Heating Efficiency

Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Mo, Catch a Boiler by the Toe! Time to replace your old, worn out, energy-inefficient heating system? Now, some words of advice to help you make an informed decision on what’s best for your family and your budget! Reduced to its most fundamental level, a heating system has three component parts: • The heating plant – your furnace, boiler or heat pump; • The distribution system – your ducts or pipes; • The control system – namely, your thermostat. And now, for the good stuff, as in…two types of heating systems we often recommend when “only new will do.” Gas furnaces & boilers Gas furnace technology has progressed by leaps and bounds during the past decade. Heating efficiencies have jumped from about 65% to as high as 95%. Gas furnaces are also called “forced air” heating systems, where air is heated and then supplied through your duct work or baseboard units. If your home is equipped with radiators, then you’ll want a gas boiler which heats water instead of air. Plus, with a gas boiler, you can eliminate one home comfort appliance with a combined gas boiler and water heater system. Electric heat pumps An electric heat pump produces 2-3x more heat per kWh than an electric furnace. There are two main types of heat pump: air-to-air, and ground source (also known as “geothermal”). Air-to-air heat pumps work fine in warmer climates, but once the outside temperature falls below 35.5°F, they rapidly lose efficiency. In colder climates, georthermal systems work better since heat is extracted from deep within the ground where the temperature remains constant all year long. Air-to-air or geothermal, you can heat and cool your home with a heat pump system. That’s right: central air and central heat, all within a single, highly efficient system. So….. Is a new heating system in your family’s future? Then allow the experts at Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical to recommend what’s best for you

Value of a Heating Tune-up

A “Fine Tune” for the Winter Months Ahead. Fact: your heating system will last longer and conserve precious energy with regular system maintenance. Here’s how and why. On average, American families spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year to heat and cool their homes. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to cut those energy costs, and keeping your heating system finely tuned is a great place to start. Before we even get to your heating system, however, a word to the wise: don’t wait for the real cold stuff before you check your window caulking. Beefing up your insulation and upgrading your windows will help cut energy costs even more. During a heating system tune up, these are just a few the measures we take to ensure added comfort, safety, and energy efficiency to help make winter a warmer experience: • Inspect the heater and vent pipe; • Clean or replace the filter; • Check for ignition or flame failure; • Check the motor and fan bearings; • Check burners and controls • Check safety controls • Check thermostat • Perform Combustion Analysis • And much more. While we’re at it, we may be able to suggest certain “efficiency modifications” that help to generate more heat with less energy. These include: • Reducing the nozzle (oil) or orifice (gas) size; • Installing a new burner and motorized flue damper (oil); or, • Replacing the pilot light with an electronic spark ignition (gas). Here are few energy-saving measures you can employ during your normal house-keeping routine: • Clean or change your filter monthly; • Seal and insulate your air ducts… heat loss from leaky, uninsulated ducts—especially those in unheated attics and basements—can reduce the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 30%. • Vacuum the cobwebs out of your registers; • Vacuum the fins on baseboard heaters. At Aux Mechanical, we offer an affordable and comprehensive service plan that includes an annual inspection at no extra charge…your best guarantee of a well-maintained, energy efficient system. And now, you can save $25 on a custom-designed service plan of your own with the attached coupon.

Holiday safety

This week i wanted to remind everyone about safety. This week all over the country many people will begin hanging christmas lighting from their home's and tree's. Many will utilize extension cords that may be entirely too long. And most homeowner's are not equipped and not properly prepared to handle this task. So here are a few recomendations 1. Did you know that in most cases we can install weather proof plugs into the eaves of your home so you can plug lighting directly into. 2. Use a timer for lower utility cost and safety 3. If you must use an extension cord use as short as possible. The longer the cord the less efficient and less safe it becomes. 4. if you must get on the roof be sure to tie the ladder down for safety. And use a spotter if able, it's better to be safe than sorry.

First and foremost, We want to wish everyone a very happy and safe Thanksgiving. Remember to enjoy it! Having said that, It's a holiday week but never fear we are always here. If you should need us don't hesitate to call and Mention this blog and get an additional $25 off service performed. Secondly, Our new fleet. Recently went through a design change on all of our Fleet. So when you see it, don't be alarmed. It's still us, still locally owned , still locally operated!! But we would love your feedback on out fleet.

Carbon Monoxide dangers

You Can’t See it, Hear it, or Smell it…But it’s There, All Right. And the Worst Thing You Can Do is Ignore it! Every year, hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning, and thousands more become seriously ill. So here’s a quick primer on CO causes, how to minimize their effects, and why you should install a CO detector today! Carbon monoxide is a natural byproduct of appliances and power tools that burn fuels like gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal. Breathing low levels of CO can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and headaches. At higher levels of inhalation, CO can cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. At the extreme? Loss of consciousness and death. PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM CO POISONING Any tool or appliance that is not adequately vented and maintained can be a potential source of CO, including: So the idea is to prevent CO poisoning from reaching dangerous levels in the first place…and here are a few simple steps to help you accomplish just that: • Have your heating system, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year. • Don’t operate gasoline-powered engines in confined areas. • Choose vented appliances whenever possible. • Install a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm in your home and garage. ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS If you’re planning to purchase a CO detector – or even if you already own one – check to see that it carries the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label, a long-term warranty, and that it’s easy to self-test and reset. Should your CO detector alarm suddenly go off: • Check for symptoms of poisoning. • Should you find any, get everyone out of the house and seek medical attention for those who require it. • Otherwise, ventilate your home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of CO, including your heating system and water heater, etc. • Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to determine why the alarm sounded in the first place. Today, Aux Mechanical is pleased to offer you a $50 discount – with the coupon below -- to thoroughly inspect your home and advice you on the best way to prevent and detect unhealthy levels of CO emissions.

Home Fire Safety

After 10 Years, Trust Us: You Won’t Like the Odds. Why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends you replace all fire detectors after no more than 10 years. Smoke detectors are one of the most important safety features in your home. Properly installed, they serve as a built-in early warning system to allow you and your family to escape fire-inflicted bodily harm. With that comforting thought comes a major responsibility. And that, simply stated, is to make sure your fire detectors are prepared to do the job they were built for…without fail. Other than routine battery checks and replacement, the NFPA recommends that you replace all smoke detectors after 10 years. Here’s why: • On average, 3% of all smoke detectors fail each year; • After 10 years, a smoke detector is 30% likely to fail; • After 15 years, the likelihood of failure are 50%; • After 30 years, studies show, it’s a virtual guarantee that a smoke detector will fail. Are you the super cautious type? Then replace your smoke detectors as often as you feel necessary But 10 years, says the NFPA, is a reasonable standard to help us live by. And we happen to agree. Just how great is the risk from fire? On a yearly basis, over 3,200 people throughout the country lose their lives from residential fires. As far as we’re concerned, that’s 3,200 too many. So here are some additional home safety tips from the professionals at Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling,and Electrical. • In-home safety can be enhanced by as much as 80% when you install an automatic fire sprinkler system along with smoke detectors. • Smoke detectors should be placed in all hallways leading to sleeping quarters. If your home has more than one level, install a smoke detector on each level near the stairs. • Let’s dispense with a popular myth: pressing the test button on your smoke detector is not a valid test of whether or not it’s still working. All that tells you is that the unit still has power. It’s far more important to test the smoke detector’s sensor. And to do that, we recommend you purchase SMOKE CHECK (by Some Safeguard)…it’s a non-toxic, smoke-like substance that tests the sensor, electronics and power source all at the same time. • If you even suspect there’s a fire in progress, feel the bedroom door with the back of your hand before you attempt to exit. Then, crawl out to stay below the smoke. As you can see, preventing fire – or, knowing how to respond in case of fire – is everyone’s business. Ours included! That’s why Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical is pleased to offer you a $50 discount on a fire prevention project – including smoke detector or sprinkler system installation – with the coupon below.

New Location

For Release: October, 2011 Contact: Phil Smitherman, President, 205-979-0946 Aux Plumbing, Heating Cooling and Electrical Adds a second Location Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical has added a second facility at 2500 17th St in Tuscaloosa. Phil Smitherman, a spokesperson for the company says, “Our 24 year old company had to add to keep up with customer demands for our professional services. We have been growing steadily but at a controlled rate. Our two facilities provide us with ample room for stocking inventory and an improved training area to keep up with the continuous advances in customer service and trade skills.” Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical serves Metro Birmingham and now Tuscaloosa metro with satisfaction guaranteed service. If you would like more information on the professional plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical services they provide or to order service, they can be contacted at 205-979-0946. You can also visit their website for more information and order service online at; www.auxmechanical.com. # # #

Dry house, Dry body?

With fall and winter right around the corner we thought we would ask you a question. How Dry You Are? How Moist Should You Be? Relative humidity is more than relatively important when it comes to healthy and comfortable indoor living. Plus, at the right levels, you can save money on your fuel bill. Too much humidity is a bad thing, right? After all, it creates and promotes an environment where bacteria, mold, various fungi and dust mites not only grow, but flourish! But hang on a sec…doesn’t dry air cause it’s own fair share of problems? You bet. In fact, excessively dry indoor air can weaken your immune system from harmful viruses and respiratory ailments. The fact is, dry air and damp air both have their fair share of problems. So what’s the answer? A whole-house, combined humidification and dehumidification system where you can control and maintain the proper levels of relative humidity, which most experts agree are between 40%-55%. Before going any further, let’s define the very term this article is all about: “Relative Humidity” is the moisture content in the air as a percentage of the total amount of moisture air can actually hold. So, at a relative humidity of 40%, air is holding 40% of its full potential. With a whole-house humidifier from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, you can maintain ideal levels of humidity all year long. In the process, you can save 5% or more on your annual fuel bill. More importantly, you’ll add immeasurably to your family’s indoor comfort while helping to prevent and control problems with asthma, allergies, colds and flus, and more. Where do the energy savings come from? Cold air is dry, and in dry air, moisture evaporates from your skin. That, in turn, tends to cool you off. So, by setting the thermostat at 69° with a relative humidity of 35%, you’ll feel just as warm as you would in 72° air with 19% relative humidity. Bottom line, you want to dehumidify your home in warm weather, and add humidity when it’s cold. In fact, act now, and save $100 on a whole-house humidification system from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical.

