Radiant heating is an innovative method of heating commercial, industrial, and residential properties. Typically, radiant heating systems utilize existing walls, ceilings, and flooring to effectively, efficiently, and evenly distribute heat throughout the property in question. The process uses radiation to directly deliver heat from a warm surface throughout the property. Since the heat source is coming directly from structural elements like flooring, ceilings, and walls, the heat is evenly distributed throughout the property without any cold spots.
Although there are different forms and sources of radiant heating, this article will focus solely on radiant floor heating systems.
As the name suggests, radiant floor heating systems are heating systems that generate heat directly from the floor of a residential, commercial, or industrial property. Radiant floor heating systems are a major asset to any property because they deliver a consistent heat source through your existing flooring without having to install additional baseboard heaters or air ducts. They’re quiet and because they’re installed underneath your existing flooring, the heat rises upward to provide consistent warmth throughout your property.
Hot air replaces cool air as it rises. With a radiant heating system, you can maximize your temperature and comfort levels during the colder months of the year without increasing your energy bills. And you don’t have to worry about the installation and operational processes disrupting dust or other allergens within your flooring structure because radiant floor heating systems completely remove air drafts, which maximizes air quality, breathability, and comfort levels in your property.
However, there are some structural alterations that are involved in the installation process if your property doesn’t already support radiant floor heating systems.
Energy sources for your radiant floor heating systems can vary. There are several different types of radiant energy sources that you can purchase including air-heated, electric, and hydronic radiant floor heating systems (more on these later). The type of radiant floor heating system you choose will depend on the type of energy source you already have or are planning to install. Radiant floor heating systems can be compatible with boilers, heat pumps, or solar connectors.
Fuel-burning boilers come in a variety of configurations including biomass, natural gas, propane, or oil. Electric boiler systems are also an option, but they may be a little more expensive to install and operate consistently.
If the high operational costs of electric boilers and the fuel burning method of gas boilers are off-putting to you, then the next best cost-effective solution are heat pumps. Heat pumps also run on electricity, but they’re significantly more energy-efficient and therefore cost less to operate on a regular basis.
Lastly, there are solar collectors, which are compatible with hydronic radiant floor heating systems only. Solar collectors heat water using solar energy. If the available solar radiation supply is insufficient to meet your heating needs, then they can be used in conjunction with a heat pump or boiler system to make up the difference.
There are three different types of radiant floor heating systems. Before purchasing and installing a radiant floor heating system, it’s important to do your research and understand what type of energy source is most suitable for your needs.
Electric radiant floor heating systems rely on electricity sources such as electric boilers. They’re most suitable for properties that run on time-of-use electricity rates. Floors that have a high thermal mass (the capacity to retain and store large amounts of heat), such as concrete, are most ideal for this configuration as it can be slightly more expensive to run on a consistent basis.
To reduce operational costs, electric radiant floor heating systems can be operated in off-peak hours when electricity costs are generally lower to retain as much heat as possible to be used during peak hours.
Electric radiant floor heating systems require the installation of plastic conductive mats or heating cables as they depend on resistance heating, so it’s important to budget for potentially higher operational costs compared to other types of radiant floor heating systems.
As the name suggests, air-heated radiant floor heating systems require ducts inside the flooring system to provide hot air and distribute it throughout the property. Air-heated radiant floor heating systems are therefore not a viable option for residential apartment buildings.
Hydronic radiant floor heating systems use hot water to heat your flooring. For that reason, it’s the most cost-effective and commonly used radiant floor heating system on the market. It’s used for properties that rely on a thermostat system to heat each room.
Hydronic radiant floor heating systems are compatible with boiler systems that heat and pump water through hydronic pipes. This way, the hot water is evenly distributed throughout the property to provide consistent heating in each location.
Adding to the cost savings of hydronic radiant floor heating systems, minimal maintenance is required, and operational costs are also on the low end of the spectrum compared to its counterparts.
Several physical components must be installed to make for a fully functional radiant floor heating system, regardless of the configuration. Key components of radiant floor heating systems include:
If you’re thinking of switching to a radiant floor heating system for your residential, commercial, or industrial property, you can trust the heating and cooling experts at MDM Mechanical. We make the purchasing and installation process as seamless as possible, so you can get right to enjoying maximum comfort throughout your property. Contact us today to book a consultation with one of our technicians or to get a quote.
