Air circulation is an important and often overlooked aspect of home comfort: proper movement of air through your home will reduce dust, even out indoor temperatures, prevent mold growth, and even help you control humidity in your Pennsylvania home.
Of course, there will always be some days where outdoor conditions will work against airflow – a sticky summer day in PA, for example – but you can still encourage circulation and relieve some of the burden on your home cooling system by following these six tips.

6 Tips For Home Air Circulation

1. Let the air in – Whenever possible, open windows to keep fresh air circulating, especially on low-humidity days. If you have an attic, consider installing an attic fan to remove stagnant hot air from your home.
2. Clean regularly – By minimizing dust and dirt with frequent cleaning, you’ll lighten the load on your A/C filters (see #3 below), which will keep air moving freely and your equipment running more efficiently. Mop hardwood, tile, and composite floors once a week and vacuum carpets regularly – preferably with a HEPA-rated filter.
3. Change or clean your air filters – A clogged filter will inhibit airflow within your home cooling system, making your home less comfortable, raising your energy bills, and overworking your system. Check air filters once a week, cleaning or changing them (depending on the model) when needed.
4. Consider professional duct sealing – Holes or cracks in your ductwork can draw dust in from the cavities of your home and redistribute it throughout the house. Unfortunately, not all of those cracks or holes are in places that can be easily seen; to solve the problem, you need professional duct sealing – an investment that could be worthwhile, considering that you could be losing up to 15 percent of the air you pay to cool via duct leaks.
5. Service your A/C equipment – When it comes to getting the most out of your home comfort equipment – including making sure air is flowing the way it should – there’s no substitute for a comprehensive tune-up from a qualified technician. With proper maintenance, your cooling equipment will keep the air clear and moving throughout your home.
6. Upgrade old cooling equipment – An old, inefficient central air conditioner has a harder time moving air than a new, high-efficiency unit; if your cooling system is well into its second decade, consider an A/C upgrade – it will likely pay for itself in just a few years in energy efficiency alone, not to mention keeping your family more comfortable along the way.

Follow these six tips to keep the air in your house moving this summer!
Stay comfortable at home this summer with expert air conditioning service and air conditioning installations in PA from the pros at Ace-Robbins. Contact us today to learn more, or to get a FREE, no obligation estimate!

With the coronavirus continuing to keep us home much more than usual, it’s more important than ever to keep your home comfort equipment working efficiently and reliably. One of those pieces of equipment, of course, is your water heater.
If you have a conventional water heater (one with a storage tank), one task stands above all others when it comes to extending the life of your water heater and keeping it running at peak efficiency year after year: periodic draining.
About once or twice a year – or twice if your water is particularly “hard” (that is, if it has more than average mineral content), your tank should be drained of sediment. Sediment, which looks like sand or gravel, forms from minerals contained in your water supply; when it gathers at the bottom of your tank or on your water heater’s heating element, it can reduce energy efficiency and clog the tank’s drain valve, which can be a safety hazard.
The good news is that sediment is easy to drain with some basic tools. Here’s how to do it.

A Quick Guide To Draining A Tank Water Heater :

What you need

• A flat blade screwdriver
• A garden hose
• A knee-high stocking
• A rubber band or wire tie

Directions

1. Turn off the power to the water heater at the circuit breaker; if you have a gas water heater, you will also need to turn off the gas supply.
2. Fasten a length of garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the water heater. If you can’t locate the drain value, consult your water heater’s owner’s manual.
3. Run the other end of the hose to the nearest floor drain, or outside your house.
4. Close the shut-off valve at the water inlet line or main water supply.
5. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the house to relieve system pressure inside the tank.
6. Slide a knee-high stocking over the drain end of the garden hose to capture sediment and scale as the water heater drains; use the rubber band or wire tie to hold it in place. If you capture a lot of sediment, you’ll need to flush your water heater more often.
7. Using your screwdriver, open the drain valve (the other side of the Y connector where you attached the hose). Use caution: the water that will flow into your floor drain or outside your home will be hot enough to scald.
8. Drain about three to five gallons of water, which should be enough to capture the needed sediment.
9. When you’re done, close the drain valve with your screwdriver and remove the hose.
10. Open a hot water faucet somewhere in the home, then open the shut-off valve at the water inlet line or main water supply. You’ll hear the water heater start to fill. When you have a steady stream of water at the faucet, turn it off.
11. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. For gas water heaters, turn the gas supply back on.

