Ancient indoor heating

In ancient Rome, radiant heating technology was created in part due to their large system of aqueducts and public baths. First used to heat the floor and later walls, combustible gases were passed through a hollow space called the hypocaust to heat both public baths and upper-class homes. Eventually, floor ducts and flues were added to this system, but the technology was lost with the fall of the Roman Empire.

Chimneys and stoves

Rudimentary versions of stoves and chimneys started around the 800s, and by the 12th and 13th centuries, these versions of heating were more common in Europe. Castles that were built during this time usually had stone fireplaces with short flues leading outside, but smoke was still a common problem.

A fireplace was the primary source of indoor heating until the 17th century when stoves became a safer and more efficient alternative. Wood was the fuel for both fireplaces and stoves until 1885, when the use of coal became widespread.

Steam and electric heating

In 1883, Thomas Edison invented the electric heater. The 1800s also saw the advent of steam heating and the first radiator out of Russia. The Industrial Revolution made manufacturing of various heating options much more common for European and American homes.

After the Civil War, home use of boilers and radiators in the Unites States grew exponentially, with the White House and Capitol being updated with steam-heating systems during the 1840s. The first coal-fired furnace with cast-iron radiators was marketed by Dave Lennox in the late 1800s to heat a whole home. These 19th-century inventions meant families no longer had to huddle around their fireplaces or stoves to stay warm.

Warm air systems

It is said that the first central heating furnace was invented in 1835. The first central heating system was later patented by Alice Parker in 1919. Furnaces were seen as a safer alternative to steam heating and became more popular by the early 20th century. The options that became commonplace in the 1900s are still in use by homeowners today: boilers or furnaces fueled by either oil, propane, natural gas or electricity.

Recent innovations

In the last several years, we have seen the invention of solar heating and a preference for efficiency in our heating systems to help protect the environment. Technology has also improved in thermostats, with programmable options and smart devices that can “learn” your family’s schedule to adjust the temperature accordingly.

For the best in current HVAC technology, you can always trust the expert technicians at Appliance Repair Services NYC, who are equipped with the latest in training and equipment. Contact our offices at (718) 577-7875 or schedule a service appointment to give your family the gift of a comfortable home this winter.

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Keep holiday decor safe

Many families are going all out with holiday decor for 2020, but electrical fires are all too common during the winter season. Make sure to turn off or unplug all decorations when leaving the house or going to bed, including candles and tree lights.

Live trees can be a beautiful home addition but keep yours well-watered so it doesn’t become a fire hazard. And if you’re creating an outdoor light display, don’t make Clark Griswold your role model! Overloaded outlets are a common cause of fires during the holiday season.

Schedule a holiday tune-up

If you haven’t scheduled your winter HVAC maintenance visit, get it on the calendar before the holidays hit. We can perform a furnace tune-up with a thorough inspection of your current system, a detailed look at any possible problem areas, and any necessary cleaning and maintenance of the system.

We are always happy to provide answers for any questions or concerns you have about your heating, A/C, or plumbing systems. Appliance Repair Services NYC technicians are equipped with the latest training to help guide you through any service issues your home may have.

Holiday plumbing safety

Your plumbing system and water heater may get extra use during the winter holidays, especially with more people staying home. Falling temperatures can also cause frozen pipes and clogs. But never fear! At Appliance Repair Services NYC, we offer plumbing and drain installation, replacement, maintenance, and repair to make your life easier and the holidays simpler.

Emergency services offered 24/7

If you find yourself with a home emergency, you can trust an Appliance Repair Services NYC technician to be there in 60 minutes or less! Even on holidays, we make sure that our phones are always answered by a live human being 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, we never charge extra on nights, weekends, or holidays. Let us give you the gift of comfort this holiday season with our flat-fee pricing and quick response time! Call us anytime at (718) 577-7875 to prepare your home for the holidays or schedule emergency service. Our Appliance Repair Services NYC technicians want your family to have a safe and happy 2020 holiday.

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Make a budget

One of the biggest life hacks for saving money is to set a budget. Use a spreadsheet or a budget-making app to determine your monthly (or weekly) income against your regular bills and expenditures. Then divide the remainder of your income amongst savings, paying off debt or on other important things.

