Explanation On Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant

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If you take a look at the water heaters available in the market then you will notice that they are all FVIR or Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant ones. From 2005 onwards, all the water heaters produced in North America are FVIR ones. In the past, water heaters running on propane or Liquefied Petroleum and natural gas caused tremendous fires in case there are flammable liquids such as gasoline nearby and gas spills occur. Thankfully, with FVIR models, things are a lot safer as these models boast of an impressive design that helps in preventing flashback fires.

In case of a flammable vapor ignition resistant water heater, its technology prevents flashback fires from breaking out by trapping and burning the hazardous gas vapors inside its body instead of in the room. The ignited vapors do not get released to the combustion chamber and the air flow towards the combustion chamber is one-way. This type of heater also comes with an inner door and a burner assembly which ensures that the combustion chamber is sealed and that the flammable vapors and combustion air do not enter this chamber from the front side of the water heater.
Thanks to FVIR water heaters, a lot of injuries and even deaths associated with accidental fire can be prevented. This special type of water heater also produces very little Nitrogen Oxides in case of emissions, therefore it is quite environmental-friendly as well. It is made up of a flame arrestor plate, a thermal cutoff switch and a screen for protecting the combustion process from dust, lint or oil.

This type of water heater is designed in such a manner that vapors aren’t ignited outside the combustion chamber at all, thus minimizing the risks of fire to a great extent! In case the flames travels in an opposite direction and ignite the vapor outside the combustion chamber of the water heater then the multi-purpose calibrated thermal switch automatically shuts down the main burner and the pilot on detecting the problem. Flammable vapor ignition resistant water heaters are a cut above the rest, therefore it is extremely beneficial to invest in one such heater. Call (800) 542-4243 to get your FVIR water heater installed and experience the difference!

Solutions To Cold Water Sandwich Effect

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What is the cold water sandwich effect?

A cold water sandwich effect refers to the phenomenon where the water from a heater is warm for first few minutes, then there is a burst of cold water, and then the water quickly returns to being warm again. This is a common phenomenon with tankless water heaters. There is some water which remains stored in warm condition at the mouth of the faucet or other outlets, which means when someone runs the tap or the shower, he will receive some hot water instantly. However, a tankless heater takes some time to heat up the exchanger and during that time, some cold water may get through the exchanger and reach the user. This is what results in the cold water sandwich effect. This should not be too great an inconvenience if you are turning on the heater for minor use, but you may not like it too much if you are under a shower!

The phenomenon is more common to electric water heaters than it is with gas powered heaters. The reason for this is that gas reaches the operating temperature almost immediately, whereas electric heaters may take a minute or two to reach the required temperature for heating.

However, there are solutions to this situation. Installing a recirc loop which will return the cold water back to the heater through the help of flow check valves is a common solution. But on the downside, this system results in overwork of the heater. This does not only mean greater energy consumption, but the longevity of the system suffers, too. An alternative is to plug in a small 110V 5-6 gallon tank heater to the outlet and add the recirc loop from the tank to the tankless heater. This way, the heater is spared any overwork and energy consumption remains to the minimum. For a better understanding of how this system works, interested customers can download a diagram of the process from the Rinnai website, the manufacture of the second kind of heater described above.

For any other plumbing and HVAC needs for your home, do give us a call today and we will get back to you immediately.

What Is I.A.Q (Indoor Air Quality)?

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What Is Indoor Air Quality?

Indoor air quality is defined as the air quality within or around the buildings. The indoor air quality can be affected by a variety of things, including wood, coal, tobacco products, kerosene, gas and oil.The central air conditioning and heating system can also have a negative impact on indoor air quality.

Additionally, outdoor sources can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Outdoor air pollution, pesticides and radon are examples of outside sources that may affect indoor air quality.

How Does Indoor Air Quality Harm Health?

Immediate Effects

One of the reasons indoor air pollution is a concern is because it has been linked to many health problems. In fact, many people notice the effects after being exposed to indoor air pollution for a short amount of time. Dizziness, headaches, sore throat and irritation around the eyes, nose and mouth are some of the immediate effects of indoor air pollution.

Many factors determine the effects indoor air pollution has on the person who is being exposed to it. Preexisting medical conditions and age are two of those factors. People who are exposed to indoor air pollution may experience symptoms similar to those of colds and other respiratory problems. It is often difficult to determine whether a person’s symptoms were caused by the exposure to indoor air pollution or a respiratory illness.

Long-Term Effects

Many people do not notice the effects of indoor air pollution until years after they have been exposed to it. In many cases, long-term exposure to indoor pollution can cause serious health problems. Cancer and heart disease are two of the health conditions linked to long-term exposure to indoor air pollution.

It is important to note people react differently to exposure to indoor air pollution. More research needs to be conducted in order to fully understand the health effects of indoor air pollution. Researchers are also trying to determine how much pollution one needs to be exposed to in order to experience adverse health effects.

You may want to have the air quality in your home tested. Call us to schedule your indoor air quality testing today.