Of course, flushing isn’t the only maintenance your water heater needs – you’ll also need professional water heater maintenance about every two years. If your water heater is due or overdue for a service visit, contact us today – before your water heater fails when you need it most.
Did you know that the average life expectancy of a traditional water heater is 10 years? If your water heater has reached its second decade, it could be time for a replacement. Contact us to learn about propane water heater installation in PA, including storage-type and high efficiency tankless water heater options.
Please note: at Ace-Robbins, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep you and our crews safe and your home comfort systems working through this challenging time.

With summer just weeks away, now might not seem like the best time to schedule a heating oil delivery in southeastern PA –  but if your oil tank is less than half full, it might just be the smartest thing you can do for your home heating system.

You don’t want your heating oil to be low in the summer. Here’s why:

An empty steel heating oil tank is prone to a build-up of condensation (water) on its interior walls. That condensation creates two problems for your oil storage tank. First, it causes bacteria to proliferate in your fuel; over time, bacteria will turn oil into a thick sludge that will jam your fuel lines and potentially cause heating equipment breakdowns. Second, that condensation will eventually sink to the bottom of your oil tank (since water is heavier than oil), where it will cause corrosion or possibly even a tank failure.
The takeaway here: Water is bad for your heating oil storage tank, and one of the easiest way to reduce the likelihood of it forming is to keep your oil storage tank at least half full during the offseason. Filling your tank with oil now could be a good way to save some money, too, since heating oil prices in PA are often at their lowest during periods when demand for fuel is minimal.
Need an offseason heating oil delivery in Tunkhannock, PA or the surrounding area? Contact us and become an Ace-Robbins customer today. If you’re an existing Ace-Robbins will call customer, contact us today to set up a delivery time that works best for you.
Please note: At Ace-Robbins, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your heating oil deliveries coming during this challenging time.

Most of us are eating at home much more often these days, which means your dishwasher is probably getting quite a workout.
To make sure it keeps getting the job done as efficiently as possible, try these seven tips in the weeks and months ahead.

7 Tips on dishwasher use and care:

1. Scrape your plates – Scrape bits of food off your plates before loading them.
2. Load it properly – It’s better to wash a some plates by hand than it is to have to rerun the load because dishes were too tightly packed. For tips from Whirlpool for how to load your dishwasher correctly, check out this link.
3. Run hot water first – Before starting your dishwasher, run your kitchen faucet until the water is hot. This means hot water from your water heater has reached the kitchen area, so its first cleaning cycle will use hot water rather than cold.
4. Clean it from the inside – Here’s a tip from quickanddirtytips.com: Pour one cup of white vinegar into an open dishwasher-safe container and place it in the top rack of the machine, then start the hot cycle. Afterward, pour baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and start a short wash cycle.
5. Clean seals periodically – The rubber gasket around your dishwasher door can accumulate food particles and grime over time. Give it a once-over periodically with a damp towel.
6. Set your water heater thermostat to 120° – Make sure your water heater is set about 120° – the ideal temperature for washing dishes. Turn temperatures higher and it will cause water to flash dry rather than roll off your dishes.
7. Test your water – Hard water (water with too many minerals in it) inhibits your dishwasher’s ability to get dishes really clean. Test your household water and soften accordingly.

Of course, no amount of preparation and cleaning can save a dishwasher that’s on its last legs. If you need to install a new dishwasher in eastern PA, we can help. We have dozens of models available from top brands like Maytag, Amana, Whirlpool and Kitchen Aid*.
* Did you know that you can unlock up to $1,700 in rebates via prepaid card by mail when you purchase select KitchenAid brand appliances – including dishwashers? Contact us today to learn more – but hurry: this offer expires July 11, 2020!

