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Installing a Heat Pump Can Make a Home's Heating More Efficient

Energy-Saving Heat Pumps Make it Possible to Be Comfortable While Saving Money

As the weather continues to get colder, homeowners start dreading the heating bill. With energy costs so high, it may seem inevitable that people will have to shell out their wallets to cover the expenses. This may not be the case, however. Heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling, and they use significantly less power than traditional heating and cooling systems, saving homeowners money.

Defining and Categorizing Heat Pumps

The main reason that heat pumps are so efficient comes from the fact that they do not have a heat source in the traditional sense. In other words, they do not create their own heat. There is not a burner or a gas flame in sight for these ingenious appliances. They are called heat pumps because they literally move heat from one place to another. No matter how cold it is outside, there is heat to be gathered to bring inside the home. That is how a heat pump works. There are several varieties of heat pumps, including.

Air Source Heat Pump: This is perhaps the most common and least expensive heat pump to install. It pulls heat from the air in the winter to bring it inside and pumps the indoor heat outside during the summer. This system is normally paired with ductless heat and air.

Water Source Heat Pump: This type of heat pump may be coupled with a water heater for its heat. It takes heat from a closed loop of water pipes and distributes it throughout the home.

Geothermal Heat Pump: This system uses the nearly constant ground temperature to adjust the heat in the house. A series of pipes is installed well below ground, and the closed loop is filled with water or coolant. Heat is either taken from the ground and released into the home, or heat from the house is released through the pipes underground. Geothermal heating is a more expensive system to install, but the constant temperature underground makes it one of the most highly efficient systems.

Advantages of Ductless Systems

Ductless heat pump systems are growing in popularity due to their efficiency. As discussed above, heat pumps lead to much lower utility bills than traditional heating and cooling systems. However, the lack of ductwork required for ductless systems provides additional advantages, including:

Ideal for older homes without space for air ducts and homes that do not already have ductwork.
No air ducts mean no heat loss through the ducts, increasing the system’s efficiency and saving homeowners money.
Ductless systems are often easier and faster to install than traditional central heating systems because they don’t require installing air ducts.

Lower Energy Usage Means Lower Cost

Though the initial output for a heat pump installation will be expensive, the energy-efficient system will provide major savings in the long run. A heat pump is a highly energy-efficient way of heating or cooling a home. While traditional air conditioners and heater systems use fuel to generate heat, a heat pump simply transfers heat from one place to another. This process is simple and does not require any burning of fuel, making it much more efficient and less expensive to operate.

Heat pumps are very effective in providing comfort year-round, as they can both cool a home during the summer months and heat it during the winter. Homeowners should consult a reliable HVAC company about whether or not the heat pump is a good choice for their household and which type would best fit their needs.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical is a locally-owned and operated business serving Taunton, MA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate prices, 24/7 availability, and the latest technology. Call them today for heat pump services in Taunton, MA.

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Get the Plumbing Ready for Visitors This Holiday Season

The Signs to Look Out for Before Thanksgiving

It’s that time of year again when families are getting together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Before their arrival, it’s important to ensure that the plumbing works properly to avoid any unwanted messes. The holidays cause enough stress and anxiety, so it’s imperative that the plumbing doesn’t add to that stress. This article will outline common signs of plumbing issues in a home so homeowners can call a plumber before the holidays.

Check to See if Toilet Repairs are Necessary

Toilets are one of the most commonly used plumbing fixtures in a home, and homeowners want to ensure that they are working properly this Thanksgiving. Several signs indicate that a toilet needs to be repaired. One obvious sign that a toilet needs to be fixed is if it’s constantly clogged. For instance, if there are constant clogs or even random but frequent ones, it’s a sign that a plumber should be called to diagnose and fix the issue.

Another sign of a faulty toilet is a leak. A leak can be determined if there is water pooling around the toilet or if there are cracks along the outside of the bowl. If a toilet is making strange noises, like gurgling, it could also mean it needs to be serviced. Also, if a toilet is not flushing correctly, that signifies the toilet is malfunctioning. Knowing the signs of a faulty toilet that needs to be repaired will help homeowners determine when to call a plumber.

Pay Attention to Kitchen Plumbing and Fixtures

Another place that homeowners should pay attention to avoid plumbing issues this Thanksgiving is the kitchen. Since families will heavily use this area for the holidays, it should be working perfectly. One of the first signs homeowners may notice that indicate plumbing issues is the occurrence of slow draining. This generally means that there is a blockage in the drain, and it needs to be cleared with drain cleaning.

Another sign of a clogged drain is foul odors. These odors can occur due to food waste and other materials caught in the blockage. Gurgling is another sign of a blockage in the pipes. This is because the blockage in the pipes can cause air bubbles to create noise.

