Boulden Brothers Home Services!

Boulden Brothers is a 3rd generation family-owned business that is known throughout New Castle, Kent, Cecil, and Chester Counties for quality in propane gas delivery, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services. We are dedicated to providing our customers with quality service at competitive prices. You can count on it, 100% guaranteed!

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Winterize Your Air Conditioner

Wet leaves, debris, and falling icicles can wreak havoc on your A/C unit. It is a good idea to cover it during the fall and winter months.

    Fall is here, which means you’ve been sipping on Pumpkin Spice Lattes and gearing up for the Halloween and harvest festivities. October is an exciting season, packed full of horror movie marathons, costume parties, and pumpkin patches. With it being such a thrilling season, it’s easy to put off the mundane housework - like preparing your air conditioner for the cold months ahead. But unless you want to experience the ultimate fright of a broken A/C unit, we recommend winterizing your air conditioner to protect it from the elements. If you choose not to, your decision might just haunt you for life!

  You don't have to winterize your air conditioner, because it is made for the outdoors. But, by following these tips, you can make your unit last longer, look newer, and help prevent any problems you may have with it when you fire it up next spring. 

  1.)   Start by turning off power to your A/C unit. Locate the breaker switch for your unit from the circuit panel inside your home (although the circuit panel might be on the outside of your home). Option 2: go to your electrical disconnect near your unit. It should be a grey box. Open it and flip the switch.

2.)   Next, use a hose to gently wash off your unit, ridding it of any twigs, leaves, dirt, dust and debris. By hand, remove anything else that may have been sucked into your A/C unit. 

Let your air conditioner dry completely before continuing with the following steps.

3.)   Place a plastic or vinyl cover over your unit, and make sure that is tightly secured. If it is not tightly secured, it could provide the perfect haven for small critters such as mice. You can also simply put a piece of plywood over the top of the unit, using a brick or heavy rock to keep it from blowing away. This prevents branches, icicles, and other debris from falling on your unit, causing damage to both the inside and outside.

4.)   Install foam pipe covers on any exposed exterior pipes. The foam will prevent the pipes from freezing. While you are at it, check the connections running into your house and make sure that there are no large gaps allowing your precious conditioned air to leak out (or unconditioned air to leak in). Use expandable foam spray for gaps greater than a quarter of an inch and weather-proof caulk for any gaps smaller than that.

5.)   Check on your unit at least once a week, brushing off any snow or ice and removing any twigs or leaves.

If you have a window air conditioner unit, remove it and store it away for winter. If you are unable to remove it, wrap the outside with a plastic wrap or tarp, making sure it is tightly secured. You do not want water to build up inside the plastic, causing rust and damage.

If you have any further questions on how to prepare your air conditioner for the cold weather ahead, talk to a licensed, trained technician at Boulden Brothers. Visit us on our website or give us a call at [phone]. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you might have.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our new Pinterest page!

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OCTOBER IS ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH

You can save up to 20% on your energy bill.

 I'm talking about reducing your energy costs by making your home more energy efficient.

  National Energy Awareness Month promotes smart and responsible energy choices. Saving energy (and money) is easy to do! Just follow this list of cheap and beneficial DIY fixes to cut down on your energy consumption.

    Instead of cranking up the thermostat, let's concentrate on keeping the hot air you already have contained within your home.

  Here are 3 DIY projects you can do this weekend that will save you money every month. The benefits far outweigh the costs:

  Caulking - this is the cheapest thing you can do. Tubes typically cost less than $5 and will save you tons on your energy bill. 

  A great place to start is to find the areas outside your home where you might have air conditioning lines, wiring , or plumbing coming into your home. For small cracks and gaps around wiring or piping, use the weatherproof caulk to seal the gaps. Also look around the edges of your windows. If you have a brick house, there are probably several spots by the windows where air can flow in and out of your home.

