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How Long Does Hydronic Heating Last?

Are you wondering how long your hydronic heating system will last? Hydronic heating systems will last twenty years or longer, depending on the product, how it is installed, and how much maintenance is reserved for the heating system over the years. Some experts estimate that hydronic heating systems have a range of ten to twenty years.

Can Hydronic Heating Be Used to Cool?

Hydronic heating is wonderfully efficient for household heating purposes. But what of the hydronic system’s ability to cool the home? Believe it or not, most hydronic systems supply both heating and cooling options. The hydronic cooling process will be very similar to the heating process. Cold water will be the main method utilized to cool the walls of the household. According to leading experts in the industry, the cooling process is far more efficient than traditional air conditioning systems.

Is Hydronic Heating More Efficient than Forced Air?

According to a leading website that specializes in heating systems, water is a better heat transfer medium than air. This means that the hydronic heating process is more energy-efficient than forced air systems. This is important to recognize if you are interested in maximizing the energy-efficiency of your household.

Does Hydronic Heating Use Electricity?

Due to the fact that the principal fuel sources for heating stem from gas and electricity, many homeowners are surprised to find that hydronic (liquid-based) systems only use a little electricity. This can be seen as a benefit for households that are off the power grid or if they are located in areas with high electricity prices.

How Hydronic Heating Works

Are you wondering how hydronic heating works? If so, please review the following bullet-pointed list to discover more.

• The hydronic system is capable of simply heating water and moving it through sealed pipes to radiators throughout the household.
• During this process, the water is heated at a principle source. This principle source will be at an energy-efficient gas boiler. 
• After the water is returned, it will be reheated through the recirculating system.

What is Hydronic Heating Boilers

There is a lot of terminology to be aware of when it comes to hydronic heating. One of these terms relates to hydronic heating boilers. A hydronic heat boiler will warm your house using hot water. Furnaces use hot air to heat a home, conversely. Boilers heat but don’t actually boil water. The water will then be dispersed as either hot liquid or steam through pipes to radiators, coils, or radiant floor systems. 

Hydronic Heating Near Me

If you are looking for hydronic heating near you, you do have a list of viable ways for you to locate a responsive plumbing and heating company. The first thing that you can do is ask a friend or neighbor for a referral. After receiving the referral, you can call the company, and review their services and set up an appointment. Alternatively, you can also use your smartphone or smart device to use Google maps to locate plumbing and heating services near you. If you type in the search term, “hydronic heating near me,” you will be pleased to discover that a host of companies will pop up on your screen. Review the services and reviews in order to determine if a company is a right fit for you.

If you would like to discuss your needs pertaining to hydronic heating in Somerset, MA, please reach out to us today at (508) 272-1196. We would love to schedule an appointment for all of your plumbing services.

What is the difference between forced air and central heat?

Generally, when we speak of forced air, we are referring to the heating system and central air is reference to the cooling system. However, they are interchangeable. Central heating system can refer to boilers and furnaces because the heat is created in a central location before being distributed.

A forced air system suggests an HVAC system with air ducts and vents are used to send the controlled temperature  air into the building. While central heating can also be reference to a boiler system, forced air heating can only be a reference to either furnace or heat pump with air ducts. 

Central air conditioning uses the ducts, plenums, and vents delivery system of the forced air heating system to deliver cool, conditioned air. So, there is a difference, but the difference is slight when describing it between central air and forced air heating system.

What is an advantage of forced air heating?

Considering that the average household spend approximately $1200 a year on cooling and heating their home, the decision between what type of system for cooling and heating is a major one. It should be done with caution and education. Meaning, ask the questions and do the research so that you choose the one that is right for you. 

This should be something that will serve you for the next 20 years or longer. Here, we offer the pros and cons of forced air heating and help you determine why get forced air heating this time: 

The Pros of Force Air Heating 

• Heat Up Time: Force air heating get throughout the house faster because the air heats it directly. It is able to promptly send that warm air out through the duct system versus the process of central or water heat system takes more time to heat up.
• Easy Install: Where radiant (water) heat requires the floors be ripped up, forced air heating works with what system is in place already, making the install time easy and faster.  
• Cost-Effectiveness: Radiant heating is more expensive than forced air heating, making forced air heating cost more efficient right from the beginning. Because it works with whatever you have in place already as far as duct work, the install is faster and easier, this helps with the cost of installation. 
• Reliable: Force air heating has fewer working parts, so there is less to break down and need professional service calls.  

