How To Choose The Right Size Tankless Water Heater

With the approaching cold weather, we all love the ability to turn on the tap and feel hot water. In fact, hot water is an incredibly important part of our daily routines, allowing us to clean our bodies, homes, clothes, and so much more. Therefore, choosing an appropriately sized water heater to address your household’s needs becomes very important. Many homeowners remain loyal to conventional hot water heaters, but others are turning to the newer tankless water heating options. If you are still trying to decide, check out our recent post, Tankless Water Heaters: Understanding the Pros and Cons. If you’ve already decided on a tankless water heater, here are some tips for helping to choose the right size. It is important to note that you should never try and save money by undersizing your tankless water heater. Understanding the Water Heater’s Capacity Unlike conventional tank-system hot water heaters that use a first-hour rating, tankless water heaters, also known as demand water heaters, are rated by the maximum temperature rise possible at a given flow rate. Simply put, they are measured by how hot they can get for a specific output of water per minute. Therefore, to size a demand water heater, you need to determine the flow rate (the amount of water required per minute) and the temperature rise (how hot the water needs to get from its untreated temperature) necessary for its application. Sometimes this application is for the whole house, and sometimes it is a remote application for a specific room, such as a bathroom. Sizing a Tankless Water Heater Step One – Determine the Desired Flow Rate. First, you must ask yourself how many hot water devices will be operating at the same time in your home at a peak time. For example, is it common to have two people showering, while the breakfast dishes are being washed in the morning? Or, do you live alone and generally only use one hot water device at a time? Use the chart below to add up the “average flow rates” of each device you normally operate simultaneously during your peak water usage time of the day. Step Two – Determine the Required Temperature Rise. To determine the temperature rise, subtract the incoming water temperature from the desired output temperature (use the chart below as a general guide). Unless you know otherwise, you can assume that the incoming water temperature is approximately 50ºF (10ºC). For example, if you would like to take a shower at 104ºF, you would subtract 50 from 104 to get a required temperature rise of 54ºF. Call In The Experts Choosing the hot water option that fits best with your family’s needs can be complicated, but your Just Right Services technicians can guide you through the process and ensure that your new system is installed safely and efficiently. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to get trusted advice about your hot water heating system.

In today’s world, we talk a lot about efficiency when we talk about heating and cooling. In fact, energy efficiency is one of the top reasons consumers purchase one system over another. Therefore, it is common for questions to arise about hybrid heat dual fuel systems. How Hybrid Heat Dual Fuel Systems Work A hybrid heat dual fuel heat pump system is made up of four major parts:

• Heat pump – located outdoors and runs on electricity
• Furnace – located inside the home and runs on fossil fuel
• Coil – located above the furnace
• Refrigerant lines – connect the heat pump to the coil

While traditional furnace systems generate heat using fuel, a heat pump system is naturally efficient because it often transfers heat instead of creating it. As the refrigerant runs through the outdoor heat pump, it grabs warms air, compresses it to make it even hotter, and transports it to the coil inside. The coil then heats up from the hot refrigerant passing through it and transfers the heat to the air that is passing across it. As the hot air transfers into the home, the refrigerant cools and circulates back to the outdoor heat pump to continue the process. As the temperatures outside fall and the heat pump can no longer pull enough heat to keep up with the home’s heating needs, it reaches its balanced point. When the system reaches its balanced point, the furnace begins generating the heat necessary to warm the house. The hot furnace air rises into the coil and is dispersed throughout the house. During the summertime, the hybrid heat dual fuel system keeps comfort in the home by reversing the process to provide air conditioning. Instead of pulling hot air from outside, the refrigerant pulls hot air from inside the home, cools it in the coil, and releases it outdoors through the heat pump. How a Hybrid Heat Dual Fuel System Benefits Homeowners The energy savings experienced by homeowners can vary greatly depending on the climate in which they live. For example, if the system is working in an Illinois household that experiences extremely cold temperatures for a large portion of the year, the furnace will need to be utilized quite regularly. However, for homes in more moderate climates, such as Southern California, a hybrid heat dual fuel heat pump system can mean significant savings, since the temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees. The heat pump is able to address the home’s heating and cooling needs nearly year-round, utilizing the furnace on only the coldest nights of the year. Your HVAC Experts At Just Right Services, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best HVAC systems for their unique needs and circumstances. Contact us today at (949) 245-6320 to talk about the HVAC systems that may be right for your home.

