I Smell Sewage: Should I Schedule Plumbing Repair in New Hampshire?

August 22nd, 2013

The smell of sewage in your home or business can be a cause of great concern. Is there a plumbing leak? Are there gases or waste products in my house? Should I schedule plumbing repair? Whether you live in New Hampshire or Vermont, it’s imperative you get plumbing problems fixed right away.

If the sewer line has ruptured, you can spot signs beyond the smell that can alert you to the problem. The ground in your yard may become soggy, or you might notice that the grass is greener and more vibrant than the surrounding plant life (which means it’s being fertilized by the sewage form the line). You may also hear a bubbling sound or see bubbles in your toilet.

It may also be that your plumbing system is having issues with its drain traps or vents, which keep sewage smells from entering your house. If that’s the case, then you need to summon a trained professional as quickly as possible to discover the problem. Your vents or traps may be faulty, with a broken seal or an inability to hold sufficient amounts of water in the system. Clogged vents happen too, and with the clogs can come a suspicious sewer smell. Again, however, a qualified expert can conduct repairs: replacing the seal, plugging any leaks and cleaning clogged vent pipes no matter where they are in the house.

Repairs can thus run a broad gamut from a simple clog or faulty seal to a wholesale installation project. Regardless of the source of the sewage smells, however, you need a reliable and professional expert on your side to help. You also need to trust them to accurately assess the causes and to implement a solution that’s going to work.

At HB Energy Solutions, we are fully insured and licensed, with a dedication to 100% customer satisfaction. We provide free estimates so you know what to expect before going in. Pick up the phone and call today if you need plumbing repair in New Hampshire.

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Basic Components of Your Electrical System

August 14th, 2013

Every modern home has an electrical system, designed to run our lights, appliances and other devices that make modern living possible. In Southern Vermont, electrical problems can be more than an inconvenience, with cold temperatures and inclement weather outside creating all manner of problems. It helps to understand the basic components of your electrical system, so that you know what happens when there are problems and can give a service professional some basic idea of where to look.

Electricity in your home starts with the circuit breaker panel, which is connected to the main power supplied by your city or municipality. The breaker panel usually contains the main breaker, which covers the whole house, as well as individual breakers that run power to different specific outlets inside the house.

Electrical wiring goes out from the breaker box to each of the individual outlets in your home.  The wires have to meet certain codes, both federal and local, in order to be rated safely. Most circuits in the modern home have two conductors: one “hot” and one “neutral.” A third conductor, which grounds the electricity and channels it directly into the ground in the event of any emergency, is connected to every outlet in the home. Older wiring, such as “knob and tube” wiring used in the early decades of the 20th century, is no longer considered safe. If you live in an older home, check with a professional to see if your wiring is still up to code.

The wiring connects to the outlets in your wall, which let you access the electricity and power the lights and appliances in your home. Some outlets contain “mini-breakers” that shut off the power when an appliance overload them.

When your electrical system experiences problems, you should contact a trained service professional immediately. HB Energy employs trained professionals who can safely handle all kinds of electrical issues, and we serve most communities in Southern Vermont. Call us for an appointment today; we’re dedicated to your satisfaction and will work hard to correct your problem the first time, every time.

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Air Conditioning Repair and Your Thermostat

August 6th, 2013

Your air conditioning system and the quality of its operation depends on the proper function of many different components. One of the most important of these components is also the one that you have the most direct interaction with. You probably don’t deal with your condenser or evaporator coils very frequently, but during the summer months you probably adjust your thermostat daily. When you rely on a mechanical device so much, it is important that you are certain it operates properly. Don’t let a malfunctioning thermostat jeopardize your comfort this cooling season. Here are a few tips about your thermostat from the Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technicians at HB Energy.

Problems with your thermostat may manifest themselves in a number of different ways. You may notice that your air conditioning system shuts down before target temperatures are met. This may have to do with a thermostat issue. It is possible for your thermostat to misread the temperature. If it thinks that your living room is 68° when it is actually 75°, for instance, then there is no way that you can expect your air conditioning system to function properly. Contact an AC repair technician immediately if your thermostat seems to have trouble regulating the cooling of your home.

Never overlook the very real possibility of user error at the thermostat, though. Before you decide that your thermostat is actually damaged, make sure that you have set it properly. If it has accidentally been switched to the “heat” setting, or if you have misread the display and set it for a higher temperature than you meant to, you do not really need the services of a professional air conditioning repair technician. If there is no obvious cause of any problem, though, it may well be broken or even poorly placed. If your thermostat is a spot not indicative of the true temperature in your house, simply relocating it may do the trick.

For more guidance on successfully operating your thermostat and when to schedule air conditioning repair in Southern Vermont, just call HB Energy.

