Electricians - HVAC - Heating - Plumbing - Air Conditioning - Leinbach Services - RSS Feed

11 Things to keep in your car for winter

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:52:21 -0500

With the wintry weather here, there are some things that you should keep in your car. These things will help you if you have problems on the road. 1. Water – You should try to have several bottles of water under your front seat. If you store the bottles under your seat, the heat from the floor vents should keep them from freezing. 2. Blanket 3. Energy snacks- If you have a baby or transport someone that has special needs in the way of food, you should keep something in the car that they can eat. 4. Cell phone- You should make sure your cell phone is fully charged when you start out. It is also good to have a cell phone car charger. 5. Hot Packs- These are chemical reaction packs that are popular with hunters. If you are stranded in a cold car, any heat will help. It’s good to keep around a dozen in your car. 6. Flash light with extra batteries 7. Jumper cables 8. First Aid kit 9. Small tool kit 10. Strike anywhere matches in a water-tight container 11. Candles and an empty coffee can to melt snow; a cup is a good idea as well You should keep these things together in a canvas bag or box so that you will know where they are.

Water Discoloration

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:48:39 -0500

Have you seen “muddy brown” water coming from your faucet, and wondered what would happen if you and other material items were exposed to it?
That brown, red, yellow or orange colored mixture you see is rust. The color changes in what was once clear tap water can be attributed to varying chemical oxidations of rust within the water. The rust colored water is not harmful if consumed, but can leave stains in clothing if not treated correctly. When mixed with chlorine bleach, the rust reacts causing permanent stains on clothing.
Two major sources liable for the rust causing “brown water” are your local Water Board’s water mains or your copper or galvanized steel pipe plumbing. In order to determine the cause of discolored water there are specific factors that you can look for. Some of the most common indications that the problem is the Water Board’s distribution system include… 1. Clear water at one point which suddenly became discolored 2. Only cold water is discolored 3. There is discolored water at all faucets after running the water for several minutes Indication that plumbing is the problem include… 1. When first used on a daily basis, the water is discolored 2. Water clears after a few minutes 3. Discoloration is only at one or several faucets, but not all 4. Discoloration only occurs in hot water Still unsure of what is causing your discolored water? Try these few tips… 1. Upon noticing discoloration, turn the faucet off 2. Take a glass or white bowl to the main water faucet of your home, apartment or business 1. If you receive clear water from this faucet, your plumbing is most likely the problem 2. Leave the main water faucet run wide open for approximately two minutes 1. If discoloration continues to occur, contact your water department. If the discoloration is caused by rusty pipes, replacing some piping can improve the problem, or make it worse. Using the same kind of piping is a key component in replacing pipes. Contact Leinbach Services for more information about all your plumbing problems.

Gas vs. Electric, Which water heater is best for you

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:37:19 -0500

Money may be saved by installing an electric tankless water heater, but down the line, when you factor in natural resource costs of gas and electricity, gas is cheaper.
An electric tankless water heater offers longer life, little maintenance and cheaper installation costs without an electrical service upgrade whereas, a gas requires an annual inspection. Electric tankless are about 1/3 the size of a gas heater requiring no ventilation and can be placed in areas not feasible for gas tankless water heaters. For an electric system, unless an upgrade is required, the installation is considerably cheaper than that of a gas heater. Yet, if you are comparing operating costs, the gas tankless can cost you up to 20% less to operate than an electric water heater. In regards to energy consumption, the electric tankless water heater is proven to have more than 98% of the energy used to heat water. A gas tankless water heater provides less than 85% and also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on the amount of usage, the installation of a timer can cut electric costs by consuming less energy. Tank or tankless, the comparison can be evaluated on individual factors and life expectancy. A tankless water heater has an expected life span of 14-18 years, whereas, a standard heater lasts 6-12 years depending on the level of water hardness and amount of maintenance performed. +

