How to Choose a New Air Conditioning Unit

Selecting plumbing, heating, and air conditioning appliances is a daunting task. A unit of the wrong size and type can significantly increase your utility bills, not to mention lower your general comfort level.
Air Conditioning Repair

In the interest of helping you choose an AC unit that performs well, here is a list of characteristics to consider:

* Type and Cost—Types of AC units include window units, split system units, and central air units. While window and split system units tend to be much cheaper than central air units, they are also less efficient, have a shorter lifespan, and require more frequent maintenance/repair.

* Cooling Capacity—The cooling capacity refers to the amount of cold air an AC unit is capable of producing. The cooling capacity should be posted on the outside of the unit, expressed in either British Thermal Units (BTU’s) or tons. You will typically need about 10,000 BTU’s per 450 square feet of your residence.

* Energy Efficiency Rating—The efficiency of a unit (measured in SEER’s—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) indicates the quantity of cold air produced relative to the energy consumed by the unit. The minimum rating, as set by the federal government, is 13.0, though a higher rating will guarantee you lower utility bills.

* Aesthetics—While window units tend to be bulky, mini-splits are more easily concealed inside walls or above ceilings. Central units are even less visually obtrusive. You should also consider the noise level of your unit. Window units, again, tend to be the most noticeable, while compressors for split system and central units are located outside and out of earshot.



If you have more questions about choosing an air conditioning unit, then call us at Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical. We can provide you with more details on energy saving units and rebates and can install any make and model you choose!

Want to Learn More About Conserving Water, Saving Money on Your Bill, and Maintenance Issues?

Would you like to learn more about the topics covered in our recent blog posts? If you’d like further information on conserving water, saving money, and at-home plumbing maintenance, then you might find the following resources informative and helpful.

* Conserving water is not only important for the environment, but the first step to saving money. This article contains 25 ways to use less water at home.
* Plumbing isn’t just for plumbers. Educating yourself on some of the basics will allow you to knowledgably converse with your plumber and help you handle emergency plumbing situations with confidence.
* Ever wonder what ABS plastic is or what applications it has in your sewer line repair? A list of a few common plumbing terms will keep you up to speed.
* Tankless water heaters provide on-demand hot water at the point of access and can save considerable money and water in the long run. But what exactly do they do? This helpful Tankless water heater FAQ answers some common questions.
* Your yard and garden can be a large water expense, even in times of rain. Watering wisely outside is as important to keeping your bill low as is using less water inside.

Plumbing Maintenance that Will Reduce Your Water Bill

Regular maintenance of your household plumbing can be done both at home by you and by your plumber, and knowing a few simple things can save you from an emergency plumbing situation, and save on your overall water bill.

* From tightening your taps to keeping an eye on your water meter, you can have a hand up on leaks. Conserving the amount of water you use can easily reduce your costs, and there are simple ways to do it. Add a few drops of food coloring into your toilet’s tank—if colored water appears in the bowl without flushing, then your toilet may be running needlessly.
* Insulate your pipes. This conserves heat, keeping the water warmer longer and reducing the strain on your water heater. Installing a tankless water heater offers on-demand hot water, and can greatly reduce the amount of water you use.
* Turning on the shower and letting all the cold water run out not only wastes a vast amount of water, but can indicate problems with your water heater. A more efficient heater uses both less water and less energy due to reduced demand. Maintaining your water heater keeps it efficient longer and is something you can do at home without special tools.
* Use a bucket to hold the cold water from the shower and, in turn, water your plants. Putting a couple bottles of water weighted with some pebbles or sand inside your toilet tank is an inexpensive way of having a water-saving flush.
* An unusually high bill and a corresponding change on your meter can indicate unusual usage. Keeping an eye on your water bill is the easiest way to know what your average consumption should be, in conjunction with checking your water meter. Pay attention in the summer to how often and how much you water your lawn and garden, and cut excess hot water time in the shower during the colder months.

Here at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical, we would love to share some great free tips to help you save water and money. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about reducing your water usage!

Bathroom Maintenance: Unclogging A Tub Drain

If your toilet clogs or flushes slow, then you use a plunger. But what about your bathtub? Bathtubs are very susceptible to clogs, and dealing with them is a little different due to their construction. With a few handy tools and a little know-how, unclogging your bathtub can be something you can fix at home.

In this video about unclogging your tub, you can learn the most common causes of clogs and how to remove them once they’ve stopped your drain. If you want to know just how to attack a clogged tub drain, then this video will teach you several methods and what tools to use.



If you have any questions or if the clog is a little more difficult to reach, visit the experienced, bonded and insured plumbers at Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical. For expert service and advice, contact our licensed plumbers, and we’ll help you tackle your plumbing problems in no time.

Today is World Plumbing Day!

Don't forget to call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical for any of your plumbing needs.


You can read and watch more at: http://www.worldplumbingday.org/

Six Plumbing Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Homeowners can save time, frustration, and money if they have some basic plumbing knowledge under their belts. Calling a plumber and discovering you have no idea what they’re talking about can be a frightening experience—and an expensive one.

Increasing your own plumbing vocabulary can vastly assist in either an emergency plumbing situation or something as simple as a slow-flushing toilet.







1. Aerator: An aerator is a small filter that screws on to your faucet. Calcium and rust often build up inside, and simply removing them and giving them a thorough cleaning can improve poor flow problems.

2. Auger: Commonly called a “snake,” an auger is a long metal tool that rotates and twists through stubborn clogs. Often a homeowner can alleviate clogs without needing to pick up the phone.

3. Cleanout: A cleanout is an access point usually located furthest down the main line from your house before the line reaches the public sewer (or your septic system). If you do not have a clean out, then installing one can save a lot of time and money down the road.

4. Drain: Drains from your household fixtures all tie in to the main sewer line eventually, but often tie in to each other on the way. A clog can affect the system as a whole, but the culprit may be located in a single drain line, affecting all those that tie in to the main line before it does and leading to sewer line repair.

5. Shutoff Valve: Your house has a main valve that controls water flow into your home. Closing this valve is the quickest and easiest way to stop a leak and allow for a plumber to repair it.

6. Tankless Water Heater: Tankless water heaters are smaller and more efficient than their larger tank-based cousins, and provide on-demand hot water for as long as requested, shutting down when the tap is turned off.



With these terms in your toolbox, you’ll be better prepared for both the big and little problems. For when you do need an expert plumber in the Seattle, Tacoma, Auburn, Everett, and Kent areas, then count on Beacon Plumbing, Heating, and Mechanical. Visit our website or give us a call.

Helpful Tips on Cutting Down Natural Gas Use

While Winter may be on it's way out, it still is cold outside and we're still turning our heat up. Yeenet.eu offers some helpful tips on how to save energy during these cold months.

* Make sure your furnance filters are clean. It is actually recommended to change your filters once a month. Do you remember the last time you changed yours?


* Reduce your hot water temperatures. There is a gauge on hot water heaters - and if you make sure it is locked in at the 'normal' setting. This could potentially save you 7-11% on your hot water. Just make sure your dishwasher does not require hotter water to run properly.

To read more information, check out the entire article here: YeeNet.eu