All posts by Johns Team

7 Heating Tips to Help You Prepare for Winter

Household, HVAC

The weather’s turning colder, and the holiday season is almost upon us. Is your home’s heating system ready for winter? If you’re not sure, we’re here to help! Follow these simple maintenance tips to make sure your heating system is ready to keep your home cozy all winter long.

1. Change the Air Filters

Dirty home air filter

A dirty or clogged air filter can compromise your home’s air quality and make your furnace less efficient. It’s vital to make sure your system has a clean filter, especially going into winter. Most furnace manufacturers recommend changing the filter each month, so fall is the perfect time to stock up so you’re ready to switch out filters as needed during winter.

While you’re replacing the air filter, take the time to tidy up the area around your furnace. Make sure there aren’t any boxes or other items on or near the unit, as these can be fire hazards. Creating a clear space around the furnace makes it easier to access quickly in the event of a malfunction.

2. Winterize the Air Conditioner

Your AC system gets a break during the colder months, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about it. A little TLC will help ensure your air conditioner is in peak shape come springtime. Start by locating the ON/OFF switch on the outdoor unit, and turn it OFF. This will prevent your AC from accidentally running during the occasional warm winter day.

Take a little time to check the outdoor portion of your AC unit: remove leaves, twigs, and other debris and pull any weeds growing around the unit. It’s best to create a 2-foot clearance around the unit. If your air conditioner could be damaged by falling branches or icicles, you can cover the top with plywood or an AC cover.

3. Test and Program the Thermostat

It’s best to check your thermostat in the fall and spring, when you are switching between heating and cooling modes. You can test your thermostat by turning up the temperature; the furnace should start up right away.

Now is also the perfect time to set (or modify) the programming on your thermostat to make sure your home is comfortable but avoid running your furnace unnecessarily. If you don’t want to hassle with programming, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices connect to a smartphone app that you can use to set the temperature from anywhere. Many models can also use your phone’s location details to automatically switch to “eco mode” when you’re away from home.

4. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make sure your home’s alarm systems are ready to warn you if your heating system causes an issue. Use the “test” function to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly. It’s also a good time to replace all the batteries and avoid the hassle of waking up at 3:00 a.m. to that obnoxious chirping sound.

It’s vital to ensure that everyone in your household knows what to do if the alarm system goes off. Have a designated escape route and meeting place.

5. Find and Seal Leaks

Even small cracks around your doors and windows can leak air, causing drafts and increasing the load on your heating system. Take a little time to inspect the seals around your doors and windows, and seal any leaks you find with caulk and/or weather stripping.

6. Clean Vents and Ducts

It’s crucial to make sure the warm air from your furnace actually makes it into all areas of your home. Check all the vents and registers to make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, and remove any dust. You may want to consider hiring a professional to clean your air ducts, which can improve indoor air quality and increase the efficiency of your heating system.

7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

One of the best things you can do for your home’s heating system is to schedule a maintenance checkup with a professional. Our HVAC technicians will inspect your system to find and fix any minor issues before they can become major problems.

We can also discuss the available options if you’re thinking of upgrading your furnace. Replacing an old heating system with a newer model can lower your energy bills and ensure that your home will be comfortable for years to come.

Trust Your Home’s HVAC System to Johns Plumbing

Fall is the perfect time to get your home’s heating system in top shape for winter. Simple preventative maintenance tasks, such as cleaning vents, changing the air filter, and sealing leaks can keep your furnace running well and lower the risk of a malfunction.

At John Plumbing, we have been offering HVAC services to homeowners in the Triad area for nearly 50 years. Our expert technicians can check your heating system for issues and make sure it’s ready to work well all winter long. We can also provide information on upgrading to an energy-efficient furnace. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call our office directly at 336-294-2301.

Best Plumbing Upgrades to Save Water and Money

plumbing, ,

If you’re thinking about taking on a renovation project, why not upgrade some of your home’s plumbing fixtures? Modern faucets, appliances, and showerheads save water over older models without sacrificing performance. Lowering your home’s water usage is good for the environment, and it also reduces your utility bills.

New Faucets

Replacing the faucets in your sinks is a great way to reduce water usage. Most faucets are inexpensive and simple to install. Older kitchen and bath faucets (especially those manufactured before 1994) use far more water than necessary.

In the U.S., modern faucets must limit water usage to no more than 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm). Many fixtures also have an integrated aerator, which reduces the water flowrate further.