Feeling Low, A guide to water pressure blues

FEELING LOW? HERE'S HOW TO CURE THOSE WATER PRESSURE BLUES

You're in the shower and suddenly, unexpectedly, just as your body's all lathered and hair drenched in shampoo bubbles, your whole world takes a shocking turn for the worse. The water coming out of your shower head slows to a trickle. You scream to the party downstairs...
"Shut off the darned washing machine!" Or stronger words.
You are singing low water pressure blues. You are joined by a chorus that rings out in millions of American homes. What will stop the yodeling?
Something to consider right off the bat: Is it just your problem, or are your neighbors experiencing it too? If they are, be happy - not because misery loves company, but because the cause is probably a blockage or leak in a community water line, and that means you don't have to pay for repairs. Notify your local water department as soon as possible so they can get busy fixing the problem.
If it's not a neighborhood problem, you still could get off the hook if the leak or blockage is between what's sometimes called the "Buffalo Box" (B-box) and the community water main. The B-box is an underground valve located somewhere on or near your property. If a problem is outside the B-box, it's usually the community's responsibility. On the household side, it's yours. Water department workers use listening devices to pinpoint the leak.
In older communities, neighborhood water pressure problems also may be caused by calcium deposits that build up on the inside of water pipe to restrict flow. It's just like hardening of the arteries and is especially common with iron pipe.
All of this is the good news, relatively speaking. Remember, your city or village pays for any repairs on the other side of the B-box. Anywhere on the homeward side, and the bill is yours. Professional plumbers can perform a relatively simple test at the service valve to determine if the pressure is good as it enters your home. If it is, the problem obviously lies inside.
Sometimes there is a leak or blockage in the service line between the B box and where the service line enters your home. This calls for major repairs that involve digging up and replacing pipe. Often this type of repair runs several thousand dollars.
More often, though, the problem will stem from something inside the house, especially if it's an older home. Low water pressure is common in older homes for a couple of reasons. One is calcification. As years go by, just as with outside water mains (or human arteries), lime deposits build up on the inside of your home's water pipes, with hot water lines more susceptible than cold. Every plumber has tales of removing ancient pipe so clogged up you can barely see through to the other end.
Plumbers sometimes can remove this kind of blockage by blowing high pressure air through the water line. This is a relatively inexpensive task.
Home owners can tackle the job themselves with rented equipment, but proceed with caution. Inexperienced users often end up simply removing old rust that has built up on the inside. Yet that congealed rust may be the only thing stopping the pipe from leaking. Plumbers love it when home owners try to blow out their own water lines. They know that as often as not, a few months down the road the pipe is likely to start leaking like a sieve, which leads to piping replacement jobs costing thousands of dollars. As the saying goes, "You can pay me now...or pay me later."
Water leaks and blockages aren't the only cause of low water pressure. A more fundamental reason - again quite prevalent in older homes - is undersized water pipe. Many homes were built in an era when the typical house had only a single toilet and tub. Back in those day three-eighths inch diameter water pipe was the standard.
Since then many households have added a bathroom or two, along with many more water using appliances. Nowadays half-inch water pipe is the minimum you will find in modern homes, and three-quarters of an inch is recommended for many of them, especially multi-story homes.
Be mindful of this with any remodeling plans you may have. Many remodelers provide elegant designs and ultra-luxurious fixtures but know next to nothing about behind-the-wall requirements to supply those products. Tales abound of people excited to try out their new hot tubs or steeping baths, only to find out that it takes a better part of a day just to fill them.
Re-piping is expensive but often the only way to permanently solve a home's water pressure blues. Sometimes cost can be held down by replacing only the horizontal piping, which is most susceptible to build-up of deposits. If the risers also are involved, it becomes far more complicated. That's because to get to the risers plumbers usually have to poke holes in walls. (Hint: If at all possible, try to persuade your plumber to get at bathroom riser from outside the bathroom. You save money replacing plaster and wallboard as opposed to tile.)
The good news is that re-piping is a job that shouldn't be required more than once in a generation. If you can take the pain that one time, you can avoid a lifetime of blood-curdling screams from that second floor bathroom!
Oh, one more thing. If you suddenly experience slow flow out of a single faucet or showerhead, before you call anyone, check to see if it might be caused by granules in the aerator or showerhead openings. If so, clear them out. This costs nothing to fix.

Smarter homes

How smart is your home? Sound like a dumb question? A smart home may be the answer to several of your unique needs in today’s demanding times. A smart home is like any other home except it’s wired to link your various appliances with a computer, telephone, PDA or other control device. The most simple example is your answering machine. You can program it to play messages from any telephone anywhere. But compared to that smart technology, today’s breakthroughs are nothing short of brilliant.

Imagine a trash can system that reads disposed labels and gives you recycling credits. It’s happening. Plans are even on the way for a trash can that orders replacements for your disposed products. Can you believe a refrigerator that monitors what’s inside and suggests appropriate recipes? It’s coming. How about a washer and dryer that text messages you when the cycle is nearly complete? Oh, did you leave the burner on when you left home? Just dial up your smart range and turn it off.

Who needs a cook when you’ve got a smart oven? Simply punch the digital keypad to specify what’s cooking, from 12 cookies to a 12 pound turkey, plus the temperature you want, and the oven takes over from there. The oven even tells you when the cooking is 80% done, in case you want to make any final adjustments. You can also tell your oven what’s in the cupboard and it will recommend recipes.

Another smart oven doubles as a refrigerator. Program it to start thawing your frozen meal at a given time, then when to start cooking it so it’s ready when you arrive home. If the meal’s done before you arrive, it turns back into a refrigerator to preserve your fresh-cooked meal. If you know you’re running late, get on the phone, call up your oven and reprogram it from anywhere you happen to be.



A new smart microwave oven takes over the remote controls for you. It reads bar codes on the frozen meal packages, veggie bags, and popcorn to automatically set the timing and heat. It lets you program in new food barcodes, plus it monitors expiration dates.

Many smart appliances are also connected to the manufacturer so they can be monitored for best performance. For example, the soft water system’s manufacturer can monitor your system right over the phone and make adjustments according to your water usage.

If you think your current shower is refreshing, try programming the size of the water beads themselves. Another new bath innovation lets each family member program their favorite showerheads, lighting, and steam settings, not to mention your choice of body sprays.

You’ll feel extra safe and sound with smart security devices. A door video phone provides a photo of the visitor at your door. And you can monitor your home’s entire exterior through security cameras that send their real-time images to any TV in your house, or virtually anywhere, via your laptop computer. And if your distance cousin arrives while you’re away, tell the door to open up for them.

So, where do you start? You don’t need to outfit your entire home at once. Start gradually and we’ll see that your initial system is adaptable for future expansion. We’ll also make sure different manufacturers’ products are all compatible. Just call us. A live, smart, real person will answer and respond to your needs.

How Dry You Are? How Moist Should You Be?

How Dry You Are? How Moist Should You Be?


Relative humidity is more than relatively important when it comes to healthy and comfortable indoor living. Plus, at the right levels, you can save money on your fuel bill.

Too much humidity is a bad thing, right? After all, it creates and promotes an environment where bacteria, mold, various fungi and dust mites not only grow, but flourish!

But hang on a sec…doesn’t dry air cause it’s own fair share of problems? You bet. In fact, excessively dry indoor air can weaken your immune system from harmful viruses and respiratory ailments.

The fact is, dry air and damp air both have their fair share of problems. So what’s the answer? A whole-house, combined humidification and dehumidification system where you can control and maintain the proper levels of relative humidity, which most experts agree are between 40%-55%.

Before going any further, let’s define the very term this article is all about:

“Relative Humidity” is the moisture content in the air as a percentage of the total
amount of moisture air can actually hold. So, at a relative humidity of 40%,
air is holding 40% of its full potential.

With a whole-house humidifier from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, you can maintain ideal levels of humidity all year long. In the process, you can save 5% or more on your annual fuel bill. More importantly, you’ll add immeasurably to your family’s indoor comfort while helping to prevent and control problems with asthma, allergies, colds and flus, and more.

Where do the energy savings come from? Cold air is dry, and in dry air, moisture evaporates from your skin. That, in turn, tends to cool you off. So, by setting the thermostat at 69° with a relative humidity of 35%, you’ll feel just as warm as you would in 72° air with 19% relative humidity.

Bottom line, you want to dehumidify your home in warm weather, and add humidity when it’s cold. In fact, act now, and save $100 on a whole-house humidification system from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical.

Sprucing up the home!

When you’re in a decorating mood, consider an alternative to the furniture, department or home store – consider your friendly local electrician or plumber. They’ve got some great ideas that add beauty, comfort and convenience to your home.

Lighting can add as much impact to your home as painting it, maybe more. By installing tract lighting, you can add depth and soft shading to your walls while accenting decorations. Sconce lighting can also make a room appear taller while splashing comforting light tones along walls and hallways. Spot lighting can illuminate everything from framed photos to your favorite reading chair, while basking the rest of the room in warm, soothing shades of light.