Water leaks are another significant sign that there are plumbing issues that need to be addressed by a professional. Service from a qualified plumber can ensure that the kitchen plumbing is working properly and there is no damages present. If a homeowner notices water where it shouldn’t be, they should call a plumber immediately.

Consider Upgrading Plumbing Fixtures

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house. Whether starting the day or winding down for the night, this space plays an essential role in daily routines. So why not make it as functional and stylish as possible? One of the easiest ways to do this is by upgrading fixtures. Something as simple as a new sink or faucet can add a touch of luxury to a space while improving its functionality. A new showerhead can completely change the look and feel of a shower. No matter what kind of upgrade homeowners are looking for, there are plenty of options to choose from, including water-saving fixtures.

One of the best ways to upgrade a home’s water-saving capabilities is to install water-saving plumbing fixtures like low-flow showerheads and touchless faucets. Low-flow showerheads can save up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute, while touchless faucets can help prevent water waste by automatically shutting off when not in use. These simple upgrades can make a big difference in water usage, saving homeowners money on the water bill, and will help keep the home looking its best before holiday guests arrive.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical is a locally-owned and operated business serving Taunton, MA, and the surrounding neighborhoods. They provide flat-rate prices, financing, and 24/7 availability. Call them today for plumbing services in Taunton, MA.

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Chills Are For Scary Movies, Not Broken Heaters!

3 Signs to Fix the Heater Before Movie Night Is Ruined

A faulty heater is one thing no homeowner wants to deal with when temperatures begin to drop. Still, there comes a time when all heaters must have their dying day. The best way to ensure a heater lasts its life expectancy with few breakdowns and the lowest energy bills possible is to have the heater regularly maintained by qualified professionals. Fall is the perfect time for maintenance because it’s just before the cold weather hits.

Aside from routine heater maintenance, homeowners can also keep their heaters running smoothly by getting them inspected and repaired as soon as possible before any issue worsens. Keep reading for three signs of a faulty heater so homeowners can call a professional to ensure their heating systems and homes are ready for cooler weather!

Heat Loss in the Home

Noticing heat loss in the home can be extremely stressful when the root cause is still unknown. There are a few common reasons for heat loss.

Some common reasons include the following:

Power surges
An incorrectly set thermostat
A thermostat that needs new batteries
Old windows
Small cracks surrounding windows and doors

Once homeowners determine that the home not heating up isn’t due to an easy explanation like a thermostat that’s been incorrectly set or whose batteries have run out, they can infer the heater is likely broken and call a professional. The heat loss could be due to a broken part in the heater, neglected maintenance, or the heater being old and needing to be serviced or replaced. Only a qualified technician should diagnose and fix the problem with a heater.

Unusual Sounds Should Only Come From Scary Movies

A broken or damaged heater can cause all kinds of scary and unusual sounds to occur within the home. Homeowners might not even know where the sound is coming from at first, but - chances are - it’s the heater.

Some of the sounds broken heaters can make are:

Banging
Booming
Screeching
Knocking
Rumbling
Persistent Humming

Homeowners should call a professional if they hear these noises. The noises don’t always mean the heater will need to be replaced. Sometimes, a repair is possible, but the odds are better the sooner a technician can deal with it. Professionals will be able to diagnose and fix the heater issue.

Energy Bills Take a Leap

One of the worst side effects of a faulty heater is an increase in energy bills. No one wants to pay more on their electric or gas bills! When homeowners notice this happening, they should call a professional right away to inspect their system.

The main reason the bills increase is that heater problems can cause a lack of efficiency or cause the heater to run constantly to try and heat the home to the set temperature, but with no luck since the heater isn’t heating the house properly. Professionals can fix the problem, and once the heater is fixed, homeowners will see their energy bills go down again.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical is a locally-owned and operated business serving Taunton, MA residents, and the surrounding areas. They offer 24/7 availability, flat rate pricing, and the latest technology. Call them today for heater repair services in Taunton, MA.

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Indications That The House Has A Water Leak

Signs That a Home Has a Leak

Sometimes it’s easy to tell when there is a leaky pipe in a home. Pooling water where it is not supposed to be, structural water damage, mold, and mildew are clear signs that water is coming from somewhere it shouldn’t, such as a burst pipe or leak. Leaks are not always so obvious, but several more subtle signs may indicate this problem in the home plumbing system.