Modern Showerheads

A low-flow showerhead is another great upgrade for your home, especially when you consider the minimal cost and installation time. While standard showerheads can use as much as 2.5 gpm, must low-flow models use between 1.0 and 1.5 gpm. That equates to between 40% and 60% less water. There are ultra-low-flow showerheads too, which use as little as 0.5 gpm.

Many modern showerheads have several additional perks besides better water efficiency. Different pressure and spray settings allow you to customize your shower experience, and some designs offer a handheld sprayer for versatility.

Low-Flow or Dual-Flush Toilets

In most homes, toilets use more water than other appliances, accounting for 30% of indoor water consumption (on average). There are two basic options to reduce the amount of water your home’s toilets use:

  • Low-flow toilets: Some models use as little as 1.6 gallons of water per flush, which is far less than the 6 gallons some older toilets use.
  • Dual-flush toilets: This style uses a two-pronged flushing mechanism with provides the option of a less-water flush for liquid waste and a more-water flush for solid waste. These models aren’t overly popular in the U.S. yet, but they are standard in some other countries.

By upgrading to low-flow or dual-flush toilets, you can make a significant dent in your water bill.

Tankless Water Heater

Another plumbing upgrade is a tankless water heater. These tankless designs are far more energy- and water-efficient than older tank-style versions. A tank water heater uses energy to constantly keep a lot of water hot, which is inefficient. Plus, a crack or leak in the tank can waste a lot of water very quickly and damage your home.

A tankless water heater doesn’t offer instant hot water like a traditional model, but it does have several advantages. This style only heats water when necessary, so it’s more energy efficient. Plus, you don’t ever have to worry about running out of hot water, even if you run the dishwasher and shower at the same time.

Low-Flow Appliances

You can also consider upgrading some of the larger appliances in your home, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. Newer models generally use far less water and energy than older styles, so you can lower both your water and electricity bills.

New Pipes

Replacing your home’s pipes is a bigger project than just installing a new kitchen faucet. But in many cases, the results are worth the extra time and expense. Older pipes may have small cracks or leaks that continually waste water.

Pipes can build up internal mineral deposits and rust, especially in areas with hard water. This buildup can affect the quality of your water. If your home’s pipes are old (or if you aren’t sure of their age), it’s a good idea to have an experienced plumber check them.

Lower Your Water Bills with Help from Johns Plumbing

Upgrading your home’s faucets, pipes, and appliances can save a significant amount of water, which is better for your utility bills and the environment. If you aren’t sure which changes to make first, we can help. Our experts can evaluate your home’s plumbing and appliances and recommend upgrades that provide the best return on investment.

Johns Plumbing has been offering residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC services for over 45 years. We serve clients throughout the Greensboro area, and we are available 24/7 for emergency repairs. To schedule a service appointment, contact us online or call our office directly at 336-294-2301.

6 Winter Plumbing Tips to Help Protect Your Home in Cold Weather

Uncategorized

Cold winter weather can be rough on pipes and other parts of your plumbing system. There’s nothing more frustrating than dealing with blocked drains, a broken hot water heater, or leaky pipes in the dead of winter.

Fortunately, there are several simple things you can do to get your plumbing system ready for the cold weather. These preventative measures can significantly lower the risk of plumbing problems. If you do end up with frozen pipes or other plumbing issues, you can always get prompt emergency service from the Johns Plumbing team.

1. Locate the Water Main Valve

It’s vital to know exactly where your home’s water main valve is and how to turn it off. Quickly turning off the water flow can prevent a burst pipe from causing flooding and water damage.

It’s also a good idea to shut off the water line before leaving your home for a trip. Once you turn the valve to the “off” position, drain the remaining water out of the pipes by turning on all the faucets and letting the water run until the pipes are empty.

2. Protect Your Indoor Pipes

When the pipes in your home get too told, the water can freeze, expand, and break the pipes. Sometimes you may not notice small cracks in your pipes until the water thaws and starts running through the pipes and leaking everywhere. A big crack in a pipe can release a lot of water very quickly, flooding parts of your home.

There are several ways to prevent your indoor plumbing from freezing:

  • Find any cabinets with water pipes in them and leave the doors open during cold weather to keep the space warmer
  • Regularly check all your pipes for cracks or weak points. Fix any damaged areas right away.
  • Keep your garage doors closed to trap head inside
  • Open your faucets slightly (look for a trickle of water) on extremely cold nights to keep the water running so it doesn’t freeze. You can catch the water in a bucket so it doesn’t go to waste.
  • Remove the bottom panel of your dishwasher to allow more heat to reach its water line.