Lighting also makes the great outdoors even more magnificent. Outdoor lighting adds curb appeal to passersby while it accentuates your home, lawn and outdoor décor to the delight of your guests. Landscape lighting lends beauty to trees and plants at night while featuring your home’s focal points. Light the walkways for safety, security and charming visual effects. You’ll find lamps specifically for porches, pools, cabanas and gazebos. Hanging lanterns lends even more allure to your evenings.

Somehow, the kitchen always becomes a social gathering center for guests, plus it’s crucial for resale value. The right lighting can make a big difference, however it has to combine task lighting functionality for food preparation with soft, general lighting for a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. An older kitchen may not be equipped for this new decorative, yet versatile lighting, so consider a modest electrical upgrade to open up new worlds of possibilities.



You probably associate plumbing with functional indoor necessities, but think again. Consider making a splash in the backyard with a cool, refreshing fountain. Or how about a relaxing, soothing hot tub under the stars? Add an entertainment center and wet bar and your back yard is like a vacation destination.

For the great indoors, install a whirlpool tub in your present tub space. Indoor rock fountains provide a calming effect and come in every size, from pebble basins to wall size. Bath and kitchen fixtures can add both style and resale value to your home. Replace your current faucets with matching styles throughout the home for a consistent and polished appearance. Pedestal sinks lend a distinctive look, but if your bathroom is small, you might opt for a cabinet mounted sink with a stone countertop. Install sconce lighting for both soothing illumination and the illusion of more space.

If your kitchen and/or bath appliances are old, they also show your home’s age and they consume too much energy. Today’s innovations add convenience, style and energy savings. Imagine a tap solely for instant hot water so you no longer warm up water on the burner for coffee, tea, soup or cocoa. A soft water system actually improves the appearance of your basins, serving ware and laundered items as it removes minerals and improves the cleansing performance. It also prolongs the life of your appliances. From refrigerators with door-mounted TVs to smart ovens you control while you’re away, today’s high tech creature comforts are astounding, efficient and affordable.

All your options are fun, but they can be dizzying. Just give us a call and we can help you assess your needs, your home’s opportunities and the best ways to give your home a comfortable, convenient and beautiful makeover.

 

Emergency Generator's

We’re pretty good at “generating” new ideas. In fact, here’s one now!


Here’s how to keep your lights burning, heating or cooling system cranking, and TV blasting…even when your neighbors have lost all power.

At best, losing electrical power is a nuisance…even if just for a couple of hours.

At worst, it can cost you hundreds of dollars in spoiled food…not to mention possible risks to your family’s health and security.

And power outages are no strangers in our neck of the woods…thanks to major storms, utility company overload, and a host of other potential causes.

What’s a careful homeowner to do? For absolute peace of mind, we highly recommend a whole-house generator.

Keep in mind…we’re not talking about the kind you buy at your local hardware store. Those are noisy, run on gasoline, and emit noxious carbon monoxide fumes… just as your car does. Equally important, they generate only enough power to keep a couple of appliances running at any given time…which means no central air or heat! Plus, they need a fresh supply of gasoline every couple of hours. Not much of a solution, is it?

At Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical we provide and install generators that can literally power your entire home, or only those circuits and appliances of greatest importance to you until the public power supply is restored.

With a professionally-installed generator from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, you’ll also enjoy:

• No smell of gasoline…our whole-house generators run on natural gas or propane, which means they’ll run for as long as you need them to;
• Greater security knowing you’ve bought a high quality product from a licensed electrical contractor;
• Years of faithful use with a simple annual tune-up.

A whole-house generator, fully installed, costs about the same as a new central air conditioning system. Is it worth it? That all depends on how much you value an uninterrupted flow of electricity to your home. At the same time, we offer long-term financing to help make your purchase more convenient, and more affordable.

Even better, purchase a whole-house generator from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical now, and you’ll save $100…

Surger protectors

Power Surges: They Can Zap More than Your Patience!


By paying a little attention to surge suppression now, you can avoid major headaches later on.

Of all the things that can go wrong in your home, power surges are not the most dangerous, costly, or harrowing. That’s the good news.

But on the flip side, power surges can be downright annoying…and costly! And if the holiday season brought brand new electronic – and expensive! – “toys” to your home, then you could be especially vulnerable.

A power surge is a relatively long burst of high voltage that can cause substantial damage to sensitive electronic equipment and even major appliances like your refrigerator or dishwasher. There are several external factors that can trigger the start of a power surge, including: lightning, downed trees, neighbors using heavy duty power equipment…even squirrels doing their “high wire” acrobatics.

Of course, stuff like this happens all the time, so why aren’t there more power surges? Because lots of folks (and we hope you’re among them) have taken the proper precautions. Fact is, you’re far less likely to experience a power surge if your wiring is up to code and major appliances are properly grounded.

Next, you can greatly enhance your home defenses with surge protectors. There are basically two types:

• Exterior Surge Protector – is installed between your outside meter and your home and provides around-the-clock protection against high-voltage spikes before they can do damage.

• Interior Surge Protector - is installed inside your home to provide added protection for your more sensitive electronic equipment….think of it as a second line of defense for phones, answering systems, computers, AV equipment, and more. We can match each such divert-er to the equipment and the pathway you need to protect.

Of course, like anything else, not just any surge protector will do. That’s why (company name) recommends you insist on these minimum requirements:

• Joule Rating of 500 or Higher – This is the energy dissipation rate. The higher the rating, the better the protection.

• Response Time of 5 Nanoseconds or Less – Response time is literally that…the amount of time it takes a surge protector to react to the power surge. Anything at or under 5 nanoseconds should be sufficient.

• Surge Protection Rating: UL 1449

• EMI/RFI Noise Filtration

How well wired is your home? If you’re even a little unsure, we encourage you to call Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical today for a complete in-home wiring inspection. That way, we can take corrective action if and where needed, and before a major problem occurs

Programmable Thermostat's

Get With the Program, And Watch your Energy Savings Grow.


The whole point of a programmable thermostat is to keep your home nice and cozy when you’re in, and not waste energy when you’re out.
With more than one programmable thermostat, you can save even more money by keeping comfortable temperatures only in the rooms where you spend time.
What’s more:
· Programmable thermostats allow you to program and pre-set separate temperatures for the various seasons of the year;
· They can also be set to coincide with your daily living, working, and sleeping schedules.
These are the settings most models include:
· The ability to program your thermostat one day at a time;
· With weekday/weekend programming, you can set one set of temperature control for weekdays, and another for Saturdays and Sunday;
· Or, you can have one fixed schedule for the five weekdays, a separate schedule for Saturdays, and a separate schedule again for Sundays;
· Full seven-day programming that permits a different setback schedule for each day of the week.

Now that’s a lot of flexibility. Depending on the manufacturer and model, here are other available settings:
· Vacation Override, which allows temporary override of the programmed settings;
· Keyboard Lock, which prevents unauthorized changes to the pre-programmed settings;
· Low battery indicator;
· An Energy Monitor that can keep track of how many hours the HVAC system has run for any selected time period;
· An Auto Season Changeover that automatically provides heat or cool air once the seasons change;
· A Filter Change Indicator.
What are the bottom line benefits to you? Now these you’re going to like:
· Greater accuracy for improved indoor comfort;
· They contain no mercury;
· When used properly, you’ll save $100 or more each year on your energy bill.
And that’s as bottom line as it gets!

So for improved indoor comfort and increased energy savings, call Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical today, and save $30 on each new programmable thermostat we install in your home.

Replacement Air conditioners

“How About A Hammock…Right Here in the Living Room!”



Forgotten what it feels like to be cool and comfortable in your own home? Then perhaps it’s time for a new or replacement central air conditioning system. But before you start stirring up the iced tea, here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.


There are lots of ways to “keep the cool” around your home.

Sitting on a block of ice, for example. Fast and sure relief, but a little inconvenient…
especially while mowing the lawn. Wait, how about an outdoor swimming pool? Wonderful to have, but not so wonderful when it comes to your home’s resale value. So let’s see now, what does that leave? Hmmm….

Central air conditioning, of course: the ultimate relief-giver in the warm months. And in some cases, a medical necessity for people with allergies and other health-related issues.

So whether you’re thinking new or replacement, here’s a guide to help you get the most system for your money in the shortest amount of time possible. For starters, if you already have central air and/or forced-air heating, a new system can be installed in less than a day with existing ductwork. A lot of that depends on just how well and evenly your ductwork now distributes air throughout your home…that’s something we’ll analyze for you.

You also should consider purchasing a combined, high-efficiency heating and cooling system, especially if your existing furnace or boiler is more than 10 years. You’ll pay a little more for the installation, but you’ll make back the difference -- and more – with increased energy savings. Not to mention a great big boost in your peace of mind.

Just how much cooling system do you need? That depends on several factors, including:

· Approximate square footage
· One or two stories
· When your home was built
· Number of openings (windows and doors)
· Extent of weather-stripping and insulation

When all is said and done, you can expect to purchase an AC system with about one ton (12,000 BTUs) of air conditioning per 1,000 square feet of house.

After determining the tonnage your home requires, it's then a matter of choosing a unit with the appropriate SEER rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. We also work hard to provide you with noise-free and draft-free operation

The number of doors and windows in your home also plays a role in choosing the right size and type of system. The more openings you have, the harder your system will have to work to maintain the desired temperature.

If central air has been on your mind lately, then Aux Mechanical would like to help you get the most system for your money. That’s why this edition of “Around the House” includes a coupon featuring a $200 discount (off the regular price) that you can apply to the system of your choice. Give us a call, and we’ll start the estimating process right away.

New email Address

Good afternoon all, Please change my email address to phil@auxmechanical.com
, Thank you in advance.

Phillip Smitherman

Aux Mechanical,Inc

Phil@auxmechanical.com

Pools and Hot tubs

Wiring a Pool or Hot Tub is No Day at the Beach.


