Easy Solutions for Great-Quality Indoor Air

 Indoor air quality is increasingly in the news, and homeowners are paying attention to this more than ever before. Having good indoor air quality keeps you breathing easily, improves your sleep, and increases your immune system response. Good air quality can prevent asthma flare-ups, and lessen the impact of seasonal allergies.

There are many contributors to the lack of indoor air quality that can be found in the home. Carbon monoxide is one of the most common air pollutants. Older homes may contain asbestos and lead particles, this can be very damaging to the lungs when inhaled over a long period of time. Mould and mildew in your kitchen and bathroom can become a big problem, especially where moisture levels are typically higher than in the rest of your house. Dirty ductwork can cause small airborne dust mites to be blown around your house by the HVAC system. 

Despite the many causes of degraded air quality, there are a number of things a homeowner can do to improve the environment. Here are some of the easiest and most common.

Change your air filters in your HVAC system

If you have a forced hot air heating system, keeping a clean filter will remove airborne particulates, ranging from dust to invisible microscopic particles were a dirty filter does exactly the opposite. A dirty filter can actually make indoor air quality worse by acting as a reservoir for dirt and dust. The dirt build-up on the filters will continue to circulate back into your breathing air.

During both the heating and cooling season, change the air filter monthly. Invest in quality pleated fabric filters that can trap airborne particles down to a size of 3 microns. 

Check Your Air Ducts

An Air ducts job is to distribute hot and cold air throughout your home, providing a comfortable climate in every room. But if ducts are not installed properly or maintained regularly they can distribute contaminants from one room to another. Over time, dust, contaminants and even mould can accumulate in your ducts, affecting your air quality.

Vacuum regularly

Dusting and vacuuming on a weekly basis can significantly reduce the contaminants and allergens particles, dust and mites that pollute your home and lungs. By using a vacuum with a HEPA filter you can even reduce concentrations of lead in your home. Many allergens and pollutants rest in the carpeting of an area. Regular vacuuming is important for cleaning efforts. An even more effective way is thorough professional carpet cleaning.  Most companies use steam cleaning or dry-cleaning techniques to eliminate contaminants. This technique is very effective in eliminating contaminants. Professional carpet cleaners recommend at least one cleaning per year, but high-traffic areas might require more frequent cleanings.

Keep a healthy level of humidity

We all know that dust mites and mould love growing in moisture. Being exposed to mold can lead to many health problems such as wheezing, sore throat, skin rashes, watery eyes and headaches. To keep dust mites and mold under control make sure to keep the humidity around 30%-50% particularly in areas like the kitchen and washrooms. A dehumidifier or an aircon helps reduce moisture in indoor air. An air conditioner especially reduces indoor pollen count which can benefit occupants suffering from allergies. Another useful tip to protect you from mold is to turn on the exhaust fan in the bathroom immediately after bathing to help remove the humidity from the room. 

As always, Crosstown Plumbing is here to support your healthy home with air purification, and beyond. Call us Today!

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/easy-solutions-for-great-quality-indoor-air/

The Best Tools for Putting a Stop to Clogs

 No one likes dealing with a drain clog, but there’s no escaping them! Luckily, these plumbing supplies in New Jersey can make short work of any clog, whether it’s water in a toilet bowl that just won’t drain or rising water in the shower.

For Toilet Clogs – The Toilet Auger

While a plunger works well for minor clogs, they can actually make a clog worse if there’s a blockage deeper in the pipe system. It can also be messy and hazardous to your health! An auger solves all these issues easily. There are plenty of different options available for different budgets and needs, but it’s easy to find one at your local plumbing supply company.

There are hand-cranked manual ones and battery-operated ones of different lengths and designs, but essentially they all work the same way. You simply ease the cable through the trap, feeding it in gently. You then use the forward and reverse settings to break up the clog or remove it.

For Shower or Tub Clogs – The Hair Snake

Hair is the number one culprit behind showers and tubs that won’t drain, with a mess of old hair and soap scum to block up the pipe. A simple solution is a hair snake. This is a simple, plastic tool about 20 inches long. It is covered in plastic barbs that, when you insert the hair snake into the drain, snag on the hair masses and pull them free easily. It’s also a good idea to try preventing these clogs with a drain strainer or hair catcher that gets cleaned after every shower or tub use, especially if you live in a house with lots of long-haired family members!

