With most of us spending a lot more time at home than expected this spring – and our family’s health being top of mind for all of us, for obvious reasons – indoor air quality has become a hot topic these days.
The question is, how can you keep your air quality as high as possible in the weeks ahead without making radical changes to your home?

Here are some suggestions for keeping your home air clean:

• Remove unused chemicals – The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in common home improvement products such as paint, varnish and solvents, can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. The bad news is that VOCs can escape into the air even from sealed containers. Keep them out of your living space – preferable stored in a shed or detached garage.
• Ventilate – Improper ventilation is one of the main contributors to poor indoor air quality. Opening windows on days when air quality is good can make a big difference in your indoor air.
• Use exhaust fans – Studies have found that using a range hood decreases the amount of harmful particles released from cooking. In the bathroom, use the exhaust fan when you shower to prevent mold growth from excessive surface moisture.
• Check your air filters regularly – The air filters in your central air conditioner or heating system are designed to trap allergens and other particles from your indoor air and prevent them from circulating throughout your house, but a clogged air filter won’t be able to do that job. Check your air filters regularly, replacing them when necessary.
• Vacuum regularly – Dust and other particles are major contributors to poor air quality. Vacuum twice per week, preferably with a HEPA filter, to keep dust to a minimum.
• Dump chemical “fresheners” – Artificial fragrances in air fresheners, most commercial cleaning products, candles, and personal products are filled with VOCs and other toxins that can aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms. Use essential oils, baking soda, and other natural alternatives to keep odors at bay.
• Replace toxic cleaners – Everyday household cleaning supplies contain VOCs and other harmful chemicals. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide are other products can be used instead.
• Groom your pets – Fur and dander are major indoor air irritants, so keep your pets well groomed. Just be sure to do that grooming outside your home!
• Ban shoes indoors – Dust, pollen, mold, pesticides, and residues from pavement or other surfaces treated with chemicals all enter your home via your footwear. Remove shoes at the door to avoid spreading these pollutants throughout your home.
• Don’t light up – Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, about 70 of which can cause cancer. Never smoke in or near your home.  If you must smoke, stay at least 25 feet from your house to keep the smoke from finding its way indoors.

Want another way to improve indoor air quality in your Pennsylvania home? Get professional HVAC service from a qualified heating or cooling specialist like the ones you will find at Ace-Robbins. Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule heating and air conditioning service in Tunkhannock, 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 home cooling and heating systems working through this challenging time.

With temperatures on the rise and the coronavirus potentially keeping us home more than usual in the coming weeks and months, having a reliable cooling system becomes crucial to maintaining quality of life at home.
The best way to make sure that your central air conditioner will run at its reliable best? Get your A/C serviced by a licensed professional HVAC contractor.
Routine cooling maintenance can address minor issues before they become repairs that will knock your A/C out when you need it most. It will also help keep your equipment running at peak efficiency – an important consideration if you’re using your home cooling system more often than usual.

Four things you can do to prepare for A/C maintenance

Although air conditioner maintenance is not a do-it-yourself project (please don’t try it if you’re not a professional), there are some things you can do to get the ball rolling in the coming weeks.

• Check your ductwork – Look for obvious holes, cracks and connectors. If you find any – or even if you don’t, since many leaks in your ductwork can’t be seen – consider sealing your ducts to improve your air quality and lower your home energy bills.
• Test your A/C unit – Briefly run it to check for problems – that way you can fix them before the heat arrives.
• Clear the outdoor unit – Remove sticks, leaves, and other debris that may have gathered in the fall and winter from around your outdoor unit.
• Schedule your annual tune-up and inspection – Make sure your central A/C is ready for action from the first hot day by signing up for an annual cooling system tune-up from Ace-Robbins.

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 crews and your home cooling and heating systems working through this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule A/C maintenance in PA from the pros at Ace-Robbins.

One of the best and easiest ways to save money and energy is by installing a programmable thermostat in your Pennsylvania home. In fact, the EPA estimates that you can save up to $180 every year just by installing one and using it effectively.
But what about “Smart Thermostats” – are they worth the time and cost? Let’s take a look.

