drains Unclogged and in Good Shape.

Make sure that your drains are in good working order. Clogged drains become inefficient. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents to keep your system healthy, and avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals that can damage your pipes.

2. Swap Standard Light Bulbs with CFL Bulbs.

CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs) bulbs last a lot longer than a standard incandescent light bulb and use 75% – 80% less energy.  The great thing about a CFL is they provide the same amount of light.

Here’s a quick comparison:

*Incandescent light bulbs can last 750 – 3,000 hours

*CFL bulbs last an average of 10,000 – 12,000 hours

3. Switch to a Dual Flush Toilet.

Older household appliances were built less with energy efficiency in mind. Toilets made before 1992 typically use up to 3.5 gallons of water each time they’re flushed. By having a dual-flush toilet installed, you’ll use less than half that amount of water because you can choose between two flush options: a lower flow for liquid waste and a higher flush option (still less than 3.5 gallons) for solid waste.

4. Install a Low-flow Shower Head

We’ve talked about the benefits of a low-flow shower head before, and that’s because it’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to conserve water in your home. The latest low-flow shower head models can save you around 7.5 gallons of water each minute and don’t cut down on water pressure.

5.  Periodically Check for Plumbing Leaks.

Chances are, if you have a leak it’s probably not going to be in an exposed area. It’s likely to be in your basement or in the plumbing between the street and your house, or other less used plumbing areas in your house.  A good way to check is to walk around your house looking and feeling for wet spots.

6.  Replace a Leaky Faucet.

A leaky faucet that drips water all day can waste up to 150 gallons in a day. Combat this by repairing or replacing leaky faucets as soon as they’re noticed. This can save up to a shocking 4,500 gallons of water per month – a huge savings on your water bill and on the environment.

7.  Install a Faucet Aerator to Lower Your Water Usage .

A 1.0 gpm aerator uses 55% less water than a standard 2.2 gpm aerator without reducing water pressure.  This is one of the easiest and economical ways to cut down your water bill each year.  Many times you can save 13,000 gallons of water a year by installing a facet aerator.  That could be a savings of over $100 a year!

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By taking a small, concerted effort, it’s easy to make your plumbing system more efficient and effective. And by keeping you system in good shape and updating household appliances like toilets, shower heads, and washers, you can make a serious dent in your yearly water consumption. Don’t overlook the small changes that make a big difference – it can save you the cash in your wallet and the environment.

We want to help you in saving water and energy.  We are offering a ENERGY SAVINGS PACKAGE for only $32!  It’s retail value is $80!  Now that’s some energy savings!

You will get:

+1.5 gpm Shower Head

+1.0 gpm Faucet Aerator

+1 Energy Efficient CFL Light Bulb

+2 lb. can of Bio-Clean (drain cleaning product)

Energy Savings Package purchase price does not include installation, shipping or delivery.  Extra charges will apply.  However, if other work is completed, the package and installation will be FREE at no charge.  Some restrictions may apply.

Call us today at 303.451.5057 to schedule your appointment!  Will you please mention F0212 when calling?  Thank you!

Many people assume that the everyday tasks, like showering and cooking, release enough humidity into the air to help with overall air quality. However, these amounts are minuscule and actually don’t add to the overall air humidity levels. To learn a little more about how a humidifier system can make your home a safer and more enjoyable environment for your family, check out our four smart reasons for treating the air quality in your house.

1. It Provides Protection Against Viruses.

Tiny bacterial particles, pet dander, dust mites, and a million other things are floating around in the air at any given time. These microscopic organisms cause illness, trigger allergies, bring on asthma attacks, and even cause nose bleeds. By improving air quality in the home, you can cut down on sick days and create a healthier environment for your family.

2. It’s Good for the Body.

Adding moisture into the air is great for the body, not only by making the air more comfortable, but because the skin constantly absorbs moisture that it loses throughout the day. Air moisture keeps your lips from drying out, your skin from cracking and provides relief from the physical discomforts of a dry nose and throat.

3. It Keeps Your Furniture in Good Shape.

Colorado’s dry climate doesn’t just take its toll on its residents, it affects household furnishings as well. Hardwood floors, wooden furniture, and antiques are all at risk for splitting and drying out. In addition, it can also cause wallpaper to peel. Using a humidifier system will keep ample moisture in the air so that your furnishings and keepsakes stay in perfect condition for years to come.

4. It Preserves Your Electronics.

Dry air is the culprit behind painful static electricity shocks. This isn’t just an unpleasant happening – it can also damage electronics. Computers, phones and other devices are susceptible to damage if the air is too dry.

There are several types of indoor quality systems available for home use. These include:

1.  Whole-House Humidifier System:  These units are built into the furnace system and draws water directly from your water supply.  A whole-house humidifier system will allow the home occupants to feel warm at a lower temperature. This not only provides a more comfortable environment, but it saves on heating bills, which can really add up in areas with long, harsh winters, like Colorado.  The advantage of a whole-house humidifier is that it is perfect for a busy household because it requires little maintenance. Whole-house humidifiers will keep your house set at a specific humidity level, and is the perfect system for people who want a worry-free humidifier system.