Seeing where your money really goes each month can help you curb possible bad habits (like getting takeout too frequently) as well as help you plan for the future and set aside emergency money. While you can never be totally prepared for a home HVAC or plumbing emergency, like a furnace breakdown or clogged pipes, having an “emergency fund” can make the burden a little easier.

Set a thermostat schedule

… and stick to it! If you don’t have a schedule set on your thermostat, you’re practically throwing money away. You can set your home’s temperature to lower when your family leaves for work or school and to rise before you return. If you’re working from home or doing e-learning these days, you can still set the schedule to adjust a few degrees lower when you go to sleep. Experts say a few degrees above or below 65º F is the ultimate sleeping temperature.

Smart thermostats, like Nest, can even learn your schedule based on thermal sensors or geofencing your phone’s location to determine when you are away or sleeping and adjust temperatures accordingly. Not heating an empty (or sleeping) home will help you save big on your winter energy bills.

Create a meal plan

… and stick to it! Many of us are eating at home more these days and creating a meal plan can help save you time, effort and money. With a weekly or monthly meal plan, you won’t have the nightly debate on what to cook until it’s too late, and fast food is the easiest solution. And you’ll save big on your grocery bill by only buying ingredients for the meals on your plan, rather than purchasing random ingredients without a plan in place. You can also stretch the meals by making a little extra for leftovers the next day or two.

Save on water

Spending more time at home can also mean using more water. Hopefully your family still sees showering and brushing their teeth as an essential task, but there are ways you can continue to save water every day. Make sure to turn off the water while shaving (women, too!), brushing teeth and washing hands and consider setting a timer to shorten showers. You can also check for leaks in your pipes or toilet with the help of an Appliance Repair Services NYC plumbing expert to ensure you’re not wasting water without even knowing.

If you’re looking for more money-saving life hacks for the plumbing or HVAC system in your New York and New Jersey home, contact our professional technicians at (718) 577-7875 or schedule a consultation online today.

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What does it mean?

Products that earn an ENERGY STAR^® rating, like those from our partners at Carrier, have met stringent criteria set by either the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. They operate the same or better than other standard appliances in your home but use less energy.

Why is it so highly regarded?

Energy-efficient products and appliances help protect the environment by reducing harmful emissions from power plants. This helps reduce pollution in the air we breathe daily, conserves natural resources for the future and reduces carbon and greenhouse gas emissions that can contribute to climate change.

Which products qualify?

Most appliances and products that use gas or electricity can qualify for an ENERGY STAR^® label. This can include the heating and air conditioning systems that Appliance Repair Services NYC installs, as well as lighting, computers, refrigerators, office equipment and more.

Does it save me money?

When you invest in ENERGY STAR^® products for your New York and New Jersey home, you’ll find savings in multiple ways. First, since your systems are using less energy, you’ll notice savings on your monthly gas or electric bills. The older the house, the greater its inefficiency. You may also qualify for federal tax credits by installing ENERGY STAR^® products, as well as commercial installation rebates from organizations like New York and New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program.

How do I get one?

As your home heating system ages, you’ll notice less efficiency and more money spent on repairs. It is estimated that systems built eight to ten years ago are 60% less energy efficient than current heating units! Appliance Repair Services NYC can work with you to determine the right time for a new heating system installation, and we can help you choose from one of our high-quality Carrier ENERGY STAR^®–rated products.

If you are interested in installing a new ENERGY STAR^® product or performing an energy assessment with an HVAC professional, contact Appliance Repair Services NYC today at (718) 577-7875 or schedule an appointment online. You’ll be thankful you did!

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We’ve all been through a lot so far in 2020, and it can be easy to feel down. But as we head into fall, our team at Appliance Repair Services NYC is striving to focus on a positive attitude and a sense of “October optimism.” We are positively committed to providing you with superior customer satisfaction; just ask our more than 100,000 happy customers from our past 20 years of service.

Reliable expert service

Our expert technicians are trained in the latest trends and technology for plumbing, heating and A/C services. And you can always rely on Appliance Repair Services NYC because we make sure that your service calls are answered live 24/7, even on weekends and holidays. With offices in NY and Brooklyn, we can even reach our customers for emergency service in one hour or less!