The Cons of Force Air Heating

• Potential Mold Risks: Mold can grow inside the forced air unit then cycle throughout your house. As long as you thoroughly clean the unit as recommended by the installing company and the manufacturer, you won’t have any issues. 
• Noise: Every system is going to make some noise, including forced air heating. It is pushing air through the ducts where the pressure builds up. Unusually loud noises needs professional attention.
• Central Control: There is only one thermostat for forced air heating and it controls the temperature in every room, and that heat sometimes varies from room to room.  
• Ductwork Leaks: Air ducts are typically exceptionally reliable, but there is a potential for leaks to develop, especially if the system is ill-designed. As the system ages, they ducts become weak and worn out. Annual inspection and cleaning by a professional will catch these possible leaks before they happen. 

Is forced hot air heating good?

Forced air heating is good, and it is growing in popularity for both electric and gas connected homes. It is a clean and efficient way to heat your home, but as we listed earlier, there are some cons to this type of heating.  You definitely need to weigh the pros and cons before making the final decision. 

What is the Water Filtration Process?

The water filtration process is important to understand if you are interested in the way that city water sources purify potable water. If you would like to discover more, please review the following bullet points.

• Coagulation and Flocculation. These are the first steps in the water treatment process. Chemicals that have a positive charge are added to the water. What this does is neutralizes the negative charge of dirt and other dissolved particles in the water.The particles end up binding with the chemicals and form larger particles. These are called floc.
• Sedimentation. During the sedimentation process, floc settles to the bottom of the water supply. This is due to the weight of the floc.
• Filtration. After the floc has settled to the bottom, the clear water on top can pass through different filters. This process will remove dissolved particles. Such particles include dust, parasites, bacterial, viruses, and chemicals.
• Disinfection. Once the water has been filtered, a disinfectant will be added to the water to kill any remaining parasites.

What Does Water Filtration Do?

There are different levels of water filtration that are important to recognize. For instance, physical filtration provides a physical barrier that removes larger particles from your water. Chemical filtration, in contrast, uses chemical reactions on water passing through an activated material. This activated material may be carbon. Chemical filtration has the added benefit of removing smaller impurities that physical filters simply don’t have the capacity to catch.

What is the Best Way to Filter Your Water?

Are you looking for the best way to filter your water? If so, it is important to note that there are three distinct ways to filter your water. The first way is through distillation. The second way is through reverse osmosis, and the third is carbon filtering. Carbon filtering is widely considered to be the quickest and easiest way of filtering water. Carbon filtering also provides the large impact of aesthetic improvement. Charcoal is another name for carbon.

Should I Filter Tap Water?

If you already have clean tap water that is sent to your home from the pipes, you may wonder whether or not you need to actually filter your water. If your water has a strange taste, filtration is a great way of improving the taste of your water. If there are any chemicals, such as chlorine or pesticides, filtering your tap water will do a great job of removing these unwanted flavors. It is important for consumers to be discerning when it comes to filtration units. Not all filtration systems are created equal.

Are Water Filter Eco Friendly

Are you debating whether or not to stop buying water bottles? If so, there are some very interesting factors that you should consider. Water filters are very environmentally friendly, far more so than their water bottle counterparts. Water filters are just as effective as the already filtered water you drink out of plastic water bottles. When you use a water filter you also have the added advantage of knowing that you will create a better environment by not filling the landfills with plastic waste.

Why Water Filtration is Important

Water filtration performs the important taste of creating potable water. Potable is a word that means drinkable. With water filtration, individuals can enjoy better tasting and smelling drinking water. The benefits do not stop there. Water filters remove lead, heavy metals and bacterial contaminants. 

Will Water Filter Remove Chlorine Taste

Does your tap water possess a chlorine taste? If so, you will likely be searching for a means to eliminate this unwanted sensation. Filtration systems are designed to remove the chlorine taste and odor from your tap water. While low levels of chlorine can be good for your water, high levels can certainly be a detriment.

