A Quick Guide to Purchasing Water Heaters

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Selecting a Water Heater

Over the last several years new advances in water heating technology have given the consumer many more choices than even just a short time ago. New heaters are more efficient, keep water at temperature longer, are quieter, and can save you lots of money over the life of the heater.

There are a few things you will want to keep in mind when choosing a water heater.

  • The size of your home
  • Budget
  • Hot water needs
  • Geographic location

Home size and budget are going to be your two major concerns followed by your hot water needs and geographic location.

Types of Water Heater

The most basic type of heater that everyone is familiar with is the tank-style of water heater. These are among the least-efficient options in heating water, however they are the least-expensive and they have gotten more efficient than they have been in the past. They will provide a lot of hot water over a long period of time.

One option for people in the sunnier parts of the US is solar. Solar is exactly as it sounds and will use the sun’s energy to heat water. Their downsides are weather, cost, and need for a supplemental water heater. The initial cost of these can be high and you will also need another water heater to help out when the sun isn’t out.

Inline water heaters are a new style of heater that has become popular over the last few years. They are among the most efficient systems however their initial cost can be a little high. Inline heaters only heat the water as it is passing through the unit itself. This saves a lot on heating costs however you may need to have more than one, which will raise the initial costs.

You can think of heat pump water heaters as something like a reverse air conditioner for your water. Very much like your ac run in reverse, these systems heat by moving heat energy from one area to the desired area. They are very efficient however to operate best they will need to be placed in an area that has fairly steady temperatures and won’t get too cold.

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Humidifiers Can Help Relieve Your Allergy Symptoms

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If you suffer from allergies, you know their symptoms can make life miserable. Obviously you’d be interested in anything that can bring you relief, and that’s why you may want to seriously consider buying at humidifier for your home.

What Is a Humidifier and How Does it Work?

Humidifiers are electrically-powered machines that use various methods to turn liquid water into vapor. The vapor is spread across adjacent rooms, moisturizing the air and raising relative indoor humidity in the process. Humidifiers are commonly employed during the winter time in cold climates, where excessive dryness of the air is a constant problem, and all year round in arid or desert climates where the air is chronically lacking in moisture.

Point-of-use humidifiers are portable devices that can be moved from room to room and are generally appropriate for any house or apartment. But another type of unit, known as a whole-house humidifier, disperses much larger quantities of moisturized air from a centralized location. Whole-house humidifiers are used in both commercial and residential settings.

How Do Humidifiers Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

Allergy attacks can dry out the throat or nasal linings even as they clog sinuses. Excessively dry air will only exacerbate the trouble, making this type of allergic reaction more severe than it otherwise might be.

Boosting indoor humidity can help eliminate most of this unpleasant dryness, and humidifiers are extremely efficient at doing this. Good-quality units usually include a control device called a hygrometer, and if you set it to produce relative indoor humidity of somewhere between 40 and 49 percent it should bring you almost instant relief. Colds and the flu often manifest in the same way as allergies, so humidifiers can also make you feel better when you’re sick.

Some allergies cause rashes or itchiness, which is also related to excessive dryness (of the skin in this case). People who suffer from eczema also experience much more intense and frequent outbreaks of this disorder when the air is dry. But higher humidity levels works as a remedy to skin allergies and eczema; comfortably humid air can moisturize the skin even more effectively than many over-the-counter topical creams designed to treat dry skin conditions.

One word of caution: if you let your indoor humidity get too high (50 percent or more), it can encourage the breeding of dust mites and the growth of mold, both of which are frequently responsible for allergic reactions. When using a humidifier for allergy relief you have to be careful not to overdo it.

Common Types of Humidifier

Evaporative humidifiers rely on the forces of nature (evaporation, in other words) to moisturize a home’s air gradually, while vaporizing humidifiers use an extra energy input to convert water directly to steam. Point-of-use and whole-house units both require the regular replenishment of water supplies in order to keep functioning, as do impeller and ultrasonic humidifiers, a couple of other options you may want to investigate.

