Category: Winter

Commercial Plumbing Inspections

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February’s snow and ice storm was a reminder for everyone that regular maintenance on your home is critical to your comfort and safety – especially in times of crisis. This is also true if you own or operate a commercial business. Closure due to a plumbing problem not only costs you money in repairs but also in lost business. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why  annual inspections are so important.

MAINTAIN FIXTURES

Keeping an eye on interior pipes will catch small problems before they get worse. Small leaks can often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Regular inspections will make sure they’re caught early.

EXTEND LIFESPAN

Regular maintenance will help make sure that appliances last longer. Even if your business has fewer appliances than a typical home, chances are it does have a hot water heater. Regular cleaning, draining, and general maintenance on the water heater will extend its lifespan.

CONTROL LEAKS

Even a tiny drip can waste lots of water over the course of a year, a week, a day, or an hour! We already mentioned the risk of structural damage, and excess water can lead to mold issues as well. Regular inspections will check for all these issues to make sure they don’t get out of hand.

PREVENT BACKUPS

Regardless of whether it’s at a home or business, sewage backups can be gross. No one wants raw sewage backing up in the toilet, sinks, or drains. Because businesses are likely to have larger sewage systems and longer sewer lines, it’s likely that it could take longer for clogs to show up in the form of backups. Routine inspections will help monitor your pipes and make sure they’re clear.

WORTH THE CALL

Most importantly, routine inspections on your commercial plumbing equipment will tell you if repairs are needed. And if you have a growing business, that means your plumbing is probably being used for more than what it was originally intended for. Take the pressure off your pipes, and yourself, by setting up an annual inspection. Certified professional plumbers at The Bosworth Company can handle all your inspection needs at home or on the job. Schedule an appointment online or call us today at 432-570-5233 to set up your inspection schedule. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Ceiling Fans in Winter?

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Ceiling fans are great for keeping you cool in the summer while keeping energy costs down. But did you know these can increase comfort (and, yes, even help keep you warm) during the winter? Strange but true – let us explain.

SUMMER USE

Fans are one of the simplest machines out there. They push the air and create a breeze, which keeps you cool. Simple enough, but there is actually some science behind it. The blades are designed to distribute air evenly throughout a room. This can make the room feel about four degrees cooler than it would otherwise.

FANS OF WINTER

In the winter, fans work in a similar way, only this time to help heat the room. The secret is found by flipping a small switch at the base of the fan. This will reverse the direction the blades spin and will actually help spread warm air throughout your room. Here’s how:

  • The blades draw in air from around the room and push it towards the ceiling.
  • The air hits the ceiling, then moves to the outer walls
  • From there it heads back to the floor, completing the circulation
  • We know that heat rises, so getting the warm air at the top involved in the circulation will help warm the entire room.
  • As this process repeats, the air throughout the room will feel warmer and warmer. 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Just as during the summer months using fans means you’re not running the A/C, fans can save on heating costs during the winter. In fact, consistently running ceiling fans could save you up to 15% on your heating costs during the winter. Be sure to use an Energy Star-rated fan to potentially save even more.

Just remember, fans (for heating or cooling) are designed to circulate the air in a single room. An HVAC system is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout your home.

WORTH THE CALL

The certified professionals at The Bosworth Company are dedicated to your comfort and have the answers you need to help make your HVAC system as efficient as possible. Call us at 432-570-5233 today to make an appointment or schedule one online. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

3 Tips for Preparing Your Home for Winter

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Now that we’ve passed Thanksgiving, temperatures are finally starting to drop! Have you prepared your home for winter? That means guarding against hard freezes – and yes, that can happen in West Texas. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few of the simple things you can do that will help prepare your furnace for the extra use it’s about to get!

DON’T GET BURNED

The temperature doesn’t need to drop below freezing for you to want to use your furnace. The temperature inside will eventually reflect the temperature outside, so you’ll need the heat to switch on at some point. These are some ways to make sure your furnace is ready to keep your home warm and cozy this winter!

FILTER YOUR RESULTS

Alas, once again, we remind you to change your air filters! This theme isn’t going away. The small cost of replacing a filter is worth it when you consider that a clogged filter makes your heater (and the a/c) work harder!

If you run your system often, that’s another reason to change your filters regularly. Once every three months should be fine, but monthly is ideal. Other factors such as allergy sufferers, pets, or smokers in your home will mean you’ll have to change it even more often.

CHECK THE BATTERIES

Most people know to check the batteries in the smoke detector, but it’s also a good idea to check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors. A problem with your gas furnace could result in carbon monoxide – an odorless gas that can be deadly to humans. A carbon monoxide detector will alert you if there’s even a trace of the gas, so make sure it’s operating properly!

MAKE SOME ROOM

Just like your exterior A/C unit, it’s also important to clean the space around exterior heat pumps or outdoor compressors. These systems produce heat even with temps well below freezing! But like your A/C, they don’t work well if the unit is surrounded by leaves, dirt, or other debris. Sweep up around the area, and even consider trimming nearby bushes or shrubbery if necessary. This will ensure maximum airflow!

WORTH THE CALL

The best way to make sure your heater is up to snuff is by getting it evaluated by a professional. The experts at The Bosworth Company can make sure you’ll be warm and cozy all winter long. Make an appointment today by scheduling it online or calling 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Why is My Furnace Constantly Running?

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Cooler weather has finally arrived in the Permian Basin, so you’ve likely switched your HVAC from cool to heat. Depending on the weather outside, you may be tempted to constantly run your furnace, but is that really the best for your home and wallet? In this post, we’ll examine the best way to run the heat – to keep you comfortable and keep costs down!