Differences Between Mold and Mildew

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:30:09 -0500

Mold and mildew have many of the same characteristics, but they are different types of fungi, and are often different in color and texture. Mold and mildew are often mentioned together since they can both grow in many of the same moist and warm locations. However, most commonly mildew is often found in showers, paper and fabrics and mold is usually found more often than mildew in foods. They can sometimes be difficult to tell apart since both spread out from spores.
Mold can vary in color from black, green, red or blue while mildew is usually gray or white. There are two main types of mildew: powdery and downy. Powdery mildew is most commonly found on roses and other flowering plants. Downy mildew is found in agricultural products such as grapes and potatoes. Both mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, so keeping areas dry is the main preventative measure to help eliminate the fungi.
Bathrooms are a prime source of mold and mildew. Not only are they often damp, but they also usually do not have a lot of ventilation. Some molds have toxins called mycotoxins that some people may be allergic to.
Symptoms of a mold allergy can include headaches, asthma and coughing. Irritation of the eyes and throat could also occur as a result of breathing mold toxins. Although molds are not always harmful; the antibiotic penicillin was created from the mold of the same name. A mildew infestation on paper and some fabrics cannot be scrubbed off, but a mildew remover can usually get rid of mildew on harder surfaces such as surfaces in bathrooms. Bleach solutions are often effective in killing both mold and mildew.
A dehumidifier in the home can reduce moisture. Having a 75% humidity level or more encourages the growth of mold and mildew.

Helpful Hints to Prevent Clogged Drains

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:26:58 -0500

Placing strainers over a drain can help catch most materials before they can get sucked down and possibly caught. A strainer is much easier to clean and remove and dealing with a clog.
Never pour anything into your drains that may harden such as: glue, wax or paints.
Also you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners whenever possible. It is much better to clear a clog mechanically than to use a harsh chemical that can corrode metal pipes. If you feel the need to use a drain cleaner there are more natural versions available now that can clear a clog without causing unnecessary damage. Running a few gallons of boiling water down the drain once a month can help clear any grease or hair. Also, as an alternative, you can add a bit of baking soda to the boiling water.
On the drains that have pop-up stoppers, you should remove them and rinse them off every few weeks to keep them clear of any materials that could slow draining water (hair is a common culprit especially in tubs and showers). Every few months remove your overflow plate, pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring/rocker arm and clear any accumulated materials.

Can’t See Through my Shower Door!

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:24:22 -0500

Are you tired of soap scum on your shower doors? There are cheap cleaners in your kitchen cabinets, pantry or even laundry rooms.
* Baking soda and white vinegar are two things that can get the soap scum off your doors. Just make a paste out of the baking soda and clean your door. After you have cleaned the door, go over it with some vinegar. The vinegar will bubble a bit but will cut through the soap scum.
* Another thing that you have in your laundry room that you can use in your bathroom is liquid fabric softener. If you’ll add a cup of softener to a quart of warm water, you can use it to soften the soap scum.
* A little salt with lemon juice on the sponge. Smells nice and works
* If you have some mineral oil, mix 1 part mineral oil with 4 parts water in a clean, empty spray bottle. Spray on soap scum and dirt in your shower or tub. Wipe off with a sponge.
* If you’ll squeegee your doors after your shower, they will stay cleaner.

What is the importance of preventative maintenance?

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:17:46 -0500

Preventative maintenance on your heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, although at the time may sound like a waste of money, in time, will save you money. By administering a preventative maintenance plan on your HVAC system on a regular, yearly basis it allows you to be aware of your heating and cooling system at all times.
Performing a preventative maintenance check on your system annually can help you identify problems such as rust, rot, frayed wires, leaks and corroded electrical contacts. It is important to do preventative maintenance on your HVAC unit at a minimum of one time per year to ensure your unit is operating at Peak Efficiency. Certain components within a heating and air conditioning system require immediate attention upon irregular operation. • Condenser Coils can become clogged by dust, dirt, pollen and other debris. Because of clogging, the condenser coil loses its ability to pull heat from your system. In turn, it causes the compressor to pull higher amps causing a higher electric bill. •
Dirty filters and evaporator coils which deliver conditioned air into your establishment can cause the evaporator coil to starve for air. Each evaporator coil is designed for a specific volume of air to ensure adequate operation. Due to the lack of maintenance and knowledge about your HVAC, things such as dirty coils and filters can mean premature failure of your heating and air conditioning unit’s compressor, condenser fan and other system components. In other words, a malfunction of a component within your HVAC system can over-work your unit. Replacement of an entire HVAC unit can be costly. When a heating and air conditioning unit is replaced, it is recommended to replace the duct work in its entirety to ensure no leakage throughout your duct work system. Choosing a preventative maintenance plan that best fits you and your system is the best option to avoid replacing your entire heating and air conditioning system. Call Leinbach Services to find out about our preventative maintenance packages and discounted rates for priority customers.

Are you ready to make the transition?