Tankless water heaters are a great investment that can provide an endless supply of hot water for your residential or commercial property right when you need it. That’s why they’re also referred to as on-demand water heaters. In addition to being extremely cost- and energy-efficient, the absence of a tank in which to store hot water also saves you a great deal of space and makes the tankless water heater installation process a lot easier for technicians.
If you’re thinking of taking the plunge and installing a tankless water heater for your property, here is everything you need to know about the maintenance involved.
It’s important to get this question out of the way first. Yes, tankless water heaters require some level of routine maintenance. In fact, it’s safe to assume that all water heaters will require maintenance at some point during their lifespan. Tankless water heater maintenance doesn’t necessarily mean that repairs will need to be made, though.
It just means performing whatever upkeep is necessary to keep your unit running as smoothly as possible for as long as possible. An essential part of maintaining a tankless water heater entails taking the time to clean out its various components by removing dust, dirt, oil, and debris that are not only potential fire hazards, but can also clog up the system and cause it malfunction prematurely.
Scheduling a routine maintenance and inspection with a certified technician every six to 12 months depending on the age, make, model, and manufacturer’s recommendations is crucial to the overall health and longevity of your tankless water heater. It’s the best way to protect your long-term investment and even save you a lot of money in the long run.
Technicians perform routine, but thorough inspections of all components of the unit to make sure that they’re all working properly and at optimal levels to maximize on water and energy conservation efficiency. They have a complete checklist of things to look for during the inspection.
Here are some of the most common issues that can negatively impact the performance of your tankless water heater.
While many of these issues are common amongst all types of water heaters, some of them are specific to tankless water heaters. For instance, overloading the system and gaps in water heating time are some of the biggest complaints consumers have regarding this type of water heater. The others are all easily identifiable and fixable with routine maintenance.
Overloading the system and the gaps in heated water supply have more to do with the capacity and size of the unit itself in comparison to the property for which its providing hot water. To put this into perspective, the distance that the water has to travel to reach the desired or intended destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, laundry) in the house makes a big difference. If your tankless water heater is located all the way in the basement and you need it to deliver hot water to your second-floor bathroom immediately after someone else used copious amounts of hot water in a different part of the house, then you may notice a delay in the hot water supply.
Despite the fact that tankless water heaters are supposed to supply hot water on demand, it still takes some time to heat up the water sufficiently based on the command given. Hence, you need to make sure that you’re purchasing the appropriate size tankless water heater to meet the hot water requirements of your household. Depending on the size of the property, you might even benefit from purchasing multiple tankless water heaters to meet your needs. This is still a far more space efficient option than getting a water heater with a storage tank.
On average, most technicians and manufacturers would probably recommend that you clean out your tankless water heater at least once a year to keep it fully functional and prevent breakdowns. While this is sound advice, the frequency with which you clean your tankless water heater depends on the quality of the water in your area and where you live. If you have hard water that can result in a lot of mineral buildup inside the unit, then you should flush it out at least once a year or more frequently depending on usage.
Cleaning the exterior and surrounding areas of the unit is just as important as flushing out the interior. Dust and dirt that have settled around and on top of the unit can easily make their way in and block the heat exchanger or other components. Once a month, sweep or vacuum the surrounding area of the machine and wipe the exterior with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaning agent to remove dust and dirt.
Flushing out your tankless water heater regularly removes all dirt, debris, and minerals that can clog its various components from the inside. Buildup of these various elements reduces the unit’s efficiency, which can drive up your monthly water and energy bills. Plus, it’s a huge fire hazard that can be easily addressed with regular maintenance and cleaning.
On average, you should descale your tankless water heater at least once a year. But the frequency may vary based on the unit make and model, where you live, your water quality, temperature, and usage. White vinegar is a common household item that you can use to descale your tankless water heater, or you can purchase a professional grade descaler from a hardware retailer.
Make MDM Mechanical your go-to professional tankless water heater installation and maintenance experts in Hamilton and surrounding areas. As a family-owned and operated local business, we can help you maximize the performance of your tankless water heater by offering professional maintenance services. Get a quote today!
Eventually, you may need to repair, replace, or install a new gas line for your home or business. When and if that time comes, you need reassurance and peace of mind that the gas technician you’re planning on hiring has all of the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications to perform the job safely and properly. Gas piping installation in Hamilton and other parts of the GTA requires the utmost attention to detail and careful planning. Even the smallest technical error can have devastating results.
