The Top Benefits For Tankless Water Heaters

You rely on your water heater from anything ranging from taking hot showers to easily washing greasy dishes. So why are you still working with your old water heater? Traditional water heaters are notorious for their excessive use of energy.

While they get the job done, they could be costing you more than needed. Additionally, with a tanked unit, you’re limited by the amount of water housing in your unit. What if there was a better way? Tankless water heaters are an energy efficient and popular alternative for your water heating needs.

While these smaller systems require a larger investment – they offer top-quality performance that you’ll love in your home. Still on the fence? Read on to learn about the top benefits you can enjoy when you install a new tankless water heater in your home.

Water Conservation Means Energy Savings

If you’re an eco-friendly homeowner, you’ll love the ability to cut down on your environmental footprint by using less water on a daily basis. How? Tankless water heaters only hot water on demand.

Not only does this provide you a limitless and consistent supply of hot water, but also it restricts the need to continuously filter and heat water throughout the day.

I n addition to cutting down on your water consumption, it can also translate into serious energy savings. Tanked water heaters are always functioning throughout the day, even when you’re not home. A tankless water heater has a built-in heating element that heats water as it’s passing through. This cuts down on at the very least 8-10 hours of run-time, which can save you enough yearly to easily cover the cost of installation.

The Savings Don’t End There

Not only are tankless water heaters more energy efficient, but also they can help cut down on the need for repairs. A common issue with water heaters is a water leak.

Whether it’s rust buildup around valves and fittings or a completely cracked tank, a water leak will not only need to be repaid but also it can damage the rest of your home too.

Similarly, tanked units also require more maintenance because of their constant contact with water. A tankless water heater will limit the number of repairs needed, operate in top shape for longer, and also add value to your home. Whether you’re planning on selling or simply looking for a higher rent payment, a tankless water heater can be a top-quality inventive for any new resident in your home.

Add More Space to Your Home

Unless you live in an extremely large home, chances are you’re always hoping there was more space.

Your tanked unit often takes up an entire closet. Imagine if you could have that space back?

A tankless water heater requires a fraction of the space and can even be installed under the sink, inside a cabinet, or in a built-in cubby. The versatile nature of a tankless water heater makes it an ideal choice for newer homes and remodeling projects.

It also allows homeowners to take advantage of more square footage indoors. At Daniels Heating and Air, LLC we offer expert water heater installation and repair services. Whether your upgrading to a tankless water heater, need repairs or are simply looking for some guidance, our Albuquerque plumbers are here to help!

Knowing Where Your Heating Vents Are Could Save Your Life!

It’s that time of year again. Time to bring out the winter wardrobe and stock up on hot chocolate. More importantly, have you checked your furnace lately? Have you checked your heating vents? Do you even know where they are?

We often neglect the vents that distribute warm air throughout our homes. However, the heating vents are an integral part of your heating system, so it is essential to check them before winter arrives to ensure they are damage-free and dirt free.

The location of your vents depends on the configuration of your home and type of heating system you have. Here we will explain the different types of heating systems and where their vents are usually located, making it much easier for you to resolve minor issues relating to your heating vents on your own.

Distribution Systems & Their Vents

The vents in your home are literally what keeps every room in your home warm and comfortable. They do this by circulating warm air around your home in one of three ways:

By forced-air, radiant heat, or gravity. A conventional vent system evenly dispenses warm comfort to all rooms in the house. Vents should be the right size for the home and sealed properly.

Gravity Systems

All heating systems generally keep a building warm by distributing warm air throughout the space, and they do so in different ways. For example, gravity furnaces use gravity to move air within rooms, instead of flowing air through the vents. Warm air is sent through ductwork to the top level of the house using the qualities of gravity. Hot air will exit the vents while traveling up into the house releasing warm air into the different rooms.

You can usually find the furnace of a gravity system near or below the floor, as it sends warm air up through the ducts to the vents on the floor. If the furnace on the top floor, however, you will find the vents installed above on the walls.

Forced-Air Systems

The blower in forced-air systems pushes warm air through the vents in the house. When warm air enters each room, cold air will then flow through a different vent to the boiler or furnace to be heated. Forced-air systems can be modified to raise or lower the amount of warm air that is carried to the home.