Fighting Allergies with Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating and Air

If you or a family member suffers from allergies, adding a humidifier to your home’s climate management system may be the perfect solution.

In Palo Alto and surrounding cities, we encourage you to visit Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating and Air if you’re in the market for a humidifier. We offer a complete line of outstanding humidifiers from Bryant, the preeminent name in the HVAC/air quality management industry. Contact us today and we’ll help you choose the best style, size and model of humidifier for your home—or for your place of business, if that is where you need it.

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All about Water Heater Anode Rods

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Theoretically a water heater should rust out from the inside in a matter of months. But this doesn’t happen thanks to water heater anodes, the “secret ingredient” that keeps water heaters up and running and virtually rust-free throughout their existence.

Water Heater Anodes 101

Water heater anodes, which are more commonly known as sacrificial anodes, are long rods of magnesium or aluminum wrapped around a steel wire core. When placed inside a water tank they will gradually corrode and would eventually rust down to nothing if not replaced within two or three years. Because the sacrificial anode rusts away the steel interior of the tank remains untouched, and it will stay that way as long as new sacrificial anodes are added as needed.

It is a basic principle of science— when two metals are in contact inside a watery solution they will not rust at the same time. Instead, whichever one is more reactive (prone to rusting) will corrode away completely before the second metal is touched. As it happens magnesium and aluminum are both far more reactive than steel, and that is the secret to the sacrificial anode’s success.

Water Heater Anode Options

Sacrificial anodes come in one of two models. Hex-head anodes screw in at the tank and extend down into the water, while combo anodes are an integrated component of the hot-water delivery assembly, extending into the tank through the hot water outlet. Water heaters are generally sold with either a hex-head anode exclusively or with one anode of each type, which explains why some new heaters are sold with six-year warranties and others with 12-year guarantees (two sacrificial anodes are twice as effective as one).

For those who prefer an option that will keep on working continuously and without degredation, a powered anode can be used in lieu of the sacrificial type. This version of the protective anode is powered by electricity and stops interior tank corrosion by releasing a small but continuous flow of electric current into the water. This interrupts the electrochemical reaction that normally causes metallic corrosion.

Because it never rusts at all a powered anode can last indefinitely. Of course it is a far more expensive than the traditional option, generally running in the $250 range (a conventional sacrificial anode will cost from $40 to $75).

Magnesium sacrificial anodes are more common now than the aluminum versions. As it rusts aluminum leaves behind significant waste product that can clog water pipes and fill tank bottoms with nasty gunky sediment, which can threates a water heater’s long-term survival. Aluminum anodes also swell a bit as they rust and at times can be incredibly difficult to remove.

Meanwhile powered anodes have great utility when water is highly soft. Soft water is more corrosive than hard and will tend to wear out sacrificial anodes so frequently they’re no longer a cost-effective choice. Powered anodes will also kill bacteria that can infect water heater tanks and create terrible odors that follow the water wherever it flows.

Making a Change

Homeowners and landlords should remove sacrificial anodes from water heater tanks at least once per year to check for excessive wear and tear (this is an easy task, all that’s required is an adjustable wrench). If several inches of the steel wire core is visible too much corrosion has taken place and it’s time to get a new anode.

Water heater anodes are not automatically interchangeable, so anyone who needs to buy a new one should check with the dealer or the manufacturer first to find out which anodes are compatible with their heater.

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How Important Is It To Get The Right Size Of Heating And Cooling Equipment?

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When it comes to purchasing heating and cooling equipment for your home, you need to realize that size really does matter. Installing equipment with a capacity that matches the home’s size will decrease energy usage while improving comfort for you and your family.

Home builders these days are constructing more energy efficient homes. The installation of double-pane windows, weather-stripping, insulation and caulking reduce heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter. This allows homeowners to purchase and install smaller systems than they needed in the past without sacrificing comfort.

