Back pressure is another way that contaminated water may enter the municipal water system. Back pressure sources can be pumped in the water distribution system, boilers, power washers, pools, etc. These types of equipment use chemicals that can contaminate water supply systems if back pressure occurs.

To prevent contaminates from entering existing water supply systems, most municipalities require annual testing of backflow prevention equipment. Backflow prevention devices are required for most commercial and industrial applications. A typical backflow assembly has test cocks and shut off valves. The annual test measures pressure and looks for leaks, etc.

The annual backflow test must be completed by a licensed plumber who has completed the mandatory three day test administrated by the State of Michigan.

O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has completed hundreds of backflow prevention inspections in the Ionia, Belding, Saranac, Portland and Lake Odessa areas. Call (616) 527-9368 today to schedule your annual inspection. We’ll take care of all the paperwork and mail it to your municipality.

If your heating system does stop working, be sure to call an experienced company like O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. Our technicians have several years of experience which will save you money by
diagnosing the problem correctly the first time instead of trying to replace several parts before actually fixing the unit. Also, make sure the company provides service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

There are several things you can do to prevent major problems with your furnace. These include changing the air filter monthly and getting the unit tuned up each year.

Call O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for all your furnace repair and tune up requirements in the Ionia, Saranac, Portland and Lake Odessa Michigan areas. We can be reached at (616) 527-9368.

The heat pump absorbs heat from outside air (down to approximately 35º Fahrenheit) and releases it inside the home during the cold weather months. In hot weather, the system removes heat from the home and releases it outside while cooling the house.

An air source heat pump can actually extract heat from outside air down to 0º Fahrenheit but is not efficient at that temperature (consumes too much electricity at that point to heat the home)

Air source heat pumps are popular with consumers on LP gas or fuel oil due to the higher cost per btu of these fuels. Homeowners can save significant money using electricity instead of their fuel burning furnace when the outside temperature is above 35º Fahrenheit. The more efficient the heat pump (measured by its SEER rating), the less electricity it will consume. Units rated at 16 SEER or above also qualify for utility rebates and federal tax credits.

It’s important to have a heat pump installed by an experienced contractor like O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Air source heat pump systems must be sized correctly and are complex to install. Call the experts at O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today to learn more about air source heat pumps. We can be reached at (616) 527-9368.

1. Clean or replace the furnace filter often during the heating season. Furnaces use less energy if they “breathe” more easily. Follow instructions in the furnace manual.
2. Get your furnace tuned up by a professional contractor like O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. A tune up will ensure your furnace is operating at peak efficiency and help prevent potential major repairs in the future
3. If your furnace vents out the side of your home, make sure the vents are clear of obstructions, including drifted snow.
4. Set thermostat at 68º when you’re home and at 65º when away for a short time.
5. Lower your thermostat to 58º if you’re away from home five hours or more. You use much less energy to heat the house up when you return than to keep it heated while you’re away.
6. Set your water heater temperature at 120º.
7. Keep your hot water hot by making sure pipes in unheated areas are insulated.
8. Put an insulating blanket around your water heater to hold heat in.

If your furnace is 15 years or older you may want to consider replacing it with a more efficient model A 95% efficient furnace is eligible for Consumer Energy rebate checks of $450.00 to $550.00.. With tax credits and manufacturer rebates you can save an additional $ 650.00

Call O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today at (616) 527 – 9368 for a free estimate on new furnace.

To improve the air quality in your home, follow these simple steps:

1. Plan routine seasonal maintenance on your heating and cooling equipment.
2. Talk to your heating company about products that can bring outside air and humidity into your home.
3. Purchase top quality furnace filters and change them regularly.
4. During family gatherings, turn the furnace fan to continuous run position to keep air fresh.
5. Utilize bathroom exhaust fans – operate 10 minutes after showering.
6. Use products that emit the lowest level of chemicals.

Mini Split cooling and heat pump systems were designed to help keep individual rooms or areas consistently comfortable without the expense or hassle of installing new ductwork.

The new version of Mini Split systems are also heat pumps which can heat areas even when the outside temperature is down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. They are ultra efficient (Up to 22 SEER) so these units use little electricity. During warmer months, the mini split heat pump works like a normal air conditioner. It takes heat from the home and dumps it outdoors while cooling your home like a central air conditioner.

Mini Split systems are ideal for problem areas like sunrooms, upstairs bedrooms, bonus rooms, additions and media rooms. They’re extremely quiet, attractive and use significantly less electricity than noisy window units.

Call O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for a free estimate on a new mini split system – (616) 527-9368.