For that reason, it’s absolutely imperative to make sure that the gas technician you hire is fully licensed and well-versed in local building codes, regulations, and safety standards.
Gas piping installation and repair can be a very dangerous job. There’s a lot that can go wrong in a very short period of time due to even the slightest miscalculation or error. Hiring a gas technician to work on your property isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Here are a few important factors you should consider when choosing a gas piping installation service near you.
Any time you hire a professional to do any type of work on your property, you should always look into their qualifications and make sure that they have the proper expertise for the job. Installing gas piping systems in Hamilton requires a great deal of in-depth knowledge and skill to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
If you’re planning on hiring a gas technician or any other type of trades worker to perform an installation or repair, you should always inquire about their level of experience. There’s no shame in asking how long they’ve worked in the field because that will give you a good idea of how much hands on experience they have. Also, some HVAC companies may have apprentices who are learning on the job, so it’s always good to know who is performing the gas piping installation in your home.
All gas technicians in Ontario must be certified by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Prospective gas technicians must complete a series of training requirements and pass the following three technical programs with a minimum grade of 75% or higher for both the written tests and the in-class portions.
Looking for a gas piping specialist in Hamilton? To give our customers complete peace of mind, all of the gas technicians at MDM Mechanical have undergone extensive theoretical and hands-on training to obtain their G1 licenses. Contact us today to learn more.
Homeowners rarely think about the technology and equipment it takes to keep their home running until those components require maintenance, replacement, or repairs. Water heater vents definitely fall under that category of often-neglected or forgotten-about, but necessary, appliances.
Chances are that unless you work in the HVAC, plumbing, or home improvement industry that you probably didn’t know there are different types of water heater vents that are only compatible with specific units that vent the same way.
If you’re due for a new water heater, here’s what you should know about the different types of water heater vents that are on the market.
A direct-vent water heater uses a horizontal pipe that’s connected to the external wall of your home to expel hazardous and combustive gases like carbon monoxide. A separate vent is used to suck in fresh air and maintain a steady airflow throughout your home. Direct-vent water heaters are extremely common in old homes and new builds alike. Boasting excellent versatility, and flexibility, direct-vent water heaters are compatible with virtually any structural design.
Similar to direct-vent water heaters, power-vent water heaters also expel gaseous combustive exhaust through a pipe that runs through the exterior wall of your home. The main difference is that a power-vented water heater uses electrical fans to move the gaseous by-products out of your home and safely release them into the external atmosphere more efficiently. Power-vent water heaters are extremely versatile and easy to install.
Since the piping can be installed horizontally or vertically depending on the structure and layout of your home, power-vent water heaters are fairly common just like their direct-vent counterparts. However, they do come at a slightly higher price tag due to the fact that they require metal venting pipes that can handle exposure to acidic and hot exhaust.
Atmospheric water heater vents are the most common and affordable of all of the types of water heater vents for residential structures mentioned here. This system relies on the natural movement of gases that rise out of the water heater’s combustion chamber. These gases go through a flue that leads them upward and expels them into the air through the roof. The pipe that’s connected to the ventilation system must be long enough to run all the way from the water heater to the roof without interruption.
Atmospheric-vented water heaters are extremely common due to their low upfront installation and operational costs. What they lack in versatility and flexibility, they make up for in efficiency and affordability.
Do you have a broken down or malfunctioning water heater vent system?
MDM Mechanical is a family-owned and operated heating and cooling company that serves Hamilton and surrounding areas. Whether you need standard or tankless water heater installation, repair, or maintenance services in Hamilton, you can count on us to get the job done right the first time. We firmly believe that “there’s no shortcut to quality” and we stand by that statement. Contact us today to book a consultation or request a free quote!
Ontarians are gearing up for sunnier weather and warmer weather usually means more outdoor BBQs and cookouts (even if they are only with immediate members of your household for the time being). Spring and summer are also the ideal seasons for homeowners to renovate their properties. Before getting started on a home or business renovation project, however, it’s important to identify and locate all gas lines throughout your property.
Whether you’re repairing or relocating an existing gas line or installing a new indoor or outdoor gas-powered appliance (e.g., stove or BBQ), hiring an experienced and fully licensed gas piping specialist in the GTA guarantees that the job will be done in compliance with all official local health and safety standards.
Gas piping installation in Hamilton requires a great deal of training, skill, and knowledge. If done incorrectly, the results can be extremely hazardous to your health and your property. If something goes wrong during the installation process or it’s not done according to code, the results could even be fatal.