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:13:40 -0500

Beginning in January of 2010, HVAC equipment requiring R-22 refrigerant are no longer on the assembly line. Standard in most HVAC units, R-22 refrigerant has been used for several decades. Yet, by 2020 the chemical production of R-22 will be depleted making it hard to find. For those systems requiring R-22 refrigerant, a new unit or the transition to an R-410A system may be required after that date. R-410A, a new more environment friendly refrigerant, will be the requirement used within HVAC systems after the depletion of R-22. R-22 refrigerant is said to emit greenhouse gases, which eats away at the ozone layer. Aside from environmental factors, system requirements differ between R-22 and R-410A run systems. R-410A requires a system that can operate at a much higher pressure. One specific difference is the coil design. Coils designed to run with R-22 refrigerant are not capable of running at the high pressures needed for the R-410A system. Not only do the coils of an R-410A system need to be designed to accommodate the higher pressure, but each component has to be tested to withstand this pressure increase. R-410A and R-22 refrigerants are not compatible within the same HVAC systems. Whichever refrigerant that is required within a system is the only refrigerant that should be used within that system. Using the wrong refrigerant can cause damage to HVAC components. If systems are not designed to accommodate R-410A refrigerant, the possibility stands for premature system failure and product recalls. Rigorous testing is needed with the redesign of the HVAC systems accommodated to run either R-22 or R410A refrigerant. When transitioning from an HVAC system that runs R-22 to an R-410A system, manufacturers will be sure to leave adequate time for testing to ensure proper operation. Allow roughly one month for a Cyclic Test to be run on the system of redesigned parts. Extra time should be allotted for safety and performance checks.

UV Lights in your HVAC

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 14:09:07 -0500

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10% of all colds are caught outdoors, 90% are caught indoors! Do you have problems with allergies or do you have cats and dogs? You can improve your chances of not becoming sick or spreading germs if you have an UV Light system installed in your heating and air conditioning unit. Numerous studies have proven that UV light destroys mold, fungi,spores, bacteria, germs, and viruses. Now you can have a special Ultra Violet light kit installed in your Heating and air conditioning duct work. There are two different light kits. One kit kills the particles that pass directly over the light, the other one is an air-stream system that creates an advanced oxidation process that kills germs through your house.

Two methods you can use to unclog your toilet.

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 13:54:39 -0500

1) Only flush your toilet once if you have a clog. Reflushing will only add water and might overflow the bowl.
2) Put on plastic gloves if you have any.
3) Put down newspapers or rags on the floor to protect it from the water.

If you don’t have a plunger:
1) Add a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid to the bowl
2) Put water (about the temperature of hot tea) into a pot. From waist level, pour water into toilet bowl. (You need a least a couple of gallons to raise the temperature of the water.
3) Wait about 5 minutes. The water should go down. If not, you can try this again.
If this does not work, you can try the plunger method.

1) Make sure you are using the right plunger. The inexpensive ones do not get as good a seal as the rubber more expensive ones. You want your plunger to seal to the bottom of the toilet bowl and not squirt water out of the bowl when you press down on the plunger. You want all the pressure to go down the pipe.
2) Place the plunger slowly over the hole making sure the hole is completely covered.
3) Pull up on the plunger and then down to create pressure. Do this several times. It is the pressure that will loosen the clog.
4) If this does not work, you might have to resort to other methods.
5) If you are still having plumbing problems call Leinbach Services Inc. We take the “wait” out of service.

Garbage Disposals: Keep your unit in working order

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 13:44:11 -0500

Garbage disposals are virtually self-cleaning and maintenance free. However, a malfunctioning garbage disposal can mean a messy headache, but one that can be avoided.
Here are some ideas to keep your unit in good working order.
* Always run cold water when grinding in order to move the waste all the way through the drain lines. Fats and grease congeal and harden in cold water which can then be flushed through the system.
*Do not use hot water when grinding because it can dissolve fats and grease, which may then accumulate in the drain line. Almost all biodegradable food waste can be fed into disposals. However, do not throw down the disposal clam or oyster shells, corn husks or other material with a high fiber content.
*Under no circumstances should you put glass, plastic or metal non-food materials through a disposal. This includes bottle caps, tin covers or aluminum foil–these are some of the items service technicians commonly find in clogged or broken disposals.
Cleaning the Garbage Disposal
At first, the odors may not be noticeable. However, given enough time and lack of cleaning, the unpleasant odors may become stronger as bacteria and mold grow.
Cleaning the garbage disposal at least once a week with one of the following methods will help to keep it free of nasty bacteria and unsightly mold.
Method 1: Pour one half cup of baking soda down the kitchen drain. Carefully pour one cup of white vinegar down the drain on top of the baking soda. Place the drain stopper in the sink to close off the drain. If you have a double sink, you should do this for both of them. The mixture will fizz and make a bit of noise or fizzing sounds. Allow this to work its magic for a few minutes while you boil some hot water. Use a full teakettle or medium size pot of water. Once this has boiled, pour it down the drain.
Method 2: Using a clean container, mix a gallon of water with one tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach. Carefully and slowly, pour the solution down the drain and allow it to sit for several minutes. Flush the drain thoroughly with cold water for several minutes.

