Serving the Community Since 1939

Capital District residents are experiencing another wet Spring this year and even if your basement isn’t prone to flooding, it would be wise to make sure your sump pump is operating efficiently.

Sump pumps are pumps used to extract accumulated water and are generally installed in the basement just under the ground in a hole referred to as the Sump Pit. When the sensor in the pit (often known as the “float”) rises above a certain level, the sump pump automatically turns on and drains out the water. Your sump pump should be tested annually by a plumbing professional in order to ensure it is running properly.

Homeowners often opt to install an emergency backup sump pump just in case the main sump pump runs out of power or breaks down for any reason. Emergency backup sump pumps are used not only in the event of power outages or when the main sump pump fails, but when the water load is too big for your main sump pump to handle the volume.  Backup or secondary sump pumps can be water powered or run on batteries; they are real lifesavers during power outages. These specific types of emergency backup pumps are used only for backup purposes, battery back ups come with rechargeable batteries which last as much as 6 to 7 hours.

Not only can a flooded basement damage your personal belongings, it can create serious issues for the flooring, drywall and your mechanical systems such as electrical panels, water heaters and heating systems.  A sump pump can literally save you thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the sentimental value of the personal property which may not be recovered.  If structural damage isn’t enough to convince you of the importance of a properly functioning sump pump and an emergency back-up system, excessive moisture may also contribute to serious health problems. Moisture leads to mold, which is hazardous to your health. Extreme moisture can cause fungus to build up and destroy the wood in your home leading to wood destroying insects such as termites.

Often times, sump pumps and backup pumps are not something you think about until it’s too late.  The investment you make this Spring in a back up sump pump can literally save you hundreds of dollars and a great deal of stress down the road.  Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Estimators and let Crisafulli Bros. provide the Red Carpet Treatment you deserve! (518)449-1782

As a typical homeowner you may not fully understand the benefits of a S.E.E.R rating.  The SEER rating is the most common way to measure your air conditioning unit’s energy-efficiency.  SEER rating describes how well your unit converts electricity to cool power

The performance of your AC unit is largely dependent upon your HVAC unit’s operating efficiency. What does this mean for you as an Albany, New York homeowner? It means you can save thousands on energy costs when you fully understand how to enhance efficiency with a unit that has a higher SEER rating. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is a system that was developed by the federal government and equipment manufacturers. It’s a guideline that measures energy consumption so consumers can monitor the carbon footprint and energy output of their residential AC unit.  Simply put, the more energy-efficient an air conditioner is, the higher its SEER rating will be.

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Do you have plans to relax this Spring and Summer, but your concerned your central air conditioning system may take some time off too? You’re left with a decision to make; do I invest in a costly repair or do I consider a replacement?

Here are some ways to help you decide whether you should replace or repair your Air Conditioning system:

• Age matters. The age of your unit is important. If your system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it.
• Help the environment and your wallet. If you’re looking to save money on energy costs, then it is probably time to replace rather than repair. Newer units have more energy-efficient features so you can save over time, realizing a return on your investment. Plus, with tax rebates provided by the government, choosing a more eco-friendly system is less costly than you think.
• Audit your utility bill for answers. Take a look at your energy bills during a 3-month period. If you see that your energy costs are going up while your output remains the same, then it is time to bring in a professional. An experienced HVAC technician can perform an inspection, at which time you can decide if it’s more cost effective to repair or replace. When in doubt, bring in a professional.
• Get an Estimate – It’s best to get two estimates; one to repair and one to replace. If the repair estimate is more than half the cost of a new unit, replace your system.
• Check the Warranty – If your Air Conditioning system is still under warranty, have it repaired.  It’s almost always a good decision to take advantage of your warranty while it is in effect.

Since 1939, Crisafulli Bros. in Albany, NY has helped homeowners like you make important decisions for their home.  Our professional HVAC team will never recommend a costly Air conditioning repair or replacement unless it’s the right answer for you. Call today and let us provide the Red Carpet Treatment you deserve! (518)449-1782

With summer quickly approaching, which means high temperatures and humidity, for some; central air conditioning is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Many people don’t realize that central air conditioning can promote a healthier environment – especially for those suffering with asthma.

Asthma is often triggered by inhalation of air particles that contain allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mite droppings and animal dander. Unfortunately, breathing in these particles is often unavoidable. The good news is that air conditioners contain filters that collect and store these particles, keeping our intake to minimum. Air conditioning filters easily remove the majority of these allergens as well as fine pet hair from the air, helping to relieve asthma symptoms. Central air conditioning also helps eliminate humidity which enables mold and algae to grow much more rapidly then it could if it were living in dry air. Read more »

Did you know that without routine air conditioner maintenance your unit can lose up 5% of its efficiency annually over time? Your air conditioning system is much like an automobile; it is a tough piece of equipment prepared to withstand a good amount of use. However, much like an automobile, it requires a tune-up and scheduled maintenance.

Studies also indicate that regular AC tune-ups will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency. In terms of finance, the cost of annual AC maintenance is recovered very quickly in savings on your monthly utility bill and reduced repair costs.

Here are some more benefits of routine AC maintenance: Read more »

In today’s economy, every dollar counts – especially when it comes to the rising cost of energy. Did you know that programmable thermostats are one of the most reliable energy savers available? With the high temperatures that are often synonymous with summer a small investment in this type of device makes perfect sense.

A programmable thermostat is designed to adjust your home’s temperature automatically to save energy when your family is sleeping or away from home. If used appropriately, a programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% – 15% on heating and cooling costs by simply adjusting your thermostat 10°–15° (plus or minus) for eight hours. Read more »

Any qualified Albany HVAC expert will tell you that the easiest, yet most important way to ensure your system works efficiently is to change your furnace filters regularly.

As much as half of the energy used in your home is from your heating and cooling system.  Therefore proper maintenance of your system not only prolongs its life, but has a significant impact on your utility bills and comfort. Read more »

Does the air in your Albany, New York, home always feel dry during the winter months? Do you wonder if a humidifier would help? Are you worried that the dry air is affecting your family’s health? Dry air in your home may be more of an issue than you realize.

During the summer, the warmer air holds moisture but during the winter months cold dry outside air infiltrates the house and couple that with the fact that we heat our homes causing hot air to rise and the dry colder air to settle into the lower areas of your house.  This is what causes the house to feel so dry. Read more »

Before you know it, winter will be here – which means freezing temperatures and frigid conditions. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to wait too long to prepare your home for the upcoming season.

Below are a few tips to help make sure your home is ready for ole’ Jack Frost:

• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected. An important consideration is to make sure your chimney is free of debris. If your flume and chimney become clogged it can not only cause serious ventilation issues, but serve as a potential fire hazard as well.
• Don’t neglect your heating system. In addition to making sure you change your furnace filters every month, always have your furnace inspected by a licensed heating and air conditioning professional at least once per year. A thorough cleaning of your heating system can prevent costly breakdowns and add years to its life.  Make this a number one priority when you begin to winterize your home.
• Clean your gutters. Read more »

Jack Frost is nipping at your wallet: prices to keep your home warm this winter will be higher. In some areas, it will approach up to $200 more than last year.

Forecasters have determined that New Yorkers will be seeing winter conditions very similar to last year, including below-freezing temperatures and massive snowstorms.  So, why is it that even though the weather conditions will be similar, the amount of your heating bill won’t be? Read more »