If you would like to discuss your needs with regard to water filtration in Somerset, MA, we are here to help. Please reach out to us at (508) 272-1196.

Can a water heater be repaired?

A water heater can certainly be repaired, generally depending on what is going on when a plumber is called out for water heater repair. As per the common problems listed above, the general consensus for these tends to be a parts replacement, a reset of the system, or a flush of your water heater. Like any other system in your home, a gas or electric water heater is made up of several parts. Sometimes one may be faulty or is exposed to harsher use and burns out more quickly. The thermostat and piping tend to be the primary examples, with the thermostat sometimes needing to sync up with the system properly or having been improper of installation. Piping, however, is something slightly different. Often the piping in a home is not switched out when a new water heater is inserted it links up with the piping. The piping can age and clog, which plumbers can figure out easily with specialized tools. 

When it comes to flushing your water heater, you will need to do it once to twice a year. This is because in a water heater sediment will build up and if left alone can cause serious problems for a homeowner. By a professional’s suggestion, a homeowner should do it more than once a year to once every few months. The reason that is said is that it largely depends on a person’s mineral content in their water.

Can you still use water if water heater is leaking?

To put it bluntly, you should never use your hot water heater when it is leaking. Generally, water heaters leak because of sediment build-up. This is because the sediment is making the normal pressure build-up and process is made much harder by the imbalance the sediment brings. The subsequent problems that happen when sediment builds up lead to the steel tank cracking and rusting over time. Generally, when a person finds a leak in their hot water heater, water heater repair will not do the trick and a replacement is absolutely necessary. 

This is why you should absolutely flush your hot water heater every so often to prevent this issue. When you find even a small leak from your hot water heater, it can become a far larger and more expensive issue. If not tended to immediately by a plumber, a small leak will turn into a replacement.

What are the Benefits of Hydronic Heating?

Hydronic systems have multiple impressive benefits to them that are not found in normal HVAC systems like heat pumps or other traditional options. While the system takes more time to fully acclimate the home to the desired temperature, it does so in a fashion that can more efficiently be sustained for longer periods of time. In general, the benefits one would find in this system and not in others include:

• Cuts allergies out: With either dispersing water droplets into the air or using an underfloor system, homeowners will not need to worry about allergens in the air 
• No dry out: Normal heaters dry the air and cause a multitude of problems for skin and the body in general, this is not seen in hydronic heaters. 
• Energy efficiency: With water easily being superior at transferring heat, boilers and underfloor heaters use less electricity to start up and maintain the heating process. 

The upfront issue that comes with the hydronic system, especially the underfloor option, is the price of installation. While a boiler tends to be an easier installation, the underfloor option has to be installed under your flooring, which means an entire removal and then reapplication. This means if you want a hydronic underfloor system and you have marble tiles, the tiles would need to be removed and then reinstalled. That is why the installation or replacement process tends to be recommended when the homeowner is replacing the floor in a home.

How Long Does Hydronic Heating Last?

Hydronic systems are accredited with having a relatively comfortable lifespan of 15 to 20 years. In the case of underfloor heating or radiant heating, the system lasts many years longer than most other hydronic and even HVAC systems. With a working lifespan of 35 years, most homeowners tend to agree in saying the system is worth the upfront installation cost when it can last them for so long. By comparison, while it can exceed the 35-year lifespan, a normal heater like a furnace will only last up to 20 years. When it comes to the cost, the hydronic system will differ in pricing depending on what system in a home. The underfloor system does not break down as often as other systems, but when it does and it is under the floor the cost may be more because the floor has to be removed to get to the problem. When it is a normal boiler, the general repairs tend to be equal to an HVAC system.

What is mini split heating and cooling

While most central heating systems require a system of ducts to move air through the house, a mini split system is ductless. With a mini split system, you can control temperatures in individual rooms, which can save you on utility bills. These systems are made up of two components, an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air handling or evaporator unit. They are easy to install because they aren’t attached to ductwork. Instead the indoor and outdoor units are linked by a single conduit housing everything from the communication cables to the copper tubing and drain lines. They can be used as a primary heat source or as a supplemental source.