Always honest pricing

For a business providing services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you might think you’d have to pay extra. But Appliance Repair Services NYC is committed to honest pricing, and we NEVER charge extra for service calls on nights, weekends or holidays. Customers can also benefit from our exclusive savings and financing options to help keep your HVAC and plumbing systems in top shape.

Genuinely amazing solutions

At Appliance Repair Services NYC, our technicians never cut corners. We offer fast, long-lasting solutions and proper preventative maintenance that can keep your systems running for years to come. Rather than first suggesting a costly replacement, we’ll save you money by recommending repairs whenever possible. And you’ll always eNew Yorkoy the benefit of more certainty in the quality of your repair because our technicians are licensed, certified, and equipped to offer the trade’s best solutions.

Positive customer reviews

You’ll know you can trust our service because of our abundance of positive customer reviews. Here are just a few recent testimonials from happy New York and New Jersey customers:

“Appliance Repair Services NYC and their technician, Jean, were terrific. He helped us resolve a problem with our gas pipeline. He was super professional, provided us with a great price and completed the job in a timely manner. I would use their services again if needed.” – Charles G.

“Matt came out and was very good. Matt replaced kitchen faucet and the plumbing under the sink. He also replaced the bathroom sink and toilet. Matt was professional and efficient. He explained in detail the work he performed and any information that was needed to maintain the performance of the items. I will definitely recommend this company to my family and friends.” – T

“Rich was friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. He came all the way to Sussex County on short notice. Thanks, Rich, for diagnosing and repairing our plumbing issue quickly and efficiently! Another company recommended ripping out our newly redone tile and wanted to charge us twice as much, and it turned out that that was not even the problem! We would highly recommend Appliance Repair Services NYC Plumbing.” – Christie P.

If you’re ready to schedule a visit from Appliance Repair Services NYC, call us at (718) 577-7875 or schedule service online. We know you and your family will be positively satisfied by our reliable service, honest pricing, and genuinely amazing solutions.

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October is here, and that means it’s time to “treat” yourself! This month brings us not just Halloween treats, but also Positive Attitude Month. Celebrate the “power of positive” with the benefits of a new energy-efficient HVAC system for your New York and New Jersey home. As the top choice for all your home service needs in New York and New Jersey, Appliance Repair Services NYC can install your new system in time to keep your family feeling positively comfortable all winter long.

Why work with Appliance Repair Services NYC?

At Appliance Repair Services NYC, we have spent more than 20 years developing our proven approach to superior HVAC services, resulting in more than 100,000 happy customers throughout New York and New Jersey. We know that spending a lot of money on a new installation or replacement can be difficult, so we first seek out options for repair as often as possible. When replacements are necessary, we offer special financing and savings as well.

When to replace your system

When the time comes to upgrade your HVAC, our team of expert technicians will provide you with the No. 1 A/C installation and replacement services in New York and New Jersey. A few signs that it’s time to replace could be if the system is more than 10 years old and repairs would cost more than $500. You may also want to replace your unit if the cost of that replacement is less than the potential efficiency upgrades, we would need to make to the older system.

Benefits of energy efficiency

Air conditioners and heaters have come a long way in terms of efficiency technology. For these systems, even if they are still technically working, 15 years of age can mean a lot less efficiency and a lot more maintenance. New Carrier systems these days bring far more than the minimum efficiency ratings, and you’ll find that our ENERGY STAR® systems will both help the environment and save you money.

Save big on utility bills and service

One of the biggest changes you’ll find when you treat yourself to a new HVAC system is a savings in your utility bills. Energy-efficient units can mean much lower utility bills throughout the year, so the potential savings could even pay for your installation! Upgrading to a newer unit can also mean less frequent service repairs, putting more money back in your pocket. And with proper preventative maintenance, your system can last your family for years and years.

If you are ready to upgrade your system, call our Appliance Repair Services NYC trusted experts at (718) 577-7875 or request service online today. We guarantee you’ll be positively thrilled to work with our technicians on your next installation.

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National Preparedness Month is here, and Appliance Repair Services NYC Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Sewer & Drain Cleaning is ready to prep your home for winter. Our team of expert technicians is always ready to serve homes in need of emergency repair but making arrangements now for the upcoming colder months can help prevent heating breakdowns. Prepare for potentially unpredictable weather early by winterizing your New York and New Jersey home with these helpful tips.

