Upgrading Your Existing Water Heater

Even if you aren’t going to buy a new water heater, you can save a lot of energy and money with your existing system by following a few simple suggestions.

• Conserve Water: Your biggest opportunity for savings is to use less hot water. In addition to saving energy (and money), cutting down on hot water use helps conserve dwindling water supplies, which in some parts of the country is a critical problem. A family of four each showering five minutes a day can use about 700 gallons per week—a three-year drinking water supply for one person! Water-conserving showerheads and faucet aerators can cut hot water use in half. That family of four can save 14,000 gallons of water a year and the energy required to heat it.

• Insulate Your Existing Water Heater: Installing an insulating jacket on your existing water heater is one of the most effective do-it-yourself energy-saving projects, especially if your water heater is in an unheated basement or space. The insulating jacket will reduce standby heat loss—heat lost through the walls of the tank—by 25–40%, saving 4–9% on your water heating bills. Water heater insulation jackets are widely available for around $10. Some newer water heaters come with fairly high insulation levels, reducing (though not eliminating) the economic advantages of adding additional insulation. In fact, some manufacturers recommend against installing insulating jackets on their energy-efficient models. Always follow directions carefully when installing an insulation jacket. Leave the thermostat(s) accessible. With conventional gas- and oil-fired water heaters, you need to be careful not to restrict the air inlet(s) at the bottom or the draft hood at the top.

• Insulate Hot Water Pipes: Insulating your hot water pipes will reduce losses as the hot water is flowing to your faucet and, more importantly, it will reduce standby losses when the tap is turned off and then back on within an hour or so. A great deal of energy and water is wasted waiting for the hot water to reach the tap. Even when pipes are insulated, the water in the pipes will eventually cool, but it stays warmer much longer than it would if the pipes weren’t insulated.

• Lower the Water Heater Temperature: Keep your water heater thermostat set at the lowest temperature that provides you with sufficient hot water. For most households, 120°F water is fine (about midway between the “low” and “medium” setting). Each 10°F reduction in water temperature will generally save 3–5% on your water heating costs. When you are going away on vacation, you can turn the thermostat down to the lowest possible setting, or turn the water heater off altogether for additional savings. With a gas water heater, make sure you know how to relight the pilot if you’re going to turn it off while away.

Water Heater Efficiency Saves

The energy efficiency of a storage water heater is indicated by its energy factor (EF), an overall efficiency based on the use of 64 gallons of hot water per day. The first national appliance efficiency standards for water heaters took effect in 1990. New standards, which took effect in January 2004, increased the minimum efficiency levels of water heaters.

The most efficient gas-fired storage water heaters have energy factors ranging from 0.60 to 0.65, corresponding to estimated gas use below 250 therms/year. Condensing water heaters have energy factors as high as 0.86. The most efficient electric storage water heaters have energy factors ranging between 0.93 and 0.95, resulting in estimated annual energy use below 4,725 kWh/year. There is little difference between the most efficient electric resistance storage water heaters and the minimum efficiency standard. Fortunately, heat pump water heaters using less than half as much electricity as conventional electric resistance water heaters are becoming commercially available. If you use electricity for water heating, consider installing a heat pump water heater. Otherwise, look for the most efficient electric resistance unit in your size range.

With demand water heaters, the manufacturers provide different specifications: the energy input (Btu/hour for gas, kilowatts [kW] for electric); the temperature rise achievable at the rated flow; the flow rate at the listed temperature rise; and so on. In comparing different models, be aware that you aren’t always looking at direct comparisons, especially with temperature rise and flow rate. For example, while one model might list the flow rate at a 100°F temperature rise, another might list the flow rate at 70°. Until there are industry-standard ratings for temperature rise and flow rates, it will be difficult to compare the performance of products from different companies. Some companies are beginning to publish energy factor ratings for these products and this information should make for easier comparisons.

How To Heat and Cool Your Home Efficiently

How to Heat & Cool Your Home Efficiently

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Change your air filter regularly

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

Tune up your HVAC equipment yearly

Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.

Install a programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year in energy costs.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts

Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, look to seal any other ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house.

Alot of work? No, just contact Joe Mumford Plumbing for professional assistance.

What is a HVAC Spring Tune Up

What is a HVAC Spring Tune Up

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to schedule a tune up for your air conditioning system. Don’t wait until it gets hot to find out that your air conditioning system is not working up to capacity or not working at all. By then, every air conditioning technician in the area will be working overtime and you might end up waiting days before they can make it out to your home. Schedule your HVAC service now and your system will be ready to go when summer temperatures hit.

Regular residential HVAC maintenance is important to keep your air conditioning system in peak operating condition. Like any mechanical system, wear and tear takes a toll on your air conditioning system. Your system worked hard all last summer keeping your home and family comfortable and a spring tune up will help keep it great shape again this summer.

