Beaver Brothers Heating and Air

Beaver Brothers, Inc. is a heating and air conditioning contractor based in Salisbury, North Carolina. We are committed to providing our customers with professional, high-quality service in a timely manner. We are also committed to providing you with the latest in heating and air conditioning technology, such as radiant floor heating systems, geothermal heat pumps, solar energy systems, and ultra high efficiency heating and air conditioning systems.

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Clean your ice machine.

We reach in for those ice cubes that seem to magically reproduce like an ant colony. But just as we would change filters on our water systems or drinking pitchers, the ice we add to our drinks also needs to be safe.

“Cleaning an ice machine regularly ensures the ice machine will function as efficiently as possible while producing clean and high quality ice,” reminds Tyler Bell in his recent online article in achrnews.com. “Ice machine manufacturers typically recommend cleaning and sanitizing ice machines at least every six months.”

When an ice machine is not cleaned and sanitized regularly, contaminants like algae, slime, calcium, and lime scale can buildup on the inside of the mechanism. These contaminants negatively affect ice production, while also contributing to premature failure of the ice machine’s parts.

According to one refrigeration expert, ice machine technicians typically either do a basic or deep clean on ice machines. A basic cleaning usually includes wiping down the internal parts of the ice machine, like the evaporator plate. Deep cleaning, however, involves running cleaner and sanitizer through the machine. In addition, some of the ice machine’s key parts may be removed, inspected, and manually cleaned.

If unfamiliar with the exact steps in cleaning a particular ice machine, consult with a service manual for the specific ice machine make and model. The cleaning process often varies based upon the size, type, and manufacturer of the machine, but it no doubt helps prolong its life and reduce the need for servicing.

At Beaver Brothers, we’ve supplied our customers with trusted heating, air conditioning, and related HVAC services for more than 95 years. We like to think that we wouldn’t be in business that long without paying attention to the little things—like listening to our customers. Give us a call at [phone] today and let our experts check out the condition of your ice machine, or visit us on line at www.beaverbrosinc.com.

Beaver Brothers Inc. 807 Corporate Circle Salisbury, NC 28147 Web Facebook

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Five reasons to clean your air ducts.

For those sensitive to indoor allergies wanting to greatly reduce the effects of dust and mold, removing contaminants from a home’s air duct system is vital. Allergies are at an all-time high in America, and one of the ways to combat them is to ensure that clean, healthy air circulates throughout your home. It’s not unusual for a person to realize immediate relief upon completing a cleaning of a home’s HVAC ductwork. According to Gary Arena, owner of a professional air duct cleaning company in Pennsylvania, here are the top five reasons air ducts should be inspected and serviced:

Allergies.  Air ducts provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, mold, fungi, and other allergens. Children under the age of four are particularly vulnerable. Proper cleaning of the home’s air duct system protects families from harmful dust and other contaminants. Seattle Healthy Projects reports that children who do not come into contact with asthma triggers between birth and age 4 may never developasthma.

Mold.  Many air duct systems are located in a home’s cellar, with most having experienced wet, damp, or flooded basements in the past. This moisture can facilitate the growth of mold and mildew in and around the ductwork. An anti-microbial should be fogged into the system after the cleaning to prevent future growth.

Pets.  Animal fur gets trapped in the vents, building up living germs, fungus, and allergy-causing bacteria. Pet dander will still exist from a previous owner and cause allergic reactions for people sensitive to dander. Fur and dander also hinder the efficiency of the HVAC system, slowing down the airflow for the entire system.

Dust.  New homeowners may dust constantly only to find the dust back the very next day. That’s because dust continues to flow through the house and ductwork until it is properly cleaned. Homes built today have drywall dust and construction debris in the ductwork before the owner even moves in.

Efficiency.  Years of dust, hair, pests, and other pollutants in ductwork hinder an HVAC system’s airflow.  A proper cleaning helps remove the buildup and promote the proper airflow needed to run the system at peak efficiency. Spiders, insects, and rodents that have been living (and dying) in the ducts for years are wiped out with a thorough cleaning.

At Beaver Brothers, we’ve supplied our customers with trusted heating and air conditioning service for more than 95 years. We like to think that we wouldn’t be in business that long without paying attention to the little things—like listening to our customers. Give us a call at [phone] today and let our experts check out the condition of your heating system, or visit us on line at www.beaverbrosinc.com

Beaver Brothers Inc. 807 Corporate Circle Salisbury, NC 28147

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Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 Could Aid HVAC Market.

This year the United States Congress passed a bill titled the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015. And though it is presently unclear if or how the public disclosure of energy usage for individual buildings will be accessible to the general public, the HVAC industry stands to benefit from such legislation. Primarily, the bill aims to promote energy efficiency in commercial buildings in three ways:

By developing a new voluntary energy program within the current Energy Star framework.

By adopting new regulations for smart grid-enabled water heaters.

By promoting benchmarking and public disclosure of energy usage for buildings, so tenants and building owners can better understand the current energy performance level HVAC of their space.

Currently, Energy Star certifications act as a way for building owners to show the public that they are doing their part in conserving energy usage. But these programs are voluntary and no penalties are enacted when standards fail to be reached.