Furnace Warning Signs To Know

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If you own a car you probably have certain signs that you know to watch out for when it comes to the health and well-being of your car. You know that if you hear certain noises or see certain things, it is time to take action, or even take it in for repairs. The same should be try for your HVAC system, including your furnace. Paying attention to these signs can help decrease the amount you spend to fix your furnace in the long run, as well as keeping your furnace running in its best shape. Here are the top signs to pay attention to when it comes to your furnace:

Furnace Warning Sign #1: A Yellow Flame
The flame on the ignition of your furnace should be a pure blue. If it appears yellow, orange or red, this is of great concern. The pure blue color lets you know that your furnace is getting the appropriate mixture of oxygen and gas, as it should. This warning sign should be taken very seriously. Obstructed airflow can be one part of this problem.

Furnace Warning Sign #2: Old Furnace
Many furnaces can last an upwards of 10-20 years, and yours may be one of them. However, once a furnace reaching the decade mark, it is much more susceptible to breakdowns and the need for repairs. Do not press your luck too long, or you will be freezing while trying to pay for a new furnace.

Furnace Warning Signs #3: A Broken Thermostat
You may have a problem with the thermostat on your furnace if it is constantly clicking on and off, or if you notice it runs a lot without getting or keeping your home at its desired temperature. This would warrant a call to your local HVAC contractor.

Furnace Warning Signs #4: Smells and Sounds
Keep an eye out for any strange smells or sounds coming from your HVAC system. These are both strong warning signs that your furnace may need repair or replacement.

If your furnace has been exhibiting any of these systems, or you just feel that it is time for a maintenance call and furnace inspection, give your local HVAC contractors and company today.

Make Your Home Warmer Without Adjusting The Temperature

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Making your home warmer without adjusting the temperature starts by stopping warm air from escaping, preventing the entry of cold air and thoroughly insulating your home trapping the heated air in and the cold air out. These basic strategies for saving on your heating bills begin with checking for air leaks all over the home. By finding and sealing drafts, there is a potential savings of 5-30% on your energy usage. Look for openings that allow air through along every outlet to the outdoors.

Possible Points of Entry or Exit of Air
• Door frames
• Windows and window frames
• Holes used to thread faucets and pipes
• Entries and exits for electrical wiring
• Cracks in the mortar, foundation or siding
• Leaks along the gaps of the floor boards and joins of the ceiling and walls
• Air leaks along the joins in the ductwork of central heating units

Leaks Cost Money

By plugging up air leaks and preventing warm air from escaping and cold air from entering a homeowner can save at least 10-30% of the heating bill. Your heating service can have send a professional HVAC service technician to give your home an evaluation determining the location of leaks. The technician will use equipment that tests the area for the location of leaks in the home. A blower door tester in combination with a duct leak detector will force leaks throughout the building envelope to reveal them more clearly when a pressure detector is used.

Insulation Saves Money

Air escapes through the solid structure of your floors, walls and ceilings. The percentage of heat loss in each area of your home amounts to 35% due to air flow in or out of various leaks, 18-20% through windows and doors, 15-18% through floors and basements, 12-14% through walls and 10% through ceilings. By checking the insulation in these areas and insulating to current standards, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars in heating costs over the years.

It may be determined after all the leak repairs are made that your heating unit is simply not very efficient or requires too many costly repairs to perform well. In such an instance, the best course of action is a new heater installation. Invest in an efficient energy star rated unit and start benefiting from the monthly savings. Prepare for winter with annual heater maintenance, sealing leaks and updating insulation throughout the house and enjoy winter in comfort.

Heating System Checked Before Winter

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If you are having heating difficulties and need a heating system checked before winter, call a professional for furnace repair or replacement. While work is being done for heater repair let us inspect your ducts in your home.

Heat pump problems range from simple to severe. Some are preventable with maintenance checks, but when your furnace needs repairing a residential heating service will get your unit, repaired or replaced efficiently. During the cold season, the furnace never gets a rest, this piece of machinery works around the clock, many times when you are out. A furnace takes a lot of punishment and can only operate properly if maintained year round. 

Cloudy days require an efficient furnace to keep a home warm. A sunny day only means things get warm that are directly in the sun but the inside of your home will still feel winters chill.  

Wherever you live, make your home comfortable by having a furnace installed or repaired by an experienced crew. Our repair and installation service is qualified to handle duct work, properly install wiring and installing thermostats to control furnace temperatures, helping to conserve energy. Proper maintenance can reduce furnace repairs or help avoid them altogether.  

When starting furnace repair or replacements jobs, take advantage of government tax credits for furnace replacement, this applies to split and packaged systems. Residential Heating Services are able to help you verify eligibility, prices are reasonable, and every effort is made to get customers the best deals.  Heater repair and installation companies catch heating problems before they affect your life. Difficult to discover by the untrained eye, skilled professionals know the signs and are waiting to help correct poor furnace output.

Weather can take some uniquely cold turns and an added heating element in the home increases comfort, taking the strain off the main furnace. Turn the temperature of the furnace down and sit by a warm gas log fireplace. Heating installation technicians make all necessary connections preparing your new fireplace for your enjoyment.  Fall maintenance heating system checks prepare your home for winter and helps you avoid repair nightmares.