Your HVAC technician will do a thorough scheduled maintenance service including inspecting your entire system, lubricating bearings, cleaning the coil and condenser, replace the air filter, check and adjust refrigerant levels as needed, and measure the supply and return temperature differential.

A good air conditioning technician will also be able to identify any issues or problems that your system may have and correct them before the system fails completely and leaves you sweltering in the summer heat.

Spring is also an ideal time for a full system efficiency analysis to get the most out of your air conditioning system. Your technician can recommend a package of improvements designed to increase your air conditioning system’s efficiency. The result will be increased indoor comfort and lower electric bills.

Want to have a true HVAC professional, click HERE for Joe Mumford Plumbing.

Tankless Water Heaters: FAQs!

Tankless Water Heaters -Most Commonly Asked Questions

　

Q. What does the General Limited Warranty cover?
A. Our tankless water heaters do not hold any hot water. By turning on the faucet, the cold water flow through the flow sensor will turn on the burner. The minimum flow rate to do this is 0.50gpm. The cold water will be heated up to 180ºF if desired. This allows the Navien tankless water heaters to have a 15 year limited warranty.

Q. How much money can I save on my utility bills w/ the Tankless Water Heater?
A. You should be able to save 50% to 75%.

Q. How hot is the water from the Tankless Water Heater?
A. The tankless water heater has a computer-controlled remote controlled system, which will enable you to select temperatures from 115 to 180 degrees　

Q. How much hot water I can have?
A. The tankless water heater output temperature is set by the controller. Depending on the model, the maximum output flow rate is as high as 13.6 gallons per minute.

Q. What is the difference between the tankless water heater and a typical tank type water heater?
A. With a tank type water heater, you can draw hot water as fast as your plumbing will allow, however when the hot water tank is depleted, you have to wait for the tank to re-heat before you can use hot water again. Tankless water heaters eliminate the pilot light w/ a computer-controlled electronic ignition. w/ computer-modulated gas valves, water is heated once, rapidly, efficiently & only as needed.

Q. Can I use more than two fixtures at the same time?
A. Yes. The tankless water heater will can handle more than two fixtures, such as showers at the same time.

Q. Has the Navien tankless water heater been approved by Government or National Standards?
A. Yes. The all of the Navien tankless water heaters are approved and are listed by the Trade Commission & California Energy Commission with 98% thermal efficiency.

Q. How can the tankless water heater save money?
A. Most tank type water heaters raise their heat about 3 to 4% each hour. Since the Navien tankless water heater heats water only when the faucet is turned on, there is no standby heat loss. It only uses energy when you are using hot water & it only heats as much water as is needed.

Q. Does the Navien tankless water heater have a pilot light?
A. No. The Navien tankless water heater has an electronic ignition system. This means no more wasted gas & money.

Q. Does the Navien tankless water heater require electrical power to operate?
A. Yes. The Navien tankless water heater has a fan, a computer board & electronic ignition. You need 110V but it only takes a maximum 0.8A draw.

　Q. What kind venting system does it have?

A. The Navien tankless water heater has a power venting system w/ fan assistance. The vent size is a 4" PVC; it can run out the roof or sidewall. If it is installed outdoors, it doesn't need any vent.

Q. What size are the water & gas connections?
A. The Navien tankless water heater inlet & hot water outlet are connected w/ standard 3/4" water connections. Gas connection is 3/4" & the gas supply piping required is 3/4".

Tax Credit starting January 2011$300 tax credit for installing new highly efficient water heaters

President Obama and Congress just passed an Energy Bill that will give a tax incentive credit of up to $300 to all homeowners nationwide who purchase a highly efficient water heater in 2012.

There are additional proponents that address new construction, residential and commercial installations not yet published.

Tankless Water Heaters are the new technology, click HERE to learn more at Mumford Plumbing.com
　
　

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work

With the increased discussion about "going green" as well as the economic needs of managing energy costs, there has been increased attention to the Tankless Water Heater.

The common question:  How does the tankless water heater work.  Below is a step by step description of the process.  
) A hot water tap is opened...

2) The water enters the heater.

3) A water flow sensor detects the water flow.

4) The computer automatically ignites the burner.

5) The water circulates through the heat exchanger (coil).

6) The heat exchanger instantly heats the water at the designated temperature.
(this takes only 5 seconds)

7) The heater can provide you with endless hot water continuously. No more running out of hot water in the middle of a shower!

8) When the hot water tap is turned off, the unit shuts down automatically. Using only the BTU’s needed for one application.

Energy saved and an tax rebate as wellStay tuned to next insert of Frequently Asked Questions or visit us for more answers.

Call us for more details.  Call us - Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co. 

"Your Source for Professional Service"   530-878-2566