Forced-air systems offer superior energy efficiency and improve the indoor air quality inside. They are also convenient because they can use the same ductwork to dispense both cold or hot air.

Radiant Heating Systems

Radiant heating systems use hot water as the heat source. They heat air with a furnace. The heated air then travels through ducts under the floor, inside walls, or in the ceiling. These complex systems are energy efficient because they avoid loss due to cracks and other damage in the ducts. People with respiratory issues prefer radiant heating because it doesn’t distribute air throughout the home like other heating systems.

Why You Should Know Where Your Vents Are

Do you know where your heating vents are? This is the first step to keeping them clean.

Clean and clear heating vents are an absolute must. Modern heating systems will have pipes coming out the top of the system.

An exhaust vent covered in snow will allow exhaust gases, like carbon monoxide (CO) to be sucked back into the house. CO gases are hazardous and harmful for people and pets to breathe.

You Don’t Save Money by Closing Vents

Many people mistakenly believe that closing off the vents to certain rooms will reduce their energy bill. The truth is that closing some vents will change the amount of air your system is expected to handle.

This can lead to high energy costs and even total system failure. Your HVAC system is intended to produce a particular amount of air depending on the size of your house.

During construction, the vents were deliberately installed so the amount of air leaving the vents is equal to the air entering the return vents. If you close the vents in a room, you diminish your system’s overall performance.

Call Daniels Heating and Air, LLC in Albuquerque, NM for information about heating vents and how they can affect your monthly energy costs. They will gladly answer any questions and discuss your heating and cooling options.

Best Plumbing Backflow Prevention Devices

The best plumbing devices available that prevent sewer backflow are known as backflow prevention devices. Although our public water supply is clean and safe for use in the home, it can at times become contaminated due to poorly connected pipes or tubing inside our structures.

Administering a backflow prevention device to our water supply can keep your water source clean and safe. Below we will explore types of backflow prevention devices and how they can prevent back-flow from occurring.

What is Backflow Prevention?

The term backflow is used in plumbing when there is an unwanted movement of water in the opposite direction.

Backflow in a home has severe health consequences when clean water combines with polluted water. Backflow prevention devices are recommended by local building codes to limit backflow.

Residential as well as industrial properties will use the best plumbing backflow prevention devices to protect public safety by reducing water pollution in places like food processing industries, city water systems, medical water supplies, and others.

Air Gaps Are Essential Our Plumbing

Air gaps are empty, vertical spaces between the flood level of a connection and water break.

A curved pipe guarantees there is no drain water flowing in the reverse direction from the house drain system into the opposite assimilation unit.

An air gap in your plumbing system is one of the best plumbing devices used to ensures that drain water does not flow backward from the house draining system into the opposite unit. Water and waste are discharged across a gap of air to prevent contamination and cross-connection.

Pressure Vacuum Breakers For Clean Water

A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) is a backflow prevention device that blocks polluted water from entering your water supply.

When water pressure is lower than the air pressure, the tank opens and closes the control valve that stops backflow from joining the dwelling’s water supply.

This usually happens near the water source. An atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) is an uncomplicated and affordable backflow preventer that is fitted on a pipe after every control valve.

Which Backflow Preventer is Right For You?

Your plumbing system and the sewer line connected to it determine which backflow preventer that is right for your dwelling.

Pressure vacuum breakers are often used in milder climates, where backflow is carried to the structure because of a vacuum force in the pipeline.

They will send air into a pipe to break the absorption. You can also add more restrictions to the backflow from inside the plumbing pipe. Both an assembly preventer and a controlled pressure zone preventer use two valves that close if backflow occurs, which can prevent against the breakdown of the pipe system.

Check with your local building authorities as the application of a backflow prevention device on water systems is often required. They can also inform you about the best plumbing backflow prevention practices and whether a permit is also needed.

To find out more about backflow prevention devices call the plumbing experts at Daniels Heating and Air, LLC in Albuquerque, NM to discuss your needs. They can help you choose the right backflow preventers and assist you with any plumbing issue, like drain cleaning and repiping.

Pitfalls of Plumbing Remodels Without Permits

If you’re a homeowner, you probably have a few dream projects, like bathroom remodeling, for your house that will increase the value and make the place more comfortable. These often include plumbing projects like kitchen remodeling or bathroom upgrades, and many of these tasks will require a permit.