4 tips to consider while installing a heating geyser

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Most home owners have found that it is essential to install a geyser heating system in the bathroom of the home. This system will provide convenience as well as comfort. However, if a bathroom heating geyser is not installed properly, health hazards can occur. It is very important that home owners follow the proper installation tips if they plan on installing their own unit. Below are four tips to consider when installing a heating geyser.

Space

It is very important to make sure that you have the space for the geyser. The amount of space needed for installation will depend on the capacity of the geyser. You will want to be sure to measure the geyser and the space in the bath room to make sure there is enough room for installation.

Location

Once you have determined that you have enough space you will need to decide the exact location and height of the heating geyser. The geyser should be located away from wet areas, so the installation space should be away from the bathtub, shower, skin or toilet. The unit should be raised above the floor and should be installed at optimum height so the unit can be shut off when needed.

Electrical Connections

A heating geyser needs to have a secure electrical connection to be sure that there is no risk for electric shock. The switches should be placed outside of the bathroom to be sure that electrocution cannot happen. If you cannot place the switch in the outside area, then look for an area that is dry. Each of the electrical connections will need to be insulated from water and then hidden behind the walls.

Water Lines, Pipes and Wooden Support

When installing a heating geyser, it is also important to ensure that there is a proper connection from the water source to the heater as well as vice versa. You want the water pipe to stay clean and free of clogs to provide the unit with a simple supply of water. It may be beneficial to hire a professional to help you with the installation. Normally a plumber or technician would use wooden blocks in the wall to support the geyser with anglers and screws. If the unit is not installed with quality support then the unit can fall or be a hazard. Contact your local technician for assistance before installing a unit on your own if you feel you lack the experience needed for installation.

Facts About Heat Transfer To Save Energy

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The natural path of heat is that it will flow from a hot area to a cooler area. Heat naturally wants to spread across a space to create equilibrium.

There are three different ways that heat moves: radiation, conduction, and convection.

The first way that heat moves is radiation.  Radiation is the way the sun heats the earth. The sun is so hot that the heat from the sun flows to the earth. When the sun is out, you can feel the heat on your skin. If you skin is exposed to the sun for too long then it will burn from radiation.

Another type of heat movement is conduction. Conduction happens when heat passes through a solid object and heats that object up. This is what happens when you heat a pot on the stove. The heat moves through the metal of the pot to heat the contents.

The third type of heat movement is convection. Convection occurs when heat moves through air or water that is heated. This happens in a forced air furnace. A furnace heats air and then that air is moved throughout a house using blows pushing it through vents into the home.

The home can become heated when it is warmer outside than it is inside. When this happens, we usually want to cool our homes, but we can slow the heat by insulating our houses well. There are ways to help save energy by planting shade trees or with painting with special barrier paint that reflects radiation. This helps stop heat from entering the home. Solar window screens can also partially block the sun. There is also reflective film on the market that can be put over windows to help block out part of the sun’s rays.

This is good during the summer, but during the winter we want to our homes to collect as much as the heat as possible. Shade trees that bloom during the summer, work really well in the winter because they will not shade during the winter.

Insulation slows the absorption of heat into a home by slowing down the movement of the heat. Insulation can be used in attics, ceilings, floors, and walls. The more you have, the move energy efficient your home will be.

Sometimes heat escapes the home and that isn’t what we want. It can escape from around windows, under or above doors, or through vents or chimneys. To help save energy and money, it is best to stop heat from escaping through the areas. So it is best to block any means of escape for your heated or cooled air. By putting weather sealing, barriers, and insulation can help you save energy and money.

 

Cost-Cutting Tips for your Gas Furnace

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Gas furnace heating options are one that many home owners use to heat their home each and every winter. A gas furnace is a great choice for home owners because the entire home can be warmed during the colder months. It is important to make sure that you can afford to heat your home each month during the winter season and below is a list of cost cutting tips for your gas furnace.

Temperature Setting

A great option to cut cost with your gas furnace is the temperature setting. If you can handle the temperature at around 68 degrees, you will be able to save money each month on your utility bill. If you are cold with this temperature in the home, simply cut back the temperature as you sleep so you can save money on your utility bill.

Gas Prices

If you have the opportunity to purchase your gas ahead of time for your unit, you can be sure to purchase your gas when prices are low. This will help you cut cost and overall save money with your furnace unit.

Space Heaters

Another way to save money is to invest in space heaters or an alternative to your gas furnace. This way, you will use less gas and low power wattage will be used to heat the home during the waking hours.

Cleaning

It is also important to clean your gas furnace regularly. You can do this yourself, or you can hire someone to do it for you. Once your unit is clean, it will be able to continue to function efficiently and help you save money.

Maintenance

Another very important cost cutting option is maintenance. Maintenance service for your heating unit has a low cost and can be conducted on a regular basis. Maintenance services will see a full inspection of your unit as well as cleaning options. Though this service has a cost, you will be able to save hundreds of dollars by keeping up with your unit. Repairs will be avoided and your unit will continue to work at maximum efficiency which will help you save money each month.

Overall, each of these tips can be used to help you save money with your gas furnace system. You can also contact your local HVAC provider to see what other steps can be taken to save even more money with your heating system!