Pool and hot tub wiring presents unique challenges that require more than a little bit of wiring experience. In short, this is no job for amateurs.

Common sense dictates that the most dangerous wiring jobs are those that involve water…two elements that definitely do not play nice together…at least not without constant supervision.

There are very specific rules, for example, on how close wiring may be placed to water, and where GFI (ground fault interrupters) outlets are required. GFIs protect against shock by interrupting electrical current caused by a ground fault.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Red Cross, there have been 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks reported over the past several years involving electrical hazards in and around swimming pools and hot tubs.

And the usual culprits are as follows:

· faulty underwater lighting;
· aging electrical wiring that hasn't been inspected in years;
· ungrounded sump pumps, power washers, and vacuums;

· electrical appliances (such as radios and TVs) and extension cords falling or being pulled into the water;
· the absence of GFIs.

"The best protection for families is inspection, detection, and correction of electrical hazards in and around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas," says CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton.

If you already have a pool or spa, here are several safety measures you can implement right away:

· Know where all the electrical switches and circuit breakers for pool equipment and lights are located and how to turn them off in an emergency.
· Ensure that all electrical wires and junction boxes are at least five feet away from water.
· Test GFIs monthly to assure continued protection.
· Post an emergency plan within clear view of those using the pool.
· Ensure that overhead power lines and junction boxes are safely positioned away from the pool or spa.

At Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical we’re always available to assist you on any electrical matter, especially where your family’s safety is concerned. At the same time, we’re always happy to help good customers like you save money. So with our compliments, why not redeem the attached $50 coupon good toward any pool or spa wiring or inspection project.

10 most common

THE 10 MOST COMMON HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS
"Old reliable" churns away in your basement or utility room day after day, month after month, year after year like a farm mule in days of yore. Except this one doesn't eat as much - nor do you have those ugly, malodorous piles laying all around the place!
Except every once in awhile, like a cantankerous old mule, the modern water heater doesn't do what it's supposed to do. That's when you call a plumbing contractor saying "no hot water."
This is the top reason why people call a plumbing or heating contractor, according to a survey taken a few years ago by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau (PHCIB) in Chicago. A related problem, a leaking water heater, came in at number 5 out of the top 10.
Looking over the list, I can't help but shake my head at all the waste of time and money these emergency service calls represent. Most people don't pay much attention to their household "mule team" - the mechanical systems that provide so much comfort and convenience in our modern lives. We take for granted our water heaters, toilets, faucets, furnaces and air conditioners, until they stop working. Then comes the panicked call to the service company, and a repair job that always ends up costing more than we expect.
Regular care and maintenance can forestall most of these breakdowns at a fraction of the cost of repairs. Have your plumbing, heating and air conditioning inspected, cleaned and checked at least once a year. Progressive service companies offer service agreements in which they automatically come out to take care of these things for a modest annual fee.
Homeowners also should consider replacing ancient water heaters, toilets, furnaces, boilers and other appliances with new high-efficiency or water-saving models. Most of us are in the habit of squeezing out every last day of service out of such equipment. Yet any unit more than 12-15 years old probably can pay for itself within a few years through reduced energy or water usage.

Here are the rest of the top 10 household repairs identified by the PHCIB.
#2 - Clogged drains. Many of these calls could be avoided by taking greater care in what you put down drains - especially the kitchen sink drain, the most used and most clogged drain in the house. I also recommend regular treatment with Bio-Clean, a biological drain cleaner sold only through plumbing contractors.

#3 - Dripping faucets. This is an annoyance that most homeowners have to deal with from time to time as the washers in the faucets wear out with use. You can extend the life of your faucet washers by not turning them off with too much force.
You may also consider replacing your older faucets with those that feature washerless valve cartridges instead of rubber washers. Since the valve mechanism is contained in one cartridge, these faucets are easier to repair and replace. In addition, cartridges are generally more durable and do not leak because they do not deteriorate with friction or age as washers do.

#4 - Leaking pipes. In extreme cases, these can cause expensive damage to floors and belongings. To stop a small leak from turning into a big one, take a look at your pipes periodically to check for rust or white lime deposits that may indicate a leak is starting.

#5 - Leaking water heaters. Most often when you have a leaker, it's time to get rid of the water heater. Usually leaks indicate rusting through at the bottom of the storage tank, for which there is no good repair. By the time this happens, the water heater is usually so old you'd benefit from replacing it with a more energy-efficient model anyway.

#6 - No heat. When your furnace or boiler stops operating, it can make for a long, cold winter night. An ounce of prevention here is worth of ton of cure. It's important to make sure your heating system is functioning properly before the first cold snap hits. Have a competent contractor do a thorough examination and cleaning in late summer or early fall every year.

#7-8 - Running & leaking toilets. This is not only an annoyance, but a waste of water and money. Leaky toilets can cost you upwards of $100 a year on your water bills. If you hear a low humming noise, or if the toilet continues to run into the bowl after the toilet is flushed, it indicates that some part of the mechanism is out of order. Sometimes a little jiggling of the ballcock or flush valve mechanism solves the problem with cost. Otherwise you may need to replace the entire mechanism.

#9 - New faucet installation. Many homeowners replace faucets not only when they break down, but for decorative reasons as well. This is the ninth most common reason for a service call, according to the PHCIB.
A few people buy a faucet from a home center and then call a plumbing firm to do the installation. This is okay, but be forewarned that in doing so, the plumbing firm will warrant only its workmanship, not the faucet itself.

#10 - Malfunctioning food waste disposer. This can be a messy headache for homeowners. Here are several tips to keep your unit in good working order. First, always run cold water when grinding to move the waste all the way down the drain lines. Fats and grease congeal and harden in cold water and can be flushed through the system. Hot water should not be used because it can dissolve fats and grease, which may then accumulate in the drain line.
Almost all bio-degradable food waste can be fed into disposers. However, they should not be used to grind clam or oyster shells, corn husks or other material with a high fiber content. Under no circumstances should you put glass, plastic or metal non-food materials through a disposer. This includes bottle caps, tin covers or aluminum foil, which are some of the items service technicians commonly find in clogged or broken disposers.
Maintenance is easy. Grinding small bones and egg shells actually helps clean the disposer by scraping away stubborn deposits or citric acid and pulp. Grinding a little ice is another way to clean deposits and get rid of odors. For the most part, though, disposers are self-cleaning.

Constant power

We’re pretty good at “generating” new ideas. In fact, here’s one now!


Here’s how to keep your lights burning, heating or cooling system cranking, and TV blasting…even when your neighbors have lost all power.

At best, losing electrical power is a nuisance…even if just for a couple of hours.

At worst, it can cost you hundreds of dollars in spoiled food…not to mention possible risks to your family’s health and security.

And power outages are no strangers in our neck of the woods…thanks to major storms, utility company overload, and a host of other potential causes.

What’s a careful homeowner to do? For absolute peace of mind, we highly recommend a whole-house generator.

Keep in mind…we’re not talking about the kind you buy at your local hardware store. Those are noisy, run on gasoline, and emit noxious carbon monoxide fumes… just as your car does. Equally important, they generate only enough power to keep a couple of appliances running at any given time…which means no central air or heat! Plus, they need a fresh supply of gasoline every couple of hours. Not much of a solution, is it?

At Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical we provide and install generators that can literally power your entire home, or only those circuits and appliances of greatest importance to you until the public power supply is restored.

With a professionally-installed generator from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, you’ll also enjoy:

· No smell of gasoline…our whole-house generators run on natural gas or propane, which means they’ll run for as long as you need them to;
· Greater security knowing you’ve bought a high quality product from a licensed electrical contractor;
· Years of faithful use with a simple annual tune-up.

A whole-house generator, fully installed, costs about the same as a new central air conditioning system. Is it worth it? That all depends on how much you value an uninterrupted flow of electricity to your home. At the same time, we offer long-term financing to help make your purchase more convenient, and more affordable.

Even better, purchase a whole-house generator from Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical now, and you’ll save $100…

Out with the old, In with the new

There’s Life in the Old Fuse Box Yet.
However…

…is it still giving you all the electrical power you need? Here’s a look at why it might be time to switch from a fuse box to a circuit breaker panel.

For starters, fuses and circuit breakers are designed for the exact same purpose: to help prevent electrical fires caused by an excess of current running through a circuit.

Fuses stop the excess flow of electricity in its tracks, and then have to be replaced. Conversely, too much electrical current causes a circuit breaker to shut off automatically. Then, all you have to do is pull a lever, and on again comes the power.

So is that it? As in, is there no other advantage to a circuit breaker than the relative convenience of switching power back on vs. buying and replacing a fuse? The answer is a simple “no.” There are, in fact, additional reasons why you might want to consider upgrading to a circuit breaker system, no matter how long that old fuse box has safely and surely served your household power demands.

To make the best possible decision, start by taking a fresh look at your fuse box, especially if you’ve recently purchased your home. If your home has 60 amp power or less, and all you see are 30 or 20 amp fuses, chances are the original fuses were blowing frequently, and the previous owners opted to replace them with heavier fuses than are recommended or safe. There’s a case where you definitely need to upgrade to a circuit breaker system.

What’s more, circuit breakers offer double the protection of fuses. A fuse receiving too much power is designed to blow, thereby shutting down the current. But a breaker is designed to trip, and if that fails, there’s a "fuse-like" strip inside that will burn out.

Finally, fuse box systems were not designed to provide adequate power for today’s high tech home environment, especially larger homes with every kind of electronic gadget known to man. There are four basic types of circuit breaker installations, all of which provide a steadier and more reliable flow of power for your family’s growing needs. The first two are used for 220-volt service. One is double width and provides two wire connections. The other looks like a normal 110-volt breaker, although it’s actually two 110-volt breakers in one system with a connector so both wires are tripped together. The other two types are for 110V.