2.  Room-to-Room Humidifier System:  These are portable units that can be purchased from a big box store and can plug into any outlet.  The advantage is that they are light enough for one person to carry, and are very simple to operate.  Room-to-room humidifier systems have some disadvantages.  They can humidify up to one to two rooms, and require a lot of maintenance (they need the water changed on a daily basis).  Changing the water regularly is extremely important because germs and other harmful bacteria love water.  Infected water can be blown into your house causing harmful side effects.  The Mayo Clinic recommends cleaning the unit thoroughly every three days.

3. Ultra-Violet Lights or Germicidal Lights:  This type of unit is installed in the duct works and works double-time to improve the air quality of your house by drastically reducing microorganisms like mold, mildew and other bacteria’s.

4. Media Filter:  These types of filters are popular because of their ease of maintenance and the fact that they need less frequent replacement – only about every 6 to 12 months. The thicker pad is around 85% more efficient than a standard one inch filter. They work with standard HVAC systems, and gas, oil and electric forced air systems and help capture microscopic particles like dust and smoke, as well as mold spores and pet dander.

Brothers offers a variety of different brands, makes and models of home humidifiers, and can install any system of your choosing.  Call today and schedule an appointment at 303.451.5057.  We are offering a Free humidifier with installation of a new furnace which is a $850.00 value.

(Offer is not valid on show up fee, with any other offer, coupon or special.  Limit one per visit.  Not redeemable for cash value.  F012)

• We all love the look and smell of a real Christmas tree.  This is a simple reminder to water your tree everyday.  Since Colorado is a very dry, electrical problems and fires are caused by not properly hydrating your tree.  A dry tree and hot lights make for a easy fire.

• Always plug into GFCI outlets and never plug in more lights than the breaker or GFCI outlet can handle.  This can be confusing to many homeowners.  A good rule of thumb is to read the directions provided by the manufacturer. Most home receptacle circuits can handle 15 amps of which you should only use 80% of or 12 amps.

• Many home fires are caused by improper installation of electrical devices.  Please look around your house for areas of concern problems, and be careful about do-it-yourself electrical projects.

• For outside, use extension cords and lights approved for the outdoors.  It seems simple, but this can save a lot of headaches.

• Don’t run electrical wires under rugs and make sure Christmas lights are not touching any fabric such as bedspreads, sofas or drapes.

Please keep in mind that during this Holiday Season we like to allow our employees time to spend with their family, friends and loved ones.  To allow for this to happen we will be closed on Christmas & New Years Day.  Otherwise we are open  7 days a week with no extra charges! Give us a call.  We look forward to serving you this Holiday Season. 303.451.5057.

Happy Holiday’s from all of us at Brothers Plumbing, Heating and Electric.

Here is something fun for you to read and written by our marketing director!

“T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the town, not a Christmas light was burnt out for miles around. The electrician, it seems, had done his job well, and now had retired for the holiday spell.  At home with his family to help trim the tree and thankful to God for the right to be free.  When all of a sudden came a knock at the door, “Come quick to the church, the lights are unlit and smoking!” Gone in a flash with his tool box in tow, from the warmth of the hearth into the snow.  Down to the church where the people were praying for someone to stop the wires from fraying.  Then all in a body they joyfully cheered at the door the electrician quickly appeared.  He studied a moment then climbed on a ladder, careful not to teeter, this man with an electrical meter. A twist of the wrist, all done with such ease in a matter of seconds, the lights lit up the trees.   All eyes were upon him, as the throng did believe they’d seen a real Santa on this Christmas Eve.   With a wink of his eye, he called back in flight, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”

~Lynn F.

Choosing the right company is key, and making a good hiring decision can ease a lot of worry and stress. A good company will be one that trains their technicians and keeps them up-to-date with any new technology in heating systems, and they’ll know the codes for climate and the construction of your home. And while there are hundreds of contractors that you can call, keep this one bit of advice in mind: the day of installation is the most important day of your furnace’s life, so make sure that you are certain that the installing technician knows what they are doing. Otherwise, you could be losing money from day one.

When choosing a company, make sure you consider the following six points:

1. Make sure a permit is pulled.

This keeps you safe as a consumer. A company that is able to pull permits in your city or county has to provide insurance and workman’s compensation and has a current license in the city they are working in . If a technician hurts themselves in your home and the contractor doesn’t have insurance, you could be financially responsible.

2. What are your home’s heating requirements?

Knowing what you need to do to heat your home is vitally important. The size and layout of your home plays a role in how to best heat it, as does the family’s activities. Most homes are as unique as their owners. So when we are deciding how to set up the furnace, we weigh all the variables. For example: Do you have 5 kids who run in and out of the home all day and forget to close the doors? Does one of the kids have allergies, hay fever or bloody noses? Do you have wood furniture or wood floors that need to be conditioned so they don’t dry out and crack? These are all key components to look at when choosing and installing a new furnace.

3. Look for a warranty.

Having a warranty is important, but always remember that the warranty is only as the good as the contractor standing behind it. We offer a 5 year warranty on parts and 5 years on labor on equipment installations.