Sounds of Running Water

There are many reasons to hear water running in a home. Faucets, dishwashers, showers, and washing machines running are all examples of where it’s normal to hear running water. However, if a homeowner hears hissing or running water sounds when no water is being used, this can point to a water leak. Here are a few other ways hissing or running water sounds can indicate a plumbing leak:

The sound is in a different location than expected.
The sound is louder than normal.
The sound is new or unusual.

Water Pressure Issues

Sometimes changes in water pressure can be evidence of plumbing problems. If water pressure suddenly seems low, that may indicate a leak in the supply lines. This is especially true if water pressure is lower throughout the house. If it's only in one spot, it's likely a problem of scale buildup, although it can indicate that the leak is just close to the particular fixture too.

As soon as the low water pressure is noticed, homeowners should reach out to a professional to determine the cause. Reasons for low water pressure can be quite varied and include the following:

Leaks: This is, of course, the big one discussed in this article. When water can escape the pipe, the pressure is diverted and does not go straight for the faucet or fixture it is intended to.

Scale Buildup: Calcium and other minerals commonly found in hard water can build up in the pipes and reduce water flow.

Supply Problems: Sometimes, if a municipal water supply is experiencing issues, it can affect the pressure throughout the system.

Escalating Water Bills

Another subtle way leaks can reveal themselves is through higher water bills. A sudden unexplainable increase in water usage may point to a leak. If no other signs are present, it may even be under the slab or in the main supply line.

There can be multiple reasons for a water bill to increase, but if a rate increase has not happened and there have not been many guests in a home to increase water usage, a leak may be the most likely reason. If any of these signs show up, it’s time to call a professional so they can determine the source of the problem, fix it, and prevent further damage.

About RCL Mechanical

With flat-rate pricing and technicians available to answer calls around the clock, RCL Mechanical is ready to meet the plumbing needs of Taunton, MA, and the surrounding areas. They provide on-time arrival and the latest technology so customers can get on with their lives as quickly as possible. Call them today for water leak detection services in Taunton, MA.

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Celebrate National Wellness Month by Focusing on Indoor Air Quality

Defining Indoor Air Quality

National Wellness Month happens to correspond with a heat wave that is sweeping the nation. The heat sends families scrambling away from outdoor summer activities back inside to take advantage of the home’s air conditioning. One of the benefits of summer is the opportunity it allows people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. But, when it gets too hot, families find themselves back inside, exposed to low-quality air.

Indoor air is proven to be more polluted than outdoor air, bringing multiple negative consequences. This summer, don’t fall victim to low-quality air. Take advice from local HVAC technicians and keep the air inside the home fresh and healthy.

Health Effects of Low-Quality Air

Homes are engineered to keep nature outside and a climate-controlled atmosphere inside. The downside of this is that the same air is constantly circulating around the house. As it circulates, it picks up odors, dust, and evaporated chemicals like cooking oils and hygiene products. The resulting air can have serious negative health effects like:

Eye irritation
Dry sinuses
Increased incidence of respiratory problems, including asthma and allergies
Sore throat
Dizziness

Most of these consequences are short or medium-term. Long-term, more serious problems that result from low-quality air can include increased susceptibility to viruses, heart disease, and cancer.

Air Filters and AC Maintenance for High-Quality Air

So what can be done to prevent the effects of poor indoor air quality? In the spring, when temperatures are milder, opening the windows can allow fresh air inside. But, with temperatures soaring outdoors, the only option is to keep the air inside the home cleaner. Two things are necessary to accomplish this: changing the air filter and professional AC maintenance.

Changing the air filter on time is perhaps the best thing a family can do to protect indoor air. High-quality filters remove dust and allergens from the air, leaving the air cleaner and fresher. Air filters should be changed at least every three months to keep the air and AC clean.

Fresh air is only as fresh as the machinery that moves it around the home. Over time, air conditioners become fouled with dust, mildew, and mold. This can lead to chronic health problems for anyone in the house. AC maintenance from a licensed professional can turn back the clock on air conditioners and help them supply only the freshest air to the home, improving indoor air quality.

Air Purifiers and Air Sanitizers

In some cases, good AC maintenance and frequent filter changes aren’t enough to keep the air clean. Portable air cleaners are great options if that is the case in a home. Portable air cleaners are small appliances that remove dust and biological agents from the air, resulting in cleaner and fresher-smelling living spaces.

Remember the difference between air purifiers and sanitizers when shopping for portable air cleaners. Air purifiers focus on removing larger particles from the air like dust, dander, and allergens. Air sanitizers use powerful UV light to destroy biological agents and odors like viruses, bacteria, and cigarette smoke.

About RCL Mechanical

RCL Mechanical is a locally-owned and operated business serving the residents of Taunton, MA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, on-time arrival, and 24/7 availability. Call them today for indoor air quality services in Taunton, MA.