SPS Mechanical Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Pitman’

Zone Control Systems and Their Benefits: Heating Tip

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Keeping their homes comfortable throughout the years is a goal that many homeowners share. Sometimes, though, the price of doing so and even the fact that different people are comfortable at different temperatures can get in the way of achieving this goal. In order to heat and cool your home in a more efficient, convenient way, you may want to consider the installation of a zone control system in your Gloucester County home. These great systems are the perfect way to keep everyone in the family happy while heating and cooling your home in a more thoughtful way. Contact SPS Mechanical for more information.

By breaking your home up into different heating and cooling zones and controlling each zone independently of one another, you can have more control over the heating and cooling of your home than ever before. If, for instance, you want to keep the den warm for company, you no longer need to heat empty bedrooms to the same temperature for no reason. Keep everyone warm and cozy in the den then, shortly before bed, you can start bringing the bedrooms up to temperature gradually. This sort of practice can really help you achieve better efficiency levels during the heating and cooling seasons. Of course, with increased efficiency you will see less of a decrease in your bank account when the energy bills show up.

The fact that different bodies are comfortable at different temperatures used to be a problem when heating or cooling a home. Inevitably someone in the family will wind up being uncomfortable due to a target temperature that they are not happy with. By controlling different rooms and areas of your home independently, though, you can eliminate this problem. Let everyone choose the temperature that is right for their personal heating and cooling preferences.

If you are interested in learning more about the operation of zone control systems, their benefits or scheduling an installation in your home, contact the heating and cooling professionals at SPS Mechanical. We are always happy to help our customers make their homes more efficient and comfortable places to live. Call today for more information about zone control systems in Gloucester County.

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3 Common Water Heater Problems

Monday, February 18th, 2013

The access to clean, dependable hot water in our homes is something that many of us cannot imagine living without. Unfortunately, many homeowners will open their hot water faucets someday only to discover that the water they rely on so much is not available, or at least not of the quality they are accustomed to. Like any other mechanical device, your hot water heater requires a professional installation and regular maintenance service to operate properly. Even these necessary steps cannot always prevent problems with your hot water heater in Woodbury, NJ, though. Here are 3 of the most common water heater problems we encounter, and some possible causes. Remember, when you need hot water heater services in Woodbury, NJ, call SPS Mechanical.

  • We receive many service calls about pilot lights that frequently go out. There are a number of causes for this, and they range in seriousness. Obviously if you use natural gas to heat your hot water a pilot light that will not stay lit is cause for concern. Call for professional service immediately. The cause may be something serious such as a gas leak somewhere between the supply and the hot water heater. It could also be a faulty safety device, such as the thermocouple. A thermocouple uses a mercury sensor to stem the flow of gas if it does not detect sufficient heat for combustion. If it malfunctions it will cause the gas to cut off, causing the pilot light to go out.
  • Another common problem with water heaters is a pretty obvious one; no hot water. Again, there are multiple factors that may cause this problem. If you use an electric hot water heater it is possible that the circuit it operates on tripped. With the flip of a switch you may have your hot water back. If you use natural gas, there may be a problem with the gas supply or burner beneath the water heater. Only a professional can tell you for sure.
  • If you use a tank hot water heater you may discover that the storage tank is leaking. Unfortunately, there is really only one solution here; it is time to replace the storage tank. Make the investment worthwhile by getting a well-insulated and efficient new model.

Whatever problems you have with your hot water heater in Woodbury, NJ, SPS Mechanical has the solution. Let us help keep the hot water flowing in your home. Call today to schedule service.

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Benefits of Installing a Whole-Home Humidifier

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Are you tired of dealing with dry skin and sinuses during the winter in your home in Woolwich Township? A whole-home humidifier could help alleviate some of these symptoms and improve indoor air quality. In the winter when the heater can dry out the air inside your home, having proper moisture control is essential. While a room humidifier only works in a certain area of your home, a whole-home humidifier works with your heating system to add moisture to your entire home. Here are some benefits of installing a whole-home humidifier to help you decide which one is right for you.

When the air is too dry inside the home, it can feel colder, which causes many homeowners to turn the thermostat up higher than necessary in the winter. In addition, the heater in the winter can sometimes dry out the air excessively, and worsen issues related to poor indoor air quality issues. If you have severe dry skin, sinus problems, and other respiratory issues, you may want to consider some type of whole-home humidifier.

Air that is too dry can also damage wood furnishings and floors, along with carpets, rugs, paintings, and other valuable items. Many people think that because room humidifiers are cheaper, they are the better choice and can do the trick just as well; however, this is not always the case. Room humidifiers can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder if there are not certain moisture control settings. Whole home humidifiers are sensitive pieces of equipment that can maintain the right amount of humidity in the home.

Another benefit is that proper moisture control can reduce the chances of mold or mildew growth inside your home. Compared to room humidifiers, whole-house systems add much more controlled amounts of moisture. They also are designed to work with many types of heating systems, including heat pumps, radiant heating, and much more.

Call the Woolwich Township heating experts at SPS Mechanical if you have further questions. We can help you select the right whole-home humidifier for your home and needs.

