Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Archive for November, 2014

10 Facts You Should Know about Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 27th, 2014

Thanksgiving has been celebrated as an official holiday in the United States for over 150 years, so you may think you understand all there is to know about this family feast. Most of us have heard the story of the pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving in 1621 after arriving in North America on the Mayflower. But did you know that only about half of the people on this ship were actually pilgrims? This fact is one of ten things that may actually surprise you about the Thanksgiving tradition!

  1. Although we often consider Thanksgiving a holiday unique to the United States, many other countries and cultures celebrate their own set of harvest-time and thanksgiving traditions. In Korea, Chu-Sok (or “fall evening”) is put on in remembrance of forefathers on August 15th of every year. Brazil celebrates a contemporary version of the U.S. holiday. Chinese, Roman, and Jewish cultures all have a history of harvest celebrations as well.
  2. President Harry S. Truman began the tradition of a ceremony held before Thanksgiving during which the president receives a turkey. George H.W. Bush was the first to pardon the turkey instead of eating it.
  3. In Minnesota alone, farmers raise over 40 million turkeys a year. In fact, U.S. farmers produce about one turkey for every one person in the country.
  4. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American will gain about one to two pounds every year during the holiday season.
  5. On the other hand, turkey is naturally high in protein and has been known to support and boost immune systems to protect against illness and speed up healing. So feast on!
  6. Abraham Lincoln issued a “Thanksgiving Proclamation” in 1863, but a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale can be credited with the idea. While Thanksgiving had been celebrated at different times of year in many areas of the U.S. for years, it was Hale, prominent magazine editor and author of the rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” who urged Lincoln to finally establish the national event.
  7. President Franklin D Roosevelt once tried to change the date of Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of the month in order to extend the holiday shopping season and boost the economy.
  8. Only about half of the people on the Mayflower were what we would consider today as “Pilgrims.” The other (approximately) 50 people were simply trying to find a way over to the New World.
  9. Gobble, gobble! Click, click? While male turkeys make a gobbling noise, females (hens) do not; it’s often described as a clicking.
  10. Even though we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November, the month of June has been declared National Turkey Lovers’ Month by the National Turkey Federation so you can continue the celebration in the summer as well!

From our family here at Boehmer Heating and Cooling, we’d like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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Is Rust a Sign That My Boiler Needs Repairs?

Wednesday, November 19th, 2014

Your boiler uses water to heat your home, but it is made to withstand the effects of rust. For rust to develop, there has to be enough oxygen present in the air in addition to the water; boilers are made to be as air-tight as possible, so rust shouldn’t be an issue. If you are seeing rust and corrosion on your boiler, it is time to call a technician as the rust is most likely the result of a problem somewhere in your system.  The trained and certified technicians at Boehmer Heating & Cooling are available around the clock when you’re in need of quality boiler repair service in South Hills, so if you are seeing significant rust on your boiler, call us today.

Sacrificial Anode

Manufacturers of boilers understand that rust development is a potential issue with any boiler. This is why every boiler comes equipped with a component called a sacrificial anode, also called a sacrificial rod. A sacrificial anode is placed at the top of the water tank. It is made from a highly active metal alloy that corrodes faster than the metal of the tank, so it “sacrifices” itself ahead of the tank. But should the anode completely corrode and not be replaced, the rusting process will move on to the tank itself.

Problems Caused by Rust

Rust and corrosion are never good for any whole-home system; here are a few ways it can be problematic for your boiler:

  • Development of leaks – if rust has developed in an area like your water tank, the expansion tank or on piping, water leaks can develop. This will lower the pressure in your system and cause heating problems in addition to potential water damage.
  • Problems with water temperature – rust acts as an insulator. If significant rust develops on your water tank or heat exchanger, the system can overheat. Additionally, the higher temperature can increase the pressure in your system, which can cause problems.

Maintenance Is Great Prevention

One of the best ways to ensure that your boiler isn’t rusting is to schedule annual maintenance. During a maintenance appointment, you system will be thoroughly inspected and the sacrificial anode will be checked and replaced if needed.