  For any exterior air leaks or gaps greater than a quarter of an inch, use Expanding Foam Spray. It is easy to use; just shake, attach the applicator, aim into the gaps, and pull down on the trigger. The foam expands into the gap and blocks it.

  For sealing gaps on the exterior of your home, smaller than a quarter inch, use a good weather-proof caulk. You will need a caulk gun to dispense the caulk. 

  Cut the tip off of the caulking tube with a utility knife, take a nail or pin to pierce the the center of the tube (where you just cut), squeeze the trigger and caulk those leaks and gaps. To seal leaking ductwork, use aluminum tape (mastic sealing).

Click here

 for a how-to guide for sealing ductwork using mastic and mesh tape. 

  Programmable Thermostat

 - easy to install, inexpensive, and will save you lots of money. You can even get WiFi thermostats now, where you can monitor and adjust the temperature with your smart phone, tablet, and computer. Programmable thermostats are going to be your best friend, as the temperature will adjust when you aren't there, improving energy efficiency and saving you money annually!

  New Filters

 - cost less than $10 and can last up to 90 days. Some warranties even require periodic filter changes. Both the efficiency and quality of your HVAC system will improve when you change the filters in your air conditioner and furnace. The air filter in your furnace is located in its blower compartment or possibly in a return air grill in your wall. If you have trouble locating your air filter, call your local Boulden Brothers technician for help.

  If you have any further questions on how to prepare your home for the cold weather ahead, talk to a licensed, trained technician at Boulden Brothers. Give us a call at [phone]. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you might have. 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more useful tips and tricks.

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National Furnace Tune-Up Month: Git 'Er Done

Autumn is officially here (as of yesterday), which means it will be getting colder from here on out.

    September is National Furnace Tune-Up Month so homeowners can get a head start for the upcoming winter season. Timing is crucial because if you wait until winter to give your local technician a call, you might have to wait for an appointment. Winter is usually the busiest time period for HVAC contractors. You want to make sure that your heating system is in good working order before you need it; otherwise, you might have to wait.

  Scheduling an appointment for a furnace tune-up should rank high on your list of things to do this fall, as you will want the comfort and warmth it will bring during the long winter months.  Why you should schedule preventative maintenance on your furnace:

Less Repairs. Proper annual maintenance will often save you time and money. Avoid frequent, costly repairs by scheduling an appointment for a tuneup.  Steady Comfort. Regular tuneups put an end to minor problems before they become serious. Being without heat can be a miserable experience - don't skip out on a tuneup!  Efficiency.  If you drove your car 50,000 miles without changing the oil, you'd have some serious issues. And much like your car, a heating system needs annual maintenance for optimal efficiency.  Long, Happy Life. A heating system that isn't properly maintained loses nearly 5% of its efficiency each year. Yikes! Your heater brings you warmth and comfort during the winter months, so why not treat him to a check-up? You will both be thankful in the end.

At Boulden Brothers, we care about the safety and comfort of customers. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or give us a call at 302-368-3848. Our lines are open 24 hours for your convenience.

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Garbage Disposal 101: What NOT to Put Down Your Drain

Garbage disposals seem almost like magic; scrape your plate down the drain, flip a switch, and all that leftover food just disappears. It seems as though anything can be put down the disposal. And it's environmentally friendly, isn't it?

    Welcome to Garbage Disposal 101, where we tackle some of the common myths people have about garbage disposals and provide you with the truth about these "magic" devices. 

It's a shrilling sound, and we've all heard it before. Now and then a fork or spoon will slip its way down into your disposal, and you'll know it when you hear an earsplitting grinding noise. Make sure your disposal is clear before running it!

Your disposal is strong enough to handle most liquids, however, grease and oils are not on that list. When grease cools down, it solidifies in your drain, forming a clog. Grease is the most common culprit of pipe clogs, raw sewage leaks, and other home plumbing disasters.

Fibrous, stringy or starchy foods such as celery, lettuce, potato peels, onion skins, kale, chard and artichokes should never travel into your disposal. These vegetables can easily entangle themselves, clogging your drain. In general, broken down food from your garbage disposal tends to cling to the pipe walls, causing clogs and flow reduction.