How does a mini split heating system work

Mini split heating systems are force-air systems like central heating, only they require no ducts to circulate the air whether heating or cooling. They essentially function like a cross between heat pump and a window unit. When they are working as an air conditioner, they draw warm air from inside and push it outside. When it heats, it draws cool air from the inside and pushes it outside. Much of the work is performed by the air handlers inside the home. They contain the evaporator coils and blowers like other heating systems. The rest of the work is done by an outdoor unit which houses the compressor/condenser. 

How efficient are mini splits for heating?

Mini split heating systems are highly energy efficient. They use 60% less energy than standard HVAC systems. One reason they are so efficient is that individuals manage the temperature in each room of the home. You only need to heat or cool the areas you want to heat or cool. Because they are so efficient, you can cut costs by as much as 30%.

How long do mini splits last?

Not only is mini split heating energy efficient, it also has a long lifespan. With proper maintenance, a mini split can last up to 20 years, much better than the 12 to 15 years that a standard system lasts. Again, as with a regular system, you have to take care of the system properly with regularly scheduled maintenance.

Mini split heating in cold climate

Mini split heating is perfect for a cold climate like Somerset, MA. While they are more common in warmer climates, the mini split will still work well in a cold climate. That’s because, believe it or not, warm air exists even on the coldest day.

Best mini split for heating

While there are many mini split heating systems on the market today, several brands and models consistently get high reviews. Among the best include:

• LG Multi VS
• Friedrich J Series
• Fujitsu General Halcyon
• Daikin MXS Series
• Mitsubishi MXZ Series

Why is my mini split not heating?

Of course, as with standard systems, mini split heating systems will have problems from time to time, especially if it isn’t properly cared for. One thing to check is to see if the system is set for heating. These systems do not automatically set for heating or cooling. You will need to manually switch the system. The temperature setting also needs to be set 10 degrees higher than the indoor temperature. You may also have a problem with the 4-way valve that manages the refrigerant flow in the system. If you’ve tested other issues, this may be the problem. The valve may need to be repaired or replaced. Other problems that may occur causing the heat to not come on include refrigerant leaks, or a component like the blower motor has gone out. Consult with a professional anytime you have a problem with your system.

If you have mini split heating in Somerset, MA and you think it may be malfunctioning or you just want to get it serviced, the team to reach out to for repair or replacement is the one at Wicked Plumbing. We provide a wide range of heating and plumbing solutions. Call us today at (508) 272-1196 for assistance.

What is a hydronic heating system?

Hydronic heating is a simple heating system that essentially heats water and has it move throughout the property through a system of small sealed pipes that connect to radiators or boilers. 

Is hydronic heating gas or electric?

Hydronic heating will use a heat source to heat the water and uses a thermostat to control temperatures. The heat source can be solid fuel, gas, electric or LPG.

Is hydronic heating energy efficient?

Hydronic heating is definitely more energy efficient as they are more often designed to work with the structure by working with tubes where water flows under the floor. Water, in general, is a better heat transfer medium than air.

Should a hydronic heating system be flushed?

Yes, as a matter of fact, hydronic heating won’t really require any other maintenance besides flushing periodically (if initial installations were done correctly that is.) It should be flushed to remove solder and flux that could mix with water. 

How do you maintain a hydronic heating system?

Hydronic heating won’t require too much maintenance if the initial installation was done correctly. First, make sure that it’s done by a pro as wrongdoings can lead to a list of ongoing issues. Only a certified plumber should be maintaining the system to ensure proper compliance. Check the boiler or furnace for deposits or rust. A power flushing once a month or at the very least yearly should be done to avoid that issue and to prevent corrosion and maintain a proper pH balance.

How much pressure is in a hydronic heating system?

Hydronic heating with a boiler shouldn’t run over 12-15psi and only have enough pressure to raise the water a few feet above the highest area of the pipe system. For example, a 12psi will lift water 28’ above the fill valve while a 15 psi will lift water to 34’.

How long does hydronic heating last?

Hydronic heating should be able to last 15-20 years. The life span will depend largely on the quality of the products used during installation or with routine maintenance and proper initial installation methods.

How much does it cost to install hydronic heating system?

Hydronic heating will cost around $2,539-$3,060 per unit. Labor and supplies are necessary for the unit’s installation so you may see costs of labor. Normally this will take 12 hours so a range for labor costs could be from $695-$875.

