MassSave Rebate For Heat Pump Water Heaters Really Adds Up!

Many homeowners are familiar with the heat pump as a piece of heating and cooling equipment, but similar technology can be used to provide hot water for a home. A heat pump water heater “moves” heat from one place to another to heat water stored in a tank, rather than applying heat directly to the water to raise the water temperature. By transferring heat to the stored water rather than trying to raise the temperature directly, the heat pump water heater becomes an extraordinarily efficient device.

The pump pulls heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water stored in the tank. Heat pump water heaters come in a number of different configurations. You can purchase a unit that features the heat pump, an integrated storage tank and a back-up resistance heater. Alternately, you can retrofit a conventional water storage tank to use a separate heat pump unit.

Heat pump water heaters don’t operate efficiently in a cold space, but they can work well if they’re situated next to a furnace or in a warm space in the house. Typically, the heat pump water heater will need to be located in a space that is normally in the 40°F to 90°F range. The heat pump water heater also needs to have a certain amount of open space around it to operate as designed. The heat pump water heater will exhaust cool air into the room. Alternately, the cool exhaust air can be vented to the outside of the house. If you’re looking for an all-season solution, you can install a combination unit that will provide heating, cooling and hot water year-round.

Heat pump water heaters cost more than conventional waters heater do, but in the right circumstances, homeowners save on operational costs and actually spend less over the life of the system than they would if they had gone with a conventional hot water storage system. With the MassSave rebate, you can decrease the cost of the heat pump water heater to about the cost of a conventional system. Unfortunately, these systems are not currently eligible for any energy efficiency tax credits.

For more information about the MassSave program, program rules, financing information or to determine whether heat pump water heater would work in your home, please give Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating a call at (617) 288-2911. We’ll be happy to schedule a consultation.
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High Efficiency IBC Boiler Can Make A Big Difference

One of the nicest features of this line of boilers is the stainless steel heat exchanger. Because the heat exchanger is made from stainless steel, you’ll get the long-life performance you’ve been looking for, as well as outstanding efficiency. Stainless steel offers significant protection against corrosion and deterioration, which means you replace the heat exchanger less often and enjoy high efficiency operation longer than you would with a traditional heat exchanger design.

Using a properly sized boiler can help you manage your heating costs. Unfortunately, most older boilers aren’t properly sized for the space they heat. An undersized boiler can’t keep up with your need for heat. An oversized boiler not only works harder and less efficiently, it also performs less consistently and negatively impacts the comfort of your home. IBC residential boilers come in a range of sizes, so you can increase efficiency and lower the cost of operation by installing the right boiler for your particular application.

Because IBC boilers offer such a high efficiency rating, they qualify for some very attractive rebates and incentives. Residential IBC boilers are rated with an AFUE of 95.7% or better and qualify for some rebates through the State of Massachusetts.

In addition, IBC’s residential boilers are all designed with built-in outdoor reset controls, so the boiler will operate at peak efficiency and give consistent performance, no matter what the temperature outside is doing. Outdoor reset controls help to maintain the efficient operation of your boiler based on the differential between the outside air temperature and the inside temperature of your home. The outdoor reset control acts like a fine-tuning adjustment to ensure that your boiler heats only to the temperature required to heat your home. The outdoor reset control prevents your boiler from heating to maximum temperature unnecessarily.

IBC residential boilers are wall-mounted units, so they offer a compact profile, multidirectional piping options for maximum installation flexibility, and quiet operation. Homeowners can expect reliable, long-life performance from an IBC boiler. IBC boilers can operate on either natural gas or propane, and can be vented directly or through an existing chimney. IBC boilers also have a limited lifetime warranty.

If you would like more information about IBC boilers, their stainless steel heat exchangers, or even outfitting your existing boiler with an outdoor reset control, contact us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 anytime. You can also like Boston Standard Plumbing on Facebook!

Photo Credit: IBC Technologies

Basement Flooding Can Cause Big Boiler Problems

If floodwaters make contact with your boiler, furnace or water heater, you’ll want to have these appliances replaced. Even if the unit isn’t completely submerged, replacement is warranted because water, dirt and condensation associated with flooding can accumulate in valves, gauges and controls for these devices. In addition, exposure to water can promote or accelerate the accumulation of rust and compromise the integrity of the equipment.

