The Basics of How a Plumber Installs a New Water Heater

When you need to replace your home’s water heater, you may quickly realize the job can call for tools and skills that you might not have. You may need to hire a professional plumber to handle it for you. However, you also may be curious about what the plumber will actually do when putting in this appliance. Setting Up the Tank The plumber you hire will first set the new tank in its place and install a new T&P valve for it. It is critical you avoid using the valve from the old water heater. You need to use a new one each time you replace this appliance. Your plumber will also install the water heater’s discharge pipe. They may put a bucket under the pipe if there is no drain under the water heater. Connecting the Water After your plumber sets up the water heater, they will then connect it to the water. This step is critical, and your plumber will also ensure that the new water heater does not leak. Part of connecting the water to the water heater can also involve: Installing and securing the heater’s fittings Securing the compression nut Installing seismic straps Filling up and...

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Is It True Mini-Splits Are More Efficient Than Central Air?

Mini-splits are an option to cool your home instead of central air. You may have heard they’re more efficient than central air and are wondering if this is true. They are more efficient than central air in three ways. Higher Energy Efficiency Mini split systems are highly energy efficient as they use advanced technology. This allows them to use little energy, which saves you money on your energy bills. They use variable-speed compressors, which means they only run as hard as they need to. Most central air systems only operate at one or two speeds. SEER is how air conditioning is rated. The higher the SEER rating of a mini split or central air, the more energy efficient it is. Some mini-split systems have a SEER rating that is 30 or more. The SEER rating of central air is usually about 14, with highly energy efficient ones having a rating up to 23. Zoning Mini-splits have built-in zoning. Many models can have up to four indoor air handling units. Each one can be individually operated. This gives you the ability to only cool rooms that you are using. With central air, you have to cool your entire home. Mini Splits...

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How to Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality in Your Home

You spend a lot of time in your home, so you want its air quality to be as good as possible. There are several simple things you can do to keep your home’s air fresh and healthy. Change the Air Filters The air filter in your HVAC system traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants, but it needs to be clean to do its job properly. You should replace it every one to three months. Change it more often if someone in your home smokes, you have pets, or a member of your family has allergies or asthma. Vacuum and Dust Regularly A lot of dust and dirt falls on your carpets. That’s in addition to whatever gets tracked in from outside. You should vacuum your home a few times a week so the air quality stays at its best. Dust using a damp cloth, as a dry one just stirs dust up rather than removing it. Schedule Annual Tune-Ups Schedule annual HVAC tune-ups to keep your indoor air quality high. If you have a furnace and air conditioner, each of them needs an annual maintenance inspection and cleaning. A heat pump needs two because it works throughout the...

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When Does My Landlord Have to Repair My AC?

No one should be stuck without air conditioning during the sweltering summer days. While homeowners can easily call for repairs, tenants are often at the mercy of their landlords. As a tenant, you have to rely on your lease agreement for many of your repair needs. Here’s how long your landlord may be able to leave you without vital air conditioning. Landlord-Tenant Laws Your landlord is legally bound to the stipulations in your lease. If your lease puts you in charge of common maintenance issues, your landlord may not have any legal reason to repair your AC. However, if the AC was working when you moved in and your landlord is responsible for it, they have to repair your unit as soon as possible. The exact timeframe in which your landlord must complete repairs depends on your state. Your landlord may have to fix your AC in as little as 10 days or within as many as 30. If the repair is directly affecting your safety, you likely won’t have to wait as long. The best way to learn about your landlord’s responsibilities is to research your landlord-tenant laws. Other emergencies that may speed up repair times include leaking water...

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3 Reasons Why Your AC Is Leaking Water

Warm springtime weather and sweltering-hot summer temperatures will take a toll on your Eureka, CA air conditioner. If you notice that your AC is leaking water, you might wonder if there’s a problem. Here are a few of the reasons why air conditioners leak water and when you should call for an inspection and repair. 1. Clogged Condensate Drain Pipe The most common reason why air conditioners leak water is a clogged condensate drain pipe. When moisture condenses out of your home’s air, it turns from a gas into a liquid state. The water collects in the drain pan and filters into the pipe. Algae, biofilm, dust and other debris may clog the pipe. When the water has nowhere else to go, it leaks out of the pipe or the drain pan. A leaky condensate pipe will feel wet, and you may notice a puddle on the floor near the pipe. 2. Rusted Drain Pan After many years of holding water, the drain pan may develop rust or corrosion. Once the drain pan has a crack or hole, the water will leak. You might notice a puddle near the air handler. If the water leaks into the air handler, the...