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Common Causes of Inefficient Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

July 29th, 2013

As a homeowner, you deserve to get efficient and consistent air conditioning in your home. But if notice that your energy bills keep going up, it can mean that you have a problem with your air conditioning system. So what could be causing your air conditioning system to operate inefficiently? Here are a few common causes.

  • Clogged air filter – By far the most common cause air conditioning problems is a clogged air filter. Your AC uses an air filter in order to protect the insides from dust, dirt and other debris that might get in from the outside air. If the air filter doesn’t get regularly replaced, it can restrict the flow of air through the system which will greatly reduce its efficiency.
  • Over-sized system – Another common cause of inefficient air conditioning operation is an air conditioning system that is too large for the home. This will cause it to short-cycle, which means that it will turn on and off again very quickly. This starting up and shutting down uses a lot of energy and will reduce your AC’s efficiency.
  • Clogged coils – Your air conditioning system uses two different sets of coils in order to cool your home. On the inside are evaporator coils over which a fan blows the warm air from your home in order to cool it. In the outside unit are the condensing coils that exhaust the heat from your home. If these coils get clogged, it will restrict the flow of air and cause you to lose efficiency.
  • Low refrigerant – Your air conditioning system uses a compressed refrigerant in order to carry the heat out of your house. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your air conditioner, then it will have to work extra hard in order to cool your home which reduces its efficiency.

If you need repair, installation or maintenance services for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, just contact us here at HB Energy.

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Simple Ways to Protect Your Plumbing in New Hampshire

July 22nd, 2013

It can be incredibly frustrating if your home’s plumbing system stops working. You use your drains and your water pipes every single day to carry out essential tasks like showering, washing dishes and doing laundry. Because of how important your plumbing system is, most homeowners are interested in things that they can do to keep their plumbing system working well. Here at HB Energy, we offer complete plumbing services and we wanted to share some of the tips that you can use to keep your plumbing system working consistently. Give us a call if you need any services for your plumbing in New Hampshire.

Here are a few tips from our professional plumbers here at HB Energy. Contact us if you need any repair, installation or maintenance for your plumbing in New Hampshire.

  • Regular maintenance – Probably one of the best things that you can do to keep your plumbing system working well is to get it regularly maintained. As your plumbing system operates, it will develop small clogs and leaks that can eventually turn into major issues. By dealing with those problems when they’re small, you might be able to prevent major repairs later on.
  • Protect your drains – Your drains get a lot of use every single day, especially your kitchen sink drain. Not every piece of food waste from your kitchen can go down your drains. Make sure that any animals bones, fruit pits or melted grease and fat don’t go down your drains as these can cause terrible clogs in your home’s drain system.
  • Regular cleaning – Another great thing to do is to get regular drain cleaning. During drain cleaning services, your plumber will thoroughly clean out all of the components of your system. This will allow them to remove any small clogs that might be developing.

If you need any kind of services for your plumbing in New Hampshire, make sure that you call the experts at HB Energy.

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Save Energy with a Quality Air Conditioning Installation

July 15th, 2013

Are you in the market for a new AC? Tired of paying for frequent repairs on your old unit? Whatever your reason for needing a new AC system for your home, there’s nothing more important to the future of your comfort than a quality installation. Air conditioners are complex machines with various components that must cooperate to remove heat energy from the home and cool your air. Your indoor and outdoor units need to be installed by a professional and properly charged with the right amount of refrigerant. Call HB Energy today for all of your air conditioning installation needs in Southern Vermont and New Hampshire.

Let’s take a look at how you can save energy by hiring a quality air conditioning professional for your next installation project:

  • Sizing: Before you even reach the actual installation phase, you need to make sure that your AC is appropriately sized for your home. Only a professional will be able to provide an adequate load calculation of your home and match that to an AC that fits your home’s needs.
  • Options: When you deal with a professional, you have options. Not only do you have central air systems to select from, but you can also take advantage of ductless split heat pumps that provide cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter. A professional can help you differentiate between the various types of system to find one that’s right for your home.
  • SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the rating used in the US for air conditioning units. Every AC has a numeric SEER rating, and the higher the number, the greater its estimated energy efficiency. While energy efficiency depends on numerous factors beyond your AC’s SEER, it’s generally a good guide for purchasing a new system.
  • Refrigerant: During installation, your AC will need to be properly charged with refrigerant. This level is incredibly important to both the energy efficiency and effectiveness of your new system. If it is not completed properly, it can result in inadequate cooling and high energy bills. Your AC technician will make sure your system is charged with the manufacturer’s recommended amount of refrigerant.

Call HB Energy Solutions if you need air conditioning installation in New Hampshire.

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Causes of Uneven Air Conditioning in New Hampshire

July 8th, 2013

Your air conditioning system is a critical component of your home’s comfort. But what if it is only cooling certain sections of your home? This can be incredibly frustrating and is often a sign that you need repairs for your air conditioning in New Hampshire. Read below for a brief explanation of what could be causing this issue.