LEAVING THE FAN “ON”

Most thermostats have an “on” setting that keeps the fan on continually, and an “auto” setting that only kicks on when the temperature is outside of your comfort zone. It may seem that “auto” is the most efficient setting, but that’s not necessarily the case. Here are some reasons you might want to consider flipping the switch to “on.”

  • People are at home for most of the day: On newer, more efficient models running the fan all day can be cost-effective.
  • Someone in your family has allergies or other respiratory problems: Constantly circulating the air through your HVAC will help keep it cleaner.
  • Some rooms are warmer or cooler than others: Leaving the heat on continuously will lead to less temperature fluctuation between rooms. This is especially true for multi-story homes.

LEAVING IT ON “AUTO”

Here are some reasons it would make more sense to leave the “auto” setting on your thermostat:

  • Humidity: This isn’t a big factor in West Texas, but just leaving the fan on won’t get rid of moisture in the air like an air conditioner. 
  • Inefficient fans: If your furnace fan is older than about 20 years, it really was not built for constant use. Running them constantly is not cost-efficient.
  • Attic unit: Since your attic can get extremely hot or cold, it means HVAC units located in the ceiling have to work a bit harder to maintain the temperature in your home. For that reason, “auto” is preferable if your HVAC is in the attic.
  • Leaky ducts: If you have older ductwork for your HVAC system, you could be losing a lot of energy by running the fan. If you suspect you have leaky ducts, “auto” is more likely the way to go.

WORTH THE CALL

Deciding how you should set your thermostat isn’t as easy as it seems. The experts at The Bosworth Company can help you find that perfect balance between comfort and cost! Call us today at 432-570-5233 to make an appointment or schedule one online. We can give your system a thorough check and advise you on how your furnace can work best for you! It’s Worth the Call. Always.

Preparing Your Heater For Winter

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Here in West Texas, we’ve had what (so far) seems like an unseasonably warm winter. We fired up the heater for a day or two around Halloween, but if you’re like us, haven’t used it much since. If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you know that things can change fast. Sunny and 75 today could turn into icy and 30 in less than 36 hours. When it is time to start using the heater regularly, there are a few things you need to do to prepare.

Preparations To Make

Quick inspection: Make sure it’s turned off, and take a quick look at your system. Do you see residue or black soot? Is all the ductwork properly attached? Make sure the area around the furnace is clear of debris. Anything flammable nearby could be a hazard.

Cleaning: Vacuum or brush out any areas built up with soot or other debris. You can remove residue from the portlight and burners. 

Checking the filter: If your furnace uses a disposable filter, it needs to be replaced. If it uses a reusable filter, use a vacuum to remove the dust. You can wash it out using soap and water. Make sure to let it dry before putting it back.

Blower belt: If your filter has a blower belt, you should check for cracks or general wear. You should be able to depress it slightly with your fingers. You can replace it if necessary.

Drain line: A clogged drain line can cause major problems and expensive damage to your home. It’s critical that the drain line is flushed.

Furnace exhaust/chimney vent: Vents to the outside (whether from the side or through the chimney) should be free of debris or other obstruction. This may require you to check the ducts to make sure they are clear.

Safety detectors: Smoke detectors and fire detectors should be checked, and batteries replaced if necessary.

Last, but not least…CALL A PRO! You can complete some of the tasks above on your own, but for most of them, you’ll probably want a pro. The Bosworth Company can provide full service to make sure you’re ready for the winter with our Fall Clean & Check! Set up an appointment online today or call 432-570-5233. The Bosworth Company. Worth the Call. Always.

Don’t Fear Frozen Pipes This Winter

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It’s the middle of November and we’re still experiencing 80 degree temperatures, but we won’t for long. Winter is on the way…

We may not live in the coldest of climates, but those bone-cold days can be brutal when they come! With these freezing temperatures comes the danger of frozen and burst plumbing…and costly damages. Follow the tips below to prevent frozen pipes!

Freezing Facts:

  • 11-20% of homeowner’s insurance claims are due to water damage from freezing pipes. (The average cost of this damage is $7,307.)
  • 250,000 homes experience frozen and/or burst pipes in the U.S.
  • Water expands to 10% of its size when it freezes.

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

Pressure – The typical cause of frozen pipes is pressure from the unfrozen water between the closed faucet and the ice.

Poor insulation – Especially if your house was built before the 1960’s (when insulation quality started improving) you could be at risk of frozen pipes.

Bends in the pipe – The expansion of the frozen area can be trapped by bends in the pipe.

Old pipes – Debris tends to build up in old pipes, therefore making them more likely to freeze.

How Do You Prevent Frozen Pipes?

  • Insulate (with foam) any pipes that are in colder areas of your home,
  • Replace old plumbing.
  • Re-route any pipes that are exposed to the cold.
  • Seal any insulation gaps near plumbing.
  • Turn off any valves for your outdoor water supply. Make sure the tap is empty and shut it tightly.

If you expect freezing temperatures…

  • Allow warm air to circulate to your home’s coldest areas, especially if your plumbing is vulnerable in that area. For example, opening cabinets under sinks.
  • You may want to set your heating system to maintain a warmer temperature overnight.
  • Open faucet taps to allow a slow drip of water.

If you’re leaving town…

  • Have someone monitor you home (both inside and out).
  • Turn off your hot water tank.
  • Consider shutting the main water valve to your home and draining the plumbing.
  • Keep your heat set to a normal temperature.

Worth The Call.

In addition to the prevention tips above, you should schedule a Fall Clean & Check from The Bosworth Company to ensure your home’s systems are ready for the cold weather ahead. Of course, no matter what you do to prevent frozen pipes, they can still happen. If they do, contact The Bosworth Company immediately. We will act fast to restore your pipes and return your home back to normal. We’re worth the call. Always.