For Sewer Clogs – A Rooter Unit

While you can buy one of these at your local plumbing supply company, it’s usually more affordable and practical to hire one or ask a professional to help (your plumbing supply company can usually recommend someone). This machine is a life-saver when it comes to sewer line clogs, which can cause sewer water to back up in sinks, tubs, and toilets, posing not only a serious health hazard but also a risk of damage to your furnishings. It’s a powerful piece of equipment that can remove any clog, even those caused by fibrous tree roots. 

The Best Place to Get Plumbing supplies in New Jersey

Whatever plumbing tool you need, the specialists at Crosstown Plumbing Supply are here to assist you with fast, affordable solutions. With over 25 years of experience as a plumbing wholesaler in New Jersey, we’re the right partner to help you choose the right tool or replacement parts for your needs. In addition to high-quality plumbing supplies, we also offer a wide range of bathroom materials for remodeling projects, including bathroom sinks and bathroom cabinets. Customers can also benefit from our location in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone. If you are looking for a professional to assist you with your plumbing or HVAC issue, we can also recommend professional contractors who are part of our trusted network.

To find out more about our products, please contact us or visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/the-best-tools-for-putting-a-stop-to-clogs/

What to Do Before You Switch on Your Air Conditioning System

 Spring is just arriving, and summer isn’t too far away. This means now is the perfect time to do some quick air conditioner home maintenance! Here are six important steps to take before you turn on your AC unit for the first time, from the leading wholesalers of HVAC systems in New Jersey.

Step One – Thermostat: 

How old is your home’s thermostat? Installing a smart thermostat will help you save money and energy while keeping your home comfortable.

Step Two – Vents: 

Take a walk through your home and check all your AC vents, removing anything that could block airflow (drapes, toys, furniture, and the like). And, remember to clean each vent with a vacuum and a damp cloth.

Step Three – Drain Line: 

AC and HVAC system drain lines can get clogged with buildup over time. You can flush one cup of bleach down the line followed by a gallon of water, clearing out the drain line and taking care of any bacteria or mold growth. A clogged drain line causes water to back up and drip inside your home, leading to water damage and mold growth.

Step Four – Air Filter: 

Your air filter should be cleaned seasonally (both at the start of summer as well as the end). It should also be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A clean, new air filter ensures good airflow into your home and maintains good air quality, which is essential for your health, especially if you or your family suffer from asthma or allergies.

Step Five – Outdoor Condenser Unit: 

Inspect your condenser unit outside your home, cleaning the area around the unit. There should be no leaves, shrubbery or debris against the unit as this will affect performance.

Step Six – Refrigerant Lines: 

Over time, these lines can wear or degrade, leading to refrigerant leaks that will affect the performance of the unit. If you spot any leaks or the pipes seem to be in poor condition, they should be replaced by a professional. Ignoring leaks can permanently damage your HVAC system, causing important components to overheat.

Need New AC Parts or a New HVAC System New Jersey?

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can either assist you with choosing a high-efficiency, low maintenance replacement air conditioner or HVAC system in New Jersey (including central heating and air and ductless air conditioning systems) or provide you with an extensive range of plumbing supplies to replace necessary HVAC parts in your current systems. 

And, as we are a plumbing wholesaler located in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, we have the best ductless air conditioning and central air conditioner prices in New Jersey. Our sales consultants are highly experienced and happy to assist you in finding the right part for your needs. We work closely with reliable, affordable air conditioning and HVAC professionals should you prefer not to go the DIY route for air conditioner installation.

For more information about the plumbing supplies we have on offer, please visit our website today at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/what-to-do-before-you-switch-on-your-air-conditioning-system/

How to Manage Indoor Humidity for Maximum Comfort

 Humidity is important to manage in every home, whether you live in the tropics of Florida or the more temperate climate of New Jersey. It affects comfort, temperature, and the condition of your home. Here are some tips for getting your home’s humidity levels just right, from wholesale suppliers of dehumidifiers in NJ.

What is Relative Humidity?

This is the amount of water vapor in the air in your home. As temperatures increase and decrease, the percentage of water vapor in the air changes accordingly. However, not all humidity is bad. In fact, we not only need a certain amount of humidity in the air to prevent our skin and belongings from drying out too much, but also to make breathing comfortable. The right level of humidity also helps ensure that your HVAC system is working at optimal levels.