4. Check for efficiency.

The minimum efficiency for furnaces that can be purchased today is 78%, while the most efficient are 98%. This is a difference of 30%. While there is an initial cost difference between the lower end and higher end furnace, choosing one that operates at a higher efficiency can save money in the long run. After only a few years of use, the appliance will soon pay the difference back to you because it won’t be using so much gas to heat your home. Think about it like this: you pay $100.00 to heat your home if you use the less efficient unit – $78 dollars to heat your home and the other $32 dollars goes outside to heat the neighborhood. If you use the same $100.00 to heat you home using a 98% percent efficient furnace you are only losing 2% out of the house and the other 98% is left in the home to make you comfortable.

5. Look for the two stage function.

We don’t sell anything less. Pretend you are driving down the road in your car and it’s really cold, so you turn the heat up all the way to warm it quickly. Once it’s warm in your car, you turn the heat down instead of turning it off so that it stays at a comfortable temperature. This is how a furnace works.

6. Opt for Variable speed options.

Do you need filtration in your home? What about humidification or UV light system to kill germs? Well, if you do or if you think someone may want it in the future, you need to be picky about buying the right furnace. Variable speed motors is direct driven and they cost very little to operate. For example: you can purchase different light bulbs that will give you 60 watts of light but only use 15 watts to do it, as opposed to one that is a standard light bulb that gives 60 watts and uses 60 watts of light. With a furnace, a DC motor will use 60 watts instead of 600 watts on the standard motor, so you can see that this motor is 10 times more efficient. It also helps overcome duct work issues you may have in the home, like a room over the garage that is always too hot or too cold. This different type of motor is not a cure all, but it will help dramatically. It’s also capable of delivering more air than the traditional motor, which means that we can put the hot or cold air directly where it is needed, and save it where it’s not needed.

These helpful tips will assist you in choosing the right furnace and the right company to help with installation. And while purchasing a new furnace may have a higher up-front cost, choosing the right one and completing a thorough installation will lower your heating bills in the winter and make your home more comfortable while running more efficiently.

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Checking your furnace before the onset of the winter months is very important, not only to make sure that any parts or repairs can be made before you need to use the furnace, but to be positive that everything is in working order and you and your family are not at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning – a large worry for many people using furnaces. Though most routine checks are pretty standard, there are seven very important parts that should be double checked to make sure everything is functioning properly. Use this checklist to stay on top of your furnace maintenance.

1. 1.  Condition of the Flue Stack

Why we check it:  The pipe is similar to an exhaust on your car. If you breathe in this poisonous gas, it can cause serious health issues including vomiting, headaches and even death, depending on the levels of Carbon Monoxide gas.

1. 2.  Furnace Filter

Why we check it:  There’s a lot to be learned from the furnace filter. If it’s dirty, it could mean that the system may not have been serviced for some time. In that case, the condition of the blower should be checked, as well as the condition of the AC coil. If the filter is clean, it could mean that someone has just changed it or that the system has been kept in good working order.

1. 3.  Heat Exchanger

Why we check it:  This is the area where the fire burns in the furnace. If there is a hole or crack of some kind, it could be a serious hazard. A defect of that type could cause a fire or even Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

1. 4.  Gas Leaks

Why we check it:  Even the smallest of gas leaks can be hazardous by causing fires or explosions. Gas leaks should be checked for during every service call, since with the constant opening and closing of the gas valve during the winter, gas leaks can be quite common.

1. 5.  Amp Draws and Voltage Drops

Why we check it:  It’s possible to have premature failure of electrical parts, which are expensive and sometimes hard to find and replace. Also, if the supplied power to the electrical components isn’t correct, you could have premature failure as well as poor efficiency. Checking before the cold winter months hit means that there won’t be any down time with your furnace during the months you need it most.

1. 6.  Safety Devices and Safety Switches

Why we check it:  Any time a safety device or switch fails, you will lose heat. By design, when the gas valve misfires or the motors inside the furnace are not working properly, the safety switches turn off the furnace and keep it off so that it protects you from fire and from damaging the appliance through malfunction.

1. 7.  Combustion Air

Why we check it:  As probably the most overlooked issue in the furnace industry, it’s very important that this is checked during a maintenance visit. Without extra air for the fuel, air may not be venting out of the flues correctly.  For example, if your furnace or water heater is located in the laundry room and you turn your dryer on, you will create a negative pressure in the room. And if a vent fan in the room is on, you will create a negative pressure in the room. Without air from the outside for the fuel burning appliance, the appliance may not vent correctly and fuel gases will vent into your home instead, causing Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

If you feel uncomfortable checking these items yourself, Brothers Plumbing, Heating & Electric performs a 15 point furnace checkup, which includes the above items, to make sure your furnace is up and running for the winter season. During this check we can identify potential problems and concerns that may become an issue as the furnace works harder in the winter months. Having your furnace checked in the fall when the demand for service is lower may save you from some untimely and higher costs, inconvenience of having to take a day off and maybe a cold night or two. We offer evening and weekend appointments at no charge are open 7 days a week with no extra charges! 303.451.5057

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