Anyone who thinks bigger is better when purchasing a heating and cooling system should think again. Purchasing something that is too big for the space is the most common HVAC sizing mistake consumers make. An oversize HVAC system will produce large temperature swings making it difficult to maintain comfort. It will not run long enough to remove all the moisture from the air, which makes it feel clammy. In addition to being uncomfortable, high humidity can promote mold growth, which is a health hazard.

Residential Load Calculation is the Manual J method of HVAC sizing created and recommended by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA. Residential Duct Design is the Manual D method of HVAC sizing used when the system includes ducts.

Both manuals take into account a variety of factors that affect a home’s requirement for heating and cooling. These factors include the number of occupants, climate, house size, house shape, roof surface color, which way the house is oriented, air infiltration rates, the types of home appliances and lights giving off heat and ceiling, window and floor area.

An experienced estimator will calculate room volumes, estimate air leakage and check the R-value of the insulation. The process should include inspecting the condition of seals and insulation as well as duct distribution in a forced air system. The contractor should provide a written estimate for sizing the system, a contract and a written warranty on labor and equipment.

Purchasing the right size HVAC system is the best way to ensure your home is energy efficient and comfortable year round.

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What To Consider When Purchasing A Water Heater

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Water heaters are one of the larger and more expensive appliances in a home. They are typically placed in an inconspicuous location within the home, such as a corner in the basement. The location can be the root of an “out of sight, out of mind,” attitude that often results in neglecting the ongoing condition of a water heater.

Homeowners typically get a wake-up call when a shower turns cold due to an irreparable water heater that needs to be replaced. The silver lining will generally be the purchase of a much more energy efficient model that will, in the long run, save money to the homeowner. There are other elements to consider before making a water heater shopping trip.

Tank Or Tankless

Tank or tankless water heaters can operate with gas or electric, and both are available in sizes that are dependent on the water capacity that is needed for a particular home. Conventional tank water heaters should coincide with the number of bedrooms and bathrooms within a home. Tankless models are purchased on the basis of a predetermined flow rate measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The flow rates for fixtures or appliances that are primarily used in a home are combined with the expected water temperatures for each function to determine the necessary size of a tankless unit. Hybrid water heaters operate with electric and are more expensive at the time of purchase, but save money over the course of a year. Modern technology allows a heat pump to draw in surrounding air and use extracted heat to provide water at warmer temperatures.

Energy factor

Energy efficiency should be a primary concern to save on cost and overall energy use. Water heaters with an energy factor (EF) closest to 1 will be the most efficient.

Other Desired Features

Once a water heater is chosen, its dimensions should be taken into consideration for an ideal fit. Larger units might need additional plumbing. Remember to pay close attention to other options such as self cleaning, which will promote the longevity of a water heater. A quick recovery speed indicates how quickly a tank of water will be heated and an auto shutoff valve can prevent a catastrophic fire when using a gas-operated water heater. Take time to thoroughly research available water heaters while contemplating the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

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Replacing A Furnace? 5 Things To Think About Before You Do

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Yes, replacing a furnace is not an easy task and it costs a pretty penny too, therefore the last thing that homeowners would want is to squander away their money on a poorly planned and researched furnace replacement. Educating yourself in this aspect is definitely a wise move. Here are the top 5 things you need to do before you go for furnace replacement:

1: Find out about the performance of your current furnace

This is a step that most homeowners skip, but it is crucially important. You need to first determine whether your furnace actually requires replacement or not. After all, a unit which is replaced too early would cause you to lose a portion of your investment on it. If your furnace is older than twelve years then it probably needs replacement, therefore you should call in a professional for a thorough checkup.

2: Do Your Research and Go Beyond the Brand

As far as furnace replacement is concerned, it is important to do your research because these are a substantial investment. Don’t just stop at the brands, go beyond them by finding out about their warranties, government codes or permits applicable and various other types of relevant information for customers. A reputable brand wouldn’t mind answering all your queries in this regard.

3: Do it before Winter sets in

As far as possible, try to have the furnace replacement complete before winter because the furnace technicians are usually busy during the winter season since it is the peak time for buying such devices. By opting for a replacement before winter you will not be left waiting for the technician in a cold house.