With temperatures on the rise and the coronavirus potentially keeping us home more than usual in the coming weeks and months, having an efficient and effective cooling system becomes more important than ever. The question is, are your window units up to the task – and what will they cost you in electric bills to do the job?
If you’re interested in getting the best cooling bang for your buck this summer in a home that lacks the ability to install a central air conditioner, we highly recommend installing a Mitsubishi-mini-split air conditioner.

Five advantages of a ductless system

Ductless (or mini-split) cooling systems are a cost-effective alternative to ugly, noisy, and inefficient window units – and sometimes even to central air conditioners.
Ductless systems are the top option for homes that have hot water baseboard heating rather than ductwork – and a great way to add A/C to hard-to-cool rooms and home additions. Compared to traditional cooling systems and heat pumps, ductless systems are:

• Cheaper to operate – Ductless systems are more efficient than window units (often by three SEER points or more) and easier to drive than central air units – and with the ability to create “zones” in your home, you can completely control how you “spend” your cold air.
• Easier to customize – Have a “problem room” that you just can’t cool? Create a cooling zone that can meet the demands of each room. You can mount air handlers (the indoor component of a mini-split system) just about anywhere where there’s access to an external wall – even in rooms with no windows.
• Easier to install – Each air handler runs is connected by small pipes to the outdoor condenser unit, so you only need one or two small (3”) holes in your wall to install a system. Installation of your ductless system can often be completed in a single day.
• Better for your health – Ductwork is a breeding ground for mold and other microorganism growth, with condensation and cool air combining to create a perfect storm for poor air quality. No ducts means no mold issues.
• Better for the planet – Efficient ductless systems use less electricity. They also also use a refrigerant called R410A, which is more environmentally friendly than other refrigerants.

Ready for a big upgrade to your window A/Cs? Install a Mitsubishi ductless system in your Pennsylvania home. For a FREE, no obligation estimate on a ductless system installation in southeastern PA, contact Ace-Robbins today.
Please note: Once COVID-19 restrictions are eased, we expect a surge in installations that could back us up for weeks. If you are ready to upgrade to a mini-split system, lock in an appointment time with a deposit so you’ll be early on the list.

Memorial Day is just around the corner, and although the celebration might not be as big this year as it has been in the past, that doesn’t mean you can’t fire up your built-in propane grill for a delicious barbecue for the family (and anyone else in your “safe circle”).
To make that circle even safer, be sure to follow these tips in and around your propane grill:

Propane Grill Safety Reminders

1. If you haven’t done a proper cleaning of your grill yet this year, take the time to do it now: not only will your grill operate better and more safely, but a good cleaning will help your grill last longer. Check out this two-minute video from Consumer Reports for suggestions on how to properly maintain your propane grill.
2. Keep propane grills outdoors at all times; never store or use them indoors or in a garage, covered shed or carport. Not only is this a fire hazard, it operating a grill indoors can also create a buildup of carbon monoxide – an odorless and potentially deadly gas.
3. Clean your grates after you grill; leftover grease is the most common cause of grill fires.
4. Always use your grill on a level surface and at least five feet away from the house or anything that could catch fire, such as overhead branches or furniture.
5. Open the lid before you ignite the grill, and keep it open until you’re sure it has been lit. A closed grill can cause propane gas to build up and create an explosion risk.
6. Unattended grills are the cause of half of cooking fire-related injuries, according to the National Fire Prevention Association, Once the grill is lit, stand nearby.
7. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
8. Keep one part of your grill surface empty so you can easily move food to there if a flare-up occurs. After the food is moved, keep the grill lid up to burn off the flare-up.
9. If the flare-up spreads, remove all the food from the grill; turn off the burners and gas.
10. When you’re done grilling, turn off all the burners and close the cylinder valve before you leave the grill to go eat.

Have enough propane on hand for a summer’s worth of cookouts? Make sure you do with a propane delivery in southeastern PA from the experts at Ace-Robbins. Contact us today to learn more, or to become an Ace-Robbins customer.

