HVAC Maintenance | How To Think Thrifty And Budget
Hi Burton, We just bought a new home here in Omaha, and I’m excited to move in… but a little worried about our budget. And unfortunately, I have the feeling our HVAC unit may be on its last leg— it’s as old as the house! I’m trying to figure out what expenses I should be prepared for. Can you help? Hesitant Husker Dear Hesitant, You’re right to be planning for home maintenance now— before you’ve got a major repair on your hands! So many homeowners ignore their annual preventative maintenance and wait until something breaks. Not only is that extra [...]
3 Water Heater Maintenance Tips to Extend Its Lifespan
Your trusty ol’ water heater is one of those home comfort systems you don’t give much thought to— until your water runs cold or your energy bill hits a new high! And we get it. Your water heater is probably tucked away behind the closed doors of a closet or cabinet, in a dark and dusty corner of your garage, basement, or utility room. It’s easy to overlook and underestimate. That’s why today we’re sharing three easy maintenance tips for Omaha homeowners that will improve your performance, extend the life of your system, and help you avoid a sooner-than-necessary water [...]
Stop HVAC Leaks with Burton’s Exclusive Built-In Technology
Every summer, we get dozens of calls that go something like this… “I’ve got water pooling around my HVAC unit. Help!” “I noticed a bad smell coming from my HVAC closet. Then I realized water had been seeping into the walls for weeks. Mold is growing everywhere!” “We just got home from a trip and the floors are soaked. The HVAC drain pan is full, and the water just won’t drain!” Air conditioner leaks are an all-too-common problem in Omaha-area homes— and they strike at the most inconvenient times. While you’re away, on the hottest day of the year, or [...]
Sewer Line Protection Tips
If this gorgeous spring weather has your green thumbs itching for action, you may be tempted to grab a shovel and dig right in! But if you’ve got a septic tank in your backyard—and an expansive drain field just below the grass—a little caution can save you from a big plumbing bill this season. It never fails, every spring, Omaha homeowners call Burton out to repair their drain pipes after an over-enthusiastic shovel, a runaway tiller, or a heavy equipment cuts, crushes, or snaps their septic drainage system. And the consequences of a destroyed leach field range from smelly to [...]
2023 HVAC Regulation Changes
In 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a new set of rules that aim to improve the energy efficiency of new HVAC units across the country. And if you’re planning on replacing your home comfort system this year, these regulations apply to you, too! Here’s what you need to know about the DOE’s new HVAC regulations—and what they mean for your next home comfort system Starting on January 1, 2023, all newly manufactured and installed HVAC systems in the Northern region of the US, including Nebraska, will be held to a higher SEER standard. A SEER—which stands for Seasonal [...]
Omaha Air Duct Cleaning
Your air ducts are your home’s main circulatory system. They control the comfort, air quality, and humidity of your entire home. They can transport fresh air and a cool breeze, or seasonal allergens and a musty stench. And yet, most homeowners hardly give the health of their ducts—or just what they’re circulating—a second thought! You change your air filter regularly. But when was the last time you gave your ducts a good dusting? Why is cleaning out your ductwork worth the work? Incorporating vacuuming out your air ducts into your spring-cleaning routine gives you fresher air all year. Over time, [...]
Why Earth-Powered Heaters Offer the Ultimate Energy Efficiency
The best home heating source is just a few feet underground. And it’s not natural gas, electric, or propane… It’s the earth! Geothermal heating is a type of renewable energy homeowners can tap into to access an endless supply of steady warmth. And the process of drawing heat from the ground is incredibly energy efficient—offering up to 600% efficiency on the coldest nights! Geothermal heating uses the earth’s stored heat to warm your feet A geothermal heat pump, installed and maintained by Burton, works by running a series of pipes carrying water and refrigerant beneath the ground. Just a few [...]
3 Pain-in-the-Drain Line Problems You Should Never Ignore
Drain lines are the network of pipes that connect to your septic tank and distribute wastewater out to the surrounding yard, away from your home. These lines can be anywhere from 30 to 150 feet long, stretching far across your backyard. When your drain lines are working properly, they pull the liquid out of your home’s septic system, allowing it to slowly percolate into the soil and evaporate through what’s called your “leach field.” Not only does this process clean the wastewater, it empties your septic tank faster than it’s filled. But when your drain lines fail, you can experience [...]
How a Whole Home Water Filtration System Can Pay for Itself
Here in Omaha, our water is generally considered safe. According to the EPA, we haven’t had a single Safe Drinking Water Act violation in many years, and our tap water is considered drinkable even without a filter. However, “safe” drinking water isn’t the same as healthy water—for your body or your pipes. And while the water here in Omaha may not contain high levels of harmful chemicals, it is known to carry trace amounts of arsenic, chlorine, fluoride, lead, and various acidic compounds. How can you keep your family healthy and your pipes protected when corrosive chemicals flow through your [...]
Homeowner Hacks: The Guide to Maintaining Your Home Furnace
Your home furnace is one of those comfort systems you probably don’t think about much— until you wake up with cold feet! But as we’ll cover in today’s Homeowner Hack, taking a few moments to give your furnace the TLC it deserves throughout the winter can prevent a much more costly and uncomfortable repair down the road. These simple tips are easy enough for even amateur home handypersons to complete. But as with any Homeowner Hack, if you’re not confident working on your comfort system or you have questions about your specific equipment, Burton’s furnace repair team here in Omaha [...]
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 [...]
Space Heater Safety: What To Consider
Dear Burton, When it gets below freezing, some of the rooms in my home just won’t warm up. We’re freezing over here! How can I safely use a space heater to help my furnace keep these back rooms comfortable? Are space heaters safe to use while the furnace is running? - Chilly and Chattering Dear Chilly, The short answer: Yes, you can use a space heater to supplement your furnace, if you’re careful. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as many as 1,700 home fires are started by space heaters every year. But is it the heater’s fault, or [...]