1. Have your furnace and gas appliances serviced annually by qualified contractor to ensure safety and maximum energy-efficiency. As you “tighten up” your home for energy-efficiency, you may even want to install a CO detector for added safety.
2. When buying a new heating system or appliance, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. A slightly higher initial cost for high efficiency unit could pay itself back in a very short time through energy savings and lower utility bills.
3. Put on your favorite sweater and set your thermostats between 65 and 68 degrees during the winter. For sleep hours, set the temperature at least 5 degrees lower and add a cozy blanket to your bed. When away from home for more than a few hours, set your thermostat at 58 degrees.
4. Install a programmable thermostat and set it to accurately follow your schedule. If no one is home during the day, there’s no need to keep your house toasty. Using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the times you turn on the furnace or air-conditioner according to a pre-set schedule.
5. Adjust registers to keep specific rooms of your home at a desired temperature. Heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs registers.
6. Seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings, such as pipes or ducts, with caulking or weather-stripping. The amount of energy wasted through poorly insulated windows and doors in this country is about as much energy as we get from the Alaskan Pipeline each year.
7. If pipes or ducts run through unheated areas, insulate them.
8. Close vents and doors in unused rooms.
9. Use draperies, awnings, blinds or shutters on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass. In winter, keep window coverings open on sunny days to let the sun’s warmth in and close them at night to insulate against cold, outside air. Use drapes, shutters, awnings, shade trees, glass with reflective film or solar screens to keep sunlight out in the summer.
10. Avoid blocking heating registers and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.
11. Purchase some inexpensive, pre-cut insulation gaskets and seal out the cold air entering your home through electrical switches and outlet plates, particularly those on outside walls.
12. A dirty furnace filter can drive up the cost of heating your home. Change or clean the filters in heating and cooling units twice a year.
13. Check to see if your attic, crawlspace and/or basement have recommended levels of insulation. Add insulation as needed.
14. A humidifier — either on your furnace or as a separate unit — can help control heating costs. You’ll feel warmer in moist air, so you can set your thermostat lower.
15. Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans sparingly in cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a household of warm air.
16. Set water heater temperature at 120 degrees and install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets. Water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators save up to 50% on your water use. Simply unscrew the old one and screw on the new one.
17. Repair leaky faucets promptly. A leaky faucet wastes gallons of water in a short period of time.
18. Be sure that dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers are fully loaded before running.
19. You may not realize that your fireplace is one of the most inefficient heat sources you can possibly use. It literally sends your energy dollars right up the chimney — along with volumes of warm air. A roaring fire can exhaust as much as 24,000 cubic feet of air per hour to the outside. The warm air is replaced by cold air coming into the house from the outside. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a 48-inch window wide open during the winter since it allows warm air to go right up the chimney. Don’t use your gas fireplace or gas logs to try and heat your home. Use them for decorative purposes only. Don’t use your gas range to heat your home either. Just use it for its intended purpose — cooking.
20. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. Energy-savings are based on information from the Department of Energy’s web site at www.doe.gov.

O’Mara’s has teamed up with Consumers Energy to provide precision tune ups on natural gas furnaces for only $49.00! That’s the same price it was in 1981!

It’s easy to do. Simply call O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling and schedule the furnace tune up and cleaning. The cost is $99.00 but in 4 to 6 weeks you’ll receive a check from Consumers Energy for $50.00 bringing the total cost down to $49.00! You’ll also save money on your gas bills because the furnace will be operating at peak efficiency.

If you’re thinking about a new furnace, Consumers Energy will also pay you up to $550.00 for a 95% efficient unit. You can save an additional $650.00 in Lennox rebates and federal tax credits along with reducing your gas bills.

Take advantage of Consumers Energy rebates today by calling O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at (616) 527-9368. Remember, we service the entire Ionia County area including Saranac, Portland, Lake Odessa and Belding.

Most toilets work in the same way. The tank contains two valves – a flush valve and a refill valve. (Most common type is the ballcock refill valve)

When the flush valve fails to seal properly, water is leaked from the tank into the bowl. The water that leaked out is replenished by the refill valve, causing a continuous flow of wasted water.

The refill valve is located directly above the water supply line that enters the toilet tank. If the refill valve leaks, the toilet tank over fills and the excess water goes into the bowl. This can also cause a significant increase in water usage.

Checking for a leaking flush valve is quick and easy. Shut off the water supply to your toilet (A shut off should be located below the tank where the water line goes into it, usually on the left side) Mark the water level in the tank and check it again in 20 minutes. If the water level has fallen below the mark, your flush valve is leaking.

To check both the flush valve and refill valve for leaking, drop some food coloring into the toilet tank to color the water. Do this when the tank is fully refilled after a flush. Don’t flush the tank again until after you have inspected the toilet bowl (wait a few minutes) Check for colored water in the bowl. If you see color, you have a leak.

If you need to have your toilet fixed or repaired, call O’Mara Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in Ionia, Michigan. You can reach us at (616) 527-9368.