4: Arrange for a tune up prior to the replacement

There is no harm in having a tune-up conducted prior to the replacement, even when you’re absolutely sure that your furnace needs to be replaced. Who knows, a tune-up by the professional will confirm that you do not need a replacement after all, and this would in turn optimize your investment on the current furnace!

5: Calling in a Professional

After doing the initial examination yourself, it is time to call in a professional to have a proper evaluation of your furnace and HVAC technology. You can clear your doubts and get your queries about the furnace (current one or the new one you’re about to purchase) answered by the professional.

Call us for your furnace replacement or other HVAC needs.

Replacing A Furnace? 3 Things To Think About Before You Do

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Introduction

There are many reasons that justify the replacement of a furnace over the continued use an existing, inefficient furnace. A furnace replacement may be triggered by a decreasing efficiency, high and costly fuel usage, regular faults, and routine repairs of your current furnace. Just as you take the time to discern whether or not to replace a furnace, you should take time to assess the suitability of your new furnace. Fuel source, furnace efficiency and heating capacity should comprise things you should think about of your new furnace.

3 things to think about before choosing a replacement furnace

Furnace Efficiency

The efficiency of a furnace is defined as the percentage of output (heating) it (furnace) generates in relation to the fuel it consumes, and it is calculated as a percentage. It is best to choose a furnace with a high efficiency, rather than a low efficiency because a low-efficiency furnace will consume and lose more energy, therefore, incur you high utility bill. Whereas high-efficiency furnaces may cost slightly higher than low-efficiency furnaces, they (high-efficiency) save on energy usage, and, therefore, utility bills.

Fuel Source

Electricity, coal, wood, gas and kerosene comprise conventional fuels that power furnaces. Time may have an effect on the availability and the price/ cost of one fuel over the others. When choosing a replacement furnace, think about the availability and the cost of the fuel that powers that furnace. Do not choose a gas furnace simply because your current furnace uses gas; if the cost of gas has risen, and continues to rise, choose an electrical furnace if electricity costs are more affordable than the cost of gas.

Heating Capacity

You should, above all else, check that your replacement furnace can meet the heating needs of your premises. Furnaces with a small heating capacity might require you to run them longer than necessary, or even force you to purchase additional heating devices. Overly big furnaces simply consume more energy, not to mention indoor overheating is hazardous to human health. The best way to know your heating needs, hence the best heating capacity furnace, is to have an HVAC professional assess your premises and advice you accordingly.

Conclusion

Choosing a replacement furnace should be taken as seriously as deciding whether or not to replace a furnace. Consider the heating capacity, furnace efficiency and fuel source of the replacement furnace before acquiring and installing it. Replacing an inefficient furnace with an efficient furnace can save you unnecessary repairs and fuel bills, while giving you utmost comfort. Call to discuss your furnace replacement options.

Should I Replace Or Repair My Equipment?

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It can be difficult to decide whether it is best for you to repair or replace your equipment. There are many factors you have to consider before you make your decision. Below is a guide that will help you decide whether it is best to repair or replace your equipment:

The Age

The age of your equipment is one of the things you will need to think about when you are asking yourself, “Should I replace or repair my equipment? If your unit was built prior to 1992, replacement is most likely the better option. While replacing the unit is more expensive than having it repaired, you can actually save money by getting it replaced.

Newer air conditioners and furnaces are more energy-efficient than the ones in the past. In fact, you may be able to save 20 percent on your electric bill if you get a new unit.

The Cost

The cost is something else you will need to consider when you are deciding whether it is best to repair or replace the unit. Experts recommend that you have your equipment replaced if it is older than three-fourths of its life expectancy, and the cost of repairing it is more than one-third of the cost of replacing it.

For example, the average air conditioner lasts 10 to 15 years. If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, and it will cost $1,000 to repair, you may want to have it replaced. Replacing your unit can not only help you save money, but it can also help keep you more comfortable in your home.

