Heat pumps are becoming the preferred heating and cooling system amongst many of our customers in West Haven, CT, and the surrounding region. 

Heat pumps are becoming the preferred heating and cooling system amongst many of our customers in the West Haven, CT, area. Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-split heat pumps, are comprised of two main parts: the outdoor unit and indoor unit. In the winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside environment and vents it through the indoor unit to heat your home. In the summer, the process is reversed, with the indoor unit extracting heat from inside the house and transferring it outside.

Advantages of a Ductless Mini-Split System

Temperature Zoning

Without the help of a smart thermostat, conventional heating methods distribute heat uniformly throughout the household. The most significant advantage of owning a ductless mini-split is that it allows for temperature zoning, or the ability to heat rooms to different temperatures. This is not only convenient for making your home comfortable for all family members, but it also helps you save money on your monthly energy bills.

Energy Efficiency

Ductless mini-splits are one of the more energy-efficient appliances on the market. Regular heaters, such as furnaces and boilers, require ducts to circulate air throughout the house. Due to cracks and gaps in the ductwork, these traditional heaters will lose warm air and have to produce more in order to reach the temperature set by the thermostat. Because these heat pumps are ductless, they move air directly between the outdoor and indoor units.

Big Money Savings

Ductless heat pumps were invented to be high-performance systems, which can contribute to overall cost savings for homeowners. When heat is only distributed to occupied rooms, as opposed to the whole house, homeowners will only have to pay for the heat they’re using. Families that choose to install heat pumps over a traditional heater may also be eligible for tax credits or utility rebates if these savings are available in their states.

Easy Installation

Heat pumps are one of the easiest heating systems to install. Due to their small size and non-invasive nature, our highly-qualified technicians can perform a heat pump installation in a matter of hours. Unlike boilers or furnaces which require pre-installed ductwork through conventional gas furnace services, available in New Haven County and all local areas, mini-split heaters are perfect for buildings with no existing ductwork because they don’t require ducts to circulate airflow.

Dual Heating and Cooling System

Ductless heat pumps are the only system available that allows for both heating and cooling. This is possible through the heater’s internal components, which have the ability to capture heat in the air. Traditional heaters heat up the air before distributing it throughout the household using a venting system, whereas ductless heat pumps move heat from one area to another.

Contact an Air Specialties specialist for all your heating needs this winter, whether you’re looking for heat pump installations or gas furnace repair services in New Haven County and all surrounding areas. With over 60 years of experience serving residents of West Haven, CT, we aim to provide the best local professional services.

Like any mechanical device, a water heater requires regular inspections and maintenance to keep it operating safely and reliably. With regular maintenance you can also keep your water heater running longer by extending the life of the tank and other components. 

Tank-Style Water Heater Maintenance

A conventional tank-style water heater will typically last for 8-10 years. However, without routine maintenance sediment and rust can accumulate, shortening the life of the water heater while also wasting energy. To keep your water heater in good condition for the long run, Air Specialties recommends following these water heater maintenance steps at least once a year.

Drain out the water heater tank to remove sediment. This is particularly important if you have hard water in your home. Attach a hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of the tank. Before opening the drain valve  ensure the opposite end of the hose is outside or near a floor drain. Be careful, as the water may be very hot. If you’re not sure how to flush your water heater, call Air Specialties. An experienced plumber can advise you on the best way to drain your water heater tank.

1. Check for water leaks, pinholes rusting around the exterior of the water heater.
2. For natural gas water heaters, inspect the flue to ensure exhaust fumes are venting outside by striking a match next to the flue housing. The smoke should drift out through the exhaust flue.
3. Test the relief valve by putting a bucket beneath the drain pipe and opening the valve. Water should flow freely when the valve is opened.
4. Ensure that the thermostat is set to between 120 and 125 degrees. It should not be set above 125 degrees. We recommend keeping your water heater below 115 degrees if you have have young children in the home.
5. Keeping a pan underneath the water heater will make it easier to detect any leaks.
6. If you have a gas water heater, check the pilot light to make sure it is burning blue and steady.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Tankless water heaters are becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a more efficient alternative to traditional water heaters. Because water is only heated when it’s needed, it uses much less energy. And with no storage tank, it never runs out of hot water as long as the unit it the proper size for the home’s hot water needs.

Like traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure that they last as long as possible. Spending some time on maintenance yourself, or calling Air Specialties for routine maintenance, will ensure that you are taking advantage of all the cost saving benefits available from your tankless water heater. In addition, most manufacturers require this maintenance as a condition of the unit’s warranty.

1. Inspect and Clean the Screen Filter

Following the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and procedures, inspect and clean the filter located on the water inlet side the tankless water heater. We recommend having a qualified plumber do this job. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, it’s important to learn the proper procedure before attempting this maintenance. Do not use chemicals to clean your tankless water heater, since they will enter your drinking water. Vinegar is a safe, effective cleaner.

2. Flush the System

To prevent the a harmful buildup of lime and scale, flush your tankless water heater periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. As noted above, please be sure to flush it with vinegar and not chemicals that could contaminate your water supply.

Many people purchase a conventional tank water heater and simply forget about it until it stops working and it’s time to replace it.

However, with a few simple water heater maintenance steps you can increase the lifespan of the unit while also making it work more efficiently.

1. Flush the water heater tank annually

Almost all water heater manufacturers will recommend flushing the water heater tank annually. Draining the tank will remove the sediment that has collected at the bottom of the tank which will allow the burner to work more efficiently.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct procedure for draining your model of water heater.

2. Check the anode rod and replace it if needed

The anode rod hangs in the tank to help prevent its inside from rusting out. It should be checked annually when the tank is drained. Replacing a badly corroded rod is far cheaper than replacing the water heater. Without a good anode rod, hot water will rapidly corrode the inside of the tank, shortening its life.

3. Insulate the water heater tank

This is a step you only have to do once. Wrapping your water heater in a blanket of insulation can improve it’s efficiency up to 40 percent.

A leaking water heater can range from a slow drip to a full-blown flood. Either way, the damage to your home and property can be expensive; ranging from damage to walls and floors, to unhealthy mold and mildew.

If you see water accumulating near your water heater, it may not actually be coming from the water heater. Nearby appliances and condensation on pipes near the water heater can cause moisture to accumulate nearby. Closely inspect the base of the water heater and valves for signs of leaks.

If you determine the water heater is the cause of the leak, the first step is to turn off power to the water heater. If you have an electric water heater, turn the power off from the circuit breaker. A gas water heater can be shut of from the power supply attached to the unit, usually be turning a knob to the off position. Next, turn off the water from the cold water shut-off valve located near the top of the water heater.

Water heater leaks can occur in several locations, including: the cold water inlet and hot water outlet, the pressure relief valve, the drain valve, and the bottom of the tank. Fixing a water heater is not a do-it-yourseff project. A qualified plumber should make the repair. Depending on the location and severity of the leak, your plumber will either have to repair the water heater replace it.

Preventing damage from water heater leaks

For an extra measure of protection from unexpected water heater leaks, specially designed pans can be installed under the water heater to divert water leaks to a nearby floor drain. There are also special water leak alarms that can turn off the water when a leak is detected from the water heater or another source.