Everyone is trying to be greener and more environmentally responsible these days. That’s definitely a good thing for our earth and future generations. The plumbing industry is no exception. If you’re not familiar with some of the following plumbing products, this post will help you discover and hopefully install some of these items in your home:

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming very popular. Instead of keeping a large amount of water heated and ready for use at all times, the tankless models heat water on demand. Probably the biggest advantage is that you never run out of hot water. And because the device isn’t keeping water warm 24 hours a day, tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient. In addition, tankless water heaters send less CO2 into the atmosphere and result in less landfill usage because they are smaller in size (a little larger than a briefcase).

Low Flow Toilets

Take, for example, low flow toilets. Traditional toilets use six gallons of water per flush (GPF). In the mid 1990s, water conservation laws made it mandatory that toilets use 1.6 (GPF). While the first models were water efficient, their performance lacked a little. Sometimes the amount of water wasn’t enough to clean the bowl. Manufacturers made improvements in the design and today’s low flow or high efficiency toilets work great and conserve water. There’s even a dual-flush design that allows you to choose one flush for liquids and a different flush for solid waste.

Water Conserving Faucets & Showerheads

These are some of the bigger items that are making it easier to be environmentally responsible, but there are smaller items as well. Water saving faucets and showerheads conserve water without sacrificing flow. Touchless faucets are becoming popular for home use as well, and not only do they conserve water, but they turn off automatically when not in use so there is no way kids can accidentally leave the faucet running when they leave the bathroom.

When purchasing plumbing products for your home, look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense products are backed by independent third party certification and meet the EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance. These high efficiency products provide the same performance and quality you’ve come to expect, but with the added benefit of water savings. So, when you use WaterSense labeled products, you can be sure you’ll be saving water without sacrificing function. All of these green products not only save water, but ultimately save homeowners on energy and water bills to boot. It’s definitely getting easier to be green! Call Home Comfort Experts and ask us about our green plumbing products when you need plumbing repairs, replacement or installation in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Laporte or anywhere in between. Together we can save the world.

Even if your furnace is relatively new, it’s important to invest in annual furnace maintenance. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns from occuring, alleviating the costs that come with expensive repairs.

While you may think yearly furnace maintenance is unnecessary, it can actually help you save money in the long run. From extending the lifespan of your unit to lowering your energy bills, there are a number of benefits of furnace maintenance.

1. Extended Equipment Lifespan

Typically, your furnace’s lifespan is between 15 to 20 years. However, that can’t happen by itself. In order to get this long lifespan out of your furnace, you need to take care of it properly. This is similar to how you have your car’s tires and oil replaced on a regular basis.

When your furnace’s components are clean and properly working, fewer issues will arise, leading to an overall better system. That means fewer problems will pop up out of nowhere, and you can spend less time worrying about the cost of replacing your furnace.

2. Improved Energy Efficiency

The end goal and overall benefit of a furnace tune-up is to save you money. When your furnace’s parts are working properly, your furnace doesn’t have to work overtime to keep your home’s temperature consistent. By causing less strain on your furnace, your energy bills can be reduced.

This is especially helpful when the temperatures are extremely cold outside, and you rely more and more on your heating system. Being free and clear of problems will allow your furnace to run efficiently and heat your home accurately, so you don’t have to worry about continuously cranking up the heat.

3. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

During routine furnace maintenance services, your skilled technician will not only repair any faulty components but also clean every inch of your unit. This includes changing the furnace air filters. Having your filters regularly replaced can improve your home’s indoor air quality so you and your family can have a safer and cleaner place to live.

Filters should be replaced every two months or so. If not, your furnace will start to expel harmful particles into your air, leading to various health problems, including:

• Allergies
• Respiratory Issues
• Dry Skin
• Growth of Mold and Mildew
• And More

4. Consistent & Reliable Heating

Along with saving you money and lowering the chance of a dangerous living environment, yearly furnace tune-up benefits include the chance to be at peace in your home. When your unit is free of obstructions, contaminants, and other potential issues, your furnace will provide your home with consistent and energy-efficient heating.

That means you can rest assured that your furnace will adjust to your specific needs. Additionally, you can set your programmable thermostat to a schedule so you can heat your home around your day-to-day life, saving you money without sacrificing your comfort.

5. Compliance With Warranty Requirements

Have you ever attempted to cash in on a warranty agreement but were declined? In most cases, in order to receive the benefits of a warranty, you need to have your furnace maintained on a regular basis. If you didn’t, you could just wait for your furnace to exhibit problems so you can upgrade your unit or its components.

By investing in annual maintenance, you’re proving to the warranty providers that you care about your furnace and prioritize its functionality. So, before you purchase a new heating system, make sure you check for a maintenance warranty on the furnace so you know how to handle these issues in the future.

6. Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Along with keeping your furnace in tip-top condition and improving your home’s indoor air quality, annual maintenance can help prevent dangerous carbon monoxide leaks from your furnace. It’s no news that carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can cause you to become seriously or fatally ill if exposed.

A trained technician will ensure that all gas connections are secure during a routine maintenance visit. If not, they’ll carefully repair the issue, ensuring that your home is safe from these dangerous occurrences.

7. Reduced Risk of Breakdowns

A furnace technician will keep your furnace up and running for as long as possible. While you may think you’re wasting money by having your furnace serviced every year, you’ll actually be saving money. By keeping your furnace clean and problem-free, there is less chance of your system breaking down and requiring costly repairs.

The price for furnace repairs can vary, but if the issues aren’t promptly resolved, they can grow into bigger, more expensive problems. Annual maintenance will nip these issues in the bud, so you can stop wasting money on avoidable repairs.

Are you ready to save money on your furnace by signing up for a maintenance plan? At Home Comfort Experts, we offer an HVAC service membership program to homeowners in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. Our comprehensive furnace maintenance services will keep your system reliable all season long.

Contact us today to speak to our team about this cost-saving program.