There are a number of reasons for installing a new gas piping system in Hamilton. Here are a few common reasons for installing a new gas line for your home or business:
Regardless for the reason behind the gas line installation or replacement, it’s highly recommended that you only hire a professional gas line installation specialist in Hamilton to do the job. Working with gas lines can be incredibly dangerous for inexperienced and untrained individuals who don’t know what they’re doing.
Contrary to what you might think, this is not something you can learn to do on the Internet. Rather than put your life and the lives of your neighbours at risk just to save a few bucks upfront, it’s better to hire a professional contractor who knows what they’re doing and has the proper credentials.
Although it’s technically legal in Ontario for property owners to install, relocate, repair, and maintain gas lines themselves, it’s highly ill-advised due to the severe risks involved. In addition to requiring the proper permits from municipal agencies, you will also need to get the work inspected by a licensed gas line specialist or electrician before using it.
Gas line installation, repair, and maintenance comes with a certain level of risk and should only be done by a professional who has the proper training and licensing. In Ontario, this entails becoming TSSA-certified by going through three levels of training (G1, G2, and G3) and achieving a minimum passing grade of 75% or higher.
Here are some of the most common issues that could arise with gas lines if they’re old, poorly installed, damaged, or lack maintenance.
Any one of these issues could lead to potentially dire circumstances. If mishandled, gas piping in poor condition could cause a fire or explosion. Even worse, it could lead to exposure to hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide, which is also known as “the silent killer”. By law, every home in Ontario must have at least one working carbon monoxide detector on every level to alert homeowners of a potential leak or exposure before it’s too late.
There are certain important points that need to be taken into consideration before you can even think about breaking ground. Whether you’re installing a new gas line for an appliance or adding an addition to your existing property, here are some factors to keep in mind throughout the process.
Unless you’ve done a renovation or construction project on your property before, the chances are high that you probably don’t know where all of the existing gas lines are located. For that reason, it’s important to figure out the precise location of all of the existing underground or structural gas lines before starting a new project.
Ontario One Call is a free province-wide service that will come and inspect your property thoroughly to identify the locations of buried infrastructure such as gas lines. They use little red flags as markers to alert property owners of where gas lines are located, so that you know not to dig there.
Existing gas piping systems and new infrastructure should undergo thorough inspection both before and after a project is completed to ensure that they’re safe to use without any potential damages.
Licensed and experienced gas line technicians have the necessary skills and training to identify potential damages or issues with your existing and new gas line. They know what to look for and they can provide the appropriate repair or replacement solutions that fit your needs and budget.
You can stop searching for “gas piping services near me” and “gas piping specialist near me”. MDM Mechanical is a family owned and operated local HVAC and gas piping service in Hamilton and surrounding areas. We’re fully licensed and have years of experiencing working in the industry. We specialize in gas piping system installation, repair, and maintenance. Contact us to get a free quote or book a consultation!
As a property owner, there are certain things, such as furnace maintenance and functionality, that you’re responsible for. How do you know when it might be time to replace your existing furnace?
Certain telltale signs such as loud noises and fumes could mean it’s high time to consider replacing your existing furnace instead of repairing it. Furnace repairs essentially prolong the inevitable need for replacement. Even the most modern and advanced heating systems aren’t made to last forever and eventually, they will need to be replaced as new technology becomes available.
Over time, normal wear and tear can depreciate the performance of your heating system at which point no amount of furnace repair will improve its longevity.
With proper maintenance that includes annual inspections, your furnace can and should last a minimum of 15 to 20 years before it needs to be replaced. To help keep your monthly energy bills low, there are also a few additional steps you can take to boost energy-efficiency throughout your home. These include:
Most importantly, take the time to tend to your furnace. As mentioned, this means scheduling annual inspections from an HVAC professional, so they can clean and repair the parts of it that are out of reach for you. However, it also means keeping the area around your furnace clean and free of potential blockages. Additionally, you should replace the filters every three months or as needed. If you have pets or are doing renovations, you may need to replace them more frequently.
That said, the time will still come when you’re going to have to consider installing a new furnace to replace your old one. Here are the tops signs that you need a furnace replacement service in the GTA.
The age of your furnace makes a big difference in terms of its performance and the amount of maintenance it’s going to need. To extend the lifespan of your furnace, you need to schedule annual inspections and service from a certified HVAC technician.