Bottom line, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your current electrical system, there are many possible solutions. Which one is right for you? That’s what the professionals at Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical are here to answer. At the same time, we invite you to use the attached $300 coupon toward a total home electrical system upgrade.

Go Green, save green.

Going green and saving green go hand-in-hand. When you cut energy costs, you’re saving money as well as the natural resources that create that energy. In fact, the US Department of Energy reports that the home sector uses approximately 66% of the electric energy in this country. What’s more, electrical energy consumption in the U.S. doubled between 1989 and 2005. You might be surprised at how many ways you can cut costs and energy consumption around your home. Here’s a list of effective measures to make a greener environment and make your wallet a little greener as well.

Shade management 1: Keep the shades open on the sunny side of the house to help heat it in winter. Shut the shades to help cool it in summer.

Shade management 2: Landscape so that in the summer, trees, vines and shrubs shade driveway pavement, courtyards, large windows, etc.

Cross-ventilate: Opening windows on just one side of the house isn’t effective – the air has no path to flow through. Open windows on opposite sides to create a breeze.

Use a reversible ceiling fan: It’s effective both in winter and summer, generating a direct breeze in the summer and redistributing rising hot air in the winter.

Use CFL lights: Replace your standard incandescent bulbs with long-life, energy efficient “compact fluorescent lights.” They come in a variety of shapes and applications.

Use dimmers and mood lighting: If you’ve got dimmers, use them! If not, have them installed. They create comfortable lighting and save energy.

Use task and tract lighting: It’s more efficient and reduces the glare of an overly lit room.



Clean or paint walls: Dingy walls don’t reflect light well and give the room a “dark” feeling. Brighten up!

Use outdoor sensor lights: Instead of leaving porch and yard lights on all night. They provide even more security, reacting to motion.

Differentiate the toilet from the waste basket: Don’t use the toilet for cigarettes, paper or an occasional nose tissue. You can save 200-300 gallons a month.

Install aerators: They’re easy to put on kitchen and bathroom faucets, reduce water consumption and still provide a refreshing flow.

Wash full Loads: Don’t use the dish and clothes washers until they’re full.

Fix leaks: One simple leak can waste 20 gallons a day.

Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator: Instead of running the tap water until it’s cold.

Don’t sprinkle, irrigate: An irrigation hose uses less water and makes it easier for your lawn to “swallow.” If the grass springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Also, watering in the morning instead of dusk helps prevent fungus growth.

Use mulch: A layer around trees and plants slows down evaporation so you will need to water less.

Use a broom, not a hose: And get a little exercise sweeping the drive and sidewalks.

Capture tap water: While waiting for the water to heat up, capture the cool water and use it on your plants.

If replacing or adding appliances, consider:

· Energy Star ratings and recommendations
· Low flush toilets
· Programmable thermostats
· Heat pumps that distribute heat more efficiently
· Evaporative coolers
· Circulating hot water pumps for larger homes where faucets are far apart

Call us: We’ll give your home a green audit to save resources and money.

Hot spots, cold spots?

You are Now Entering “The Comfort Zone.”


At twilight or any time of day at all, you’ll heat your home more efficiently – and for less money – through zoning.


Picture this.

It’s a cold winter’s night. All the day’s chores and activities are completed, and it’s time to watch your favorite TV show. You have three TVs to choose from: so which one will it be? Chances are, the one where you feel the warmest and most comfortable.

Which is to say, certain areas of your home or office are likely to be more comfortable than others. The size of your rooms, the floor plan and many other factors result in uneven temperatures throughout your home. So what’s the answer?

Here’s one: by zoning your home you can customize the climate from one room to another. For example, you can keep your bedrooms cooler at night, adjust your living room temperature to account for large windows, or help control the temperature difference between floors. How we custom zone your home is up to you.

Zoning produces the greatest changes to indoor comfort and reduced energy bills when one or more of the following conditions exist:

· Multiple levels;
· Sprawling design (wings or “ranch” style);
· A room(s) with large expanses of windows;
· Large open areas (vaulted ceilings, foyer, atrium, solarium, etc.);
· Room(s) in a finished basement or attic;
· And so on.

With zoning, you can account for the fact that in the summer, the upper levels are the hottest, and the lower levels are the coolers. In the winter, the exact opposite is true.
So, in that instance, the solution might be to create one zone for every level.

If, on the other hand, your home is longer than it is tall, zoning can compensate for the poor airflow associated with long duct runs. And what about if you have a home-based business with lots of electronic equipment that tends to heat that space up, even when the added heat isn’t desired? Once again, it’s zoning to the rescue.

And now, Aux Mechanical is pleased to offer you a $50 discount toward custom zoning. At your request, we’ll evaluate your airflow, listen to your particular needs and concerns, and develop a plan you can live with, comfortably, for many years to come.

To receive your $50 discount, simply present the attached coupon to your Team Aux technician at the time service is provided.

New Air Conditioner quotes and Questions

“How About A Hammock…Right Here in the Living Room!”


Forgotten what it feels like to be cool and comfortable in your own home? Then perhaps it’s time for a new or replacement central air conditioning system. But before you start stirring up the iced tea, here’s a guide to help you choose wisely.


There are lots of ways to “keep the cool” around your home.

Sitting on a block of ice, for example. Fast and sure relief, but a little inconvenient…
especially while mowing the lawn. Wait, how about an outdoor swimming pool? Wonderful to have, but not so wonderful when it comes to your home’s resale value. So let’s see now, what does that leave? Hmmm….

Central air conditioning, of course: the ultimate relief-giver in the warm months. And in some cases, a medical necessity for people with allergies and other health-related issues.

So whether you’re thinking new or replacement, here’s a guide to help you get the most system for your money in the shortest amount of time possible. For starters, if you already have central air and/or forced-air heating, a new system can be installed in less than a day with existing ductwork. A lot of that depends on just how well and evenly your ductwork now distributes air throughout your home…that’s something we’ll analyze for you.

You also should consider purchasing a combined, high-efficiency heating and cooling system, especially if your existing furnace or boiler is more than 10 years. You’ll pay a little more for the installation, but you’ll make back the difference -- and more – with increased energy savings. Not to mention a great big boost in your peace of mind.

Just how much cooling system do you need? That depends on several factors, including:

· Approximate square footage
· One or two stories
· When your home was built
· Number of openings (windows and doors)
· Extent of weather-stripping and insulation

When all is said and done, you can expect to purchase an AC system with about one ton (12,000 BTUs) of air conditioning per 1,000 square feet of house.

After determining the tonnage your home requires, it's then a matter of choosing a unit with the appropriate SEER rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. We also work hard to provide you with noise-free and draft-free operation

The number of doors and windows in your home also plays a role in choosing the right size and type of system. The more openings you have, the harder your system will have to work to maintain the desired temperature.

If central air has been on your mind lately, then Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical would like to help you get the most system for your money. Today’s blog includes a coupon featuring a $200 discount (off the regular price) that you can apply to the system of your choice. Give us a call, and we’ll start the estimating process right away.

Leaking Money away???

LEAKING DUCTS COST YOU MONEY & ENERGY
Imagine getting a heart transplant only to find out afterward that you have clogged arteries. No doubt you would end up suing the heart surgeon and operating team for neglect.
Something like this commonly happens to home and building heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) systems all around the country. Great strides have been made jacking up the energy efficiency of HVAC furnaces and central air units - the heart of your system. Federal regulations require that the relative efficiencies of this equipment be measured and prominently labeled with a "Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio" (SEER) number. Just a few years ago the normal SEER rating was 8 or 9. Now many contractors sell units with SEERs of 12, 13 and higher. This theoretically saves the home owner hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs.
Unfortunately, despite paying thousands of dollars to replace antiquated HVAC units, many home owners are not deriving the full benefits of their advanced equipment due to damaged arteries, i.e., leaky duct systems. Too often they hook up high efficiency equipment to an energy-guzzling duct system. Studies have shown that when this happens, an HVAC unit rated SEER 12 will perform like one with an SEER of 6 or 8.
Ever wonder why some rooms have always been very hard to heat or cool? Or why your HVAC system costs so much to run? Or why your house always seems too dusty? Any and all of these problems may be caused by leaky ductwork.
The leaks may be tiny and subtle, occurring at collars, joints and the air handling interface. Careless construction crews sometimes damage the delicate ductwork during original installation, or maybe the home owner will do it inadvertently during spring cleaning. Over time joints come loose and duct tape falls apart. Even if it's a small hole, when the equipment's air handler is turned on, air pressure in the ducts increases 15 to 30 times. This forces air to escape like out of the narrow stem of a blown-up balloon. Also, wall and joist cavities often get used as return air ducts and plenums. These are never airtight.
Individually, none of these leaks may amount to much, but the cumulative effect is to dramatically reduce the operating efficiency of your HVAC system. One study done by the Florida Governor's Energy Office concluded - "It can be projected that duct leaks increase total cooling and heating energy use in Florida by about 33%." That's an amazing figure when you think about it. Imagine saving 33 cents out of every $1 you pay in energy bills. Over the course of a year that adds up to some real money!
Minor duct leaks can be detected and fixed by home owners themselves. While the system is running, feel along the ducts for hot or cold air escaping. When you locate minor leaks, you can plug them with silicone sealants made especially for duct systems.
Hardware stores also sell special aluminized tape that is more effective than duct tape for wrapping around duct joints and bends. Also be sure to keep the filters clean on any forced air system. They should be replaced no less than one a quarter for optimum performance.
Call today and receive $50.00 off duct sealant.

Do You Believe in Monsters?
Keep Reading…You Will!

Chances are, the most polluted air you breathe is impossible to escape from, but not impossible to clean. Presenting the facts on duct cleaning, and what it can do for you!