Reverse Polarity

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 13:28:20 -0500

Have you ever thought of what would happen if you switched the wires within an electrical receptacle?
Reverse Polarity, a connection of the hot wire to the neutral terminal and neutral wire to the hot terminal of a receptacle, is an unseen hazard. Any receptacle has the capability to have reverse polarity. In most cases, you will not know that an outlet’s polarity is reversed. Yet, it can be dangerous when connected to certain types of lamps or equipment creating risk of shock, shortage and electrical fire. On a plug, one prong is slightly larger than the other. The larger of the two is neutral, the smaller is hot. When using a three-prong plug device such as a surge protector, the circular prong acts as the ground providing stability for your electronic/appliance while minimizing the risk of a shortage and shock. The question remains, why would someone want to reverse the polarity in a receptacle? Perhaps you rewire your home or business, or have new construction; there’s always a chance that by mistake, the wiring could be cross-connected to any receptacle. Although reverse polarity within a receptacle may not be bad in some cases, it’s a matter of detection. If you feel your outlet(s) may be wired incorrectly, consult Leinbach Services for an electrical inspection.

Which HVAC filter is best for you?

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 11:08:54 -0500

HVAC Filters… What’s the difference? Although each heating and air conditioning unit (HVAC) is different, when it comes to HVAC filters, a specific kind of filter is not required. There are many options that should be taken into consideration when choosing an HVAC filter. Because all HVAC filters are universal to units, some qualifications apply when choosing the right filter for your home or business such as:
*Filter size
Size does matter.  Make sure you are using the correct size.  The filter is there to capture all the dust and dander and if your filter is too small, it will not do it's job correctly.
* Air Flow
You need to keep a clean filter in your unit.  A dirty filter will restrict air flow which will make your unit work harder striving for air.  The harder your unit and components  have to work, the more chance there will be your unit's life's span will lessen.
* Air Quality
Different filters have different air quality.  The tighter the weave of the filter, the more it will trap.
      1.The cheaper filters have a  more open weave to the filter.  These are not really recommended because they will trap some  bigger dust and dander but the smaller particles will go through the open weave.

     2.  With Pleated filters, which can range in thickness of 1 to 6 inches, dust and particles are caught in the lowest point of the pleat. They are cheaper than High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

   3.  HEPA air filters are the most efficient.  It will remove almost all allergens from the air that passes through your HVAC equipment by trapping particles in the deepest point of its thick pleated surface area encompassing roughly 7 pleats per inch. ,

     3.  An electrostatic filter is permanent and washable requiring monthly cleaning. If not properly maintained these filters will restrict air flow.

Don’t Use CFI’s Here

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 16:46:03 -0500

Everyone now days wants to save money and the environment. Buying Compact Fluorescent lights (CFI) can do both. If every home in the United States replaces only one traditional light bulb with a CFL, enough energy can be saved to light more than three million homes. This can prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent of about 800,000 cars.
But you know this. Some things you may not know are;
* Most do not like dimmers. If you want a CFI that goes into a dimmer, make sure the package says it can be used with a dimmer.
* They do not like hot places like ovens or range vent hoods. Or inside an enclosed light fixture. When it is inside a light fixture the hot air can not escape easily. If the bulb gets too hot it will destroy the electronic ballast.
* They don’t like water. If you are going to use a CFI outside make sure it is labeled to use outside.
* Don’t put them in a refrigerator. They don’t work well in low temperatures. If condensation forms on the bulb, the electronics in compact fluorescent lamps could be damaged.

