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
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
Crisafulli Bros. is proud to announce that we are now a certified New York State Women’s Business Enterprise (NYS WBE). For over 70 years we have set the standard for professional excellence as one of the leading Mechanical Contractors in the Capital Region. Our Commercial Division performs major mechanical installations, both plan and spec and design build, with contract value ranges from $100,000. – $5,000,000. Clients include commercial, retail, educational, medical, municipal and industrial entities. We are fully bonded and insured, contact us to learn more about our NYS WBE certification and how we can help with your next project.
Each year in the United States, nearly 19 million tons of food waste is trucked to landfills. Once there, it quickly decomposes and produces methane, an environmentally harmful greenhouse gas at least 21 times more potent than CO2.
While composting provides one approach to tackling America’s food waste management challenge, it isn’t always practical for today’s busy lifestyle.
Enter InSinkErator®. Our food waste disposers provide a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to transporting leftovers to landfills. Plus, capable wastewater treatment plants can even recycle food scraps into energy and fertilizer.
Durable. Practical. And environmentally responsible. A recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of common ways to dispose of food scraps reported that disposers can help reduce globalwarming potential vs. landfills and in some cases, can even aid in energy production at the wastewater treatment plant.
For more information on the full line of InSinkerator products including service, installation or to receive a free estimate, Call Crisafulli Bros.