People often think of permits as something you only need if you’re going to be adding a new structure to your property, but many common plumbing jobs require permits as well, and you can avoid a number of headaches by planning for this critical step.

You May End Up Getting Fined

One of the ways that officials encourage people to get permits is by levying fines against those who don’t, and that is also true with plumbing permits.

As long as you go through the right channels and get all your paperwork in place, then you won’t have a problem.

However, if you fail to get the permit you need before you start work, then you could face fines for not complying with the law.

What’s more, you might even have to halt work on your project, and could be responsible for making repairs that will bring the project up to code before you can continue your work.

You’ll Be Ignoring the Advice of Licensed Professionals

Contrary to the beliefs of some, licensed and professional plumbing companies would much rather perform work when they know the proper permits are in place.

Here’s why: the permitting process also involves inspections, and that means homeowners and their families are protected against improper work, inappropriate materials, and other mistakes.

When work is permitted and inspected, it reduces the chance for error, ensures safety, and guarantees that you’ll get the longest life possible from your plumbing work. In other words, the professional plumbers here in Albuquerque, NM would encourage you to get a permit for any plumbing job that requires it, regardless of who will be performing the work.

The Work May Not Meet Safety Standards

When work gets done in your house, you want to take measures to ensure the safety of your family and home, and permits can help you do this. Obtaining a permit for plumbing work means the work will be inspected and done to code, and then you won’t have to worry about common problems that can arise from improper work, such as:

• Leaks and flooding.
• Water damage and mold problems.
• No water pressure.
• Sewer problems.
• Blockages.
• Health problems that come from mold and bacteria.

The main reason homeowners avoid getting permits is to save money, but in the end, there are too many problems that can occur if you forgo this step. Along with having to spend even more money in the form of fines or costly repairs, you could also be putting your family, your home, at risk.

In reality, most plumbing jobs do require a permit, so make sure you look into this before you start your project, and that way you’ll avoid the common pitfalls of plumbing work when doing a kitchen or bathroom remodeling.

A Guide to Kitchen Sink and Granite Installs

Remodeling your kitchen is a decision that can increase your home’s value, add elegance and style to your home, and bring you enjoyment every time you are in the room. On the flipside, if you don’t follow certain processes, the project can be a bit of a disaster. You could be dealing with extra stress and additional costs that you don’t want.

This is particularly true when it comes to your kitchen plumbing in your Albuquerque, NM home. If you’ve got granite countertops, there are special considerations when it comes to your kitchen sink. Here is what you need to know.

Rely on Professionals

Sometimes the best course is to call in a professional plumber with the right certifications. Not only will a plumber get the job done more quickly and more efficiently, but you can also count on the work being done right the first time.

While technically you certainly can DIY kitchen plumbing jobs, if they aren’t done correctly, you could be facing leaks and water damage. Not only is this inconvenient, but water leaks can also be very expensive to fix. Therefore, getting a plumber can be a worthwhile call.

Tips for Picking Your Sink

Have you given much thought to picking your sink? Beyond what shape, color, and material you’d like, how will you use the sink?

If you want more counter space, go for a smaller sink. If you wash a lot of dishes by hand, you may want to consider a double basin sink for washing and drying.

Same goes if you cook a lot and need a dual basin for food prep. You also need to consider the cabinet space and the kitchen backsplash both of these influence what size of sink you can put in the granite.

Do you want an undermount sink or an overmount sink? Not only will this impact your sink’s usability, but it also could influence the aesthetics of the sink once installed.

Be Careful with Measurements

Granite is a great material for the kitchen as it is heat resistant and durable to chips and scratches when properly treated. However, as durable as it is, it is not very easy to cut. You want to be sure that you’ve got the correct measurements of your sink so that you can cut once.

If your cuts are too large, it will be hard to seal the sink, and so water damage may occur. Following these simple steps will ensure a smooth kitchen remodel and give you peace of mind that your kitchen plumbing is reliable.

Replacing or Repairing Your Plumbing System: A Guide

If you’ve ever dealt with a plumbing device that keeps on breaking, you’re familiar with this dilemma. Should I get it repaired or get a home repipe? Homeowners in Albuquerque, NM understand while getting something fixed might cost less at the moment, it’s only a stopgap solution. It only makes sense one of these days you will need to purchase a new one.