When boiling rice or pasta, do you notice how it expands? Well, it does the same thing when you put it down your disposal, and it only continues to expand the more water it receives. You'll have a clogged drain in no time.

You're only asking for trouble if you throw fruit pits, seeds and cores down your drain, as they are not easy to process.

Eggshell membranes can stick to sides of your disposal and wrap around the ring of the drain. Your better off composting an item such as this. 

In fact, garbage disposals may seem like one of the greatest modern inventions for the modern kitchen, they cause more trouble than they are worth. If you want to know the truth, it is best to ditch the garbage disposal completely and start to throw your food waste in the regular garbage, or better yet, start a compost. Use a strainer in your sink to catch food scraps. 

Save yourself money and protect your pipes by either skipping the garbage disposal entirely or being very mindful about what you put down the drain.

If your garbage disposal is clogged, leave it to the experts at BOULDEN BROTHERS to repair it. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call us at 1-800-553-6060. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more helpful tips and information.

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Get EmBOULDENed: First of Fall

The beginning of fall is the perfect time to take care of all the little projects around your house before it gets too cold! Winter is coming, and faster than you think.

  emboulden - to give someone the confidence and inspiration to do something or to behave in a Boulden Brothers way.

  Outdoor:

Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts.

Inspect roof and chimney for any gaps or cracks. 

Drain and winterize faucets and irrigation systems.

Rake leaves and shred for mulching purposes; start composting

Plant perennials; weed annuals

Winterize water irrigation systems, fountains, and other features.

  Indoor:

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If you don't have a carbon monoxide alarm, it is highly recommend you have one installed.

Check for gaps or cracks in the foundation and around windows and doors. Caulk, insulate, and make any necessary outdoor repairs.

Clean or replace dirty furnace filters and vents. 

Treat your furnace to a tune-up by a trained professional.

Think about getting a generator for the winter.

Call in a chimney sweeper.

At Boulden Brothers we care about the safety and comfort of customers. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit our website and facebook. Our phone lines are open 24 hours - give us a call at (302) 368‑3848.

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5 Home Cooling Myths Debunked

  When it comes to keeping cool during the sweltering summer heat, you'll try just about anything. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt, as not everything out there is true. Here is a list of some of the most popular myths and why they aren't true:

    1.) Leaving ceiling fans on will keep the room cool. Ceiling fans cool people, not the air. Leaving fans on when you aren't in the room wastes energy. 2.) Drastically lowering the thermostat will cool your home faster. Because central air conditioners work at a constant pace, cranking the AC down won't cool your home any faster. Forgetting to adjust the thermostat back to normal could cost you extra money too. 3.) It's more efficient to leave the A/C running than to start it backup again. If you haven't invested in a programmable thermostat yet, you're throwing away money. These thermostats allow the temperature to adjust when you aren't there, saving you money annually! 4.) Bigger unit, better results. Buying a bigger unit doesn't mean your house is going to cool down any better or faster. Every house is different, and cooling depends on a number of factors. Before upgrading to a new air conditioner, have a service technician maintenance it. 5.) My air conditioner doesn't need regular checkups. When your air conditioner is cooling properly it's easy to forget about scheduling a tune-up. Like maintaining a car or truck, neglecting to routinely check your A/C system will only shorten its lifespan. Performing regular maintenance will allow your air conditioner to run more efficiently, prolonging its lifespan and saving you money. Over time, various components of your unit will break down. Without routine maintenance, you'll be spending more money on costly repairs that could have been prevented with a simple checkup.

  Now that we've debunked several myths for you, you should be better informed on how to keep cool during the summer heat. For more information on HVAC tune-ups, visit us at bouldenheatingandair.com.

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PREVENTING PLUMBING PROBLEMS IN WARM WEATHER: TOP TIPS

  You may not realize it, but your plumbing system gets quite a workout during the summer. Here are some ways to easily maintain your pipes during these warm weather months. 