Another thing to know is that if a CFI breaks, you need to be very careful. Compact Fluorescent lights have Mercury in them. Mercury vapors are toxic. If one breaks, open a window immediately. Leave the room for at least 15 minutes to let the air out. Use disposable gloves to pick up the pieces and powder with cardboard or stiff paper. Place them in a sealed plastic bag. Place the first bag into another sealed plastic bag. These lights because of the Mercury are considered hazardous waste and should not be put into your trash can. You need to call your waste disposal company to ask them how to dispose of CFIs. Make sure you wash your hands extremely well. If the light bulb breaks on the carpet, After putting on gloves, use tape to get up the pieces of glass and powder. If you must vacuum, pick up the pieces you see, then vacuum just where the bulb broke. After you have cleaned the area, carefully take out your vacuum bag and seal it in a plastic bag and call your waste disposal company to see where to dispose of the bags.

Six Signs of Structure Damage

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 16:35:58 -0500

Man-made structures shift and move over time. This movement causes cracks and loose structure joints. The effects are sometimes visual and sometimes not, until the damage is done.
Some of the signs of structure shifting or movement are:
• leaking roofs
• wet basements
• drafts around windows and/or doors
• doors that are hard to open and close
• unusual plumbing or electrical issues
• cracks on walls around doors and/or windows
If you have any of these problems, call Leinbach Services Inc.

Automatic door closers

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:57:55 -0500

Automatic door closers add convenience for your patrons and employees. It allows them to enter and exit your building comfortably and conveniently. Automatic closers also help lower your utility bill by making sure the door closes. A door closer is a device that controls the speed of a door opening and closing. A series of values control the speed of hydraulic fluid passing from one reservoir to another regulating a spring tension. It also controls the swing speed and latching speed. Different closers have different features. Some have back check adjustments, latching speed controls, and delay action. Back check adjusts how easily the door opens and prevents the door from being flung wide open suddenly. Latching speed is when the door is fully shut this feature makes sure the door latches securely. The delay action allows the door to close steadily to allow time to enter and eliminates the need to pull the door shut after closing. In the case of automatic door closers, paying a higher price for a quality closer could save time in less need of repair, and longer life especially if it is a heavily used door. When purchasing one, there are several factors to consider. First, how much door traffic do you have? Automatic door closers are labeled as to how much traffic they can endure before being replaced. Second, select one that has several features like back check adjustments, latching speed controls, and delay action.

Is a more expensive toilet really worth it?

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:53:07 -0500

A toilet is a toilet, but not to someone who likes to save money and help the environment. As with other material items, the more expensive, the better the product in some cases. Yet, sometimes the extra money spent is on product branding and features. While “behind the seat” technologies vary, performance is what really matters.
As passed in a 1992 Environmental Protection Agency Act beginning in 1994, U.S. Federal Law requires new residential and commercial toilets to use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilets made prior to this federal law water regulation are not affected by this law. Yet, home and business owners are encouraged to upgrade existing facilities to comply with water conservation efforts.
The performance of a toilet is based on how well it removes waste in one flush. Higher costs will not guarantee better performance. The toilet specifics, i.e. brand, color, style and features will determine the cost difference. Generally, the less amount of water used within a toilet for waste removal can be considered a Low-Flow toilet. It uses gravity and atmospheric pressure, so less water is required to remove human waste.
Improved toilet technologies are referred to as High Efficiency Toilets. These toilets may be dual flush or single flush using gravity fed and pressure assist techniques in a siphonic or wash-down method.
* Dual Flush toilets give the user the option to push one button to flush liquid waste using only .8 gallons of water, and another for solid using 1.6 gallons typically using the wash-down method.
* A Dual Flush Conversion kit is available for a low price giving the owner the option of converting a standard toilet to an environmentally friendly dual flush unit.
Waste removal methods determine how often a toilet will clog. The siphon method which is used in traditional older toilets pulls the waste from the bowl. In order to create the siphon action, a smaller trap way and larger water area is needed causing clogs often. In the siphon-flush system, the user pushes a lever or button, forcing the water up into the tank siphon passageway which then empties the water in the tank into the bowl. On the other hand, the wash-down method uses water pressure requiring less water to push the waste out of the bowl. This method of toilet has a larger trap way which reduces clogging.

