Articles |
Welcome to our Articles library archive. Please re-visit this page in the future to view new articles of special interest. Fix A Leak Week According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, March 12-18, 2012 is “Fix a Leak Week”. Leaky toilets and faucets can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year and add 10 percent to the average residential water bill, state officials said.
In many cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly by reducing water usage and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, or call us for a service appointment.
Another Great Year at the Lake Geneva Home Expo! O’Leary Plumbing and Heating had another successful presentation at the 2012 Lake Geneva Home Expo, held at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, WI. This event, held by the Lakeland Builders Association, draws people from the all over the Lakes Region. The Expo was held on February 18-19, 2012. Kevin O’Leary presented information on geothermal heating and cooling. He showcased Waterfurnace Geothermal Systems. Geothermal systems have been recognized by the EPA as the most environmentally-friendly heating and cooling technology available.
In the area of hydronic heating, Kevin displayed a sample installation of Thermal Track Modular Hydronic Radiant Heating, manufactured by Zurn Pex, Inc. This product line can be installed under many floorings, such as hardwood, laminate, tile and vinyl.
In the adjoining booth at the Expo, Dan O’Leary showcased plumbing products with Universal Design. This is a new focus for O’Leary Plumbing and Heating, and one you will be hearing more about in the future. The centerpiece of the display was a Jacuzzi Finestra™ walk-in bath, which was designed with easy access and comfortable bathing in mind.
Dan also displayed curbless shower bases and folding shower seats. These products are available through ARC Accessibility Resource Center.
Swanstone Products were also featured in the booth. They are manufacturers of a new barrier free shower floor. This is a reinforced solid surface with a wide trough drain. It eliminates the need for an additional water dam.
Important safety products, Grab Bars and hand showers, are now available in colors and finishes to match any existing bathroom.
Plans are already underway for the 2013 Expo! Stop by and see us then. To learn more about these products, contact O’Leary Plumbing and Heating, or select the links below.
Universal Design A growing number of healthy, active people nearing retirement age are making plans to stay in their current residence as long as possible. Designers from across the country agree that bath products must be able to adapt to changing health care needs, yet be suitable for people of all ages. O'Leary Plumbing and Heating offers some ideas to help meet these needs.
For more information on Universal Accessibility, visit www.arcfirst.net. Or, call us at (262) 642-7747, or e-mail us at info@olearyplumbingandheating.com
Tankless On-Demand Water Heaters A tankless water heater is an energy-efficient water heating system that heats water only when it's needed. These space-saving, long-lasting water heaters provide an endless stream of clean, hot water for all your appliances simultaneously without temperature fluctuations. They are the ideal "Green" solution for heating water. Tankless water heaters are great for people that need a lot of hot water. A unit will produce enough hot water for 2 shower heads to run continuously. The technology developed over the last several years has increased both efficiency and reliability. Our own experience has taught us that these systems are proven solutions for many people. Here are some items that should be considered when making the decision to switch to tankless technology:
Here at O'Leary Plumbing and Heating, we strive to help our customers make informed choices. If you would like more information about our complete line of tankless water heater systems, call us at (262) 642-7747, or e-mail us at info@olearyplumbingandheating.com.
Home Heating System Maintenance The last days of summer are here and it's time to start thinking about the colder weather that's coming. Now is the time to inspect your home heating system and perform any needed maintenance. Don't leave yourself stranded by waiting until the first cold snap! There are several things you can do yourself to check your heating system.
Call us to schedule your appointment today. Save money on your energy bills by ensuring that your heating system is running efficiently.
Talking In-Floor Radiant Heating Interview during the 2011 Grand New Home and Remodeling Expo at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa.
New Products O'Leary Plumbing and Heating is now a dealer of Water-Furnace brand geothermal comfort systems as well as York brand heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in both the residential and commercial markets. Please visit our Geothermal and HVAC pages, respectively, for more information on our services.
Clear Dryer & Furnace Vents Caution! Clear your furnace vents! A common problem is high snowdrifts that block furnace vents and air intakes in some homes, predominantly those that have newer high-efficiency furnaces and power vented water heaters. These newer systems vent out the side of the home, rather than up through the roof. If they are blocked, carbon monoxide can back up in the home. Some, but not all, newer furnaces have automatic shut-offs that will shut down the furnace when the vent is blocked. We have received many calls from people without heat. This could be prevented. Keep a 3-foot area clear around the vent and intake pipes clear of snow, shrubs, or other potential obstructions. After a snowfall check the area around the furnace and water heater vents to ensure that snow and ice are not blocking the safe operation of these devices. If your furnace does go off, clear the snow from the area. Then turn off the electricity to your furnace for 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This will allow the unit to reset. If this doesn’t work, call us! Don’t forget your dryer vent – this will need be kept clear of snow as well.
Information Regarding Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010. This law extends the tax credits for energy efficiency into 2011, BUT at lower levels. The levels revert back to those in effect in 2006 and 2007, which were 10% of the cost of the improvement, up to $500. In addition to the Federal tax credits, Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost effective energy efficient and renewable energy products. Their website has been expanded this year, and details product lines included, as well as application procedures. For more info, visit www.focusonenergy.com/incentives/ |