Thermostat types

Thermostats are the “brain” of your HVAC system; they work to regulate your indoor climate by taking in temperature information from sensors, then sending signals to your heating or cooling equipment as needed to reach your desired level of comfort. With a programmable thermostat, you can use a timer to set temperature to change at certain times of the day – when you’re not home, for example.
But smart thermostats up the ante by “learning” your behaviors, and giving you the capability to control your heating and cooling systems remotely. Imagine being able to turn on the air conditioner while on the road so it’s nice and cool when you get home – or avoiding the hassles and hazards of frozen pipes in your vacation home – all from your cell phone.
Some smart thermostats are so clever that they’ll tell you how long it will take to make the temperature change you’ve requested. Others will take into account household humidity and other conditions so you’ll be as comfortable as possible in any season.
In short, a smart thermostat – installed the pros at Ace-Robbins – is a simple and convenient way to manage the climate of your home and save money in the process. They’ll pay for themselves in as little as a couple of years, especially if you use your AC a lot – and they’ll give you more control than ever over how you heat and cool your home.
Lower your bills and control your home heating and cooling from anywhere, any time with a smart thermostat from Ace-Robbins! Contact us today to learn more about smart thermostat installation in Wyoming County, PA.

Your water heater is one of those appliances that you don’t appreciate until it stops working – you know, when you can’t shower or clean your dishes because the water is ice cold, or when you find an unexpected flood in your basement.
The good news is that your water heater will usually give you advanced warning to let you know it’s in trouble before the worst happens.

Signs that your water heater may need to be replaced sooner than later:

• Higher energy bills – If your bills are getting higher even though heating oil or propane prices haven’t changed much, your water heater is probably losing efficiency – one of the most common signs of declining performance.
• Leaks and rusty water – Water under your tank or rusty water coming from it are often signs that your water heater is corroding from the inside out.
• Water stains – If you begin to see new signs of hard water, such as white stains on your silverware and glassware, it could be indicating a buildup of lime in your tank – a problem that will reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
• Strange sounds – Growling or gurgling sounds in your storage tank are usually a sign of sediment build-up – a problem that eventually lead to costly water heater repairs or a premature replacement if it is not addressed.
• Age – A storage water heater (one with a tank) will last about 10 years on average, assuming it is properly maintained by a professional.

As you can see, many water heater problems are caused by storing water – one of the reasons why tankless water heaters are such a smart solution. Not only will a propane tankless water heater operate up to 30 percent more efficiently than storage heaters from a footprint the size of a small suitcase, it will also eliminate complications from rust and sediment build-up. And while they do cost more to install than conventional water heaters, you will save money on your bills and have a piece of home comfort equipment that will last almost as long as your mortgage.

Water heater installations in Wyoming County, PA

If you’re experiencing these or any other problems with your water heater, it could be time for a new, high-efficiency water heater installation. Our water heater experts will help you choose a model that’s the right fit for your space, use, and budget, then install it quickly and correctly so you can get back to your hot showers and dry basement.
In the market for a new water heater? Ace-Robbins has them! Contact us today to learn more, or to get a FREE, no-obligation estimate on a new Rinnai propane tankless water heater or oil-fired conventional water heaters from Bradford White.

With all the stories circulating about the advantages of natural gas over heating oil, it may be tempting to make the switch in your Pennsylvania home.
But before you do, consider the facts rather than the hype.
The truth is, there are many reasons to stick with heating oil rather than converting to natural gas.

Five reasons to stay with heating oil:

1. You’ll get a better bang for your heating buck – A modern oil-fired furnace or boiler is super-efficient, with some models reaching ratings of 95 percent. That’s particularly impressive when you consider that burning oil creates 40 percent more BTUs than burning the equivalent amount of natural gas. Keep all of that in mind when you are asked to invest more than $9,000 to convert your heating equipment.
2. Your equipment will last longer – Modern oil boilers and furnaces are well-built and dependable, with average lifespans that more than double those of their natural gas-powered counterparts. They typically cost less to maintain and repair, too.
3. You’ll keep the air cleaner – Today’s ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO), when combined with cutting-edge emissions-control technologies, keeps personal carbon footprints small. By contrast, the burning of natural gas produces methane – a gas that traps 100 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
4. You won’t run out – Domestic oil production has reached its highest point since the 1970s, so supplies are plentiful. While most experts expect oil prices to stay lower for the foreseeable future, the price of natural gas is already starting to feel the strain of high demand and tight supply.
5. You’ll be safer – Heating oil requires a precise set of conditions to ignite – conditions that your furnace or boiler creates but ones that you won’t encounter inside your home. You can’t say the same for natural gas, which can explode in normal household conditions. And unlike natural gas, an oil heating system heat poses a very low risk of carbon monoxide poisoning; if an oil burner malfunctions (most often due to a lack of heating system maintenance), the safety devices in the unit will simply shut the furnace or boiler off.