Text

If you have ducts and vents in your home, then you have a natural breeding ground for indoor air pollution.

What harm can indoor air pollution cause? Here are the facts:

· Most people spend 60% to 90% of their time indoors;
· Indoor air is up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air;
· More than 50% of all colds and illnesses are either caused
or aggravated by polluted indoor air;
· Children and seniors suffer the most from indoor air pollution;
· The fungi and bacteria found in duct systems are leading allergy causes;
· More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, while up
to 12 million have asthma.

Kinda makes you think, doesn’t it? Well now, (company name) can help you put an end to indoor air pollution where it counts the most…inside your home.

Our patented duct cleaning system will remove up to 99.7% of all indoor air pollutants from your ducts and vents. These include:

· Dust & dust mites
· Bacteria
· Fungi
· Pet dander
· Construction by-products
· Mold spores & pollen

This is the stuff that’s getting into your lungs…especially when you’re running your central air or forced air heating system.

With duct cleaning, there are a host of secondary benefits, as well:

· Fewer unpleasant odors;
· Increased home heating and cooling system efficiency;
· Lower monthly energy costs;
· Better overall air distribution;
· Reduced need for household dusting.

To help keep those medical bills down and the clean air quotient high, it’s best to have your ducts cleaned at least once every three years. Has it been longer than that for you? Then Aux Plumbing,Heating, Cooling,and Electrical invites you to use the coupon below to save 50% on our professional duct cleaning service.

A/c Tune up Special

We Can Spot Trouble a Mile Away…Well, Practically!


For better system performance and maximum energy efficiency, now’s the time to consider having us inspect and clean your central air conditioning system.


Central air conditioning systems…you plug ‘em in, turn ‘em on, sit back and enjoy the “cool.” No worries, right?

If only things were that simple. But that doesn’t mean you really have anything to worry about…not with Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling,and Electrical on hand to help you maximize your investment in year-round indoor comfort.

First of all, let’s look at some cooling system realities:

· Most repairs occur with systems at or more than 5 years old;
· Complete system replacements are 35% more likely in the absence of ongoing maintenance;
· Major system repairs cost between $250 and $1,000;
· Most indoor health risks can be minimized or eliminated with proper system maintenance;
· By keeping your system in top working order, you can cut your monthly energy costs by about 25%.

So what exactly does an air conditioning system tune-up consist of? Well, at (company name), we leave no cooling element unturned. For example, we:

· Clean your filters, and replace them if necessary;
· Inspect condensor & evaporator coils;
· Inspect blower motor & wheel;
· Inspect the safety controls;
· Lubricate and inspect all motors;
· Adjust belts if necessary;
· Examine and calibrate refrigerant controls;
· Verify and adjust operating pressures;
· Verify proper amperage and voltage for your compressor, evaporator and condensor motors.

Something that thorough must also be expensive, right? Not hardly. And now, we can make it even more affordable with the Special below. That’s right, simply call Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical today, and you’ll get our No Sweat tune up for only $74.95 on a complete air conditioning system tune-up. Think of it as insurance for the long haul, and a good way to offset even the hottest and stickiest weather this summer has to offer.

We Can Spot Trouble a Mile Away…Well, Practically!


For better system performance and maximum energy efficiency, now’s the time to consider having us inspect and clean your central air conditioning system.


Central air conditioning systems…you plug ‘em in, turn ‘em on, sit back and enjoy the “cool.” No worries, right?

If only things were that simple. But that doesn’t mean you really have anything to worry about…not with (company name) on hand to help you maximize your investment in year-round indoor comfort.

First of all, let’s look at some cooling system realities:

· Most repairs occur with systems at or more than 5 years old;
· Complete system replacements are 35% more likely in the absence of ongoing maintenance;
· Major system repairs cost between $250 and $1,000;
· Most indoor health risks can be minimized or eliminated with proper system maintenance;
· By keeping your system in top working order, you can cut your monthly energy costs by about 25%.

So what exactly does an air conditioning system tune-up consist of? Well, at Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, we leave no cooling element unturned. For example, we:

· Clean your filters, and replace them if necessary;
· Inspect condenser & evaporator coils;
· Inspect blower motor & wheel;
· Inspect the safety controls;
· Lubricate and inspect all motors;
· Adjust belts if necessary;
· Examine and calibrate refrigerant controls;
· Verify and adjust operating pressures;
· Verify proper amperage and voltage for your compressor, evaporator and condenser motors.

Something that thorough must also be expensive, right? Not hardly. And now, we can make it even more affordable with the coupon below. That’s right, simply call Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical today, and you’ll save $25 on a complete air conditioning system tune-up. Think of it as insurance for the long haul, and a good way to offset even the hottest and stickiest weather this summer has to offer.

Show me Proof!

Put Up, or…Don’t Bother Coming In!


In these crazy times, a little bit of caution can go a long, long way. That’s why we urge you to ask every single contractor – including us – for proper identification before allowing a company technician into your home.


Usually, we like to talk about accomplishments and capabilities, and how we can best put them to use on your behalf. After all, to earn your business, we have to give you all the right reasons.

Well, that includes our ability to demonstrate not just our workmanship and quality products, but our hiring and on-the-job practices. You have a right to know. More than that, its’ your right to demand from us the highest of professional standards.

So with nothing but your family’s wellbeing in mind, we encourage you to observe the following screening measures:

· When interviewing prospective contractors, pay attention to how they answer your questions. A good contractor will listen carefully and not rush you into decisions.

· Are they licensed and insured? Demand proof! And if you’re still in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau.

· How well experienced are they, and what do they have for references? Don’t be afraid to ask…it will help to eliminate potential problems down the road.

· When a service technician shows up at your door, don’t allow anyone inside that you’re not expecting. And even if you are expecting someone, ask the contractor for the name of the technician first, and then ask for proper identification when he or she arrives.

· Before the credibility of a field technician even becomes an issue, ask your contractor to explain their hiring practices. At Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical, for example, we run thorough background checks on every individual we consider for employment.

· Always get an up-front cost estimate. For us, that’s standard practice. Plus, we honor every approved estimate, even if the job is more involved or takes more time than we anticipated.

All pretty common sense ideas…but often times, many of us are too focused on the end result to pay proper attention to the process that will lead us there.

First Aid For Your Home
All of us in the home service business know that there's no such thing as a non-emergency call. To a home owner with no heat in winter, no air conditioning in summer, a stopped-up toilet, broken pipes, no hot water or an unwanted wading pool in the basement, it is always an EMERGENCY!!! Especially when the breakdown occurs at exactly the wrong time. As it always does.

That's why progressive service contractors emphasize speed of service. It's our goal to get to every customer within one hour of receiving their call. Unfortunately, that's not always possible, and not every service firm even tries very hard to get there fast. So like soldiers on a battlefield, all home owners need to know some elementary first aid to stop the bleeding and stabilize the wounded until more thorough help can arrive. Here are some of the things you can do in case of...

 Furnace or boiler failure. Is there any experience more chilling than waking up in the middle of winter and seeing your breath? (Forgive the pun, please.) Besides being cold, it usually costs more to get a service technician out in the middle of the night. Also, repairs can often take a day or two, which puts your pipes in jeopardy of freezing.

There are a couple of things you can do that might forestall the need for a service call. First, check to see if the heating system's electrical switch is in the on position. This looks just like a light switch and can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of the boiler or furnace. Next check the fuse or circuit breaker to the heating system's electrical line. If the fuse is blown, replace it, or else flick the circuit breaker back to the on position.

Once you're assured that the power is on, check the thermostat to make sure nobody turned the dial way down. If it's a programmable unit, make sure the thermostat is programmed correctly. Finally, take a look outside to make sure there's not a general power outage in your neighborhood.

If none of these electrical flukes bear out, you have a more serious problem. Then call a professional. If you're lucky, a service technician will be out there before too many hours pass. Sometimes, though, it may take a day or two to fix your system. Depending on how severe the weather is, you need to decide whether to seek other shelter or tough it out with extra blankets and space heaters. Whatever you do, don't try to generate heat by turning on your cooking stove. Appliances are not intended for space heating and are dangerous when used for that purpose.

 Frozen pipes. Water pipes can burst from a household accident, long-term corrosion or, most commonly, freezing. Most freezes occur in crawl spaces or areas such as exterior walls or basements, where cold air enters through cracks. Even though the room temperature might be well above freezing, a constant thin stream of cold air is all it takes to freeze a pipe.

The first damage control step you need to take is to turn off the water shutoff valve leading into the house. Usually this is located near a wall where the municipal water line enters your house.

Next time you use a plumber, ask him to hang tags on your household lines to identify water and gas shutoffs. Some progressive service firms do this without being asked, but most do not.

 Gas leaks. Water leaks are a nuisance. Gas leaks can be deadly. Here is where marked shutoff valves can be of critical importance. A faint gas odor may indicate nothing more than a burned out pilot light to an appliance. Check the water heater or any other appliances in the vicinity to see if the pilot is out. (An absence of hot water is another big hint.)A more powerful odor spells big danger. Turn off the shutoff valve by the gas meter to your house. Turn off all appliances, open windows and vacate the house before you call for service.The most common cause of a major gas leak is knocking open a gas valve, or even damaging the pipe, while moving furniture. Be careful.

 Overflowing toilet. Naturally, you want to have a plunger handy to remove any clogs caused by toilet paper or other lightweight debris. If you can't stop the water from flowing, it probably indicates a stuck outlet valve. Lift the lid off the toilet tank and check to see why the tank ball or plug is not covering the round opening at the bottom of the tank. Push the ball or plug into the opening.
If the plug won't move, don't force it. Lifting the float arm will shut off the flow. Stretch a ruler or other long object across the top of the tank and position the lfoat arm across it to keep it up in place. Then call the plumber.
If none of this works, turn off the shutoff valve to the toilet. Its handle usually is located either behind the tank or underneath it.
Proprietary Information, Nexstar®, Inc., Copyright 1996

Light Bulb Comparisons

Quick, who invented the light bulb? Thomas Edison, you say? A very popular answer, to be sure. But not the right one!