  Outdoor adventures lead to dirty clothes. Check your washing machine hoses for bulges, leaks, or cracks. A burst hose can leave devastating results behind in your home, while wasting oodles of water. Also, make sure to remove dryer lint regularly. “Failure to clean” is the leading factor contributing to clothes dryer fires in residential buildings according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Lint build-up also makes your dryer work harder, using more energy than necessary.

    Cookout cleanup. Keep a trashcan handy to throw away scraps. Stringy foods such as corn husks, celery and banana peels can cause clogs. Also, avoid pouring excess grease down the drain. Do not treat your garbage disposal like a garbage can!

    Use your dishwasher.  With today’s efficient dishwashers you’ll use less water than hand washing; however, do not use the dishwasher if you suspect there is a problem. It will discharge right into your disposal.

    Summer showers bring September pipe bursts. New tree root growth can cause sewer backup issues as roots are drawn toward the sewer line as a source of nutrition. Have a plumber inspect your sewer line to access potential sewer line problems.  Your plumber will be able to determine the best treatment option for proper drain cleaning.

    Check for leaks. Check faucets, toilets, shower heads, and other fixtures for leaks. Look inside cabinets, under sinks, and around toilets for water damage. Leaks are one of the most common culprits for wasting water in any season. Even a small drip can waste up to 50-100 gallons of water a week and this small leak can put a "drain" on your wallet as well as the environment. You can check for hidden leaks by examining your water meter during a period of time when no water is being used; sleeping hours are the best time to do this. If your meter moves over during these times, then you have a leak that needs to be fixed. Call us right away!

  We can troubleshoot any plumbing problem and perform any necessary repair or replacement. Give us a call (302) 368‑3848; we 24 hour emergency service. Also, visit Boulden Brothers at http://bouldenbrothers.com/

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A Plumbing Checklist for Your Last Minute Vacation Plans

Summer is near its end, and we're all pretty sad. Kids will soon return to school; trading in their grass-stained shorts and summer fun for backpacks and school supplies, which means you're already counting down the days until Christmas break. Or, if you're like some of us, you're planning a last-minute getaway before life gets hectic again. But don't leave your house without without checking this list off! Here are some things to keep in mind before leaving on vacation. Don't wait until the last minute to perform a plumbing inspection. It's best to play it safe by performing an inspection a week or two before you leave, so any potential problems can be addressed. The last thing you want to do is come home to a sopping wet house after a relaxing vacation.  Check your water heater and the surrounding area for standing water and inspect the tank for rust. Discovering either of these is an indication you should call an expert plumber. Want some extra cash to spend on your trip? Shut off the water heater to save money on energy costs. Consider shutting off the water to your toilets. Doing so will minimize water release in case something was to go wrong. Moreover, we highly recommend turning off your plumbing's main shut-off valve in addition to outside water faucets.  See to it that your pets are taken care of and are not left to wander on their own. Curious cats and dogs have been known to wreak havoc!  Boulden Plumbing cares about the safety and comfort of customers. For an expert plumbing inspection, leave it to our professional plumbers. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, visit our website at http://bouldenbrothers.com or give us a call at 302-368-3848.

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How to Prevent Those Pesky Plumbing Problems