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Gas Furnace Safety Tips

Monday, January 14th, 2013

For residents living in Woolwich Township, gas furnace safety is something every homeowner should be aware of during the winter. With a few tips, you can reduce the chances of hazardous situations. Don’t hesitate to call the technicians at SPS Mechanical any time you need a furnace repair or routine maintenance visit.

Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to make sure your gas furnace is working safely. It’s also important to make sure that the general area around the furnace is clean to avoid fire hazards. This could make a world of difference with just a few extra hours of work each year.

Here’s a basic gas furnace safety guideline:

Ventilation:

  • Make sure there’s no airflow restriction by regularly cleaning the fan blower and other components.
  • Check the condition of your ventilation system to ensure that there are no obvious signs of damage or that there’s nothing blocking airflow.
  • Change air filters as often as necessary.

Routine Maintenance:

  • A routine maintenance visit is essential to preventing carbon monoxide leaks and other issues with the heat exchanger and other components. Furnaces should be inspected by a professional contractor annually to ensure that everything is working safely.
  • For gas furnaces, make sure the pilot light in gas furnaces is burning properly and on at all times, even when it is not in use. This is for safety purposes and efficiency. Call a technician if you are having problems with your burner.
  • Annual maintenance should also include a professional inspection and cleaning of ductwork and ventilation systems.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

  • Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have any gas appliances, especially gas furnaces and boilers.
  • Test the carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarms often.
  • Make sure your CO detector is up to code, or ask a technician if you aren’t sure.

Call the Woolwich Township gas furnace specialists at SPS Mechanical today for more safety tips or to schedule a routine maintenance appointment with one of our qualified technicians.

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Plumbing Tip: Common Plumbing Noises and What to Do About Them

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Here at SPS Mechanical, we get a lot of phone calls from our Woodbury, NJ area customers about plumbing noises. There are many plumbing noises that are not cause for alarm and can be taken care of with a few simple steps.

The three main plumbing noise complaints that we get are, water hammer, whistling pipes, and creaking pipes. This post explains the potential cause and repair for each.

Water Hammer

Water hammer is a loud banging noise that is caused by abruptly turning off the water. This usually happens because there’s a leaky air cushioning in the pipe. This is an easy fix for a Woodbury, NJ plumber. An air chamber valve can be installed so that when the water is turned off, the valve closes and compresses the air. This slows the water down gradually so that there’s no hammering noise.

While it may seem like a minor issue, water hammering noises that are left unattended can eventually lead to water leaks and deterioration of the piping material. If you hear more of a chattering or rattling noise, there may be a loose pipe rubbing against another pipe or other metal objects. Call a professional plumbing contractor if you hear any hammering or rattling noises in your pipes.

Whistling Pipes

Both water hammering and whistling noises are caused by the momentum of the water flowing through a pipe that is too small to handle a large volume of water. Attaching a pressure reducing valve will eliminate both noises and help with other issues in the plumbing system as well. Whistling could also be caused by sediment buildup, so you may need a drain cleaning service.

Creaking Pipes

Another common noise that is often reported in homes is a creaking sound in walls or floors. This is caused by the expansion and contraction of hot water pipes. When hot water flows through the pipe, the pipe expands to some degree, and when the hot water is turned off, the pipe cools and contracts. This accounts for the creaking noise often heard by homeowners. A plumber can insulate the pipe or make a space in the surrounding building material, such as cutting a notch in the wood, to allow for the expansion of the pipe.

If you have questions or hear any of these noises, call a Woodbury, NJ area plumber at SPS Mechanical. We’ll diagnose the issue and have it fixed in no time. We are always happy to answer any plumbing questions, so call any time.

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What Furnace Noises Mean: A Heating Guide

Monday, December 17th, 2012

A proper installation, high-quality maintenance service and exceptional repair service from your professional service provider can help to ensure the efficient, effective performance of your furnace. Part of your job as a homeowner is to pay attention to your furnace and getting it the service it needs to maintain high performance levels. A lot of people ignore seemingly minor issues with their home heating systems, taking a reactive approach to its maintenance regiment. This is one of the worst things you can do to the furnace in your Woolwich Township home. Listen to what your furnace is telling you and contact the furnace service experts at SPS Mechanical as soon as you suspect a problem with your furnace.

You may notice a lot of different sounds coming from your furnace. No furnace is completely silent during operation, but the development of new, alarming sounds requires the attention of a professional. A loud, shrill noise, for instance, may indicate a problem with the motor or some other moving part in the furnace. This may be a simple case of inadequate lubrication, but only a professional service provider will be able to tell you for sure.

Some ticking and rattling is not uncommon when your furnace shuts down. It is often just the sound of various hot components cooling off, like you hear from your car engine after a drive. If these sounds seem to be growing more and more intense, though, you may have a problem requiring repair service.

Another common furnace sound is a bumping or banging from the furnace itself – not the ductwork or pipes. While loose pipes or ductwork may rattle or bang, indicating a need for tightening, a similar sound from within the furnace may be more serious. A damaged belt may be to blame, or some other component may have worked loose.

Furnace repair is never a “do-it-yourself” project. Even if you think that an issue with the operation of your furnace is no cause for alarm, you still must contact a professional Woolwich Township heating contractor to be sure. Call us to ensure the safe, efficient operation of your furnace.

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