Helpful Hints to Prevent Clogged Drains

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:48:08 -0500

Placing strainers over a drain can help catch most materials before they can get sucked down and possibly caught. A strainer is much easier to clean and remove and dealing with a clog. Never pour anything into your drains that may harden such as: glue, wax or paints. Also you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners whenever possible. It is much better to clear a clog mechanically than to use a harsh chemical that can corrode metal pipes. If you feel the need to use a drain cleaner there are more natural versions available now that can clear a clog without causing unnecessary damage.
Running a few gallons of boiling water down the drain once a month can help clear any grease or hair. Also, as an alternative, you can add a bit of baking soda to the boiling water. On the drains that have pop-up stoppers, you should remove them and rinse them off every few weeks to keep them clear of any materials that could slow draining water (hair is a common culprit especially in tubs and showers).
Every few months remove your overflow plate, pull up the pop-up assembly to reach the spring/rocker arm and clear any accumulated materials.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:20:56 -0500

There are three types of ground fault circuit interrupters; receptacle, circuit breaker and portable.
°  Receptable GFCI -Receptacle GFCI’s fit into the standard outlet box found throughout the home. Not only can this type protect against ground-faults, but also can protect other electrical outlets further “down stream” within the branch circuit. A ground fault receptacle is equipped with a test and reset button allowing you to test if your ground fault is working properly.
°  Circuit Breaker GFCI -Circuit breakers give protection against selected circuits installed within a panel. In the case of a ground-fault, it will not only shut off electricity but also will trip when a short circuit or overload occurs.
°  Portable GFCI -Portable ground fault circuit interrupters act as a normal outlet plugging into a receptacle allowing another appliance or electronic to be plugged into it. An extension cord combined with a GFCI gives you flexibility using receptacles which are unprotected.
Your body can provide an unintentional course for an electric current. In most cases, the person would serve as the conduit resulting in being burned, injured, severely shocked or even electrocuted. Electricity works by the flow of electrons forced by voltage through a current running from a negative source to a positive. If an electric current is leaking from somewhere, electricity follows the path of something considered to be grounded, or cannot hold a charge. If an object is grounded it is incapable of holding electric charge and is given the term of an insulator. In other words, an insulator is not an electricity conductor. Insulators (Porcelain, plastic, rubber, glass and composite polymer materials, i.e. wood, brick) are unable to conduct flow of electricity due to the lack of electrons present, causing an object to be considered grounded. For example, your toaster shorted out having wires inside touching the cage made out of aluminum, i.e. one of the best conductors of electricity. You touched the toaster. Unless an insulator is separating you from the floor, you stand the chance of shock or even electrocution. A good way to prevent something like this from happening is by installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, outdoor receptacles and unfurnished basements are the most common places for GFCI’s. Homes built to comply with the National Electric Code require GFCI’s in these areas. Information obtained from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:11:18 -0500

Electrical wiring is to blame for over 40,000 home fires annually. When an electrical arc fault occurs, high temperatures are produced creating risk of ignition of nearby wood, paper and carpets. There is no way to stop an appliance or electronic device from shorting out, but the risk of an arc fault occurring can be reduced by installing an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). An AFCI stops all electric current when detecting change in the charge from hot to neutral.
There are three types of arc fault circuit interrupters; branch/feeder AFCI, outlet circuit and combination.
* Required by the National Electric Code, branch/feeder AFCI’s are installed within a panel board to provide parallel arc protection of the branch or feeder circuit wiring. It also aids in the protection of arcs in the cord sets and supply cords.
* An outlet circuit AFCI is placed at a branch circuit outlet providing protection against arcing within the cord sets and power supply cords plugged into an outlet. This specific AFCI does not provide protection on feed-thru branch circuit conductors.
* Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter A combination AFCI is typically a receptacle providing protection downstream of the device for branch circuit wiring, cord sets and power supply cords. Some electronics such as computers, microwaves and TV’s are equipped with transformers that hold power when not in use as long as it is plugged into a receptacle receiving an electric charge. If an arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) is in place, the AFCI would trip the breaker stopping all electricity to the device if shortage occurs.
Bedroom lamps are high on the list of household items causing arc faulting because of their low voltage shorting making it hard for a circuit breaker to recognize an abnormality in order to trip the breaker. In 2002, the National Electric Code made it a requirement to have an arc fault circuit interrupter installed on all bedroom receptacle outlets. An arc fault can occur because of damaged or deteriorating wires and cords, yet such causes like the puncturing of the wire insulation due to picture hanging or cable staples, poorly installed outlets or switches, cords caught in doors or under furniture, furniture pushed against plugs in an outlet, natural aging and cord exposure to heat vents and sunlight are also to blame.

