Bill Howe

Announcing the winner of the BIG Giveaway: 2-year gym membership to 24 Hour Fitness!

Bill Howe — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:14:37 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Benefits of Air Purification

Bill Howe — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:21:58 +0000

As a well-known and respected San Diego HVAC company, at Bill Howe, customer service is our top priority. We owe much of our success to our many satisfied customers who come back to us again and again and who refer others to what they consider the premier HVAC San Diego service provider. After three-plus decades, we couldn’t be happier with how well our services are received by our loyal customers.

Part of our mission is always to try to stay on the cutting edge of new products and technologies making their way to market. In the past few years, an important concern for our San Diego HVAC customers has been something more than the mere comfort and efficiency provided by their home HVAC systems. Indoor air quality has become an important consideration, especially with all that is now known regarding the relationship of air quality and a family’s health.

According to the Environment Protection Agency, people spend an average of 90 percent of their lives indoors and, based on their estimates, indoor air may be anywhere from two to five times more polluted than the air outside. It is suspected that this indoor pollution is responsible for any number of health risks, especially for those prone to asthma or other respiratory problems.

Installation of an effective air purification system can negate these potential risks by removing many airborne allergens and irritants found in a typical home. Electronic air purifiers can eliminate as much as 98 percent of these pollutants from inside a residence. Ultra violet light systems, which are installed in the air ducts, eliminate these contaminants and kill molds and bacteria as well.

To schedule an appointment with one of our San Diego HVAC specialists or to find out more information on the benefits of air purification, please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469).

Updated story: High-efficiency toilet rebate – Bill Howe Plumbing will honor $50 rebate until June 30th!

Bill Howe Plumbing — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:48 +0000

Have you been thinking about replacing your toilet with an energy efficient toilet? Did you know that 30 percent of your water usage goes toward flushing the toilet? Did you know you don’t actually even need that much water to flush? Don’t be fooled by they myths out there: one flush doesn’t do the job with a low-flow toilet, toilets clog more frequently, or even cause problems with home plumbing. Those may have been the woes of folks in the 90′s who jumped on the low-flow bandwagon early. But these high-efficiency toilets are not your father’s low-flow toilets. High-efficiency toilets use 20 percent less water than the ultra low flush toilets and as much as 300 percent less water than the older standard flush toilets and work just as effectively.

Not only can you save water, but you can save money with high-efficiency toilets. Potentially you could save over $800 on your water bill over the lifetime of the product.

If that’s not enough motivation to switch to a high-efficiency toilet, wait ‘til you hear this…SoCal WaterSmart rebate program is offering a rebate starting at $25 for qualifying toilets (high-efficiency toilet rebate applies to the Otay Water District). Learn more about SoCal WaterSmart’s rebate program here: http://socalwatersmart.com/rebateinfo

While the SoCal WaterSmart is limited to several water agencies in Southern California, at Bill Howe Plumbing we strongly believe in water conservation and we would like to honor that $50 rebate for ALL customers who are interested in a high-efficiency toilet (residents in Otay Water District will receive a $25 Bill Howe rebate). **Must have toilet installed by Bill Howe Plumbing between April 1 and June 30, 2012. $50 rebate may be applied to multiple high-efficiency toilets, toilet must be purchased through Bill Howe Plumbing.

Click here for a list of qualifying toilets: http://socalwatersmart.com/images/PDFs/qualifying_list_het.pdf.

For a FREE estimate to install your new high-efficiency toilet, call us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE. Email stefanie@billhowe.com for the Bill Howe rebate form.

How To Save Energy At Home

Bill Howe Plumbing — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:26:42 +0000

Conserving energy is becoming an important part of the lifestyle in America. Whether the reason is environmental consciousness or financial conservation, the truth is that everybody benefits from using the energy in their home wisely. However, many people are still not sure what they can do to conserve energy. At Bill Howe, we have a couple recommendations which will save energy while being easy on your wallet:

Keep Your HVAC System Well Maintained

Your San Diego HVAC system is one of the appliances in your home which is almost always using at least some energy. Between monitoring your home’s temperature via the thermostat and turning on to maintain a comfortable temperature, this system is almost always using energy.

Though there are energy efficient models on the market, the truth is that you can save a great deal of energy by simply making sure that whatever system is in your home is running at peak performance. Preventative maintenance of your San Diego HVAC system will maximize the efficiency of any system and is a good first step for conserving your San Diego HVAC system’s energy footprint.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Even the best maintained San Diego HVAC system is going to waste a lot of energy if the thermostat is set incorrectly. A good way to save some energy in this case is to adjust your thermostat according to the outside temperature. We recommend about 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and about 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The best way to ensure proper use of the thermostat is to install an auto-programmable thermostat. There are many options to choose from including thermostats that you can program from your phone or computer, or even systems that learn your behavior and adjust automatically based on the system’s memory.

At Bill Howe, we care about the health of your home’s HVAC system and want to make sure that it runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Plus, if you are in need of a new system, we offer free estimates on new installations. To schedule an appointment with a specialist in HVAC, San Diego residents please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469).

