One of those many innovations that are only now being rediscovered, radiant floor heating is something that has been around for centuries (possibly even longer). Radiant heating was used in the form of radiators in many older homes during the last century, and steam heating was proven to be highly efficient, although the technology of …
Read moreHydronic Radiant Floor Heating Systems (Pros/Cons, Types, Cost)
One of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make when buying a new water heater is to focus entirely on features or cost. True, these are important aspects, but what happens when that heater you bought with all the bells and whistles breaks? Will the warranty cover repairs, or are you left to fend for …
Not every job can be handled by a DIYer, and many weekend handymen try to tackle jobs beyond their scope in an effort to save money but end up spending far more in the long run. Hiring a good plumber is not only cost-efficient in many cases, but they can often work faster and more …
Water heaters are so commonplace, we often forget how dangerous they can be. Much like their predecessor the boiler, a water heater has an increasingly high risk of explosion if not installed and maintained properly. These explosions are easily powerful enough to level a garage or home and cause damage around it. For this reason, …
Indirect water heaters can be confusing to many homeowners looking to upgrade. The system isn’t for everyone, and your household needs and HVAC systems can play a huge part in whether an indirect water heater is right for you. Here are some of the things you’ll need to know before investing in one. How an …
Read moreIndirect Water Heaters: How They Work and Why You’d Want One
Flushing your water heater on a regular basis is a necessary and time-consuming job. Thankfully, many modern water heaters feature self-cleaning capabilities to make your life easier. There are a few things you should know about self-cleaning water heaters before investing in one, however. What is a Self Cleaning Water Heater? Self cleaning water heaters …
Tankless water heaters are far more efficient than a standard tank model, and this also translates to less maintenance. However, one question which may not be so apparent is how these heaters deal with sediment in the water supply. Some modern models have built-in filters, but most have little or no protection against incoming particles. …
In Ireland, many homes still have antiquated boiler systems that can actually blow up when left running for too long. But what about a modern home with an up-to-date water heater system? While far safer than traditional boilers, even that brand new AO Smith isn’t perfect. Here’s everything you need to know about the risk …
Back in the day, a loop of copper tubing functioned as a heat trap for your hot water heater. These days, many water heaters include a more complex heat trap, and you can easily buy and install one in your existing heater. But how do they work, and are they worth the extra investment? How …
Perhaps it’s time to expand your home and you’ve decided to turn the basement into additional living space, but that water heater needs to disappear. Or maybe the heater is in existing living space, such as the kitchen or laundry room. It can be hard to figure out how to hide a water heater, but …
The question many people ask when they are ready to buy a new heater is whether a tankless system is as good or better than a traditional water heater. That decision usually comes down to a matter of preference, although understanding the differences will help you make a better choice when you’re looking at what …
When it comes to making the home more energy efficient, your water heater should be a bigger concern than most people make it out to be. According to energy.gov, your water heater accounts for as much as 12 percent of your home’s energy usage. Unfortunately, more time is spent encouraging people to buy new water …
The principles of your home’s plumbing are fairly simple. Fresh water comes in under pressure to fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers and toilet tanks. Water is heated by passing through a water heater (see: How Does a Water Heater Work?) before traveling to the fixtures. Waste water is expelled from the home through drain …
Read moreTypes of Plumbing and Pipe Fittings – Names and Pictures
To determine whether you need an expansion tank on your water heater, you first need to understand what type of water heater you have, what an expansion tank is, and what size of an expansion tank you may need. Read on and we will answer these questions and give you a better understanding of what …
To increase the amount of hot water available at the point of use, under sink water heaters are an affordable alternative to upgrading the size of your existing water heater. Models are available in tankless or with small 2 gallon or 2.5 gallon tanks, designed to provide ample hot water for short applications such as …