The ideal amount of relative humidity in your home in the summer should be around 40% to 50%. In winter, you should keep relative humidity lower than 40% to prevent condensation. It should never drop below 30%. In this way, regulating humidity levels helps keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

The Role of a Dehumidifier

In the summer months, there’s a lot more moisture in the air; it’s the rainy season and the warmth causes water to evaporate, causing the air to feel sticky and sweaty. When the humidity is high, mold growth is common, it’s uncomfortable to sleep, and soft materials and furnishings feel clammy.

To get rid of the excess moisture in your home, pack away your humidifier, use your air conditioning system and turn on the exhaust fans, especially in the bathroom and laundry rooms. Not all air conditioners are effective enough at removing moisture from the air and, in those cases, a dehumidifier can help.

In addition, if you are able to dehumidify your home in the summer, you can actually turn up the temperature on your thermostat a little without sacrificing comfort, resulting in some great energy savings too.

Buy a Dehumidifier in New Jersey at Wholesale Prices Today

For over 25 years, Crosstown Plumbing Supply company has provided expert advice, quality plumbing parts, and leading cooling and heating systems to both contractors and homeowners in New Jersey. 

We offer a wide range of humidifiers, air filters, and dehumidifiers in New Jersey. And, with our affordable plumbing wholesaler prices, reliable contacts in the heating and cooling system industry as well as our prime location in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, you are guaranteed to get the best deal at the best price. 

For more information on our dehumidifiers and HVAC systems, please visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-manage-indoor-humidity-for-maximum-comfort/

Air Filters and MERV Ratings – Why Do They Matter?

 When you and your family are home, you want to be sure that you’re breathing clean, fresh air that’s free of allergens and pollution. And that means high-quality air filters and good preventative maintenance. Here’s what you need to know about air conditioning system and heating system air filters, from New Jersey HVAC system suppliers.

Different Types of HVAC Air Filters

There are several different types of air filters for furnaces and air conditioning systems, each with their pros and cons:

• Spun Glass Filters: These are the most affordable type of air filter, but they don’t last very long. So, they will require replacing more frequently than other types.
• Pleated Filters: These are very effective at filtration, as air is cleaned by multiple layers of material, which is great if you live in an area with higher air pollution.
• Washable Filters: These are reusable, so simply clean them when they get dirty by following the instructions set out by the manufacturer. They do a good job of filtering the air, but cleaning them can be a challenge.
• HEPA Filters: These offer the highest levels of air filtration, capturing 99.97% of particles in the air. They are, therefore, highly recommended for families with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. As a result, they are also more expensive.

MERV Ratings and Air Quality

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings show how effective a filter is at removing particles, allergens, and pollutants from the air. It’s a scale from 1 to 16, and the higher the number the more effective the filter is.

A good MERV rating is between 9 and 12, as these filters remove around 75% to 90% of particulates from the air. For families with asthma or hay fever, it’s better to look for a MERV rating of between 13 and 16, as these filters remove 90% more than 95% of all particulates from the air.

Air Conditioning Systems and Air Filters at Wholesale Prices in New Jersey

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can either assist you write papers with choosing a high-efficiency, low maintenance replacement air conditioner or HVAC system (including central heating and air and ductless air conditioning systems) or provide you with an extensive range of plumbing supplies to replace the necessary air filters and parts in your current system.

As we are a plumbing wholesaler located in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, we can make your repairs and services the most affordable in town. Our sales consultants are highly experienced and happy to assist you in finding the right part for your needs. In addition, we work closely with reliable and affordable air conditioning and HVAC professionals for air conditioner installation.

For more information about the plumbing supplies we have on offer and the best central air conditioner prices in town, please visit our website today at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

Originally posted https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/air-filters-and-merv-ratings-why-do-they-matter/

These Are the Top Kitchen Design Styles for 2020

Considering a kitchen remodel in 2020? It’s not only one of the best ways to add value to your home, it’s also a great way of making your home more functional and enjoyable than ever before! Here are some of the top trends for kitchen design this year to help inspire your project, from plumbing wholesalers in New Jersey.

Stone, Stone, Stone

This year, we’re seeing the return of marble – the bolder, the better. This beautiful stone sets the standard for luxury in the home. But, if you’re on a budget, it’s perhaps worth considering it not as a kitchen countertop but as an island countertop or backsplash. It’s also easy to add touches of the marble look in accessories like canisters, chopping boards, and even marble-inspired tiles.