Of course, if you do ultimately decide to make the switch to natural gas, be sure to contact us – our highly trained technicians will help you switch to natural gas as quickly and safely as possible.
Need help deciding if heating oil is still right for you? Contact Ace-Robbins today and let’s talk about it. If you decide to switch to natural gas, we’ll connect you to the grid so you can enjoy your new energy source right away.

A new gas range is big investment for your kitchen – not just because of the expense of buying and installing it, but because it’s an appliance that you’ll use almost every day to do something central to your family’s health.
To help you make a good buying decision, here are seven questions you should ask before buying a gas range.

1. How big a space do you have? A freestanding gas range is typically 30 inches wide, but both narrower and wider models are available.
2. How powerful a stove do you need? The heat output per hour for burners of an average gas range varies between 5,000 and 17,000 BTU (British thermal units). More power doesn’t necessarily mean better, though…look for a model that offers burners with a range of heat outputs to handle different cooking tasks (boiling water and simmering, for example).
3. Are the burners sealed? Cleanup is much easier when food cannot spill into the burners. Look for a range with sealed burners and an elevated edge around its perimeter; spills are less likely to reach the floor if the cooktop has an edge.
4. Are the controls easy to read? Consider whether you really need electronic displays or if you would be content with a model that uses simple analogue dials.
5. Is it safe for my family? Look for ranges that offer lockout features to prevent children from accessing the cooktop and oven.
6. Is it big enough? Consider the size of your family and your cooking and entertainment tendencies to determine whether your gas range is large enough for your typical use. Look for a range that has at least five rack settings for flexibility when baking.
7. How good is the warranty? Read the warrantees of the gas ranges you’re comparing to make sure you get the best coverage on parts and labor.

Considering a new gas range in Tunkhannock, PA? Visit our showroom and check out our full line of propane gas ranges and cooktops from top brands like Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag and Whirlpool. Contact Ace-Robbins today to learn more!

When most people think about temperature control and energy savings, they’re thinking about the thermostat on the wall that controls their furnace or boiler. But there’s another, slightly more hidden thermostat that could also help you save a few bucks: your water heater thermostat.
As it happens, the factory default setting on most water heaters sold today is 140 degrees – enough to scald, and more than most people need (there are exceptions to this, however, as we will see). According to the Department of Energy, a 120°F water thermostat setting is enough to slow mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes while keeping your water supply safe to use.
But the biggest reason to drop your water temperature is the savings you’ll get on your energy bills. By lowering the setting on your thermostat by 20 degrees, you’ll save money in two ways: first by reducing heat lost from water heater’s storage tank when it sits in a cold basement (we call this “standby loss”), and second by reducing the amount of fuel you’ll use (since you won’t need to raise the water temperature as high, you’ll burn less propane or heating oil to heat it).
When your water heater thermostat is set to 120°F rather than 140°F, you’ll save about $50 a year by reducing standing heat loss and more than $400 by reducing fuel consumption!

A 120° setting isn’t right for everyone

While most people can get by with a 120° setting, certain homeowners should keep their thermostats set at 140°. For example, if someone in the house has a suppressed immune system or chronic respiratory disease, you will need the extra heat to prevent Legionnaires’ disease and other water-borne health risks. Also, if your dishwasher doesn’t pre-heat water, you might want to maintain the higher temperature.

How to check your water heater thermostat temperature

If you’re not sure what temperature your hot water heater is set to, or want to change it, check out this video from the U.S. Department of Energy. If you’re still having trouble, give us a call – we’ll walk you through it.
If your water heater is having trouble maintaining its temperature, or if you’re experiencing other water heater problems such as odd noises, a sulfur smell, or sediment build-up, contact us today. We offer water heater repair and replacement in eastern PA and can provide a FREE estimate on a water heater upgrade for your home.
For expert water heater service and professional water heater installations in Tunkhannock, PA and nearby towns, no one beats the pros at Ace-Robbins. Contact us today to learn more!