As the temperature heats up there are a few things we can do to prevent plumbing issues during the summer months. School is out and this means kids will be coming home with grass and dirt stains. Moms and washing machines will be working on overtime and therefore checking machine hoses for bulges and ruptures can save you a great deal of stress. Because of the hot weather, pipes are known to heat up, so checking the water temperature in your water heater (setting it no higher than 120 degrees) is a great tip to prevent scolding. Winter weather can be deceiving and hide leaks by freezing water. Check hoses, sprinklers and other faucets for leaks, as it can be costly to your water bill. Also, make sure to check for standing water. A homeowner often mistakes this for non-absorbing soil that collects water from the first uses of sprinklers. On the contrary, this may mean a ruptured or leaking pipeline or sewer line. This can be hazardous to pets and children and should be a priority on the plumbing checklist. During the summer, many are urged to conserve water. This is significantly easier if all of your plumbing is up to par. Changing shower heads and faucets can help conserve water as well as paying attention to when we are using water-wasting appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Watering our lawns after sundown is also a great way to help preserve. If you really want to get savvy with conserving water, speak with a trusted local plumbing professional about constructing rain barrels that are connected to rain gutter spouts. This water can be used for watering yards and gardens. A plumbing company can easily provide a yearly inspection and dig up those pesky hidden leaks by using leak detection technology, prevention is the best method to prevent plumbing emergencies, and there’s no better time to do it than the summer months.

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Water Conservation: In the Yard

When it comes to conserving water, small adjustments can have a big impact. Here are 11 water saving tips for your yard that will help keep money in your pocket while helping the environment. 

Adjust your lawn mower to the height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture better than short grass.

Leave lawn clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.

If installing a lawn, select a lawn mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.

Aerate your lawn periodically. Holes every six inches will allow water to reach the roots, rather than run off the surface.

If walking across the lawn leaves footprints (blades don’t spring back up), then it is time to water.

Let your lawn go dormant (brown) during the winter. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three to four weeks, less if it rains.

Avoid overseeding your lawn with winter grass. Ryegrass needs water every few days, whereas Dormant Bermuda grass needs water monthly.

Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light and water.

While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.

Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.

Catch water in an empty can to measure sprinkler output. 3/4 to 1 inch of water is enough to apply each time you irrigate.

Give us a call today! http://bouldenbrothers.com

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Water Conservation: In the Kitchen

When it comes to conserving water, small adjustments can have a big impact. Here are 14 water saving tips that will help keep money in your pocket while helping the environment. 

  When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand. Now, Energy Star dishwashers save even more water and energy.

If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

Designate one glass for your drinking water each day, or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.

Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

Don’t use running water to thaw food. For water efficiency and food safety, defrost food in the refrigerator.

Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs. 

Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

Cook food in as little water as possible. This also helps it retain more nutrients.

Select the proper pan size for cooking. Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary.

If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables. Use it to water house plants.

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How To Fix Your Disposal

If your garbage disposal isn't working, there are several things a homeowner can do to try to revive it. 

1. Make sure there is nothing blocking the blades. Use a flashlight to see into the disposal and a wooden spoon to try and dislodge whatever may be stuck. If that doesn’t work, the next step is to check the garbage disposal under the sink.

2. Use an Allen wrench to insert in the small hole at the bottom of the disposal. Move the tool back and forth to see if anything is lodged in the disposal. Still not working?

3. Try pressing the red bottom at the bottom of the disposal to reset the circuit breaker.

If none of the above works to bring your disposal back to life, it may be time to call a professional. We can troubleshoot the problem and perform the necessary repair or, if it’s truly dead, a replacement. Give us a call! Visit Boulden Brothers at: http://bouldenbrothers.com/

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Maintain Your Disposal

Maintaining your disposal means you’ll keep your kitchen smelling great while extending the life of your appliance. Here are some tips for keeping your disposal as good as new:

First, keep an eye on what you put in the garbage disposal. Throw bones, eggshells and coffee grounds in to the trash instead of running them through the disposal to avoid a clogged disposal.

Grease will clog up your garbage disposal. Pour grease into an empty can and toss it in the trash when it's fully cooled. 

When you run the disposal, use cold water instead of hot water. Cold water helps keep the gears in your disposal working properly.

To keep the garbage disposal from smelling like garbage, throw a small amount of orange peels into the disposal. The citrus scent will freshen up the disposal.

Once a week, throw some ice into the disposal because it will jar loose debris from the interior of the disposal.

If your garbage disposal becomes clogged, turn off the power and try to unclog it with a plunger.