Dark Colors

While the white kitchen will never go out of style, dark kitchens are becoming a strong contender for the title! Dramatic and bold, these kitchens feature black or charcoal kitchen cabinets, shelving, and walls, often with a bright white countertop for contrast. While it’s easy to be intimidated by dark colors, the result is pure luxury and a feeling of velvety space.

Going Handle-Free

Kitchens in 2020 are all about that seamless, modern flow and crisp, clean look. One of the biggest trends helping to achieve this style is touch-open kitchen cabinets and cupboards. The tech has come a long way in recent years, offering easy use and a soft close so fingers can’t get caught. If you don’t like this design, there are also kitchen cabinets designed with recessed handles that give the same sleek look.

Larders and Pantries

A classic seen in many older homes, larder or pantry cupboards are a practical must-have for any kitchen. It’s essential for convenience and easy storage, keeping all your food goods in one place, within easy reach, rather than cluttering cabinets throughout the kitchen. It makes food shopping and knowing what you have at home much easier, and you can design them to ensure everything fits in perfectly, accommodating awkward or extra-size goods and freeing up space in the rest of your kitchen.

Metallics

As you can see, many trends for kitchens in 2020 focus on a luxury look, and this includes introducing splashes of gleaming metallics throughout your space. Copper and gold faucets, sinks, and accessories are a huge trend, making a real style statement in your home while retaining the functionality and durability that means you can enjoy them for a lifetime.

Want to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel? Visit Your Local Plumbing Wholesalers in New Jersey!

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we not only offer a huge range of high-quality kitchen cabinetry and countertops, but we also offer kitchen measurement services. In addition to stocking wholesale kitchen cabinets and supplies, we often have special promotions on certain items throughout the year. These limited-time offers are a great way to save even more on the costs of your renovation, as they often feature great discounts on solid wood cabinets, modern features, and top international brands.

For more information on our wholesale kitchen cabinets, plumbing supplies, and faucets in New Jersey, please contact us today or visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

originally posted at https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/these-are-the-top-kitchen-design-styles-for-2020/

Help! My Boiler Is Leaking! – Here’s What to Do:

Your residential boiler is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. And, therefore, it can cause chaos if it starts leaking! Here are some tips on what to do when a boiler leak strikes, from your plumbing wholesalers in NJ.

Step One: Take Safety Precautions

Switch off the water and power supply to your boiler. The boiler power supply switch will be labeled on your home’s main power board. If the power has already tripped in your home, do not turn it back on. Water and electricity make a lethal mix, and you don’t want to put your safety at risk.

Step Two: Finding the Source of the Leak

First, determine if the leak is coming from any of the three most common sources of a boiler leak:

1. The tank,
2. The drain valve at the base of the tank, and/or
3. The discharge tube from the pressure relief valve.

Step Three: Call in Local Emergency Plumbers

Find a 24/7 emergency plumber in your area and describe the leak to them. Depending on what area of your boiler is leaking, they may supply you with advice while you wait for them to arrive.

Step Four: Contain the Leak

Water damage can permanently damage your flooring, ceilings, and possessions, so try to limit this. Soak up water with old towels, place buckets under the leak and take other measures to remove the water quickly from your home. If your basement is flooding and you have a sump pump, turn it on.

Step Five: Get a Replacement Boiler and Parts from Plumbing Wholesalers

Plumbing wholesalers like our plumbing supply company offer the best possible prices on boiler replacement. Here, you’ll find boiler repair parts as well as residential boilers and commercial boilers, making boiler repair and boiler replacement easy and affordable.

Crosstown Plumbing Supply Company in NJ – Affordable Boiler Repair and Boiler Replacement

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can either assist you with choosing a high-efficiency, low maintenance boiler replacement or provide you with an extensive range of plumbing supplies for boiler repair. As we are a plumbing wholesaler in a 3.5% sales tax zone, we can make your repairs and services the most affordable in town. Our sales consultants are highly experienced and happy to assist you with finding the right part for your needs, and we work closely with reliable, affordable plumbing professionals we are happy to recommend to our clients.

For more information about our specials on residential boilers in New Jersey or to find out more about the boilers we can offer you, please visit our plumbing supply company website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

This blog is originally posted here : https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/help-my-boiler-is-leaking-heres-what-to-do/