Do not attempt to restart a boiler or furnace that has been flooded or even partially submerged. Instead, contact a licensed HVAC contractor for an inspection. The contractor can identify the components that must be replaced, or will advise you on a complete system replacement.

Here’s something else to think about: a “manmade flood” – such as what might happen when a pipe bursts or a hot water tank gives out – can also cause significant damage. Generally, a home water heater holds 40-50 gallons of water, and tanks are often situated near furnaces or boilers. That volume of water is not enough to completely flood the basement, but it may cause significant damage to a nearby furnace or boiler.

To avoid this kind of problem, have your water tank inspected periodically for signs of rust or aging. Maintain the sacrificial anode on your hot water tank by changing it out according to manufacturer recommendations and inspect the check valve on the tank regularly. If your hot water tank sits in close proximity to your furnace, consider having it moved to a location that offers better protection to your furnace or boiler.

As a final step, verify that your homeowners’ insurance covers both “dirty” and “clean” flooding. Dirty floods are those created by natural events like rainstorms and snowmelts, where water seeps or pours into the foundation from outside. Broken or open pipes and damaged hot water tanks cause most clean flooding. You may require special additional homeowners insurance to cover both hazards, and to ensure that your HVAC equipment is completely protected against this kind of loss.

As always, if you have any issues with flooding, or with your boiler, furnace or water heater, please give Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating a call at (617) 288-2911. We offer around-the-clock service and complete furnace and boiler service in Boston. Don’t forget to friend Boston Standard Plumbing on Facebook!

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Finding A Reputable Plumber

1. Do your homework. Look for plumbers, heating and cooling contractors, and general handyman services before you need them. You can use referral services like Angie’s List to find recommended Boston plumbers. Check references, verify the business’ standing with the Better Business Bureau and verify that any prospective contractors are licensed and insured. When the pressure is off, call for information about pricing, after-hours services, and regular maintenance services that you might be interested in.

2. Figure out what you’re most likely to need. You may have immediate needs for maintenance, replacement or repair on your major systems, or you may not know exactly what services you may need from plumbing, heating or cooling professionals. Once you’ve found a contractor you might want to work with, invite the contractor to your home for a system inspection. The contractor can give you a better idea of the age and condition of your plumbing, heating and cooling systems.

3. Shop around and ask questions about the contractor’s on-call services, hourly rates, dispatch times, staff credentials and more. When you call the contractor after hours, do you speak with the contractor or do you get routed to an answering service? Does the contractor offer any package services or service plans that can help reduce your costs, especially in an emergency?

The best approach is to make decisions about contractors when you have no immediate or urgent need for services. That way, you can take the time to review a contractor’s credentials, reviews from other customers, and ask friends and neighbors for their input. You can also take time to think about what you need (or might need) and make your choices accordingly.

Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating is a proud member of Angie’s List, and was voted the Best of Boston 2010 for heating and cooling services. We offer a wide range of plumbing, heating and cooling services in Boston. Call us at (617) 288-2911 for a consultation on all of your heating, cooling and plumbing needs. Friend Boston Standard Plumbing on Facebook and learn why we’re one of the best in Boston!

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PVC Outgassing: What's The Fuss?

Billions of pounds of PVC are made each year and home construction, repair and remodeling materials often contain PVC. A debate has arisen over the safety of PVC in homes, and that’s causing some people to rethink their use of PVC-containing materials.

A phenomenon known as “outgassing” is at the center of the concern over the use of PVC-containing materials. Outgassing refers to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from products that contain PVC. VOCs can be released from the PVC into the air or water and have been implicated in “sick building syndrome,” and other indoor air quality issues. Further, VOCs can be found in water that’s been carried through PVC pipe.

When heating is involved, the use of PVC requires some special considerations. High efficiency furnaces are designed to vent directly to the outdoors. They also take in fresh air from outside the home, rather than recirculating semi-heated air already inside. PVC is used in heating applications mainly because it’s inexpensive. It’s also able to stand up to the stress of repeated heating-cooling cycles.

The furnace exhaust, which contains the noxious by-products of combustion, is hot. (After all, it’s just come out of the furnace, right?) Heat tends to accelerate the release of VOCs, so when PVC is used as part of the furnace exhaust system, the amount of VOCs released into the outside air (and the inside air around the exhaust pipe) tend to increase.

