Let’s Talk Energy Efficiency: Furnace vs. Fireplace
It goes without saying, in the winter, you want to keep your home as warm and comfortable as possible, while spending as little as you can on gas or electricity. So when temperatures drop, you may be wondering, should you turn up the furnace, or light your fireplace? Which heat source is more energy efficient? Does one method save you a little more money in the long run? Or should you run your furnace and fireplace at the same time? Comparing the energy usage of fireplaces vs furnaces The efficiency of your home fireplace really depends on the type of [...]
Hunger Action Month: It’s Time for Happy Homes and Fed Families
September is Hunger Action Month— our opportunity to unite in the fight against hunger. Hunger Action Month is an initiative launched by Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the nation. Every September, Feeding America partners with hundreds of food banks and thousands of Americans to restock pantries nationwide, just in time for winter. At Burton, we take every opportunity we can get to serve and support this local community. And Hunger Action Month is no different. That’s why we’re bringing back our annual hunger-fighting special for the 4th year in a row: This September, a $55 Furnace Inspection and [...]
Electric or Gas Furnace? It’s a Hot Topic!
When it’s time to replace your furnace, you’ve got a big decision on your hands. Go with a low-impact, easy-to-install electric furnace? Or opt for a high-efficiency, higher cost gas furnace? Once you’ve narrowed down the type of furnace, who do you call to install it? Before you make up your mind (and make that service call), read this quick comparison. Furnace technology has improved significantly over the past decade. And the best choice for your family now may be different than you think! Here are four considerations to keep in mind when picking a new furnace: 1. Electric furnaces [...]
Home Furnace on the Fritz? Try these 3 Tips!
Feel that chill in the Omaha air? Around here, that means it’s time for two things— Husker football and furnace tuneups! And while the Huskers never disappoint, sometimes our home furnace can let us down when we need them most…. If your furnace just won’t fire up this fall, we’ve got three quick tips any home handyperson can try to get it back up and running. (Or you can save yourself the hassle and just call the furnace repair team at Burton!) If you try your hand at these tips, with a bit of luck and a little elbow grease, [...]
3 Savvy Homeowner Tips For Keeping a Clean Garbage Disposal
Ever notice a…. questionable… smell coming from your sink? You clean and clean, but you just can’t seem to shake the stink? Chances are, your garbage disposal more closely resembles garbage than a disposal! Prevent odors from taking over your kitchen by following these three quick disposal maintenance tips: 1. Run the disposal often, even if it’s empty Did you know the blades of your garbage disposal can rust and get stuck in place? But running your disposal for a few minutes a week with a strong flow of cold water can stop this corrosion before it starts. The cold [...]
Does the Federal Pacific Electric Panel Recall Impact Your Home?
From 1950 to 1990, builders installed millions of Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels in homes across the country. FPE panels were one of the most common circuit breaker panels on the market during that time. The company has been out of business for decades, but the old panels are still found in countless homes. And many of those breaker panels have Stab-Lok circuit breakers that are now known to be defective. If you have a Federal Pacific panel installed in your home, we recommend upgrading your system right away to protect against electrical fires. Up to one in [...]
Follow These Quick Tips to Save Big On Your A/C Bill This Summer
With summer just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the heat to come. We’ve rounded up eight quick tips you can put into practice this spring to save big on your A/C bill when the summer heat really kicks in: Keep your cool air in and the hot air out. If you have older windows, caulk around the leaky areas. Got drafty doors? Add insulation. Plant some trees. Even just a few shade trees near your home can help reduce your energy bill. Maybe not this summer, but in the years to come! Get [...]
Don’t Play with Fire: Get an Electrical Inspection
How often do homeowners think about electricity? When all is running smoothly, probably never. But when the A/C fails in July due to faulty wiring, a Harry Potter marathon is interrupted by a faulty outlet, or the new oven won’t stay lit because your ancient electrical panel is insufficient.…odds are, it’ll cross your mind. While under-baked cookies are one thing, the truth is that electrical issues are the largest cause of property damage in home structure fires across the United States. Safety hazards can be easily addressed and prevented with an electrical home inspection. Having a professional check for problems or [...]
4 Surprising Reasons to Use Your Ceiling Fans During Omaha Area Winters
In the middle of a hot Omaha summer, your ceiling fans are probably on full blast—racing to beat the heat and generate a cool indoor breeze. But did you know your ceiling fan can be just as effective at improving your indoor comfort in the cold of winter, too? It sounds counterintuitive, but switching your fan direction in the winter is one of the ways you can warm up your rooms—without having to crank up the heat. Read on to learn how changing your winter fan rotation can reduce your energy bills and keep your family warm all season long! [...]
Outdoor Lighting Installation and Inspection
If you want to add visual appeal and protection to your home, call Burton for your outdoor lighting needs. Outdoor lighting is a smart addition to your home. Not only can it complement your outdoor decor, but lit houses also discourage intruders. Enhance Your Home's Safety and Appeal with Outdoor Lighting By installing outdoor lighting, people in your neighborhood are more likely to see dangerous activity happening around your home. Motion sensor lights are activated by human body heat from 70 feet away. Mini-spot lights around your front door can help locate your keys to gain entry into your house [...]
Burton Identified as an Essential Business During COVID-19
Omaha, NE – The President and U.S. Department of Homeland Security has identified plumbers and other service providers as “essential critical infrastructure workers” during the COVID-19 threat. In response to the announcement, Mark Evans, owner and president of Burton A/C, Heating, Plumbing and More has issued a personal statement promising to continue protecting the Omaha community and ensuring the continuity of functions critical to public health and safety. “I want the Omaha community to know we are taking every precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of our valued customers and employees. Our business will stay open and be [...]
How Does Indoor Air Quality Affect Your Home?
Indoor Air Quality Let’s clear the air! Learning more about indoor air quality and how you can control pollutants within your home can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Is the quality of your indoor air negatively impacting your family’s health? Health Effects When you’ve been exposed to pollutants, health effects can often show up shortly after. Some symptoms may include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Additional symptoms may include headaches, dizziness and fatigue.These immediate effects are generally short-term and treatable. Long-term exposure from indoor pollutants can be more serious. For instance, after repeated [...]