Let’s face it: we’ve all got a little cabin fever at this point here in eastern PA. But believe it or not, the weather will soon heat up, eventually sending us – you guessed it – back inside for relief from our trusty central air conditioner.
Unless we can find some shade to give us a little relief and keep us outside a little longer.
That’s where an awning, canopy, or sun shade comes in. Chosen with care and installed by the experts at Ace-Robbins, these sun blocking devices can be a godsend on hot days, allowing you to spend more time outside and less time cooped up.
Want more reasons to choose an outdoor shade treatment for your Pennsylvania home?

Four Great Advantages Of Outdoor Shade

1. They’ll reduce your home’s cooling load – According to the U.S. Department of Energy (D.O.E.), awnings can reduce solar heat gain in the summer by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. Reducing heat means your central air conditioner won’t have to work as hard, which means lower energy bills and less wear and tear on your cooling equipment. They also cut annoying solar glare in your living space. On cooler days or during the fall and winter, awnings can be retracted to enable the sun to warm your space as needed.
2. They’ll limit weather damage – High quality Aristocrat awnings are built with a wide range of thick, sturdy fabrics, so they’ll stand up to sun damage better than cheaper awnings. Some models are even equipped with sensors that retract automatically to prevent wind damage.
3. They’ll expand your space – Outdoor awnings can help you recover valuable space on your patio or deck that would otherwise be lost to direct sunlight on hot days. Outdoor awnings and canopies provide shade when you need it and sun when you want it – perfect for areas with changeable weather (like here, for instance).
4. They’ll add curb appeal – Outdoor awnings aren’t just functional, they look great and create a distinctive look for your home or business.

Quality Aristocrat awning and canopy installations from Ace-Robbins

Ace-Robbins features the full line of weather-fighting, low-maintenance Aristocrat products, including:

• Window awnings
• Patio and Deck awnings
• Door awnings
• Retractable and motorized awnings
• Outdoor canopies and canopy tents for your pool or spa
• And more!

Our experts will help you choose from a range of models and materials to find just the right awning or canopy for your home or commercial space, then get it installed quickly and correctly so you can start enjoying your new-found shade and curb appeal right away.
Get out onto your deck, patio, or entryway this late spring and summer with a top-quality awning and canopy installations in PA from the expert techs at Ace-Robbins! Contact us today to get a FREE, no obligation estimate on an awning installation for your Pennsylvania home or business.
Please note: at Ace-Robbins, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep you and our crews safe and your home comfort systems working during this challenging time.

We’re spending a lot of time at home these days – why not use that time to de-clutter your home? Thanks to Prohauling from Ace-Robbins, you can tackle everything from a simple spring cleaning to a major minimalist overhaul.
Prohauling is the perfect residential drop-off/pick-up dumpster solution for you, providing removal bins in volumes ranging from 10 to 40 yards – large enough to purge just about anything from your home in or around Tunkhannock, PA.

Be sure your Prohauling equipment is:

• Sized to fit – Our trucks and bins will fit in average neighborhood driveway and in tight spaces that many of our competitors simply can’t get into safely.
• Set up to protect your property – With protective boards placed under your bin at all times, our bins won’t even touch your driveway.
• Able to accommodate the load you need in a small space – Our compact bins are about the size of a minivan – plenty of volume for the needs of most residential dumpster projects.

How Ace-Robbins Prohauling works

Making your Prohauling appointment with Ace-Robbins is simple. Just:

• Give us a call – Let us know what size bin you need; if you’re not sure, ask us – we’re glad to help.
• Wait for your drop off – We’ll drop off your bin at a time that’s convenient for you.
• Call us when it’s full – When the job is finished, give us a call – we’ll pick up your full bin even if you’re not home.

That’s it!
Ready to tackle that spring cleaning project you’ve been putting off? We’re ready, too. Contact us today to learn more about Prohauling from Ace-Robbins and dumpster rental in Wyoming County, PA!
Please note: At Ace-Robbins, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crew safe and your home comfort systems and appliances working through this challenging time.

The last thing your family needs while sheltering is a trash compactor that smells or breaks down. Here are a few tips to help you efficiently and safely use your trash compactor and avoid problems down the road.

