5 Tips to Manage Utility Costs During a Challenging Economy

Brooklyn’s premier HVAC and plumbing company is offering ideas for homeowners to avoid financial hardship

NEW YORK – Aug. 20, 2020 – Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, a family-owned home service company that has served Brooklyn and Manhattan for over a century, wants to help New Yorkers keep the lights on during the current economic slowdown with some belt-tightening energy tips.

“Homeowners in New York are facing some new and unexpected financial challenges this year,” said Michael Petri, owner of Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning. “Saving money on their monthly utility bills can make a big difference right now. The good news is that there are several easy options for keeping your family comfortable while using less water and energy. You’ll be able to see immediate returns and also address a common sources of household stress.”

Petri suggests the following five tips for keeping energy costs down:

1. Regularly replace filters. Boilers and air conditioners need adequate airflow to function, so Petri notes that a clean filter is the first thing their experts will look at on many service calls. Homeowners can often save themselves a professional visit by first checking the filter and replacing it if it’s dirty or clogged. Filters should be changed every 60 days, sooner if there are pets in the home.

2. Seal up windows and doors. Plastic window coverings are not just for winter. By sealing leaks, they help save money on air conditioning, too. Check for peeling weather stripping and torn seals on windows, both inside and out. Families might also consider scheduling a conversation with their children about the importance of keeping doors and windows closed in order to keep cool air inside.

3. Invest in easy fixes. A leaky toilet flap or dripping sink can raise water bills by as much as $200. Making a few small adjustments — such as replacing broken rubber seals – are simple DIY projects that run under $20 and can also stop major structural repairs due to water damage later on.

4. Turn down the water heater. Lowering the temperature just 10 degrees on a hot water heater can save approximately 3 to 5 percent on energy costs, while a 20-degree drop saves up to 10%. This should only be done by a homeowner when the water heater is easily accessible and the dial is clearly marked.

5. Use less. Petri stresses that conservation of water and electricity is the best and easiest way to lower utility bills and avoid falling behind on payments. Homeowners should take shorter showers and ask themselves if the air conditioner really needs to be on. Installing a programmable or IoT-connected thermostat often allows temperature control from a mobile device, ensuring that utilities are not left running when no one is home.

If DIY fixes don’t help, or your plumbing or HVAC systems are simply not working, the issue may require a professional. Petri cautions that homeowners should never try to work on gas systems such as water heaters or boilers without proper training, as this could result in backdrafts, water damage, or even CO poisoning.

“Homeowners may be struggling to make payments to utility companies on time,” Petri said. “We hope these simple tips can provide some financial relief.”

As an essential business, Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning is committed to keeping customers and employees safe while providing exceptional service. The company is practicing social distancing and ensuring technicians sanitize their equipment and work spaces as well as wearing personal protective equipment. Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning also offers Zero Contact Service to reduce the risk of disease.

For more information about Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, or to schedule a service call, visit https://www.petriplumbing.com/ or call (718) 748-1254.

About Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, Inc. Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, Inc. is a family owned and operated business serving Brooklyn and the New York City area. Founded in 1906, the company offers a 100 percent guarantee on all services, upfront pricing, and friendly and knowledgeable Service Experts for all kinds of home and business plumbing, heating, cooling and drain cleaning needs. From boilers to furnaces, leaks to floods, and everything in between, our Service Experts are equipped for all repairs, installations, and upgrades, to get the job done right every time. Petri is also licensed and certified by Green Plumbers USA, the first in New York City to receive this designation. For more information, please visit www.petriplumbing.com or call 718-748-1254.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
(865) 977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com