Don’t be bothered with the hassle of manually changing your thermostat any longer

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:58:59 -0500

Does your thermostat auto-change between heating and air conditioning?
As summer arrives, the weather fluctuates between cool/hot days and nights. You shouldn’t have to worry about manually changing your thermostat settings from heat to cool or vice versa depending on the day. Certain thermostats give you the option of an auto changeover function when those fluctuating temperatures arrive.
By setting your thermostat at a specific temperature, the auto changeover thermostat decides whether to heat or cool your establishment based on the temperature set and the temperature within your home or business.
Your home should be the place where you relax to cool off on those humid unbearable days, and look for warmth in the turn of cold weather. Not only should you have the option for auto changeover as the seasons change, but at all times. The kind of lifestyle you live will determine what temperature you feel is best for you to eat, sleep and relax in. Call Leinbach Services Inc. from more information on the different kinds of thermostats available with auto changeover settings, installation and repair.

Adjusting Door Closers

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:55:29 -0500

Commercial doors need adjustments and repair when parts are not functioning properly or are falling off. Commercial doors should not take longer than 3 seconds from open to close if functioning properly. If you notice a spot of oil on the ground at the threshold of the door it could mean that the lubricant in the door closer is leaking. If a door is hard to lock it could mean there is a pivot hinge problem.
There are different adjustments to be made depending on the features of your closer. Some have swing speed controls, latching speed controls, back check adjustment controls, and delay action controls. Back check adjusts how easily the door opens and prevents the door from being flung wide open suddenly. Latching speed is when the door is fully shut this feature makes sure the door latches securely. The delay action allows the door to close steadily to allow time to enter and eliminates the need to pull the door shut after closing.
It is an natural thought to just tighten the spring tension but if you tighten it too tight, the door will be too hard to open. It takes patience to adjust door closers. Sometimes it just take a 5 degree turn change the speed of the door. You should have a professional adjust your door closer.

Prepare your plumbing for freezing weather.

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:17:53 -0500

Inside Plumbing
Insulate pipes that are located in unheated areas such as in the crawl space, attic, garage, or basement. You can use insulating tape or molded pipe sleeve and wrap it over the entire length of the exposed pipe.
Cover all valves, pipe fittings, etc with insulating tape or fiberglass.
Open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathrooms. Water lines that supply kitchens and bathrooms are frequently located in outside walls. If there are any air leaks in siding or insulation it can cause the pipes to freeze. Leaving your cabinet doors open when the temperature is below freezing allows the pipes behind the cabinets to get more heat.
If you are going out of town shut off and drain your water system especially if you will be gone for several days. Make sure you turn off your water heater before draining your system! Leaving your furnace or heat pump on a low setting helps, but may not prevent freezing. Turn off your main shut off valve then go through the house and turn on all faucets, sinks, tubs, showers, etc and flush your toilets. Meanwhile go back and remove the plug from the valve so that it can drain completely. Make sure when you are done that you retighten the valve and shut off all faucets.

Dryer Fires

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:08:00 -0500

Dryer fires, according to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 370 injuries and 20 deaths in 1998.
To help prevent fires:
° Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.
° Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically.
° Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked. To remove a blockage in the exhaust path, it may be necessary to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dryer. Remember to reconnect the ducting to the dryer and outside vent before using the dryer again.
° Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation. Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.
° Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow. The flexible plastic or foil type duct can more easily trap lint and is more susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the airflow.
°Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle. To prevent clothes from igniting after drying, do not leave the dried clothes in the dryer or piled in a laundry basket

How does my Heating and Air Conditioning Unit Work?

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:59:32 -0500

One of the misconceptions about your heating ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) is that it is cooling the air. It actually is taking the heat and humidity out of the inside air and distributes it to the outside. Indoor air is passed across a refrigerant coil. This process occurs in the indoor unit and extracts heat from the air. The heat is carried by the refrigerant lines to the outside unit. The outside unit then disperses it into the air. This cooling cycle will continue until the temperature reaches the thermostat setting. During the cold months, the unit outside collects the heat and brings it inside. You may wonder if it is really cold outside, will my heat pump still work? The answer is yes, even when it feels exceptionally cold outside, there is still heat in the air. When there is not enough heat outside your emergency heat will kick on.