Is hydronic heating cheap to run?

Hydronic heating will cost a lot at the beginning with installations yet they make up significant savings in the long term due to very low maintenance and high energy efficiency. Hydronic heating is estimated to be about 35% more cost-effective than a central ducted heating system.

Get in Touch With a Professional HVAC Professional

When you’re interested in a hydronic heating system reach out to a professional HVAC company for assistance. Only a professional will be able to get you the help that you need that will match your particular property specifications. Hydronic heating is a great way to implement an energy-efficient and streamlined method of heating your property. Implement this enjoyable heating system today for a more relaxed interior lifestyle.

If you’re interested in hydronic heating in Somerset, MA call (508) 272-1196 with Wicked Plumbing!

How to Clean a Clogged Drain

If you do find a clog in one of your drains, you may be wondering what to do next. While you can look up how to clean a clogged drain on your own, it’s important to note that nothing will be as effective as professional cleaning. More than that, nothing will be as safe as a professional cleaning. A clogged drain cleaning cost will be more expensive than what you can do on your own – initially. If something goes wrong during a DIY project, you may end up paying more money on repairs and replacement services. Rather than take that risk, rely on Wicked Plumbing to help. We are the leading professionals for all things plumbing and drain cleaning. Connect with us today for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does it cost to clean a clogged drain?
  • Depending on where the clogged drain is, the cost will vary. Kitchen and bathroom drain cleaning services will run you about $100 to $200 in total. Cleaning a laundry drain will be about the same, but a toilet drain cleaning can cost up to $300 in total. 
• How do you clean a drain?
  • There are several different ways to clean a clogged drain. Rarely will plumbers recommend over the counter drain cleaners, instead suggesting hot water, vinegar, and other less aggressive options. You can always rely on a plumber to get the job done efficiently. 
• What causes a drain to become clogged?
  • Several things can build up and cause clogged drains. In the kitchen, pieces of large food, grease, sediment, dirt, and other items can easily build-up resulting in a blockage. In bathrooms, it can be because of hair, sediment, soap products, and other clogging items. 
• What can I pour down a drain to unclog it? 
  • You can pour hot water, vinegar, and or a mixture of the two. Do not pour liquid drain cleaners down your pipes. These products aren’t the most effective at removing clogs. More than that, they can seriously damage and eat away at your plumbing. 
• How do you know you have a clogged drain?
  • There are several signs to pay attention to. The most obvious sign is usually a slow-moving drain. If it appears to be taking longer for water to drain, something is likely blocking the flow of water. Another obvious sign could be bad smells coming from drains.

How much does it cost to repair water heater?

Water heater repair cost has a range of costs between $244 to $576 when hot water heaters are broken. The average cost of water heater repair is $483. In order to avoid high repair costs, it’s important to conduct annual inspections to catch problem areas before they progress to bigger issues and therefore higher repair costs. 

Can a water heater be repaired?

Water heater repair is possible depending on the type of water heater that’s being repaired. With tanks, certain conditions aren’t reversible such as tank corrosion or rust. But like all machines areas of damage can be localized and parts repairs may be the simple repair solution necessary to get the unit back into steady performance. It’s important to know what type and model you have as each model ill have different courses of action for water heater repair.

Water Heater Repair vs Replace

Water heater repair will typically involve issues that can be fixed with parts repairs or replacements such as with crossed hot and cold connections or a faulty heating element or thermostat. A full-on water heater replacement will lie with irreversible issues like tank corrosion, an undersized water heater in comparison to property connections, rust, build up or a generally aged unit.

What would cause a hot water heater to stop working?

Your water heater can stop with its normal performance and functions for a variety of reasons, the most common having to do with tank buildup and corrosion that typically comes along with the behaviors present with old age. Another reason why your hot water heater may have stopped working is with a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. For the case of a blown fuse, it’s best to contact an electrician for replacement, in the case of a tripped circuit you may try resetting it before activating your hot water heater once more. 

Do plumbers fix hot water heaters?

Water Heater Repair Plumber or ElectricianYour water heater repair will most typically be repaired by a plumber unless problems are originating with any wiring like with a blown fuse in which case an electrician may be the one to call.