These steps can prevent frozen pipes and keep your home safe from water leaks.

3. Prepare Your Outdoor Pipes for Cold Weather

It’s also essential to make sure your outdoor pipes and spigots are winterized. Insulate any exposed outdoor pipes leading from the water main to your house, including at the entry points.

Before the weather turns cold, make sure to turn off your outdoor spigots and remove any hoses that are connected to them. Drain the remaining water out of the hoses, coil them, and store them indoors during the winter. Wrap some towels or heating tape around the spigots to keep them warmer on very cold days or nights. You can also find frost-proof spigot covers.

4. Add Some Insulation

In many homes, water pipes run through uninsulated crawlspaces, unfinished basements, or attics. These spaces can get extremely cold during the winter, which leads to frozen, cracked pipes.

Adding insulation can help prevent this issue. Insulating the crawlspace or attic can be a good DIY project, and it can help lower the strain on your furnace during winter. If you don’t want to commit to such a big renovation, you can also insulate the pipes themselves with specially designed foam sheaths. If you aren’t sure of the best way to insulate your pipes, ask an experienced plumber.  

5. Get Your Water Heater Checked

Fall is a great time to check on your water heater and make sure it’s in good shape for the upcoming winter. Draining the water heater can help flush out any built-up sediment, and it’s a great way to check whether there’s rust in the tank.

If the water draining from your tank is discolored, chances are there’s some rust. It might be time for a replacement. This is a good chance to consider switching to a tankless water heater or upgrading to a more energy-efficient tank model.

6. Program Your Thermostat

Setting your thermostat a little lower in the winter can reduce your utility bills and save energy. This is a great step for your wallet and the environment, but it’s not ideal for your pipes. Keeping your home’s temperature too cool can increase the risk of your pipes freezing.

It’s best to keep the temperature no lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Resist the temptation to lower your thermostat below this temperature even when you go out of town. The last thing you want is to return to a home with broken pipes and water damage.

Trust Johns Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning for All Your Plumbing Needs

Even the best preventative maintenance can’t always stop a plumbing emergency from happening. If you have leaky pipes or a broken water heater, call the team of experts at Johns. We service homes and businesses throughout the entire Piedmont Triad, including Greensboro, Summerfield, Kernersville, Burlington, and the surrounding area.

We offer quick repairs, top-notch installation services, and expert advice. Schedule an appointment online or call us directly at 336-294-2301 for after-hours emergency services.

Blower Door Home Energy Audit

Energy Efficiency, , ,

Blower door testing is the most practical way to predict energy savings from air-sealing methods.how to do a blower door audit

Compare blower-door operation to inflating a leaky beach ball. When you inflate a beach ball, it doesn’t take much effort to fill it if there are no holes present. If the ball has a few pin holes, you have to apply a little more effort because eventually the air will leak out and the ball will become deflated. If there are holes that are bigger (such as raisin-sized holes), you will have to put forth an incredible amount of effort to keep the ball inflated. The total size of the all the holes and the pressure difference between the ball and the outside determines the rate at which you need to blow air to keep the ball inflated.

Like the blowing pressure of your lungs to keep a beach ball inflated, a blower door pressurizes your home by blowing air in or depressurizes the home by sucking air out. Depressurization, which creates a vacuum indoors, is the most common procedure because air comes in through air leaks, allowing you to feel and locate the air leaks in your home. The combined area of the building leaks and the pressure difference between indoors and outdoors determines how much air the blower door moves. The air flow is measured by CFM (cubic feet per minute). The standard for measuring a home’s air leakage is the air flow through the blower door at 50 pascals of house pressure (CFM50)

Blower door testing involves preparing the home for testing, setting up the blower door in a doorway, connecting the gauges, turning on the blower door, and reading the pressure reading on the gauges.

Prepare for testing by following these steps:

  • Close windows and storm doors.
  • Open all interior doors.
  • Disable heaters and water heaters by turning their thermostats down.
  • Cover ashes in wood stoves and fireplaces with damp newspaper to prevent them from being sucked into the home.
  • Shut fireplace dampers, fireplace glass doors, wood stove dampers, and wood stove air intakes.

The blower door operator should slowly bring the house pressure to 50 pascals. This is usually preset with the blower door gauges before he begins. With the house pressure at 50 pascals, the operator notes the CFM50 number from the digital air flow gauge. Then he begins to look around the home with a smoke generator to help find the air leaks in your home. I promise that you will be amazed to discover where the leaks are and the amount of leakage that occurs.