Killer Paint

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 10:16:12 -0500

Was your home built before 1978?
If you are remodeling or even have peeling paint, be careful. The old paint might contain lead.
Lead was used as pigment to speed up drying, increase durability, retain a fresh appearance and resist moisture that causes corrosion. It is a common misconception that children get lead poisoning by eating the paint off the wall or window seal. The most common way children and even adults get lead poisoning is from the dust and the flakes of the old paint that has fallen to the ground. They get the dust on their hands or objects and then put them in their mouths. The old paint chips from the outside of building also fall to the ground and get into the soil. Children playing in the contaminated soil can ingest the lead by getting the dirt onto their hands and then putting their hands in their mouths.
The symptoms that children who have lead poisoning are: sluggish behavior, apathy, headaches, staring periods, tremors, seizures, loss of consciousness, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, constipation, irritability, hyperactive behavioral. Lead poisoning in children causes nervous system damage, stunt their growth and delay development.
Adults can also be affected by lead poisoning. It can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, kidney and digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, muscle or joint pain.
The EPA has a ruling that starting in April of 2010, contractors have to be must certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Jim Leinbach is an EPA Certified Renovator. He has been certified to comply with EPA renovation, repair and painting rules and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule. He knows how to safely take care of any lead based paint in your establishment. You can be at ease knowing that Leinbach Services Inc.is taking care of your paint problems.
When dealing with old, cracked, chipping paint, don’t chance spreading lead paint dust. Call Leinbach Services Inc. and we can come out and deal with your painting problems.

Dry wall Finishing Information

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:47:51 -0500

here are many home improvement television shows that have said how easy it is to finish drywall. Well, it is easy if you know all of the tricks and have had considerable practice. If you don’t, you struggle. Drywall finishing is not as simple as driving a nail or cutting a piece of wood. It takes lots of skill to get professional results. Wipe It Off One of the neat things about finishing drywall is that if you goof up applying the mud you can immediately erase your mistake and start over. All you do is wipe off the mud from the seam. The only aspect of the process that is critical is the actual taping. Too much or too little mud under the tape can cause all sorts of finishing problems later in the job. Professionals tape drywall in any number of ways. They can use a device called a banjo that applies mud to the underside of the tape as it is pulled from the simple hand held machine. Even more complex machines can apply tape and a coat of mud to a wall in one operation. But if a pro is doing it like you will be, they apply the mud smoothly and at a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch. The tape is then pressed lightly to the wet mud. When you glide your knife over this relatively smooth assembly, the excess mud flows easily out from beneath the tape.

Priming Dry wall

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:18:33 -0500

Bare dry wall should always be primed before being painted. Most dry wall primers are water-based and they are relatively inexpensive and will not lift the paper of the dry wall. The purpose of priming is to seal the surface of the dry wall and joint compound. This helps ensure that the finish coat will have a uniform appearance. Before you prime dry wall, remember to clean the surfaces of all dust that has resulted from sanding the joints. A broom can be handy for this purpose. If you fail to clean the dust from the wall adequately it can cause the paint to lift the primer. When you are priming your new dry wall with don’t expect it to cover like paint. It’s suppose to behave more like a sealer than a traditional primer. For better possible results, figure on one coat of primer and two coats of finish color. A good primer can promote a uniform finish and cover between 250 to 400 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the surface texture, porosity and application method. Light colors in a flat or eggshell finish can also aid in hiding imperfections. Darker colors and higher sheen levels (such as semi-gloss and gloss) can emphasize surface imperfection. Our professional handymen can take care of your dry wall needs.

Tips for Selecting Weather-stripping

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:28:50 -0500

Weather stripping can be used in your home to seal air leaks around moveable joints; such as windows or doors.In order to determine how much weather stripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weather stripped, then add 5%-10% to accommodate any waste. Before applying weather stripping in an existing home, you need to do the following (if you haven't already): Detect air leaks. Assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality. When selecting weather stripping make sure to choose a type that can withstand friction, weather, temperature changes and wear and tear associated with its location. The weather stripping you select should seal well when a door or window is closed while allowing it to open freely. Choose a product for each specific location. Felt and open-cell foams are inexpensive but, can be susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. However, the simplicity of applying these materials may make them valuable in low-traffic areas. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable. Metal weather stripping can also provide a nice touch to older homes where vinyl might seem out of place. You can use more than one type of weather stripping to seal an irregularly shaped space. Also take durability into account when comparing costs.