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3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Buy a Used Furnace

The idea of buying a used furnace is an appealing option for anyone who doesn’t want to spend money on a brand-new unit. However, a used furnace often ends up being more trouble than it is worth. Let’s look at some reasons why used furnaces aren’t ideal. Potential Safety Hazard You can’t test drive a furnace. You will either need a lot of HVAC knowledge or a licensed professional to perform quality checks. Most sellers usually do not keep up with performance or maintenance reports. Many internal and external safety hazards could also go unnoticed when purchasing a used furnace. Furthermore, used units most likely won’t come with a warranty, which could mean more repair costs out of your pocket. Installation Issues Furnaces purchased from a private seller are not furnaces that HVAC companies can trust. They don’t typically come with the appropriate history documentation that contractors need for installation or repairs. This makes contractors wary because of potential liabilities and they may refuse to serve you. The most prevalent safety hazards are due to poor operation or installation and is not something you should attempt to do yourself. Your Furnace May Not Pass Inspection Gas companies and licensed professionals...

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Scheduling Your AC Installation

When the temperature starts to rise, and you feel the heat, it’s time to turn on the air conditioner. It’s a simple solution, but not when your air conditioner has a problem. Air conditioning problems can occur during the least convenient times. Your air conditioner may not turn on, or maybe it does turn on, but it’s not properly cooling your indoor space. Unfortunately, like many other appliances, the air conditioner does age, and there is wear and tear with use. When maintenance and repair are no longer keeping your AC running, it may be time to get a new air conditioner installed. When’s the Best Time to Install a New Air Conditioner? You don’t want to be stuck with an air conditioning problem at the peak of summer heat. Call an HVAC professional for help with selecting and installing your new air conditioner. New air conditioner installations and AC maintenance are generally best completed during the fall through spring. Getting serviced during the off-peak season gives you enough time to prep and resolve any looming air conditioning problems before the summer heat strikes. What Services Will the HVAC Professional Provide? A professional HVAC service provider will help you determine...

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Factors to Consider When Buying a Furnace

A homeowner should have adequate knowledge when purchasing various home appliances. This enables them to make well-informed decisions based on their choice. Purchasing the right furnace based on your home’s needs can help ensure you stay comfortable during the winter. The following are some factors to consider when purchasing a furnace for your home. Brand Since a furnace is a significant purchase for your home, it is essential to buy a reputable brand based on quality, longevity, and reliability. It is also crucial to note that manufacturers may make different models with varying features. Although your HVAC consultant may recommend certain models for you, it is essential to research each brand. You’ll also want to check out consumer ratings as well as customer reviews and recommendations. Fuel Source It is crucial to determine the fuel source of your residence before purchasing a furnace. Different homes use various sources for heating, including electricity, oil tanks, natural gas lines, and propane tanks. Although it is possible to change your fuel source, note that the installation costs may be high. The Right Size for Your Home Typically, different homes require different furnace sizes to heat the home effectively. Purchasing a small model may...

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What You Need to Know About a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters have become increasingly popular in new homes. Unlike storage tank heaters that hold a large volume of water in an insulated tank that you can use at any time, tankless water heaters generate hot water on demand. When you open the hot water tap, cold water flows through the tankless heater. As it flows through, the unit gets heated by either an electric heating coil or a gas burner. The water then gets distributed to taps in your home. How Tankless Water Heaters Function To help you learn how a tankless water heater functions, here’s a breakdown of the steps: It all begins when you switch on the hot water tap. When the water begins to flow, the flow sensor detects the water and signals the control panel to generate hot water. Once the control panel gets triggered, it instantly adjusts the burners to achieve the preferred water temperature. After the burner starts heating the water, it revolves around the heat exchanger until it reaches the desired temperature. Then, the water leaves the tankless water heater and begins flowing through your pipes until it reaches the final destination. Once the demand for hot water diminishes, the tankless...

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Ideal Furnace Temperature This Winter

With the cooler temperatures settling in around northern California, it’s time to get your heater ready to keep things comfortable. As you change your thermostat over to heating, the yearly question of the best temperature rises again. Here are some thoughts for setting the ideal temperature on your furnace this winter. 68 Degree Average The EPA has published the ideal temperature for the winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This is thought to be comfortable for most people and prevents overconsumption of fuel or energy. However, this may not be the right temperature for your home, as some people may like or need it warmer. When you read the recommendation more closely, this is the average temperature recommendation, so there’s a little room for flexibility. Why the Air Feels Cold First, let’s start with why 68 degrees feels cool to many people. As your heater runs, you’ll get an initial warming of the air around your home. However, that warm air quickly rises to your ceiling, leaving the air around you to feel cooler. It’s easy to fix this using a common ceiling fan. There’s a switch on the side that reverses the blades to a counterclockwise rotation. When this happens...

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