There are several common factors to help to determine the amount of air leakage you may have in your home. This is a little technical, but it will help you to understand the importance of a test of this nature.

  1. The 50 Pascal Airflow Rate: a blower door reading expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM50) is the actual flow measured at 50 pascals of house pressure.
  2. The 50-Pascal Air Change Rate (ACH50): a blower door reading expressed in air changes per hour at 50 pascals. This is calculated by multiplying the CFM50 by 60min/hour and then dividing by the house volume in cubic feet.
  3. Natural Air Change rate (ACH natural): natural air change is expressed in air changes per hour.

If all of this seems a bit overwhelming, the home energy auditor in your area will know just what to do with all these numbers and formulas. If you are wondering where to find an energy auditor, check with your local courthouse or utility company. Hiring a home energy auditor will be money well spent!

8 Gas Appliance Safety Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Household, , ,

Gas appliances are not inherently dangerous. In fact, they’re exceedingly safe, as long as they’re well-maintained and treated with care and respect.

YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE

If you have a gas-fueled furnace, room heater, stove, or water heater in your home, here are eight safety tips you would be wise to follow:

  1. Install carbon monoxide detectors in the immediate vicinity of each appliance.

If you have gas-burning appliances in your home, carbon monoxide poisoning is the biggest risk you face. Every year, thousands of people are sickened by exposure to carbon monoxide, and a few people pay the ultimate price.

Carbon monoxide detectors are highly sensitive, and they’ve saved many lives. They do need to be installed fairly near gas appliances to work correctly, and you should change the batteries twice a year even if the low-battery warning beeper doesn’t sound.

  1. Learn to recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide detectors are great, but carbon monoxide is so dangerous that you shouldn’t count on them exclusively. Even if they do go off during a leak and you manage to flee, someone may be exposed to hazardous levels of carbon monoxide before you can get out of the house.

The telltale indicators of carbon monoxide exposure include these:

  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Steadily increasing drowsiness
  • Tension headaches
  • Muscle and joint stiffness
  • Blurred vision
  • Disorientation, confusion
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness

If you or anyone else in your home experiences any of these symptoms, leave the house, open all windows and doors on the way out, turn the gas off at its source, and call the gas company (after you exit the house) to alert them to the danger. If anyone’s illness persists, or if anyone loses consciousness, call 911 and ask them to dispatch an ambulance immediately.

  1. Keep the floor and wall space around your gas appliances free and clear.

Don’t install gas appliances near cabinets or shelves or in a spot with a low ceiling. Don’t push the appliance right up against the wall, and keep the floor space around it clear of all obstacles for a distance of 4-6 feet.

  1. Don’t store combustibles anywhere close to a gas-burning appliance.

If it burns, you should keep it far, far away from your gas furnace, heater, or stove. In fact the best idea is to store your chemical products, oil or kerosene cans, paint, newspapers, magazines, and any other flammable items in an entirely separate location.

  1. Make your gas appliances off-limits to children and pets.

No matter how responsible and careful your kids (or cats and dogs) might be, why take any chances?

  1. Check your gas appliance vents often to make sure they remain clean and open.

Vent maintenance is fairly simple and straightforward. Fortunately, modern gas appliances are often manufactured to shut down if venting is inadequate, but if you inspect the vents yourself and clean them out as needed, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

  1. Look for soot accumulation, a yellow pilot light flame, or any other sign of damage or diminished performance.

Older gas appliances need extra-special attention. It might be a good idea to get rid of your furnace, heater, or stove before it ages too much, but at the very least, you have to watch it carefully for any signs of breakdown or malfunction.

  1. Arrange for regular maintenance visits from an HVAC contractor (and other professionals if needed).

If you have a gas furnace, this is where Johns Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning can really help you out. Call us to make an appointment before heating season begins, and we’ll send a trained technician to your home to inspect your furnace for any sign of damage. Quick tune-ups are free, and if more extensive repairs are needed, you’ll be happy to know we’re one of the most affordable contractors in the area, and our technicians are highly experienced in all types of repair procedures. We can also give you the chance to enroll in our maintenance program, which will ensure regular inspections as well as saving you money on parts and labor.

Keeping your gas appliances in tip-top working order at all times is one of the best ways to ensure their continued safe operation, and no matter what type of gas appliance you own, it’s always good to have the assistance of a professional.