Another factor that impacts your furnace’s performance over time is the type of fuel it uses to heat your home. Electric furnaces have a much longer lifespan than traditional gas furnaces and they also cost less to operate, so that’s something worth considering. However, gas furnaces heat your home a lot faster, despite the higher costs. It’s all about exploring your options and weighing your preferences against your budget. A professional furnace installation service in Hamilton can help you make the right choice.
Your furnace is responsible for filtering and cleansing the air throughout your home while also providing ample air circulation. If you notice an abundance of dust particles flying around or settling throughout your home, then this is a clear indication that your furnace isn’t working properly. Dust and debris particles are harmful to your health. They’re usually accompanied by extremely dry air, which can also damage your furnishings, flooring, fixtures, and even kill your plants.
Furnaces that are well past their prime should be carefully monitored at all costs. A furnace that’s functioning normally typically produces a clean blue flame that heats your home. If the flame turns yellow, then this is a major sign that your furnace is releasing carbon monoxide, which is toxic and can make you and your family sick. Additionally, yellow flames may indicate that there’s a gas leak, in which case your unit needs immediate attention as this can lead to serious health issues and even combustion.
If you hear any of the following noises coming out of your furnace, then you need to call in a professional HVAC contractor or technician immediately to investigate and diagnose the problem:
All of these sounds indicate different things that might be wrong with your furnace. While not all of them necessarily warrant replacement, they should definitely be checked out for the health and safety of you and your family.
Are you noticing that certain parts of your home are colder or warmer than the rest of your house? Temperature fluctuations aren’t always a sign of furnace disrepair. Sometimes, they just indicate that certain parts of your house get more natural light and heat than others. Depending on the direction of the sun, some parts of your home may feel warmer than others; however, it could also mean that your furnace isn’t the right size in proportion to the square footage of your home. If that’s the case, then it may be time to contact a professional HVAC technician.
If you notice a huge spike in your energy bills and the cost of maintaining or repairing your existing furnace far outweighs the cost of simply replacing it with a newer, more efficient model, then it’s definitely time to get a new one. The upfront and installation costs may be a little higher, but the long-term savings on your monthly energy bills are worth it.
Whether your furnace has been on the fritz for a while or it just recently broke down, MDM Mechanical can provide you with high-quality and reliable furnace installation and replacement services in Hamilton and surrounding area. In addition to furnace installation, maintenance, and repairs, we also provide in-depth annual inspections and we’ll gladly remove your old furnace from your home for you. Contact us today to book a consultation and get a free quote.
No matter which way you look at it, every business needs a durable, reliable, and high-quality commercial boiler system to help keep it running all year-round. The question is whether it’s worthwhile to outright buy a boiler system or if it makes more sense to lease one instead. Buying a boiler system means that you own it and the only long-term expenses you’ll incur are for maintenance.
For some companies, however, the upfront cost of purchasing a commercial boiler system is just too much. Consequently, there are a lot of advantages to leasing water heaters and commercial/industrial heaters for your business instead of buying it. Either way, this is an incredibly important investment for your business, so you want to make sure that you’re making the right choice.
The process of leasing or financing a boiler or other heating equipment is fairly simple. The first step is to determine the type of boiler system that your business needs based on the square footage and layout of your premises and the heating capacity required.
Next, you should research various local boiler system suppliers. Make sure to choose a reputable heating specialist in Hamilton and surrounding areas, so that you know you’re getting excellent product recommendations, high-quality installation, and expert repair and maintenance services at a reasonable cost. A commercial water heater company in the GTA should be able to answer all of your questions forthright and perform in-depth property inspections to accurately evaluate your heating requirements.
When it comes to financing boilers and commercial water heaters, you should also have a lot of flexible payment options available to you, whether it’s making monthly biweekly payment instalments.
If you’re wondering whether it’s more practical to purchase or rent a boiler system for your business, consider the following facts.
The upfront costs of purchasing a boiler system for your business versus leasing a commercial water heater, radiant tube heater, unit heater, or rooftop unit can be astronomical. Standard commercial boilers need to be replaced at least once every 10 to 15 years. During that time, you’ll likely have to make a few repairs and schedule maintenance appointments, which also drive the cost up.
Replacing a boiler system can cost anywhere between $10,000 on the low end and $50,000+ on the high end, and that’s not including any additional installation or maintenance fees. When you rent a boiler, you only have to pay for the installation fee and low monthly rental price, which usually includes the cost of repairs and maintenance.