So how’s your light bulb IQ? Specifically, can you name the most energy-efficient light bulb for your every day, “Around the House” usage? The answer might just surprise you, as will the amount of money you can save by saying “so long” to incandescent bulbs!


The amount of light given off by a light bulb is measured in lumens. One lumen is the equivalent of the light given off by one candle. A watt, on the other hand, is the amount of electricity a light bulb uses to produce light.
That’s an important distinction, because a new 13-watt compact fluorescent light bulb produces as much light (or, as many lumens) as a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb. As much light, and yet it uses only one-quarter of the electrical energy!

And now that we have your attention…


Incandescent: The usual suspects.
Thomas Edison, while credited with the invention of the incandescent light bulb, was actually beaten to the punch by Sir Joseph Wilson Swan, an English physicist and electrician. Swan produced his first experimental light bulb in 1860 using carbonized paper as a filament. Unfortunately, he didn't achieve complete incandescence, so he turned his attentions to other pursuits. Which is why you’ve probably never heard of him.
More to the point, 90% percent of the energy produced by incandescent bulbs is heat, not light…and that makes them highly inefficient light sources.
While regular incandescent bulbs usually last between 750 to 1,000 hours before burning out, some long-life bulbs last up to 2,500 hours, but are even less energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Next Up: Compact Fluorescent Bulbs.
In the mid-1980’s, compact fluorescent light bulbs were introduced as an alternative to both traditional fluorescent and incandescent models.
Compact fluorescent run far more quietly than traditional fluorescent bulbs, and can be screwed into incandescent light sockets. Best of all, they run on a quarter of the energy used by incandescent bulbs, and last ten times longer. Some models even work with dimmer switches. Definitely worth a try, don’t you think?

Today, like always…
…we hope you’ll call on us, no matter what the electrical service need. Act now, and save $50 on the electrical service of your choice…courtesy of your friends at Aux Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical. “Around the House,” there’s nobody more reliable.

FirePlace Safety

Things You Should Know About Fireplaces

A fireplace connects with something imbedded within the human spirit. Tens of thousands of years ago our ancestors gazed in wonder, gratitude and contemplation at the crackling flames that sustained their lives, just as we do. To us, those flames are a luxury rather than a necessity. But is a roaring fire any less fascinating to us than it was to those prehistoric cave dwellers who relied upon it completely for warmth and cooking?

Romance aside, there are practical reasons to enjoy a home fireplace. A study by the National Association of Home Builders show, that having a fireplace can add around 10% to the value of a typical house.

Now for the bad news - it is hard to imagine a more uncomfortable and inefficient form of home heating. Old-fashioned wood burning fireplaces are energy losers. They suck heat out of a room and up a chimney. The toasty feeling you get sitting near the flame disguises the fact that the air a few feet farther away is colder than it would be without the fire. Stand in the most distant corner of a room with a fireplace, and you will feel colder than you would without a fire going.

A roaring fire can suck as much as 1,500 cubic feet a minute of interior air up the chimney. That is air heated by your furnace or boiler. As the warmed air goes up the chimney, colder air from outside the house is being sucked in to replace it. Fireplaces pull more heated air from inside the house than it puts back in. The colder it is outside, the more pronounced this effect; and the bigger the fire, the greater the energy deficit. When the fire burns out, the open damper continues to draw heated air out of the house. Dampers should be closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Several things can be done to reduce the energy lost to a burning fireplace. The simplest measure is to install glass doors in front of a fireplace. Tight-fitting doors can reduce the amount of warm air being sucked out of the house from 1,500 cu. ft. a minute to as little as 50. Of course, this involves something of an aesthetic tradeoff, since flames will not burn quite as spectacularly as they would without the doors.

Gas fireplaces, either natural gas or propane, are much more energy-efficient than woodburning units. Options such as a thermostat, multi-speed blower and electronic ignition can make these fireplaces almost as efficient and convenient as a central heating system.

Also, some manufacturers have adapted clean-burn technology used with stoves. These high-tech fireplaces look pretty much like a standard manufactured unit, but employ heavier gauge metal, refractory brick fire box liner, high temperature ceramic insulation and ceramic glass doors to burn more efficiently. Other manufacturers employ catalytic converters for cleaner and more efficient burning. Combustion air gets drawn from the outside rather than using warm room air.

Besides saving energy, high-efficiency fireplaces also contribute to cleaner air. According to the EPA, during winter months in areas where wood burning stoves and fireplaces are used extensively, up to 80% of particulate air pollution can be traced to these devices. These pollutants contain numerous carcinogenic compounds.

To meet federal clean air standards, many communities are regulating the use of wood stoves and banning fireplaces in new construction. Even stoves using the latest technology can be a problem if not installed and operated carefully. A high technology stove should not emit visible smoke. If you have one of these devices and see smoke pouring out of your chimney, it's a sign that something is wrong with the installation or operation.

If you do operate a stove or fireplace, do not neglect the chimney. Creosote buildup on the inside of a chimney routinely catches fire, causing numerous homes to burn down each year. Make it a point to have someone come once a year to inspect and clean your chimney.

Also, get a fireproof hearth throw rug to put in front of your fireplace. This will prevent sparks or ashes from causing a fire or damaging your floor.
Take special care to make sure that the flue is not obstructed. If a chimney or vent is blocked, it may cause carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide to build up inside the home.

Fireplaces help take the sting out of winter for many people. Just be sure to follow the precautions.

Proprietary Information, Nexstar®, Inc., Copyright 1997

Homeowner Yearly tips

Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing Tips for the Homeowner
Heating and Air Conditioning:
 Clean or replace filters so that they will be fresh when you turn the air conditioning on for the first time in the summer or the furnace in the fall. Dirty filters not only restrict air flow, they can also contribute to equipment breakdown.
Ideally, furnace filters should be replaced on a quarterly basis, but certainly no less than twice a year.
 Have the service technician drain and clean your humidifier. You probably won't need it during the humid summer months and shutting it off saves electricity, as well as wear and tear on the equipment.
Remember to shut off your humidistat, which powers and regulates your home's automatic humidifier.
 One of the most important things you can do to get your air conditioner ready for heavy summer workout is to clear the area around the outdoor condenser of dirt, leaves and other debris that accumulated over winter. Also, periodically throughout the summer you ought to check for shrubbery growth around the outside condenser and keep it trimmed.

 Check closely for air leaks in ductwork, especially at connection points. Ductwork exposed to outside or attic air must be insulated for additional reduction of heat transfer.

 If your fuel bills are exceptionally high, you may want to find an HVAC contractor that offers sophisticated blower door technology inspections. These high-tech operations find leaks that are undetectable by normal means.

 Central air conditioning units should be inspected, cleaned, and tuned by a professional technician once every two to three years to extend the life of the unit and cut down on energy consumption. Check with your contractor on the proper maintenance schedule for your unit.
Plumbing:
 Most people are astounded at the impact of even tiny leaks in faucets or toilets. Leaks that are barely perceptible to the naked eye can waste thousands of gallons of fresh water a year, costing you hundreds of dollars in excess water bills. If you have a leak that you know of, get it fixed before all that money goes, literally, down the drain. It's a good idea to have a professional plumber do a complete household check-up to find leaks that escape casual notice.

 Your water heater is one of the most important household appliances. Over time sediment builds at the bottom of the heater, which can hamper performance. A good professional will check this on an annual basis. He or she will also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion.

 Also important is a water heater burner inspection. A good way of telling is to check the flame under the water heater. It should appear blue with yellow tips. If it's mostly yellow or if you see a layer of soot and carbon, the flue ways may be clogged. Don't try anything yourself at this point. Call a professional to investigate the situation.

 Once a water heater springs a leak in its housing, it is beyond repair and must be replaced. Many units will last 15-20 years or even longer before this happens. (And it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when the family is coming over for a holiday gathering!) If you have an ancient water heater, it may pay off for you to get it replaced even before it breaks down. Units made in the last 10 -15 years have much higher operating efficiencies than older models. Savings in fuel costs often will pay for the new installation in just a few years.

 Lawn sprinklers often spring leaks over the winter. If puddles form on your lawn, you probably have seepage in some of the lines.

 Check your sump pump to make sure it's in working order before the heavy spring rains begin. Watch for build-up of sand or other debris in the sump pit. This can jam the pump and burn out its motor. Also, make sure the pump's discharge pipe is not clogged. Hook up a garden hose to the connection point. If water runs through the other end, the pipe is okay.

 Consider getting a battery-operated back-up sump pump if your pump has been overloaded in the past from heavy rains.

 Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris. Water overflowing from blocked gutters collects around your home's foundation and seeps into your basement.