Grid-enabled water heaters are large electric resistance water heaters with communication and control capability that allow them to be used in an electricity system’s energy storage or demand response program. The new energy-efficiency bill will provide conservation standards to grid-enabled water heaters for either demand response or electric thermal storage programs.

And with information on energy usage of buildings now accessible to the public, building owners and businesses previously found to use energy greatly in excess now can be put under pressure by environmental advocacy groups and the public to find ways to cut power consumption. This could prove an important development in promoting energy efficiency, since many political leaders at both the state and federal levels are unwilling to pass inflexible and punitive energy reform measures for fear of being branded anti-business.

At Beaver Brothers, we’ve supplied our customers with trusted heating and air conditioning service for more than 95 years. We like to think that we wouldn’t be in business that long without paying attention to new changes in the law that could impact our customers. Give us a call at [phone] today and let our experts check out the condition of your heating system, or visit us on line at www.beaverbrosinc.com.

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Ductless Heating and Cooling Making Huge Gains.

Ductless heating and air. What a concept! Eliminating the quagmire of sprawling ductwork underneath a home or building? It sounds too good to be true, but it is. HVAC industry figures confirm that ductless heating and cooling is soaring.

“It’s without question one of the fastest-growing segments in North American HVAC,” said Tom Lahutsky, senior product manager, Lennox Intl. Inc., in an online article in Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration News. “This growth, which means more units are being shipped, pulls all the manufacturers in.”

That’s great for HVAC business everywhere, but what exactly does ‘going ductless’ mean? Ductless heating and cooling systems utilize heat pump technology to distribute warm or cool air more quietly and efficiently than electric furnaces, baseboards, and wall heaters. An indoor unit, mounted on a centrally located wall in the home, works with your existing heating system. Just one ductless system is enough to heat and cool an average-sized home. An outdoor unit connects to the indoor unit with a small bundle of cables, including a refrigerant line, requiring only a three-inch wide hole for installation.

“The total available market for ductless products in North America is second only to light commercial in all HVAC categories,” said Jeff Peters, a ductless portfolio leader at Trane, in the same article. “Significant attention and energy is being expended to educate and create awareness in the marketplace.”

As more and more people become aware of the advantages of ductless products, the market will continue its upward climb.

“You’re going to see ductless continue to expand in the home and in multifamily environments as well,” noted Meredith Emmerich, general manager of ductless and VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems for Carrier Corp. “It’s traditionally done very well in commercial applications, but homeowners are starting to understand there’s a solution for their needs….It’s a solution that can go in fairly easily that makes their homes much more comfortable.”

At Beaver Brothers, we’ve supplied our customers with trusted heating and air conditioning service for more than 95 years. We like to think that we wouldn’t be in business that long without paying attention to new innovations—like going ductless. Give us a call at [phone] today and let our experts check out the condition of your heating system, or visit us on line at www.beaverbrosinc.com.

Beaver Brothers Inc.

807 Corporate Circle

Salisbury, NC 28147

Web: www.beaverbrosinc.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeaverBrothersIncorporated

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Customer Care: The Little Things Count.

In the heating and air conditioning industry, service technicians have an excellent opportunity—and a challenge—unique to their job description that enables them to personalize their interaction with customers. And as the following account details, it’s the little things that count.

I recently came across a story of a man who, by any definition of the word, went the extra mile for the people he serviced. The things he did were not particularly extraordinary, but he never missed an opportunity to bring a better part of himself to his work.

“Ed” was rated by his company as just an average technician. But his people skills were off the chart. He learned some important principles early in his career. Number one: people like to talk about themselves and their families. Secondly, he noticed that people were impressed that he not only listened, but he remembered their story. In fact, Ed so committed enough of each story to memory that the next time he was on call at that particular house—more than likely at least six months later—he would ask caring questions about the outcome of what had been talked about the previous time he was there!

Ed was no actor and he didn’t do it for show. He just happened to be a legitimately caring individual who liked people and saw the common bond that binds us all—the humanity of our lives. He recognized his special gift, and more importantly, he used it. Research shows that customers like to talk about themselves; coincidentally, in most cases, they aren’t that interested in our issues. Very few if any of Ed’s customers knew that much about him. He never spoke about his interests. All he really wanted to talk about was other people. He even brought treats for the homeowners’ dogs (there’s no quicker way to a customer’s heart!)

The next time you find yourself thinking a little too much about yourself and your concerns, remember the spirit of Ed, a 50-year HVAC service technician (now deceased) who knew how to leave a lasting impression. Doing the little extras for others is a surefire way to get them to remember your name.

At Beaver Brothers, we’ve supplied our customers with trusted heating and air conditioning service for more than 95 years. We like to think that we wouldn’t be in business that long without paying attention to the little things—like listening to our customers. Give us a call at [phone] today and let our experts check out the condition of your heating system, or visit us on line at www.beaverbrosinc.com.