Air Conditioner is Too Big or Too Small

If your air conditioning system is too large for your home, it will turn on and quickly cool the areas closest to it and then shut off when the thermostat senses that the area is cool. Conversely, if your air conditioning system is too small, it won’t be able to cool enough air. In order to fully cool your entire home, your air conditioner will needs to be properly sized.

Ductwork

Another common cause of hot and cold spots throughout your home could be with your ductwork. It might be the case that the ducts in a certain area of your home are leaking. Any cool air that tries to get through could be leaking outside. It may also be that your ducts are poorly insulated so the heat in your attic warms the air as it passes through the ducts. Uneven cooling can also happen if ductwork in your home is too small for your air conditioning system. In this case, your AC system is trying to pull in more air through the ducts but there simply isn’t the space for it.

If you are having any of these problems or if you need service for your air conditioning in New Hampshire, make sure that you call the experts at HB Energy.  

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Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

July 2nd, 2013

The 4th of July will forever hold a very special place in the history of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

Not only is Independence Day an important day in our nation’s history, but for many people it is a day that is filled with memories from celebrations of years past. Fireworks, barbeques, baseball games, fairs, carnivals, patriotic music and ceremonies are all scattered through our memories as we’ve participated in annual parties, get-togethers, picnics and family gatherings throughout the years. John Adams, our 2nd president, was right when he said that our Independence Day “…ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

The 4th of July is truly a day to enjoy but also to remember and respect the sacrifice that many brave men and women made over 200 years ago to give us the freedom that we cherish today. However you celebrate Independence Day, make sure that you take a moment to remember what this day is really about.

We wish you a safe and happy 4th of July!

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Southern Vermont Air Conditioning Repair Guide: Signs of a Faulty Capacitor

June 26th, 2013

A reliable air conditioning system is one of the best investments any homeowner can make. During the hottest time of the year it is great to be able to come home to a cool, comfortable environment. Even the best air conditioners on the market, though, are still mechanical systems. Like all other mechanical systems, it is impossible to guarantee that they will never suffer from operational problems. That is why it helps to understand some basic warning signs that trouble is brewing with your AC. Here are some indicators that you may have a faulty capacitor in your system from the pros at HB Energy.

First of all, what is a capacitor? Basically, a capacitor is a device that stores an electrical charge. In an HVAC system they are used in fan motors and compressors. A run capacitor is used in the fan motors of AC systems, heat pumps and furnaces. It is their job to maintain a certain voltage charge which keeps the motors running, and to increase their torque when the motors first start up. A start capacitor is also used in many heat pumps and air conditioners. When the compressor first starts up a start capacitor supplies a torque boost. Once the compressor is up and running the start capacitor switches off automatically.

Many different problems may be the result of a faulty capacitor in your air conditioning system. Depending on whether the capacitor fails completely or if it loses strength you may notice that the motor it works with stops running. If the compressor motor in your air conditioner won’t run your AC will not cool your home. If the outdoor fan does not operate properly then the compressor may short cycle or shut down. Only a professional Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician can determine for sure what the exact cause of your problem is.

To learn more about the basic components of your air conditioning system, or to schedule service with a Southern Vermont air conditioning repair technician, contact HB Energy today. Our team of skilled professionals has the answers to all your questions.

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How Thermostat Location can Affect Your Air Conditioning Installation

June 18th, 2013

Your thermostat is critical to the smooth operation and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. There are various makes and models on the market today, from old-fashioned conventional models to the latest in wifi-enabled “smart” units. If you’re having an air conditioning installation service in your New Hampshire home, then you need to find a good location for your thermostat, one that maximizes the potential of your new AC. At HB Energy Solutions, we strive to make the entire process easy on you, from equipment selection to the installation itself. Give us a call today to learn more about thermostats or about a new air conditioner for your home.

The thermostat has a simple, but absolute vital purpose. It provides the homeowners with a relatively simple user interface by which he or she can control the indoor climate, and it also senses the temperature of the space and communicates with the control board on the AC itself. But much of its ability to perform its function successfully depends upon its location in the home. Let’s look at some factors related to thermostat location that can affect your AC:

  • Drafts: Whether from doors, windows, ducts, or fans, drafts can disrupt your thermostat’s ability to sense the temperature accurately. It should be located away from spots in the home that have drafts.
  • Sunlight: You should make sure that your thermostat is not in the direct line of the sun coming through the window or skylight. For obvious reasons, this can substantially affect its ability to sense the temperature accurately, which can then throw off the entire cooling process.

While there are many DIY enthusiasts out there, it’s important that your new air conditioning equipment include professional installation services. There’s simply no other way to ensure that your entire AC—thermostat included—satisfies your expectations. Don’t underestimate the importance of thermostat location. It can make or break the operation of your cooling system’s performance as well as its energy efficiency. Call HB Energy Solutions today for comprehensive air conditioning installation services in New Hampshire. 

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