Modern devices are likely to be more energy efficient and won’t need the same amount of upkeep. So while buying new equipment comes at a high-cost upfront, you may end up saving cash down the line. The real issue is being able to tell when it’s time to make the leap.

Washing Machine Problems

Washing machines may seem tough and sturdy, but they’re also no stranger to major breakdowns. Leaks due to cracks in the tub or loose drums or motor mounts aren’t cheap or easy to repair. Acquiring a replacement washing machine may be the best way to spend your money in this case.

It’s also worth mentioning many modern washers are designed to reduce the amount of water and energy spent. A new washing machine might save you a bit of cash when it comes to utility charges.

A Look at Shower Tops

Shower tops are easily affected by sediment buildup, especially if you run hard water in your home. This can clog up the plumbing within, which might have an effect on water pressure and efficiency.

Eventually, it might lead to water leaks or burst pipes, which could cause loads of water damage to your bathroom.

If you’re not able to take care of the sediment problem, a replacement shower top may be necessary. Water-efficient models are available on the market, which can help you save money by cutting down on water consumption.

Kitchen Sink Issues

It’s never a bad idea to take care of your kitchen sink. If it becomes damaged and cracks form, leaks won’t be far behind. This could result in costly water damage. Trading an old kitchen sink with a new one may be the best way to solve the problem.

While you’re out getting a replacement kitchen sink, you may as well purchase water-efficient faucets. Another way of reducing water consumption.

Last Up, Water Heaters

Water heaters tend to go through a lot daily basis. Depending on how often they’re put to use the strain may wear them down at an increased pace.

Water leaks, rust spots, and loud noises caused by sediment buildup are all signs of a device in decline. In addition, these problems only make matters worse by reducing the device’s efficiency and accelerating the damage.

If you don’t mind forking over the money, buying a tankless water heater can be a great solution. These devices connect directly with a home’s plumbing in order to provide access to a limitless supply of warm water. There’s also no need for a tank so you can toss the old one and make use of the added storage space.

4 Ways to Get Your Outdoor Plumbing On-Point for Spring

Now that winter has passed in Albuquerque, NM homeowners can gear up for spring by making sure their house is in order.

It’s a great time to conduct maintenance on your home’s outdoor plumbing system ahead of the warmer months. By conducting a little routine maintenance, residents can be assured that their appliances will be in top shape when they need them most.

Good thing we’ve compiled a short list of tasks you can perform to make sure you’re ready. Here are four ways to get your outdoor plumbing prepared for spring.

1. Outdoor Faucet Review

One of the first things you should do is to inspect every outdoor faucet attached to your home. All you need to do is turn them on then off again.

Any faucets that drip could indicate a problem with the plumbing. Causes range from worn out washers to broken pipes.

But either way, it results in the same problem, which is potential damage to the building’s foundation and a spike in water consumption. The best course of action is to contact a plumber immediately to diagnose the problem and conduct repairs.

2. Clear Out Your Eavestroughs

Some may consider it a nuisance, but one of the most important things you can do is clean up your home’s eavestroughs.

Over time, debris such as dirt and leaves can pile up and cause clogs and blockages that compromise drainage capacity.

If your gutters aren’t cleared up during heavy rainfall, it could lead to flooding and significant water damage. Steer clear of such troubles by cleaning up your gutters early and often.

3. Inspect Your Hoses

Fluctuating temperatures accompanied by changing weather patterns can add stress to hoses, resulting in cracks and holes.

It’s prudent to take a look at your hoses after the winter months to see if the cooler temperatures had an impact.

If you find yourself with a leaky hose, it could lead to thousands of gallons of water being wasted each month and a spike in utility charges. Inspect each hose in storage for anomalies and call for repairs as necessary.

4. Run the Sprinkler System

All you need to do for this task is run the sprinkler system for a few minutes. You should be able to easily spot any problems with the sprinkler heads.

If you notice any problems, a thorough cleaning may be in order, or you might need to hire a plumber to fix it. Make sure you’re ready for spring by performing these simple tasks.

If you take a proactive approach to plumbing maintenance, you may be able to save yourself from a steep repair bill in the future.