Some homeowners who are concerned about PVC outgassing and its long-term health effects have begun looking for alternatives to PVC for their furnace exhaust ports. When a substitute for PVC is sought, we generally recommend stainless steel. Stainless steel is certainly more expensive than PVC but it’s inert so it won’t interact with the environment around it. It also tolerates the repeated heating-cooling cycles and moisture from the outside air (and dampness in basements) very well. Since stainless steel is durable, it will also generally last the lifetime of the furnace.

If you have a high-efficiency furnace and are concerned about PVC outgassing, or would like to look at alternatives to PVC for other applications (like plumbing), please give us a call at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 for a consultation. We’ll be happy to suggest alternative plumbing, heating and cooling materials.

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Silt And Sediment Can Cause Plumbing Problems

Larger silt and sediment particles can collect in hot water tanks and the faucet filters on most sink fixtures in a home. It can also collect in the valves on washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances. If you have a whole-house water filter, you may find that your filter becomes clogged more quickly than normal following water main repair or replacement. Other “events” like the opening of a fire hydrant, can also dislodge silt and sediment, sending it into fresh water supply pipes.

To ensure that your faucets are running free and clear, periodically remove the faucet filter and clear out any sediment, debris or mineralization that may have become trapped or built up in the filter. Doing this regularly will improve the flow of water through your faucet and will help prevent leaks and longer term damage to the fixture. Regular maintenance on your hot water tank should also help keep sediment build-up down.

If BWSC replaces or repairs a water main in your area, or if a nearby fire hydrant is opened, purge your pipes by opening an unfiltered cold water tap, such as a bathtub or wash tub. Let the water flow freely for several minutes to help flush out any sediment that might otherwise make its way to a filtered fixture. After you’ve purged your water line, check the filtered fixtures about once per week to remove any residual silt or sediment particles. Do this weekly until you no longer find sediment in your filters. Then check your filters monthly to remove any stray materials. Keep in mind that water main work or the use of a fire hydrant can increase sedimentation in the fresh water supply for weeks or months afterward.

If you notice a high degree of sedimentation in your fresh water supply even if no water main work has been done recently, you may have a problem with the deterioration of your supply pipes. Copper and PVC don’t deteriorate like other materials do, but galvanized and cast iron supply pipes can produce a lot of sediment when the pipe begins to fail.

Galvanized or iron pipe could be a dull silver, rust or black color. The sediment particles are most likely rust. While they’re not harmful, they’re not very appetizing, and they can also discolor the water, and stain sink fixtures, toilets and clothing in the washing machine.

If you have a problem with sedimentation build-up in your faucet fixtures, or rust staining in your sinks, toilets or laundry appliances, please call us at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911. We’ll evaluate the status of your galvanized plumbing and make a recommendation.

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Test The Pressure Relief Valve On Your Water Heater

As part of your annual water heater maintenance routine, you can also test the pressure relief valve on your water heater. The pressure relief valve is a safety device that prevents the dangerous buildup of pressure in a hot water tank. If the pressure increases significantly in the tank, the relief valve is designed to let water (and pressure) escape safely. The pressure relief valve will be on or near the top of the tank and will operate in a closed position.

The pressure relief valve has a hinged handle or stem that normally sits in a flush position against the valve cover. To test the valve, lift the handle upward (or outward) to a 90° position and allow a little water to escape. The water in the tank will be pressurized and hot, so make sure everyone (and everything) is clear of the valve before you open it.

If your pressure valve normally leaks a little water, or shows signs of leaking when the valve is closed, this could indicate a problem with pressure build-up in your hot water tank. If the valve shows signs of mineralization or cannot be opened for testing or does not close properly after testing, this could indicate that the pressure-relief valve is malfunctioning. In either case, you should consult with a licensed plumber to determine the nature of the problem.

A plumber can correct either an over-pressure situation or a bad valve easily, but since the pressure relief valve is a safety device, any problems should be corrected immediately to keep your home, family and plumbing system safe! If you have a problem with the pressure relief valve on your water heater, give us a call at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating at (617) 288-2911 anytime. We’ll be happy to examine your system for problems and make repairs if needed.

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How To Drain Your Water Heater

To help keep your hot water tank operating properly, make a maintenance plan that includes draining the tank annually. This will discourage the build-up of sediment in the tank and will help extend the tank’s life. To drain the tank, you’ll need a standard garden hose and a safe place to put 40 gallons or more of hot water.