If your disposal is malfunctioning, give us a call. We can repair or replace your garbage disposal in no time! http://bouldenbrothers.com/drain-sewer/

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When Life Hands You Lemons, Clean Your Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a wonderful gadget, but if you don't clean it, you're kitchen may start smelling like a trash can. One of the easiest ways to clean your disposal? Lemons! Here's how to do it:

Pour 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda down the disposal. Baking soda is a sodium bicarbonate, which naturally maintains pH balances. It eliminates odors rather than just covering them up by neutralizing both acids and bases.

Microwave a lemon for 15 seconds. Then squeeze the juice into the disposal. The acidic lemon juice will react with the baking soda and should fizz. Let the concoction do its work for five minutes.

Cut the lemon you used into quarters. Turn on the cold water and the disposal. With the disposal on and the cold water running, drop your quartered lemon rind into the disposal. Let it run for about a minute.

Run the water. Turn off the disposal and let the water run for a few seconds.

If your garbage disposal needs extra TLC, repairing or replacing, give us a call! http://bouldenbrothers.com/drain-sewer/

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Home Water Safety

                            Water sources inside of homes are potentially dangerous, especially because few people think of the risk.

More than half of all childrens' accidents occur indoors and drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for kids. The most usual source is often the bathtub where a child is left unattended. In addition, children can also drown in open containers filled with water which may be around the home, like mop buckets, filled sinks, ice chests, aquariums and even toilet bowls (sounds crazy, but it's true). You should ensure that no pools or collections of water are left anywhere around the house.

See that the bathroom doors are closed at all times or have child-safety door locks. Children must not be able to get in unsupervised-never leave your child in a bathtub alone, including baby baths. It is not a difficult task for babies to topple over the bathtub, especially if you use a baby bath. Remember, drowning is a silent killer, rarely giving off any warning sounds.

Carefully go through your home for any source of water, which may not normally be considered dangerous. Take safety precautions with things like open fish tanks and even water-based plants. They should be out of reach of children. Bear in mind that drowning can occur in any place where there is any amount of water-Toddlers can drown in just an inch of water. 

Always make sure that either you or an adult is providing careful supervision to your child while they are around any source of water. Make sure that your kids attend swimming and water-safety courses at early ages to best prepare them for safe and healthy lives. Be aware of where your child is at all times and keep your caregivers well informed of potential hazards in your home so that you can all provide optimal protection and surveillance. 

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Here are our answers to 4 commonly asked solar water heater questions:

How do I know if a solar water heater is right for me?

While most people don’t think of solar hot water heaters as a mainstream option, they are quickly becoming a popular solution for many households. Changing your entire house over to solar power will take a great deal of time and initial investment and require lots of space for solar collectors and other equipment. But simply adding a solar hot water heater isn’t nearly as ambitious a project and can save you quite a bit of money on home energy bills.

A solar hot water heater works just about anywhere there is direct sunlight. The solar collectors needed to power this type of system can be fitted to a roof section that isn’t shaded. By choosing our solar hot water heating system, you’ll benefit from reliable and cheap hot water any time you turn on one of the taps in your home.

While solar hot water heaters are a viable option in many more areas than you probably realize, they might not be the right choice for everyone. If you’re unsure whether a solar hot water heater is the right choice for your home, the best thing to do is to talk to a professional. They can give you expert and unbiased advice and help you evaluate your options for inexpensive home hot water.

Does a solar water heater make my water as hot as a regular water heater?

Most residential hot water heaters maintain water at a temperature of between 120°F and 140°F, although it’s really only necessary for your hot water to be about 120°F. Solar hot water heaters are more than capable of maintaining and storing water at these temperatures and higher, so you won’t notice any difference when you switch from a conventional hot water heater to a solar powered one.

Why do I need a backup water heater?

The vast majority of the time, your solar hot water heater will take care of all of your home’s hot water needs with ease. However, in case of emergency and during cloudy weather, it’s always a good idea to have a backup system in place. For instance, if a storm diminishes direct sunlight for a considerable length of time or if your solar collectors become damaged, a backup system will provide hot water until the sky clears or your system can be repaired.