Another advantage of renting a boiler system is that you can easily schedule maintenance or repair services as needed. Heating companies in Hamilton typically offer these services as part of their flexible and extensive rental packages. Maintenance and repair fees are usually built into your monthly rental payments.
In the event that your financial circumstances change for better or worse, leasing water heaters and commercial/industrial heaters usually gives you more flexible terms and conditions to make necessary financing adjustments. Whether that means downgrading or upgrading your system, or modifying your payment schedule, a reputable commercial water heater company in the GTA will likely offer some contractual leniency.
If you’re looking to rent a commercial unit a commercial water heater or boiler unit from a reliable heating specialist in Hamilton and surrounding areas, look no further than MDM Mechanical. We offer affordable boiler installation, repair, and maintenance services without compromising on quality and care. Our motto is “there’s no shortcut to quality” and we fully stand by it. Contact us today to learn more about your leasing and financing options.
A lot of research goes into determining what type of boiler system you need for your home. Keep reading to learn about the differences between combi boilers vs. conventional boilers and the advantages that both have to offer.
A combi boiler is a single unit that eliminates the need for a hot water storage tank. It’s a combination of a water heater and a central heating boiler all in one. Rather than having a preheated stock of hot water waiting to be used, a combi boiler heats up water on demand when you turn on your hot water tap.
A combi boiler uses a series of radiators that are dispersed throughout your home to evenly distribute heat and keep every part of your home at a comfortable temperature. Since combi boilers are always on standby, you can get hot water instantly no matter what part of your home you’re in, whenever you need it. No more having to run the cold water for a few seconds waiting for the water to warm up. The boiler starts working the moment you turn on the hot water tap and provides warm or hot water without delay.
The way it works is that when you turn on the hot water tap in your kitchen or bathroom, the combi boiler’s built-in heat exchanger automatically burns the natural gas and transfers the resulting heat to the cold water. Once the cold water is sufficiently heated, it’s transferred to the hot water tap in your home that activated it. Combi boilers consist of multipurpose interior valves that move in different directions. Some valves are responsible for directing the water flow through the central heating system while the other valves deliver the hot water to the open tap.
Only one of these actions can be carried out at once, but combi boilers allow you to pre-set the thermostat temperature so that the heat distribution throughout your home is comfortably consistent.
The only real con working against combi boilers is that there’s no backup system. That means if the boiler breaks down or requires maintenance, you’ll be left without hot water until it’s fixed or replaced.
Conventional boilers are also commonly referred to as traditional boilers. They’re typically found in older homes that have designated spaces for these types of heating systems. Conventional boilers are heat-only.
Most conventional boilers have two tanks, one for cold water storage and one for hot water storage. Larger homes may require an additional expansion tank to provide more consistent heat and hot water distribution throughout the property.
The cold water tank sources water from the main water supply and then feeds the cold water into the hot water tank. Whenever the hot water tank is depleted, the cold water tank automatically springs into action and fills it up. The hot water is stored inside the tank until it needs to be used. The water from the hot water tank is distributed throughout the home to keep it at a comfortable warm temperature.
There are a few different factors that determine whether or not you should replace your conventional boiler with a combi boiler.
Consider the size of your home, the number of people living in your household, and what your heat and hot water needs are. Conventional boilers are more suitable for larger households in older homes because they can handle higher water consumption demands.
Combi boiler systems are ideal for smaller more modern and energy-conscious households that want to focus on lowering their carbon footprints. Combi boilers are more energy efficient, less expensive to install and maintain, and they take up much less space than conventional boiler units. It’s estimated that installing a combi boiler system for smaller homes can help you lower your energy bill by approximately 40% every year. Of course, that depends on how many people are living in your household.
It’s all about figuring out what your specific needs and priorities are.
For more information and for help in deciding whether you should purchase a combi boiler vs. a conventional boiler, speak to a local HVAC expert. MDM Mechanical is always here to help you make the right decision for your hot water and heating needs. We’re a family-owned and operated business that provides boiler installation in Hamilton and surrounding areas. Your search for “boiler specialist near me” ends with us. Contact us today to book a consultation.
Tankless water heaters, which are also referred to as instantaneous or on-demand water heaters, are a technologically superior alternative to traditional storage heaters that can drive up your residential or commercial property’s energy consumption and monthly bills. If your goal is to reduce your carbon footprint and save a little bit of money at the same time, then tankless water heaters are definitely the way to go.