Changes in Energy Star

Bill Howe Plumbing — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:17:18 +0000

Energy Star is a program that promotes energy efficiency. The Energy Star is awarded to specific products to let consumers know that they can help save energy. The goal of the project is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution that results from the inefficient use of resources and energy. The Energy Star symbol on packaging makes it easier for consumers to identify and buy money saving, energy efficient appliances.

Effective early 2012, there have been several changes that have been implemented in the Energy Star Program. Once such change lies within Version 3 of its New Homes program: all new HVAC systems installed as of January 1^st must be installed according to the Quality Installation (QI) guidelines established in ANSI/ACCA Standard 5 QI, in order to earn the Energy Star label. While Version 2 of the New Homes program focused on the efficiency of the equipment and ducts, Version 3 includes installation requirements and inspections to better coordinate between the builder, home energy rater and HVAC contractor. Other changes announced to go into effect as of July 2012 include revisions to product requirements for Energy Star qualified furnaces and geothermal heat pumps.

Energy Star provides certain guidelines to keep home and business properties energy efficient when using their HVAC. San Diego companies that offer cooling and heating repair see to it that they check systems for any air leaks and damage that can cause units to use more energy than usual. At Bill Howe, we have many highly skilled technicians who follow Energy Star regulations related to HVAC. San Diego equipment installation should always be done right to ensure that energy is not wasted.

The team at Bill Howe Heating & Air is always up to date with the latest news and changes in guidelines from Energy Star in San Diego. HVAC equipment offered to home and commercial property owners is often Energy Star rated to ensure efficiency. Bill Howe is among the best San Diego HVAC companies and our team can work with you to find the most cost efficient and energy efficient HVAC unit for your home or business.

To schedule an appointment with one of our San Diego HVAC experts, please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469).

Let us know which drawing you like best!

Bill Howe Plumbing — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:18:56 +0000

Help us choose the “public vote winner” of the “Howe” Healthy is Your Heart Drawing Contest!

Due to an overwhelming number of submissions, we’ve had to narrow down the contest entries to the top 100 finalists! Thank you to all of the children who submitted their drawings – you are all VERY talented!

The “public vote winner” will be chosen based on the number of “likes” and comments on the images of the drawings on the Bill Howe Facebook page. The “public vote winner” will receive one of the runner-up prizes of $100 to Toys “R” Us.

To read the rules for the “public vote” click here.

Learn more about the “Howe” Healthy is Your Heart Drawing Contest, sponsored by the American Heart Association and Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air.

Fact or Fiction? It’s Okay To Buy a Cheap Product As Long As It Has a Lifetime Warranty

Bill Howe Plumbing — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:24:27 +0000

Fiction. It’s important to use a quality San Diego plumber to install or repair your plumbing fixtures. Some people will look to purchase the most inexpensive product as long as it carries a lifetime warranty. While you’ll have the security of not having to purchase that product again if it breaks since it would be covered under warranty, you’ll still end up paying more with the cost of hiring a plumber to come back and install the new product. You’ll be better off purchasing a higher quality product at a higher price and knowing that you won’t have to replace that product for a long time.

An experienced San Diego plumber like Bill Howe Plumbing can offer advice on what parts and brands are the best to install in your home. When it comes to keeping fixtures and other plumbing parts working properly and efficiently, it’s important to consider using both a quality plumber and quality part. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for!

Here at Bill Howe, we have expert San Diego plumbers and all of the knowledge it takes to help our customers make the best decisions on plumbing products. We know that people like the security of warranties from the companies that they purchase their parts from, but we also know which parts are worth it. If you choose to buy the most inexpensive product on the market and it breaks, it definitely helps that the manufacturer is willing to send you a new product (although most likely of the same quality) to replace the broken one. However, every time you need to have that product installed, it’s going to cost you money to have it installed by a plumber – or if you can do the installation yourself, it’ll cost you time and a headache of having to take care of the repair. Save yourself future costs and headaches and speak with an experienced plumber before purchasing your own plumbing products.

If you hire a San Diego plumber with Bill Howe, it means getting our experience and our warranty. We have been in the business since 1980 and we are dedicated to quality service. To schedule an appointment or receive a free estimate from one of our San Diego plumbers, please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469).

Getting Your AC Unit Ready for the Warm Season

Bill Howe Plumbing — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:21:00 +0000

While San Diego air conditioner use peaks during summer months, the best time to consider performing regular maintenance on a system is during the spring before the warm weather hits, when the unit is not in operation. For most San Diego air conditioner service providers, this is the preferred time to conduct annual preventive maintenance services and the best time for customers to ensure their systems are ready when warm weather comes.

Studies have indicated that nearly 90 percent of all HVAC equipment failures result from neglect. During times of heavy use, San Diego air conditioner equipment will be using up coolant and lubricant, belts will be wearing, moving parts may begin to loosen, filters will begin to clog, and air ducts to accumulate dust, dirt and debris. Left unchecked, these minor problems can eventually result in the need for costly repairs or even necessitate replacement of broken equipment.