Beaver Brothers Inc. 807 Corporate Circle Salisbury, NC 28147 Web: www.beaverbrosinc.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeaverBrothersIncorporated

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Floors Warm Up to Radiant Heat

We believe that the best reasons to use sustainable features in a home are to save money or for the pleasure of the occupants. (Saving energy is an important side effect.)

But for one feature that checks all three boxes, consider radiant heating. On a cold, rainy day, there’s nothing that feels better upon waking than putting bare feet onto a warm floor heated by a radiant in-floor system.

Rather than rely on inefficient forced-air systems — which start with cold outside air, and then must expend energy to heat it before moving it inside — radiant heating uses a warm surface to transfer heat into a space. It’s much like shining a light on a wall. And as we learned in physics class, warm air rises, so a heated floor soon means a heated room.

In general, there are two types of radiant heating systems, according the National Association of Home Builders: dry-system radiant tubing, with electric-powered tubes positioned above the floor and in between two layers of plywood, or under the subfloor; and hydronic radiant-floor systems, with looped tubes pumping heater water beneath the finished floor. The water is heated by gas, wood or oil boilers; solar water heaters; or a combination of sources. Hydronic systems tend to be the most efficient, says the U.S. Department of Energy.

Can you imagine anything cozier in the morning than putting your feet onto a shag rug, warmed by radiant heat under the wood floors?

A benefit of radiant heating for allergy sufferers: The absence of outside air moved in and around a home can reduce allergies.

As for the financial savings, radiant flooring is reported to save 20 percent to 40 percent  in heating bills, according to the National Association for Home Builders.

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Fall and Winter Energy Savings Tips

Looking for ways to help save money on heating costs during the winter is a concern for everyone! The most important tip is to make sure that your heating system is working properly. Set up an appointment with us and we’ll come out and inspect your system. While you’re at it, ask us about our Planned Maintenance Agreement, and we’ll call you when it’s time to inspect your heating and air systems all year round!

Here are some great tips to prepare your home for the fall and winter months from the US Department of Energy’s website:

Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun

Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Cover Drafty Windows

Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

Install tight-fitting, insulating drapes or shades on windows that feel drafty after weatherizing.

Adjust the Temperature

When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable.

When you are asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 -15 degrees for eight hours and save around 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills.

Digital thermostats provide a more accurate reading and some can be programmed to adjust the temperature in your home at certain times of the day or night. Ask us about the many digital thermostat options that are available.

Find and Seal Leaks

Seal the air leaks around utility cut-throughs for pipes (“plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.

Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Maintain Your Heating Systems

Schedule service for your heating system. Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently. Call us to schedule your appointment!

Furnaces: Replace your furnace filter once a month or as needed.

Reduce Heat Loss from the Fireplace

Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.

When you use the fireplace, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window slightly — approximately 1 inch — and close doors leading into the room. Lower the thermostat setting to between 50° and 55°F.

If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.

If you do use the fireplace, install tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system that blows warmed air back into the room.

Check the seal on the fireplace flue damper and make it as snug as possible.

Purchase grates made of C-shaped metal tubes to draw cool room air into the fireplace and circulate warm air back into the room.

Add caulking around the fireplace hearth.

Lower Your Water Heating Costs

Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.

Lower Your Holiday Lighting Costs

Use light-emitting diode — or “LED” — holiday light strings to reduce the cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays.

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Bring on the Heat…oops, not that kind!

Heating and air conditioning enjoy a quiet acceptance but an unmistakable significance in what they provide. Their presence is virtually silent and unnoticed in the daily expectations of those accustomed to being instantly acclimatized wherever they go. In other words, we only miss their irreplaceable service when they are not functioning properly.

This past June 5th, 18,581 in attendance at San Antonio’s AT&T Center got to experience the dearth of that service firsthand—and it was not welcomed.

Packed into the sold-out venue for Game 1 of the 2014 NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs home crowd was treated to an air-conditioning failure that brought temperatures up to 90 degrees inside the sweltering AT&T Center. The game, a 110–95 victory over the incumbent NBA champion Miami Heat, was called by one journalist covering the contest the Humidity Bowl. The extreme indoor temperatures, caused by an electrical system failure, even figured into the outcome of the game by most accounts. One scribe witnessing the affair remarked, “The Heat were beaten by the heat,” alluding to Heat star LeBron James’ involuntary exit in the fourth quarter with dehydration and leg cramps. James had scored 25 points in the 33 minutes that he played of the 48-minute game, and his absence led many to believe that perhaps the final outcome would have been different had he been able to continue.

It often takes a major event affecting a large number of people to bring a perspective on the importance of things around us that we take for granted. Even breathing itself we rarely think about directly because it is an unconscious act. Comfortable temperatures in a climate-controlled building is a condition expected by all. Take away that comfort and instantly the importance and value of what we miss is apparent.

At Beaver Brothers, we’ve supplied our customers with trusted heating and air conditioning service for more than 95 years. Our friendly experienced staff stands ready to help you with all your indoor climate needs.  Give us a call at [phone] today and let our experts check out the condition of your cooling system, or visit us on line at www.beaverbrosinc.com.

Beaver Brothers Inc. 807 Corporate Circle Salisbury, NC 28147