While converting your existing water heater into a tankless unit isn’t always a financially or logistically feasible option, it’s certainly worth considering. There are a lot of notable advantages to installing tankless water heaters, including decreasing your energy usage and saving you money in the long run.
Keep reading to learn more about how tankless water heater installation in Hamilton can not only lower your monthly bills but also improve water heating efficiency throughout your property.
Traditional single-family storage water heaters rely on a ready reservoir of hot water. Turning on any tap in your home forces the storage tank to release hot water and direct it to wherever you are (e. g. a bathroom or in the kitchen). The depleted hot water is immediately replaced with cold water at the bottom of the tank to guarantee that the tank is always full, and you have hot water available when you need it.
One of the main disadvantages of this system is that the tank is always automatically refilled, which means that you’re essentially paying for the water in the tank whether or not it actually gets used.
Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, operate without a hot water storage system. Turning on a tap in your home activates the water flow immediately. Cold water moves through a pipe directly into the unit where it’s heated up in a matter of seconds with a gas burner or electric element and then delivered directly to the open tap. This entire process is executed so quickly that there’s no delay whatsoever from the moment the tap is turned on to the moment the hot water comes out.
Tankless water heaters are slowly but surely gaining more prominence in the HVAC industry and there are plenty of good reasons for this. If you’re currently considering replacing your existing hot water heater, here are a few benefits of installing a tankless water heater.
Many property owners have become increasingly conscious of their energy consumption over the past few years. While lowering costs is the main driving force behind this sentiment, conserving energy is also an important factor.
On average, tankless water heaters are about 24% to 34% more energy efficient than traditional storage tank water heaters. Households with small families that use less than 41 gallons of water daily can stand to conserve a great deal of energy and hot water usage by making a few simple behavioural changes to their regular routines.
Another upside to being more conscious of your energy and water usage habits is that you can actively lower your household’s monthly utility bills. The upfront costs for tankless hot water heaters are a little higher than storage heaters, but the higher monthly savings are undeniable. Tankless water heaters also have a significantly lower operating cost, which can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Compared to conventional hot water storage heaters, tankless water heaters have a much longer lifespan. As long as you administer proper maintenance and keep the unit in good working condition, most tankless water heaters can last upwards of 20 years and their parts are easy to find and replace when needed.
Parts for storage hot water heaters, on the other hand, are a lot harder to find. This can make maintenance and repairs more challenging. Plus, these units are only built to last about 10 to 15 years.
Tankless water heaters are essentially a single wall-mounted unit. Hence, they take up a lot less space than conventional storage water heaters, which typically require a designated storage closet in the basement or a separate storage space. Tankless water heaters are a great alternative if you have a minimal amount of square footage and want to maximize your storage space.
Switching to a tankless water heater allows you to utilize more storage space for other belongings including seasonal clothing, household items, small appliances, holiday decorations, and more items you don’t need on a daily basis.
Don’t you just hate stepping into the shower or turning on the faucet to wash your hands and having to run ice cold water for a few seconds until it finally heats up to a tolerable temperature? Not only is this all-too-common practice highly inefficient, but it also wastes a great deal of water—a natural resource that many of us take for granted every single day.
By switching to a tankless water heater, you can completely eliminate water heating wait times in your home and better manage your household’s water consumption rate at the same time.
Water heater noise pollution is a serious issue for homeowners who are renting out their basement apartments to a tenant. Since hot water heaters are typically located in the basement, it can be a real nuisance if your unit keeps making noise every time someone in a different part of the house turns on a tap.
Unlike storage water heaters, tankless water heaters don’t accumulate large amounts of mineral buildup that causes the unit to make loud noises every time it’s in use. Plus, the compact nature of tankless water heaters makes them easier to install in more discreet and low traffic areas where they’re unlikely to bother anyone.
If you’re looking for a highly experienced and reliable HVAC contractor in Hamilton and surrounding areas, then MDM Mechanical is the right choice. We offer a variety of heating and cooling services to meet your needs including tankless water heater installation, repair, maintenance, and part replacements. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book a consultation.
Boiler systems provide us with the daily comforts that we often take for granted. In fact, the only time most property owners even give their boiler system a second thought is when something goes wrong and it needs to be repaired or replaced.