What to put in your trash compactor

Trash compactors can handle a variety of materials, but they aren’t equipped to handle everything.
Most trash compactors, for example, can compress plastic bottles and containers, cardboard boxes, and waxed cartons; some have strong enough gears to crush glass – although this is not advisable, considering it can be a safety hazard (and most glass is recyclable). Check with your trash compactor’s manufacturer to learn more about the approved trash for your appliance.
In general, it is never advisable to throw the following items in your trash compactor if you want to avoid leaks, jammed motors, fires, and other hazards:

Things you should not put into your trash compactor

• Oils and grease
• Pasta and rice
• Coffee grounds
• Bones
• Fibrous vegetables (celery, pumpkin, etc.)
• Wood products or wooden materials
• Aerosol or pressurized cans
• Toxic chemicals
• Harsh cleaning agents
• Batteries
• Electronic items
• Recently lit candles, cigarette butts, incense sticks, and other burnable items

Cleaning your compactor regularly

If your trash compactor smells bad, it’s probably because bacteria and other nasty microorganisms have formed inside the appliance. Clean your trash compactor regularly, following these steps:
Reduce odors and cleaning times by never throwing meat, poultry waste, onions, dirt, or pet waste into your trash compactor.

• Remove the inner bag and bin.
• Use a wet-dry vacuum to pull out loose debris from inside the compactor cabinet.
• Use a wet sponge or cloth with warm, soapy water to scrub the inside and outside surfaces of the trash compactor.
• Scrub the compactor bin, the ram (part that presses down trash), and other components of the appliance, being careful not to get any of the electrical components or controls wet.
• Rinse soap off the inside and outside of the trash compactor with a damp cloth.
• Apply antibacterial spray cleaner to the bin and the inside cabinet of the trash compactor.
• Check any charcoal filters or other odor-control devices.
• Let the inside of the compactor air-dry before replacing the bag and closing the unit.

Repair or replace a broken compactor quickly

Always call an appliance professional for routine maintenance or repairs on your trash compactor. Trash compactors have important safety features that should be inspected regularly to ensure the appliances are safe. Contact a pro if your compactor:

• Won’t start with safety key
• Drawer or door jams, sticks, or won’t close completely
• Makes unusual noises
• Does not flatten trash properly
• Emits burning smell when operating

Stop using your trash compactor if you experience any of the above issues with your compactor.
Need trash compactor installation in PA? We can help. Contact us today to learn about trash compactor options from Ace-Robbins for your Pennsylvania home.
Please note: At Ace-Robbins, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your home comfort systems and appliances working through this challenging time.

Think electricity is the key to clean, green future? Think again.
More than one-third of the electricity generated in Pennsylvania is produced by burning natural gas, which is 95 percent methane – a greenhouse gas with 84 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Another 21 percent is generated by burning coal, another substantial greenhouse gas contributor.
Propane gas, on the other hand, generates only limited amounts of carbon dioxide and no methane emissions when it’s burned. In fact, if you chose propane over electricity for your space heating, cooking, clothes drying, and water heating, you could cut your carbon footprint in half.
But carbon reduction is only one advantage that propane holds over electricity when it comes to powering our New England homes and appliances.

Consider these propane benefits:

• It’s more efficient to produce – Nearly two-thirds of electricity generated at most power plants is lost between the plant and the consumer, says the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The energy produced by propane gas, on the other hand, is generated on the spot after being transported easily and safely.
• It can be used anywhere – More than 12 million households in rural America depend on propane for heat, power, and appliances. Remote commercial enterprises rely on propane, too: for example, four out of five of U.S. farmers use propane grain dryers to reduce crop loss, improve yield, and preserve margins.
• It’s great in a crisis – Propane is a reliable energy source after hurricanes, wildfires, or other disasters paralyze a community. It’s also the perfect fuel for generators, which can keep your appliances, safety systems, and other equipment working when the grid is down.
• It saves money for those who need it most – According to a study released by the American Gas Association, policies that would force residents to convert their homes to electricity would increase average residential energy costs by as much as $910 per year, forcing lower income Americans to choose between heating their homes and critical necessities like food and medicine.

When it comes to providing clean, green energy, few options top propane gas. Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more about propane deliveries in PA!
Please note: At Ace-Robbins, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep our your family and our crews safe and your propane deliveries coming when you need them.