 If your home is equipped with a flood control device such as an ejector pump, have it checked by your plumbing contractor to make sure it is working properly before the heavy spring rains.
Proprietary Information, Nexstar®, Inc., Copyright 1997

Carbon Monoxide Safety

CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning has been one of the more under-publicized household hazards until two recent events put it in the spotlight. One was the accidental death in September 1994 of tennis star Vitas Gerulaitas, who succumbed to CO while sleeping in a rented home. The other was an ordinance that went into effect October 1, 1994, in Chicago requiring CO detectors in all residences heated by any fossil fuel burning equipment - in effect, all except solar or electrically heated homes. The Chicago law was in reaction to a tragedy that occurred in 1991 when a family of 10 was wiped out by CO poisoning from a faulty furnace installation.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that "at least" 250 people are killed each year from CO, a very conservative estimate. The American Medical Association says it's more like 1,500 people a year, with another 10,000 or more taking ill.
There is a lot of uncertainty because CO is tasteless, colorless and odorless - undetectable except by sophisticated gear. Also, the main symptoms of CO poisoning - fatigue, headaches, dizzy spells and nausea - resemble those of the flu and many other common illnesses. Thus CO poisoning is easily misdiagnosed, and people can succumb to it with very little physical discomfort, almost like falling asleep. (Early news reports treated Gerulaitas' death as mysterious and were filled with speculation about drugs or foul play.)
CO is given off by incomplete combustion of flammable fuels such as natural gas, oil, wood, coal or kerosene. Common household appliances such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters and stoves are all potential sources of CO gas. All of these products are designed with elaborate safeguards and under normal operating conditions all the CO produced from combustion will be harmlessly vented to the atmosphere.
Poor venting, due to leaks or blockages in the vent system, is the most common cause of CO build-up in the home, followed by cracks or corrosion in a furnace's heat exchanger. Here are some danger signs and steps you can take to minimize the danger:
* Most important, have your furnace or boiler regularly inspected, at least one a year, by a licensed, competent heating professional. The technician should check all connections to flue piping and vents for cracks, gaps, rust, corrosion or debris. Likewise the inspection should cover the combustion chamber and heat exchanger for cracks, holes, metal fatigue or corrosion, as well as the filters and filtering system for dirt and blockages. Debris should be cleared off the burner and safety switches tested.
* A yellow, lazy-looking flame in a natural gas furnace indicates inefficient fuel burning, and consequently higher levels of carbon monoxide. An inefficient oil furnace will give off an oily odor - but remember, you can't smell CO itself.
* Chimneys and vents ought to be inspected regularly for blockages caused by debris, animal nests or cave-ins. Also beware of cracks and holes. Inspect fireplaces for blocked flues, excess soot and debris.
* Be sure all vents are properly installed - including those leading from the clothes dryer, water heater and wood-burning stoves.
* Never use an unvented space heater indoors. Never burn charcoal inside and do not use your gas stove as a heater. When cooking, keep the oven door closed.
* Avoid running both a furnace and fireplace simultaneously for long periods of time. This can create serious backdrafting that prevents CO gas from exiting the home.
* Never install a boiler, furnace or water heater in an airtight enclosure.
* Look for the following signs that may indicate CO problems - streaks of soot around the service door of a gas appliance; rust spots on flue pipe, boilers, furnaces or water heaters; excessive moisture on basement windows, which may indicate poor ventilation; generally stale air throughout the house, another sign of poor ventilation.
* DO INSTALL A UL-APPROVED CO DETECTOR. The UL standard requires home CO detectors to sound a warning before CO levels reach over 100 parts per million (ppm) over 90 minutes, 200 ppm over 35 minutes or 400 ppm over 15 minutes. These warning should allow the average person to safely evacuate the premises. (CO levels over 200 ppm lasting for 90 minutes can cause headaches in healthy adults. At 300 ppm the healthy adult may experience drowsiness, at 400 ppm might collapse and 500 ppm exposure could result in brain damage or death.)
Approved CO detectors are now available for around $50 or less. They are similar to smoke detectors in both appearance and installation. The best place to install a CO detector is near bedrooms. Don't install one in the boiler or furnace room the garage or the kitchen, where it may go off in reaction to temporary elevated levels of CO.
Cheap CO-detection patches that sell for under $10 are not of much use. These devices are based on chemical reactions that change the color of a spot in the presence of elevated CO. They register many false positives and tell you nothing unless you are looking at the spot for a telltale change of color. What you need is an alarm that alerts you to danger as soon as it arises and wakes you up if you are asleep.
What do you do if the alarm sounds? Vacate the house quickly, opening doors and windows as you leave in order to provide ventilation. Then contact a local emergency service crew - usually the police or fire department - for advice. Depending on your community, they may have a CO measuring device on hand to take a reading inside your home in order to determine if it is safe to move back in.
Keep in mind that the act of ventilating your home may make it safe for immediate occupancy but won't fix whatever generated excess CO in the first place. As soon as possible you need a professional inspection of all possible CO sources. This should be someone equipped with CO measuring gear able to detect concentrations as small as 5-10 parts per million. The measurement test should be conducted over at least a 24-hour period.
It is possible for a CO alarm to be triggered by a single unusual incident that presents no lasting threat. However, if one ever goes off in your home, you won't rest easily until you take all the precautions possible to safeguard yourself and love ones.
Proprietary Information, Nexstar®, Inc., Copyright 1995

Bug's In your Drain Line??

BUGS IN YOUR DRAIN LINE? IF NOT, GET SOME!
One of the best things to happen in the plumbing field in recent times has been the development of biological drain cleaners as an alternative to dangerous and ecologically harmful chemicals. These biological products work via bacteria that consume organic waste.
There are various products of this nature on the market. The best one, in my opinion, is Bio-Clean, which is sold only by plumbing contractors. While the exact formula is a secret, Bio-Clean is a composite of bacteria, enzymes and additives, all coming from natural sources. These natural ingredients come in a powder that remains dormant in it protective container until you apply the right amount of water and pour the solution into waste matter. Then the bacteria come to life and start searching for yucky food. Once fed, their instincts turn to that other fundamental source of life, and they begin to multiply.
The Bio-Clean bugs eat their way through the filth of drain lines, septic tanks, cesspools, RV holding tanks and grease traps without harming pipes, containers or any other inorganic material. People continually find new uses for this amazing substance. It works great, for instance, in removing odor from kitty litter boxes, as well as toilets and urinals. You also can pour it on virtually any kind of organic spill and watch the gooey mess slowly disappear like the Cheshire Cat.
Since the bugs attack only organic waste, Bio-Clean is completely safe and commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and other places subject to stringent health inspections. If you mix it with water and leave it in an open container, nothing will happen, until you drop some nasty stuff into the mixture. Then the nasty stuff will slowly disappear. If you drop some on the floor, don't worry about it. Nor need you worry about using it around children, pets or plants (because it only attacks dead organic tissue, not live matter). People can even ingest Bio-Clean without any ill effects, which some of its salesmen are apt to do from time to time. While I don't find their demonstrations particularly appetizing, they do drive home the point about its harmlessness.
Perhaps the best testimony to its safety is that you won't find any warning labels on Bio-Clean containers. This is a mark of supreme confidence by the manufacturers and sellers in our lawsuit-crazed society.
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE
Bio-Clean is not only better for the environment than the household drain cleaners sold in supermarkets, it works better too. The popular liquid drain cleaners are basically nothing more than bottles of diluted acid. When you pour the liquid or crystals down a drain, these chemicals helplessly succumb to gravity. They can't climb the inner side and ceiling walls of pipes, so they can't reach the waste that fills most of the interior. All they can do is seep along the bottom and burn a small tunnel in the accumulation. Picture a piece of 2-inch diameter tube with about a 1/4-inch diameter tube resting inside of it. The larger cylinder represents the accumulated waste matter blocking your drain line, the smaller tube the hole burrowed by the caustic chemical. It doesn't take long for another solid to block that small hole once again.
Sometimes the blockage is so dense that it cannot be completely penetrated by the chemical. Instead the chemical accumulates until it burns a hole in the pipe wall, or reacts with grease in the system to form a caustic soap that can congeal into a substance as hard as concrete. These caustic soap dams can be harder to eliminate than the original waste stoppage.
In contract, Bio-Clean bacteria spread out along the entire inner surface of the pipe wall, eating waste away from floor, sides and ceiling alike. Depending on the size and type of blockage, it usually takes 3 to 14 days for the bugs to consume all accumulated waste inside household drain pipes. When finished, those drain lines will be almost as clean as the day they were installed.
For initial treatment it is recommended to apply for 5 consecutive days a mixture of about 1 level tablespoon of Bio-Clean powder for each inch of pipe diameter, mixed with 1 pint per tablespoon of lukewarm water. Afterwards, a single treatment about once a month is usually sufficient for maintenance.
DRAWBACKS
While I think Bio-Clean is the best drain cleaning product around, you should be aware of a few drawbacks and limitations.
One is that during the initial treatment stage, it might momentarily worsen a blockage before eliminating it. This is because it works so well removing waste from the entire interior of pipes. As waste gets eaten from the upper portion of a pipe surface, it may loosen and fall in a heap that may block the flow for awhile until the bacteria can finish their feast on the floor. As a result, many plumbers who sell Bio-Clean recommend that you have your drain line rodded as part of the initial treatment. Odds are this would be the last time you'll need rodding as long as you continue to use Bio-Clean.
You also ought to be aware that Bio-Clean will not attack inorganic compounds that may get trapped in the drain line, such as children's toys. (It will work on toilet paper, tissue and sanitary napkins, because they are all made from organic substances.) Also, while Bio Clean will eventually degrade hair, this takes substantially longer than it does to get rid of most other organic build-ups. Even using Bio Clean, from time to time you may find it necessary to take a plunger to the drains where you wash your hair. What comes up, however, will be almost pure hair instead of the foul mixture of hair and gunk found in homes that don't use Bio-Clean.
Also, Bio-Clean will not work without the right combination of water volume, temperature and pH. However, using it correctly does not require a degree in rocket science. Each container comes with clear and simple instructions that virtually everyone can handle.
A can of Bio-Clean contains about 85 tablespoons of the substance. For most households, this is enough for a year or more of treatment and maintenance. This is less than the cost of a single rodding with a drain cleaning machine, and much more gentle on your fixtures and pipes.
Ask your plumber about Bio-Clean. If he doesn't sell it, ask him, why not? Both he and you are missing out on something good.
Proprietary Information, Nexstar®, Inc., Copyright 1995