How many years does a water heater last?

Commonly a water heater can last between 8 to 12 years depending on the maintenance that’s imparted on the unit and general care and upkeep. As of such, you may start to see signs of an aging unit close to the 10-year mark. When repairs and issues with your units are repetitive it may be time to replace your water heater unit. In order to prolong the life of your unit and ensure proper water quality be sure to have an annual inspection conducted with a professional plumber.

Contact A Professional

When you’re running into any issues with your water heater that may cause a need for water heater repair be sure to contact your local plumber. Only with a professional will you be able to select localized heater repair solutions that best match with your particular unit. You’ll also be able to schedule annual maintenance and check-ups to ensure that your water heater will reach its full life expectancy as well as catch problems before they arise to bigger issues. For other issues with your home like with roof repairs be sure to contact the service professionals local to you. Get in touch with your local plumber to set up an appointment for water heater repair today.

If you’re interested in water heater repair in Somerset, MA call (508) 272-1196 with Wicked Plumbing! 

When talking about water quality, there are a number of different things that you should be aware of and questions that you should be asking. Here are a few things that you should be aware of when dealing with water quality.

Why is water quality important?

Water quality is important for a few reasons. The first is that we need water for our very survival. Water is an essential portion of our lives, both for drinking and cooking purposes. Having drinking water that is contaminated and unclean can lead to health effects that can be small in nature all the way up to death. Having clean drinking water cannot be understated.

It is also worth noting that less than 3% of the planet’s water is potable and available. That is a lot of water across the globe that is totally unusable for consumption. So it is important that the water that is available is clean and free of contaminants.

What are the 6 indicators of water quality?

Temperature and dissolved oxygen. Water temperature is important because it has an effect on the rest of the variables in the quality of water. As water temperature increases, the overall solubility of the oxygen within will begin to decrease. Essentially it is the hotter the water, the less oxygen that is in it. This is an important thing to keep in mind.

Conventional variables. Knowing what other things are in the water is an important aspect. This is why water is often checked by its pH levels. The pH measurement will take stock of any contaminants in the water and just how it could affect anyone who drinks it. A rating of 7 is neutral and anything below 4.5 or above 9.5 is usually lethal to organisms in the water. They can also have effects on biological processes like reproduction. Knowing the pH levels is essential to getting clean water.

Metals. What may surprise you is that there are many metals that are in different sources of drinking water. This isn’t a bad thing, necessarily: metals like zinc, copper, and manganese can help in the biochemical process that sustains life. But they can also be severely toxic to aquatic organisms if they are delivered in higher concentrations.

Nutrients. Depending on where you get your water from, you can find a litany of different nutrients in the water. Phosphorus is one of the most common nutrients and depends greatly on the climate. It is important to know which nutrients are in the water and in what concentration.

Industrial Chemicals. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemically stable compounds that are produced for a variety of different commercial and industrial applications. Despite the fact that they were banned in 1977, they are still found in plasticizers as well as electrical wire insulation.

There are also things like Dioxins and furans that have organochlorine compounds that are also found in the air and soil in small doses. It is important to know the level of these industrial chemicals and what effect these have on the overall quality of the water that you are consuming.

Hydrocarbons. Most drinking water will contain a number of different compounds called hydrocarbons. Things like PAHs, naphthenic acids, and other human sources can become introduced into the water supply. Knowing the effects that these can have in different concentrations can go a long way towards getting towards a cleaner, clearer water quality.

How is water quality measured?

There is a litany of factors that come into play when determining the overall quality of the water that we are aiming to consume. Things like pH levels and turbidly are important to know but there are others that are measured against federal mandates. This is important because we have to know what is in our water due to the possible effects that they can have.

The Environmental Protection Agency works in coalition with other municipalities to ensure that tap water throughout the United States is safe to consume. The EPA is most often responsible for delegating responsibility for drinking water standards to the various states and tribes throughout the country.

Water filtration systems are becoming all the more popular to help ensure that our drinking water is clean and clear. Calling the professionals at Wicked Plumbing install or repair those systems is one of the best moves that you can make. We don’t just handle water heaters and clogged drains; we do it all.

Call us today at (508) 272-1196 to schedule your appointment with us today.