Like an automobile where oil changes, tire rotations and replacement as well as tune-ups ensure safe and efficient operation, air conditioning systems require the same kind of regular maintenance routines. The easiest way to ensure that you’re your unit is running at its peak efficiency is to set up an annual maintenance program with Bill Howe Heating & Air, a qualified air conditioner San Diego service provider.

To lessen the likelihood of mechanical breakdown or inefficient operation during times when you need your air conditioner to be running optimally, the off-season is the best time to schedule a technician to:

Check electrical systems and test run the unit
Check refrigerant
Clean or replace filters and clean condenser and evaporator
Check thermostat operation
Check ductwork for leaks
Check belts and tighten any loose parts
Check condensate line(s) and clean if necessary

All in all, good maintenance saves money by improving efficiency and averting costly breakdowns. To schedule an appointment for service on your air conditioner, San Diego residents please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469). Our tune-ups are only $85!

Tina Howe of Bill Howe Plumbing Named Finalist of San Diego Business Journal’s CFO Award

Bill Howe Plumbing — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:37:26 +0000

March 23, 2012, San Diego, Calif. – On Thursday, March 15, 2012, the San Diego Business Journal honored Tina Howe of Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Restoration & Flood Services, Inc. as a finalist of the 2012 Chief Financial Officers of the Year Award. The 6^th annual event recognized San Diego’s CFOs for the roles they play in the success of their businesses and their positive impact on the company.

Tina Howe has been with Bill Howe Plumbing, Inc. since 1984 and has contributed significantly to the company’s growth. Especially during hard economic times, Tina’s role has become an instrumental part of the company as she implemented financial best practices and monitored future growth. With Tina’s direction, the company focused on reallocating budget, cutting back on costs without compromising quality, investing in employees’ health and happiness, and giving back to the San Diego community.

“It was just as important during the last five years as it was when we first started this business to make sure that all of our profits went right back into this company,” said Tina Howe. “During these hard times it was important to my husband, Bill Howe, and I that we tighten our belts within some areas of the company, without compromising quality of work and products for our customers and quality of life for our employees.”

The criteria for the award nomination was based on several key points including the CFO’s commitment to create and maintain a positive work environment and employee satisfaction, how the CFO has contributed to the company’s financial success, the CFO’s innovated contribution to the company, and the community involvement and philanthropic contributions of the CFO.

Tina Howe is also the recipient of the 2010 Honoree Award for the San Diego Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award. Additionally, Tina and Bill Howe were honored with the San Diego Business Journal’s 2010 Family-Owned and Closely Held Business Awards, the 2011 National Contractor of the Year Award, and the 2011 BBB Torch Award Finalist Award, among many others. For more information about Bill Howe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Restoration & Flood Services, Inc. visit www.billhowe.com.

About Bill Howe Family of Companies

Bill Howe Family of Companies is comprised of Bill Howe Plumbing, Inc.; Bill Howe Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.; and Bill Howe Restoration & Flood Services, Inc. The family-owned and operated company begin in 1980 with the plumbing division and has grown into San Diego County’s largest low-cost property maintenance, repair and installation company, offering both residential and commercial services. 1364 Morena Boulevard, Suite A, San Diego CA 92110. Call 1-800-BILL-HOWE because We Know Howe!

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Fact or Fiction? Every Plumber Knows Exactly What to Do and How to Do It

Bill Howe Plumbing — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:42:11 +0000

Fiction. When you need a San Diego plumber, you need someone knowledgeable in the specific area of your plumbing issue, not a plumber who tries to do it all. At Bill Howe, our plumbers are all experts, most of which have been in the field for at least 10 years longer. The difference between our plumbers and those employed at other companies is that each of our plumbers has a very specific area of focus within the plumbing industry. For example, rather than sending out a plumber who knows a little about every area of the field, Bill Howe Plumbing will send out a plumber who specializes in the particular plumbing issue you’re experiencing. So when a customer needs a slab leak located and repaired, we’ll send a technician who locates and repairs slab leaks five or more times a week. At Bill Howe Plumbing, we maintain this philosophy throughout every area so that our customers can be confident that they have the best person for their job.

Like most service industries, there are many different specializations that a plumber can have. To ensure that you receive the best quality work, make sure that your technician is an expert in the problem that you’re having at your home or business. You can do this by letting the customer service representative know that you want a plumber that specializes in water heaters (or whatever your problem is). Their response should be that it’s not a problem and they’ll be sending you a water heater technician. If the representative’s response is that their plumbers specialize in everything, it should be considered a red flag.

Our plumbing company was started in 1980 when Bill Howe set out to offer San Diego businesses and residents a plumber that provides high quality and ethical work at a low price. Since 1980, our company has grown as we added heating and air conditioning services to meet the needs of our customers in and around San Diego. We also provide professional services in water and mold mitigation, and reconstruction so we can help customers who have experienced a flood in their home or business.

With Bill Howe Plumbing our technicians are specialized in particular areas of the industry so you know that you are going to get the best services available from a San Diego plumber. To schedule an appointment or receive a free estimate, please contact us at 1-800-BILL-HOWE (1-800-245-5469).