Rust is never a good sign on a heating system. If you are seeing excessive rust on your boiler in South Hills, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today to schedule a service appointment.

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How a Home Energy Audit Can Help Your Home

Wednesday, November 12th, 2014

Wouldn’t you love to pinpoint the exact areas of your home where you are losing heating and cooling? By scheduling a professional energy audit with a Boehmer Heating & Cooling energy expert, you can. A home energy audit can help you understand where your home is losing energy, as well as how much energy your home is using. It takes training and expertise to conduct an effective home energy audit in Pittsburgh, so call the people you can trust: Boehmer Heating & Cooling.

What Is an Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a series of tests and evaluations done in your home to pinpoint areas where you are losing heating or cooling. There is some variation as to the types of tests and analyses performed, but here is a general overview of what to expect from any professional home energy audit:

  • Thorough visual inspection – the specialist will conduct thorough inspections of your home’s exterior and interior to assess your home’s building envelope and potential issues inside.
  • Insulation inspection – an insulation inspection helps determine if you have enough insulation throughout your home, and if you have the right type of insulation.
  • Attic inspection – attic space can greatly affect your energy efficiency if it isn’t properly insulated; it can also allow for mold growth should there be issues with excess moisture. This inspection will identify any standing issues with your attic space.
  • Home appliance and HVAC inspections – thorough inspection of your HVAC system, hot water heater, dryer and any other home appliance; the purpose of this inspection is to detect any developing or existing energy problems.
  • Blower door test – pinpoints the exact areas of air leakage in your home.
  • 12-Month analysis of energy bills – this analysis helps determine your home’s energy consumption over the last year and the costs associated with it.

Home Report

Once all of the findings have been reviewed and analyzed, you’ll be given a comprehensive report detailing the findings and recommendations on how to fix any problems that were discovered during the process.

Energy.gov estimates that a home energy audit can save you anywhere from 5-30% on your annual energy bills. If you are concerned about the energy efficiency of your home, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today and schedule a home energy audit in Pittsburgh with one of our experts.

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Home Energy Solutions: How Does It Benefit Me and My Home?

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

Is ineffective and inefficient heating or cooling a headache for the people in your home? Do you shut off your air conditioning or heating system even on the most uncomfortable days because you cannot bear the thought of spending more money on your monthly utilities? The folks at Boehmer Heating & Cooling are proud to offer home energy solutions in Pittsburgh for homeowners looking to solve a number of problems with the conditions inside of their home.

When you schedule a home energy audit, we’ll test, inspect, and evaluate all of the areas of your home that could contribute to an unpleasant climate or poor indoor air quality. This includes an analysis of your utility bills and the state of your HVAC system. Technicians will check for any duct leaks, air leakage in the home, poor insulation, and any other problems that may contribute to inefficiency and discomfort. Then, they’ll give you a full report of their findings and recommend services to correct your particular issues. Afterwards, you may notice any of the following advantages.

  • Retain Even Temperatures throughout the Home. Many homeowners struggle with an HVAC system that distributes heat or air unevenly in various rooms or areas of the house. With duct repairs, proper insulation, and/or HVAC maintenance, you should no longer notice this issue.
  • Lower Your Energy Bills. Improper insulation, air leaks, and a faulty HVAC component can all cost you more every month. Our home energy solutions will keep your home running as efficiently as possible to reduce energy bills.
  • Eliminate Excessive Dust, Mold, and Mildew. By sealing any air leaks, changing filters, and installing solutions for poor indoor air quality, you can significantly reduce the amount of allergens circulating in the air.
  • Keep Your Home Safe. Technicians will check the gas lines and electrical connections to make sure your home is as safe as possible.
  • Extend the Life of Your HVAC Equipment. Finally, with an HVAC inspection and cleaning as well as air duct services, your heater or air conditioner may last longer and require fewer repairs over time.

These are only a handful of the benefits you may notice when you receive home energy solutions in Pittsburgh. Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling and ask about scheduling a home energy audit today.

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