At a certain point, the cost of repairing the same boiler system over and over just gets to be too much and can even exceed the cost of simply getting a new boiler. How can you determine if replacing a boiler versus repairing it is the logical choice?
There are eight telltale signs that indicate whether it’s time to say out with the old and in with the new. Keep reading!
If you’re boiler is more than 10-15 years old, then it’s most likely time to swap it out for a newer and younger model.
That’s the average age range for a standard boiler system. Of course, there are a number of factors that can impact the quality of its performance and longevity. Everything from the quality of the make, the brand, maintenance, and frequency of use can impact your boiler’s performance over time.
If you use your boiler frequently and it’s getting up there in age, be sure to keep a close eye on its performance quality and maintain it regularly.
A fully functional boiler system shouldn’t need more than a few seconds to heat up water. It should be reliable enough to provide you with consistently warm or hot water throughout your home.
If your boiler takes longer than a few seconds to heat up water in various parts of your home, then you need to assess its performance. A brand new boiler may need some maintenance work, but an older model that’s been fixed a few times over the years might be on its last legs.
Boiler systems are typically silent and don’t make noise unless there’s something wrong internally. To diagnose the issue, you need to identify the type of noise your boiler system is making.
Gurgling noises usually indicate that the water pressure being released may be too low. This is an easy fix that requires you to adjust the pressure gauge or manometer to the appropriate level until the noise stops.
A loud rumbling sound, on the other hand, most likely indicates that the boiler is kittling. This happens as a result of mineral deposit buildup caused by hard water running through the boiler over a number of years. Your best course of action is to shut the boiler off and schedule an appointment with an HVAC professional, so they can diagnose the problem and offer an appropriate solution.
A leaking boiler can lead to a wide range of costly and potentially hazardous issues throughout your home. Water leaking from your boiler system can damage your flooring and surrounding fixtures, not to mention the fact that contact with electrical outlets can short circuit your property and even start a fire.
Carbon monoxide leaks, which can be fatal, are also commonly caused by malfunctioning leaky boiler systems. It’s important to identify the cause of the leak and deal with the situation immediately. Fixing a leaking boiler system can be expensive, so it’s usually a better idea to just replace it altogether. If you notice water leaking from your boiler system, call an HVAC specialist right away to examine your unit.
Boiler repair costs can quickly add up over time. Eventually the cost of repairing your boiler system will far exceed the cost of just replacing it with a newer and more advanced model.
Occasional repairs and part replacements are perfectly normal and to be expected throughout the lifespan of your boiler system. But if you’re forced to schedule servicing at least once a week, then your boiler system needs replacement immediately.
Have you noticed a large inexplicable increase in your energy bills lately? It may be time to check on your boiler system to see if it’s working properly. Naturally, your boiler system will exhibit some signs of wear and tear, but these should be easily manageable with routine maintenance and service checkups.
The functionality of your boiler system will decrease over time and you’ll start to notice that it takes a lot longer for water to heat up or that the heat distribution throughout your home is uneven. Newer boiler systems are far more energy-efficient than older units. Lower energy consumption will significantly reduce your monthly utility payments and end up saving you some money in the long run.
The older your home is, the harder it has to work to properly heat your home. If you’re starting to notice an increasing number of cold spots throughout your home or that the water in certain parts of the house doesn’t warm up fast enough, then this is a major sign that you need a boiler system replacement.
Uneven heat distribution throughout your home not only increases your utility bill every month, but it can also make you feel uncomfortable in your own home, which isn’t ideal since many of us are currently under lockdown due to COVID-19.
Some boiler systems have pilot lights. Typically, the pilot light should burn blue to indicate that the unit is in good working condition and that it has a sufficient oxygen supply to heat up the water and air in your home.
A yellow pilot light, however, usually spells trouble. There are a few reasons why the pilot light could turn yellow. It could be that the intake valve is blocked by debris or dust in which case you simply need to clean it out or replace it. Once you do that, check again to see if the light turns back to blue.
If it stays yellow, then this means you mostly have a more serious issue like a carbon monoxide leak in your home. A telltale indication of this is if you find black soot around the unit. If this is the case, then turn the boiler system off immediately and contact an HVAC professional to take a look at it.
Trust the HVAC experts at MDM Mechanical for all of your boiler installation, repair, and maintenance needs in Hamilton and surrounding areas. We’re a family-owned and operated business that takes pride in providing high-quality services for all of our clients. Contact us today to book a consultation.