According to U.S. Department of Energy, water heating is the second largest energy expense in most homes, falling behind heating and cooling. As the summer heat begins to pass and the cooler weather sets in, we often see a rise in our energy bills. We’ve compiled some helpful hot water heater tips to help you reduce your electric bill. While we are proponents of long-term solutions for lowering energy usage, small changes with our habits involving water usage in the home can have a significant impact. Lower the temperature on your water heater. By lowering your water heater by 10 degrees, you can save up to 5% on your water heating costs. Keeping the water heater thermostat at 120 degrees provides a comfortable amount of hot water for most household uses. Insulate your water heater. By insulating your water heater, you are helping to protect the hot water from the cool air surrounding the unit. Use caution to never cover the thermostat on your electric hot-water storage tank, and always follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, try insulating the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes that connect to the water heater. Purchase a new, energy efficient water heater. Outdated water heaters waste energy because they were created in a time when energy efficiency was an afterthought. Current technologies offer a wide range of money-saving possibilities for consumers. Check out our post on how to choose the right size conventional water heater. Shorten shower times. When the weather cools, it is tempting to take a long, hot shower to warm the bones. However, these long showers can skyrocket utility bills. Begin by installing aerating, low-flow showerheads. If the air in the bathroom is cold, try tightly closing the door to lock in the steam and invest in large, fluffy towels. Call In The Experts Choosing the hot water option that fits best with your family’s needs can be complicated, but your Just Right Services technicians can guide you through the process and ensure that your new system is installed safely and efficiently. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to get trusted advice about your hot water heating system.

That magical time of year has arrived when homes will be filled with family and friends. With so much to be thankful for, we want to ensure your home is ready for the entertaining season beyond HVAC and plumbing maintenance. Therefore, we compiled a list of some of the top safety precautions to consider before the Thanksgiving turkey arrives on the table. Fire Safety This season is often marked by temporary electrical decorations. Be sure to follow these safety precautions to help keep your family safe.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
• Ensure you have installed a smoke alarm inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, in the kitchen, and on each floor of the home, including the attic and basement.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
• Never run extension cords under rugs or carpets.
• Keep decorations at least three feet from sources of heat.
• Unplug all electrical decorations before leaving the home or going to sleep.

Cooking Safety With holiday feasts being cooked in the kitchen and the recent influx of deep-fried turkeys happening outside, it’s important to use some additional safety precautions when cooking.

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling, and never leave the house with the oven on.
• Keep children at least three feet away from cooking appliances.
• Be careful to keep pot holders, towels, and curtains away from heating elements.
• Remain aware of your clothing and hair to be sure it doesn’t catch fire.
• Maintain a safe distance from the home when deep frying a turkey, and follow the manufacturer instructions. Never use a deep fryer in a house, garage, or under a carport.

Heat Safety Anytime you have a heating element in a home, you have an increased risk of fire. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you are taking the proper safety precautions when heating your home.

• Have your heating system inspected at the beginning of the winter season.
• Never leave a space heater running in an empty room or overnight.
• Never leave a lit fireplace unattended.
• Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees to reduce the risk of scalding.

The team at Just Right Services wishes you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. For more trusted advice on your HVAC system or for emergencies during the holiday season, contact us at (949) 245-6320.

All furnaces make some noise, and depending on your system, some may be louder than others. However, it is important to listen up if those noises change or new ones arise; your system may be trying to tell you something. Here are the six most common sounds that signal a problem with your furnace: Warning Sound #1: Rumbling If you have an oil-fired or gas system and you hear unusual rumbling, turn off the system and call for service immediately. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the burner element of your appliance. Warning Sound #2: Scraping or Metallic Sounds If you hear these sounds, turn off the system immediately. Whenever a metal-on-metal sound occurs, it is a sign that something has broken, fallen, or come loose. One likely culprit for scraping is a blower wheel coming loose from the motor shaft or breaking completely. Warning Sound #3: Thumping or Vibrating If your system suddenly begins to sound like a sneaker in a washing machine, there is likely a balancing issue with the system. Whether it’s a blower wheel or the motor itself, it’s important to address the issue before it causes other problems. Warning Sound #4: Rattling or Squealing If you begin to hear any high-pitched noise, start by turning off the system and checking the air filter. If there isn’t any sign of wear and tear or clogging, then this sound is likely coming from the heat pump. Some units simply have noisy check valves or metering devices, but if it is increasingly loud, then your unit may be asking for some professional attention. Warning Sound #5: Popping or Banging If you hear this sound periodically, it is likely happening when the system fan starts and/or stops. For systems with sheet metal ductwork, the duct walls can “pop” from the negative pressure of the fan and “pop-out” when that pressure is released. This could be a sign of an undersized or closed vent, clogged filter, or flimsy duct. Your Local HVAC Experts Whenever your furnace begins to make new noises, your local team at Just Right Services is here to answer your questions and schedule a maintenance visit, if necessary. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 As the winter rush approaches, we encourage our customer to take the time to turn on their furnace systems now to ensure they are working efficiently and safely before they are needed.

Keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter takes more than a well-maintained HVAC system. It also requires a properly insulated home. Especially in Southern California, where cool temperatures are milder than much of the country, many home builders slack on the insulation to save money during construction, resulting in higher than necessary utility bills. The simple fix of improving the insulation in your attic or crawlspace can save you money and help ensure your HVAC system isn’t unnecessarily working overtime. Assess Your Needs By taking a look at the current insulation, you can get a better idea of the project ahead. If your home was built before 1990, you should call in a professional, as there is a high chance that highly toxic asbestos is present. Decide What You Need The two most common forms of insulation are loose fill and blanket insulation. Loose fill, also known as blown insulation, requires special tools to blow the insulation into the attic space. Blanket insulation, also known as batt or roll insulation, comes in large rolls that are cut to fill the space. Blanket insulation can be the most convenient to install because it is readily available at home improvement stores, is easily transported, and requires no extra tools. Loose-fill insulation, on the other hand, can be more effective if the attic has many nooks and crannies to fill. Measure It Out Measure the square footage of the attic to know how much insulation you will need. Be sure to go armed with this information when you journey to the home improvement store. Seal It Off Cracks and loosely fitted insulation can result in up to a 50% loss of treated air. So be sure to seal off any cracks and properly fit windows, pipes, fans, and ducts with spray foam or caulking. Your HVAC Experts At Just Right Services, we are dedicated to getting your residential HVAC system to perform at its peak performance to ensure your maximum comfort. Contact us today at (949) 245-6320 to talk about your HVAC system’s performance and how we can make your system even more efficient.

Especially with the approaching winter weather, the ability to turn on the tap and feel hot water is an often overlooked but incredibly important part of our daily routines. After all, nothing is worse than getting in the shower, only to find that there is no hot water left. Choosing an appropriately sized hot water heater will not only ensure your family’s needs are met, but it is also an important element of an efficiently operating appliance. With that in mind, we realize that most homeowners aren’t sure how to choose the right size water heater. Next time you are in the market for a new conventional storage water heater or a heat pump water heater, use this handy guide to help you choose the right one. Understanding the Water Heater’s Capacity While tankless water heaters are different, all modern water heaters that use a tank-system come with a first-hour rating. Simply put, this is the number of gallons of hot water the system can supply within one hour when starting with a full tank. Most of the time, the first-hour rating can be found on the EnergyGuide label or in the product literature. Understanding Your Family’s Hot Water Usage Now that you understand the capacity of the hot water heater, it is time to understand the amount of hot water your family needs. To make sure you never have a cold shower, consider your peak hour demands, or the hour of the day when the hottest water gets used. For example, this may be in the morning when everyone in the household showers before work and the breakfast dishes are being washed. Calculate the amount of water being used in that hour using these average gallons of hot water estimations:

• Showers – 10 gallons per shower
• Shaving – 2 gallons per shave
• Dishwashing by hand or Food prep – 4 gallons for 2 total minutes of running water
• Automatic dishwasher – 6 gallons
• Clothing washer – 7 gallons

Remember to consider each household member who uses the hot water during the peak hour, meaning if three people shower within the hour, then 30 gallons of hot water is used. By adding up the total gallons of hot water needed within a standard peek hour, you understand your household’s hot water needs. It’s always best to choose a hot water heater that matches this estimated usage within one or two gallons. Call In The Experts Choosing the hot water option that fits best with your family’s needs can be complicated, but your Just Right Services technicians can guide you through the process and ensure that your new system is installed safely and efficiently. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to get trusted advice about your hot water heating system.

Staying warm as the cooler weather approaches in the autumn (or staying cool as the hot summer days linger around), can result in expensive utility bills. Many believe that energy efficiency also comes with a significant cost, but there are a vast amount of low or no-cost energy saving tips that you can implement today! 1. Take Advantage of the Sun On cool days, open the curtains on your south-facing windows to let the sunlight naturally heat the room. Then, block out the cold evening air by closing the curtains when the sun has gone away for the day. Conversely, if you are dealing with an Indian Summer, block out the hot sun during the day. 2. Cover Drafty Windows It’s not always possible to replace old, drafty windows, but that doesn’t mean you are out of options. At your local hardware store, you can purchase clear plastic film designed to block the draft. Then, close your curtains to battle any residual cool air. 3. Adjust The Thermostat By adjusting your thermostat back 10-15 degrees when you are out of the house or sleeping, you can enjoy major savings. Homes that adjust the thermostat back for eight hours a day can save up to 10% each year. 4. Find and Fill Leaks By finding and sealing air leaks or gaps around piping, chimneys, recessed lighting in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards, you reduce the amount of outside air that gets into your home. Additionally, weatherstripping along doors and windows can prevent your warm air from escaping into the cold. 5. Fireplace Fixes Chimneys are terrible at letting outside air in and treated air out. Close the flue damper when your fireplace is not in use. When you do use the fireplace, lower the thermostat to 50-55 degrees, and close any doors leading into the room, if possible. 6. Maintain Your HVAC System A properly maintained HVAC system will run more efficiently and save you money. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to schedule your fall maintenance and get trusted advice about your HVAC system.