The most efficient way of backing up your solar hot water heater is to integrate it with a traditional system which typically is included in out installation. That way, as long as there is enough solar power coming from your system to keep the water hot, you won’t use any fuel or electricity. If for some reason your solar power is interrupted, you’ll still have access to traditional power sources to heat the water you need.

How much will a solar water heater save me?

The specific amount you’ll save by installing a solar hot water heater depends on how much hot water you use and what your previous rates were. Because there are so many variables to take into account in this equation, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact figure or range for your expected savings.

There are a few factors to take into account. If you require backup heating during winter months, the savings won’t be as great at all times. However, in most cases, solar hot water heating pays for itself in very little time. Discussing your options with a solar installation professional is the best way to determine what your actual savings will be.

Solar hot water heaters are not complicated, but it’s better in the long run to trust this type of work to a professional. Boulden knows just how important it is to have reliable hot water when you need it. We’ll do everything we can to ensure your solar hot water heater is properly installed, so you never have to worry about what comes out of the tap.

We regularly install solar water heaters for customers all over the Wilmington & Dover metropolitan area and we’re always happy to add another satisfied customer. If you have questions or are ready to learn how solar hot water can be a reality in your home, give us a call today.

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Adding a solar hot water heater to your home brings many benefits. But there are quite a few pitfalls you want to avoid as well. And while this type of system is one of the cheaper solar home power options available these days, it still represents a significant investment. Because of this, you want to make sure you are getting the most possible out of your solar hot water heater. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Solar Water Heater Sizing

To start, you want to be sure that the solar hot water heater you choose is big enough to serve all of your home hot water needs. It needs a tank large enough to provide as much hot water as you’re likely to use in an hour on any given day, and it also needs to keep that volume of water at the appropriate temperature until you need it.

This can be a tough thing to figure out on your own, but talking to a professional will make it much easier. Experts with experience installing and maintaining these types of hot water systems know just how to estimate your hot water needs, and by working with them, you can come up with the best solution for your home.

Types of Solar Water Heaters

You also want to make sure that you pick out the right type of solar hot water heater for the climate in which you live. You should also aim to match your home’s particular dimensions. Most solar hot water heaters use the same type of flat roof-mounted collection panels to gather heat from the sun, but they use different methods to transfer that heat to the water.

Some solar hot water heaters heat water by running it directly through pipes connected to the collection panels. This allows for an efficient and direct transfer of heat, but it also leaves the pipes on the roof of your home exposed to extreme temperatures in the winter.

If the winter temperature is frequently below freezing in your area, you may want to consider a solar hot water heater that uses eco-friendly antifreeze. That antifreeze transfers the heat absorbed by the collection panels down to a tank inside your home where the water is heated. This eliminates the risk that your pipes will freeze and cut off your hot water supply completely.

Professional Solar Water Heater Installation

Solar hot water heaters are not particularly complicated pieces of equipment, so it’s tempting to try and install one yourself rather than pay a professional to do it. You’ll be much better off with a professional installation, though.

For one thing, professional installers are experts in determining where to install your new solar hot water system and then performing that installation. They are also familiar with all of the state and local building codes, so you won’t have to worry about your installation standing up to inspection later on. And professional installers are more likely to have the facts about any government rebate programs that your solar hot water heater makes you eligible for.

Solar Water Heater Maintenance

One of the many convenient things about having a solar hot water heater is that it doesn't have very many moving parts. This means it won’t need service very often. But if you want to keep your solar hot water heater working at peak efficiency, keeping up with a regular schedule of professional maintenance is the best thing you can do. This will help to reduce the chances you will need emergency repairs in the future, and it can help extend the life of your system.

Boulden Brothers Plumbing has the experience and expertise you need to answer any of your questions about solar water heating. Visit Boulden Brothers Plumbing at: http://bouldenbrothers.com/.