Deciding whether you should have your equipment repaired or replaced can be a difficult decision because each option has its pros and cons. The cost and the age of your equipment are two of the main factors you should consider when you are deciding whether to have your equipment repaired or replaced. It is also a good idea to have a qualified technician take a look at your equipment. Every situation is different, so it makes sense to call a professional. Call us for your home HVAC needs.

How To Know If You Need A New Hot Water Heater

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If you’ve never had to purchase a hot water heater for your home, you may not know when to replace your water heater. Home water heaters that are built with a traditional tank have an average lifespan of 10-13 years, so if yours is within this range, it may be time to have it replaced.

Other signs to help you know when to replace your hot water heater include:

Water Heater is Leaking
If your hot water heater is leaking, it will need to be replaced. Modern hot water heaters are designed with insulation between the tank and the outer shell. If a substantial amount of water is leaking from this inner tank, the heater cannot be repaired easily

Low Volume of Hot Water
If you find that you frequently run out of hot water in the middle of a shower, or that you don’t have enough hot water for more than one person in your home to shower, you may need to have your water heater serviced or replaced. In some cases, the problem may be an element or thermostat. In this case, your heater may be able to be repaired. However, depending on age, it may be simpler and less expensive to just replace the unit.

Circuit Breaker is Tripping Frequently
Older hot water heaters may pull too much electrical current as they begin to wear out. This malfunction can increase your electrical bill, but it may also cause the circuit breaker that the heater is on to trip frequently. If you notice that your hot water heater is frequently tripping your circuit breaker, it may be time to look into having a new one installed.

It can be difficult, as a homeowner, to determine when to replace your water heater. If you have any doubt about whether your heater is working correctly, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You don’t have to live with a limited supply of hot water, high electric bills, or a breaker that trips constantly. Instead, call us for all of your water heater maintenance and replacement needs. We’ll evaluate your heater and help you make the choice that’s right for your individual situation.

What Are Some Signs My Furnace Isn’t Working Properly?

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There are numerous furnace warning signs that homeowners should look out for to gauge whether they need to call a technician or get a replacement. It is important to watch out for the signs listed below to avoid more serious problems.

• Sudden and Unusual Noises
Most homeowners are used to the usual operating noises of their furnace switching on and air blowing through; however, sometimes a strange noise might develop that they have not heard before. A few causes of furnace noises include air leaks, unbalanced blower motor belts, cracks in the heat exchanger, blower motor bearings and more. Most furnace noises are a sign that something needs quick readjustment while others are a warning of a more serious problem. In any event, homeowners who hear strange noises coming from their furnaces should call a licensed HVAC technician immediately.

• Strange Odors
It is never a good sign when one’s furnace is giving off a strange smell. Homeowners who find themselves in such a situation should try to identify the smell to know how to proceed. A strange smell may be an indication of a system malfunction, or worse, a gas leak or oil leak. Depending on the type of smell, one should shut off the system, evacuate the house and call the HVAC contractor or 911 for help.

• Old Furnace
The question of when to replace an old furnace is a tough one to answer objectively for most homeowners. This is because they know how expensive it is to replace a furnace. On the other hand, they also understand that they need to let go at some point to avoid increased frequency and cost of repairs as well as increased electricity bills. Usually, furnaces that are more than ten years old are more vulnerable to breakdowns and eventual replacement.

• Thermostat Malfunction
When a homeowner notices that some rooms are too hot while others are too cold, or that he or she is frequently adjusting the thermostat to stay warm and comfortable, there may be a problem with the thermostat. A licensed HVAC technician can fix the problem quickly and effectively.

• Yellow Furnace Flame
A furnace that is running at peak efficiency should produce a blue flame. A yellow flame is an indication of incomplete combustion due to an obstructed airflow. Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, which is a very deadly gas. Homeowners who notice a yellow flame should call a licensed contractor immediately.

Regular furnace inspection and maintenance should keep your furnace running at peak efficiency for longer. Call your local HVAC Contractors for heating system and furnace service.