Believe it or not, spring 2020 is a little more than one month away, with a short February eventually yielding to the first month of spring.
But as we know all too well here in Pennsylvania, heating season ain’t over until it’s over.
With average nighttime temperatures in our PA service area dipping into the mid-40s well into May, your heating system will still be on the job for at least three months, so if you have not taken care of routine heating maintenance yet this season, it’s a good idea to do it now.

Not sure if you need heating system service?

Here are some things that may indicate that your heating equipment needs professional heating service or repair:

• It’s making unusual noises (grinding, banging, etc.)
• Your vents are not blowing hot air, or your baseboards are not heating up
• Your utility bills are rising compared to last year, despite comparable use
• If you have a gas furnace with a pilot light, the pilot light is burning yellow
• Your furnace won’t turn or stay on
• Your furnace won’t shut off

Stay ahead of heating repairs and breakdowns

The key to preventing potentially costly heating equipment repairs and breakdowns is to be proactive about maintenance, whether or not your system is showing signs like the ones we described above. An annual heating tune-up will help identify and address any issues that could get worse down the road.
If your equipment already needs a repair, it’s still better to catch the problem sooner than later – the more you wait, the greater your chance for a no-heat emergency or a safety problem with your heating equipment.
Avoid late season heating problems with expert heating service in Tunkhannock, PA from Ace-Robbins. Contact us today to schedule a heating repair or heating maintenance from our pros!

Most of us love to gather around a fire, especially on a cold winter day here in Pennsylvania. But not many of us are willing to do the work it takes to get that fire started and keep it roaring – not to mention cleaning it up afterward.
The good news is you can get that same cozy fireside experience at the click of a button, from the comfort of your favorite chair or sofa – thanks to the power of propane.
Today’s propane fireplaces and propane gas log sets offer:

1. Unmatched convenience – No more gathering wood and sweeping ashes – just click “on” to enjoy your fire and “off” when you’re ready to call it a night.
2. Attractive styling – Today’s propane hearths produce realistic flames and come in a range of designs and finishes, so they’ll make a perfect centerpiece for your family’s favorite room.
3. Safety – A propane gas fireplace produces no embers, contains no unstable log piles, and leaves behind no dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney. Just maintain hearth properly and it will provide safe heat year after year.
4. Cost savings – A propane fireplace operates at four to five times the efficiency of a wood fireplace, so you’ll pay less to stay warm. You’ll also eliminate chimney cleaning, saving even more money.
5. Green performance – Clean-burning propane emits far fewer particulates and less CO2 than wood – good for your health, good for the air, and good for the planet.

If you don’t have a fireplace yet, consider installing a propane fireplace – it’s more affordable than you think. We’ll help you choose a hearth option that’s right for you, then install it quickly and safely so you can enjoy that dream fire feature you’ve always wanted!
If you already have a wood burning fireplace but want to enjoy the convenience of a propane hearth, consider a propane gas log set – expertly installed and maintained by the pros at Ace-Robbins, of course.
Spend less time preparing your fires and more time enjoying them in your Tunkhannock, PA-area home. Contact Ace-Robbins today for a FREE estimate on a propane hearth that works for your space and lifestyle!

If you use propane to power your home heating system, you already know how efficient and clean burning it is. But if that’s all you’re using propane for in your Pennsylvania home, you’re really missing out.
We see it frequently in the homes we visit here in our Tunkhannock, PA service area: a customer will have a propane furnace but an electric water heater, not realizing that if they switch to a propane water heater they could cut their energy bill by one third – or even more than that if they choose a propane tankless water heater.
But that’s just one example of the benefits that propane can deliver for you.

Consider these other great propane perks:

• A propane range or cooktop gives you precision temperature that electric cooking appliances can’t match.
• Propane hearths give you access to an evening by the fire at the touch of a button, without any of the wood-burning set-up or clean up hassles. They’re also powerful, efficient space heaters, so when you run them you can lower your home’s main thermostat by several degrees with no loss of comfort.
• A propane clothes dryer will dry faster and cause less wear and tear on your favorite clothes.
• Propane outdoor living equipment, including grills, fire pits, patio heaters, and more, can improve your quality of life at make your yard your family’s favorite play and entertainment space.

As you can see, every propane appliance you add to your home helps squeeze out better performance and more comfort from your equipment for your family. And best of all, all these appliances can be linked to a single propane tank. Talk about convenience!
Thinking about adding propane appliances to your eastern Pennsylvania home? We can help. Contact us to learn more and get a FREE, no obligation estimation on quality propane appliances from Ace-Robbins!