Take stock of winter supplies

The last thing you want is the first big snowfall of the season and no supplies to dig your way out. Or worse, waiting until everything is sold out before you can get your winter supplies. Prepare now for the first snow by making sure you have salt/ice melt on hand, as well as a few high-quality snow shovels.

If you have a snow blower, check that it has gas and is in working condition. Make sure your whole family has hats, boots and gloves that fit for the season. In case of a power outage, keep some flashlights and batteries on hand, too.

Schedule a furnace tune-up

Keep your furnace in working order by scheduling a tune-up now with the experts at Appliance Repair Services NYC. Our team of professional technicians will make sure that your heating unit is in proper working order to help prevent emergency repairs or untimely breakdowns in the cold months of winter.

Of course, if you do have an emergency furnace breakdown, Appliance Repair Services NYC can be there within the hour, no matter the time of day or night. You can also perform DIY maintenance to winterize your HVAC unit, like cleaning your humidifiers and checking the air filter monthly (and replacing when needed).

Prevent burst pipes

Pipes are at risk for bursting in the winter because the water in them can freeze and cause strong pressure between the blockage and the faucet. Winterize your pipes by identifying the ones that are most likely to burst in your home, usually located near external walls.

You can use an insulation sleeve or cover to help prevent water from freezing inside those pipes. If you are still concerned about the safety of your pipes or plumbing, our Appliance Repair Services NYC plumbing experts would be happy to evaluate them.

Add more insulation

Insulation helps more than just your pipes stay warm; it cozies up your whole home. You may be losing heat through cracks in your doors, windows or even siding. Use caulk or insulation to seal cracks and prevent your furnace from working harder than it needs to this winter.

Are you ready to winterize your New York and New Jersey home? Call the Appliance Repair Services NYC experts today at (718) 577-7875 or schedule a visit online. We’ll be happy to get you prepared for whatever may come this winter.

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September is National Preparedness Month, and Appliance Repair Services NYC Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Sewer & Drain Cleaning wants to help prep your New York and New Jersey home for the unpredictable this season. One way that you can get ready for the upcoming cold months is with a fall furnace tune-up. Here are some of the top reasons to call the experts at Appliance Repair Services NYC for your early bird tune-up.

Prevent emergency furnace breakdowns

Your furnace will be less likely to experience a breakdown if you keep it regularly serviced. Appliance Repair Services NYC can provide 24/7 emergency service, guaranteeing a tech will be at your home within the hour. But even a few hours without heat in the winter can be a hardship on you and your family. Schedule your fall tune-up and keep up with regular at-home maintenance to prevent frustrating or frequent breakdowns.

Keep your home safe

You rely on your furnace to keep your family comfortable during the cooler months, but improper care can turn your furnace into a hazard. For example, a cracked heat exchanger could release deadly carbon monoxide into your home’s air. Clogged filters could stop your home’s air from circulating and cause the unit to overheat or even catch fire. Regular tune-ups with the professionals from Appliance Repair Services NYC can help prevent detrimental breakdowns and help protect your family.

Save money on utilities

Another huge benefit to preparing your furnace for fall with a tune-up is a savings in your utilities. When your furnace is running efficiently, you’ll use less energy and eNew Yorkoy lower bills as a result. If your furnace is full of dust or parts are wearing down, additional required energy is reflected both in your utility bills and repair expenses.

Extend the life of your furnace

Depending on the type of heating unit your home has, its life expectancy can range from 15 to 20 years. Boilers can sometimes last a bit less time than heaters and furnaces. Around approximately year 12, you can usually expect your unit to require more investment in its maintenance to keep it running smoothly. However, if you start preventative maintenance early, the life of your heating unit should be extended quite a bit. Investing in a tune-up now can help you save money in the long run.

Participate in National Preparedness Month and get your furnace tuned up with Appliance Repair Services NYC today! Give us a call at (718) 577-7875 or schedule online to get an expert in your New York and New Jersey home ASAP. And don’t forget, we offer regular same-day appointments conveniently to our customers seven days a week, including nights and weekends!

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Even in the dead of summer, you don’t want to run out of hot water for showering and cleaning! Here at Appliance Repair Services NYC Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we keep our New York and New Jersey customers cool at home but warm in their showers with top-notch water heater maintenance. Let us help you keep your family comfortable with these helpful tips for regular maintenance.

How does a water heater work?

A traditional water heater is basically a storage tank that comes equipped with a heating mechanism to warm the water within whenever you need it. There are two varieties of tank water heaters: gas and electric.

An electric water heater is a bit smaller than a gas-powered water heater because a gas unit has a burner on the bottom with a chimney that runs through the tank. Tankless water heaters are another newer option, and they heat within the pipes when the hot water is turned on, rather than storing the water to heat.

How long should it last?

With proper maintenance, a gas-powered water heater is designed to last six to eight years, and an electric water heater can last a bit longer at eight to ten years. Most routine water heater maintenance should be performed by a professional, and we guarantee your complete satisfaction with our work.

If you notice that your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, it could be time to look into a new unit. However, as our Appliance Repair Services NYC customers will tell you, we will do what we can to offer repair options rather than replacements for your water heater to help you save money.

Cause for concern

If you are experiencing issues with your water heater, you should call your New York and New Jersey plumbing specialists at Appliance Repair Services NYC for a service visit. The main problem for a water heater would obviously be if the water is not running as hot as usual or not running for as long as needed.

Other causes for concern include banging, clanging or other noises, noticing a puddle in your unit’s drain pan, or experiencing a rust/brown tint to your water. The fix for these issues may be as simple as a tune-up, but our plumbing experts can evaluate your unit for larger issues as well.

If you live in New York and New Jersey and are having problems with your water heater, call the Appliance Repair Services NYC team today at (718) 577-7875 . You can always count on our expert plumbers for speed of service, emergency assistance, quality work, and professionalism.

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Planning to buy your first home? Congratulations! Purchasing a home is an exciting, new adventure, but understanding a new-to-you HVAC system and its maintenance needs can be frustrating. Appliance Repair Services NYC Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Sewer & Drain Cleaning can help guide our New York and New Jersey customers through the “back-to-cool” season with these crucial-for-new-homeowners tips!

Inspecting your new HVAC system

When you’re looking at homes, be sure to ask about the age of the HVAC system so you’ll know if you’ll need to soon replace any elements. Ask the current homeowner or realtor for a maintenance history, too. Before you purchase your new home, the home inspection should include a basic HVAC review.

If you’d like a second opinion from a professional HVAC expert, Appliance Repair Services NYC would be happy to perform a thorough inspection of your HVAC system. Based on the results of your home inspection, you may be able to negotiate any repairs/replacement with the current owners in your final contract.

What’s the warranty?

Often, HVAC manufacturer warranties can last up to 10 years. If you purchase a home with the HVAC system still under warranty, you won’t be on the hook for the full cost of repairs or replacements for the duration of the warranty’s contract.

However, make sure to check that the original homeowners didn’t void the warranty by not following its conditions. Most warranties require proper maintenance, including annual inspections. On the other hand, purchasing a new system means you’ll get repair benefits for the full length of the warranty and you’ll personally know that you’ve kept up with it.

Check the efficiency

One of the major features to check on your new HVAC system is its energy efficiency. For example, ENERGY STAR^®–rated units should provide you with better efficiency and lower energy bills. Be certain to ask the current homeowner or realtor about the typical energy usage, but remember, each family’s use will be different.

As you move in and start using the system, you’ll get a better idea of how it works for you and what your energy bills will average. If you are concerned about the energy efficiency of your system, the experts at Appliance Repair Services NYC can inspect and make recommendations for better performance.

Routine HVAC maintenance is a must

No matter the age or efficiency of your new home’s HVAC system, you’ll want to keep up with regular maintenance once you take ownership. Check (and change) your HVAC filter regularly, get routine inspections and tune-ups from a professional, and have the ducts cleaned when needed.

If you live in New York and New Jersey and are in the process of purchasing your first home, give Appliance Repair Services NYC a call at (718) 577-7875 ! We’d be honored to guide you through the process of taking ownership of a new-to-you HVAC system.

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