If your water heater is electric, cut the power to the tank at the breaker box before you do anything else. If your tank uses natural gas, turn the temperature control to the “pilot” setting, or to “off” depending upon how the control is marked.

Once the power/fuel is cut, attach the hose to the tank’s drain valve. The drain valve looks like a hose spigot, may be made of plastic or metal, and is threaded to accept a standard garden hose. Don’t open the drain valve yet – just get the hose attached to the valve.

Run the hose to a working floor drain, sump well or to the outside, if the tank is on the first floor of your home. Remember, the water that drains from the tank will be hot, so be sure to dispose of it safely!

Turn off the cold water supply to the tank, and open a hot water tap on one of your faucets. This will allow air to enter the tank and push the water out through the drain. Finally, open the drain valve on your hot water tank. Monitor the tank as it drains to prevent accidental flooding and to verify that the tank is draining.
When the tank is drained, open the cold water supply and begin refilling the tank. Don’t close the drain valve; the goal here is to flush any accumulated sediment out of the bottom of the tank.

When the water runs clear from the drain hose, close the open hot water tap and the drain valve. Allow the tank to refill. Once the tank is refilled, reapply power or re-ignite the gas and allow the tank to begin heating again.

Next week, I’ll discuss the pressure relief valve on your hot water heater, and show you how to test the valve for proper operation. In the mean time, if you have trouble with your water heater, or would like Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating to perform maintenance on it, please give us a call anytime at (617) 288-2911.

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Insulating Pipes Can Save You Money

In terms of energy efficiency, a significant portion – as much as 30% – of energy loss occurs in pipe and duct runs. The amount of loss is proportional to the length of the run. To combat energy loss, add specially formed pipe insulation, which can be found at your local home improvement or hardware store. Pipe insulation is pre-formed and should have an R-rating of 3 or more. Using better insulation is especially important if your pipes reside in or near your home’s exterior walls.

You can also use regular fiberglass “batt” insulation (with an R-value of 7 or higher) to wrap around pipes, but you’ll need to use protective equipment for your hands, face, clothing and eyes if you go this route. The preformed pipe insulation is the preferred solution if you have a choice.

To apply pre-formed insulation, simply open the insulation tube along the pre-cut split that runs the length of the tube and wrap it around the pipe, like a cuff. You’ll need to break the insulation around joints and valves. If you’re using the batt type insulation, you’ll need to cut the insulation to length, wrap the pipe and secure the insulation with tape or some other binding.

Any pipe – hot or cold – that runs in or near an exterior wall should be insulated. This includes any pipes that feed outdoor spigots and sprinkler systems. After those pipes are done, the next prime candidates are your hot water pipes. You can reduce energy consumption by insulating these, but you can also realize other benefits by insulating your cold water pipes, too.

When there is a significant difference in temperature between the cold water in the pipe and the surrounding air temperature, your cold water pipes will act like a condenser; it will naturally remove moisture from the air. This phenomenon is known as “sweating” and may cause your cold water pipes to drip this condensed moisture along the horizontal runs.

By insulating your cold water pipes, you can control the condensing action, and keep the standing water in the pipe colder – and more refreshing on a hot day!
If you need plumbing, heating or cooling assistance in your home, call Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating anytime at (617) 288-2911. We provide licensed plumbers and high quality service around the clock!

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Will A Tankless Water Heater Fit In Your Boston Home? (Part 3)

Tankless hot water systems are more efficient than conventional hot water heaters. American homeowners could aggregately reduce carbon emissions by more than 90 million tons annually, just by using tankless hot water systems. If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, and the cost of a hot water system is the same over 15 years whether you go tank or tankless, this might be enough of an incentive to make the switch.

Tankless hot water systems take up less space in your home. If your basement or utility space is already crowded, a tankless system may help you reclaim some valuable real estate. In the process, you may be able to reduce the risk of water damage to nearby personal property if a water tank fails. Most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover “clean water” damage – that is, damage that’s caused by plumbing failures in the home. A tankless hot water system eliminates the danger of having a 40- 50-gallon instant spill.

Hot water tanks can’t be recycled effectively, so they tend to end up in landfills. By reducing the number of tanks that are discarded each year, Americans could significantly reduce the amount of landfill space required to dispose of their trash. Like reducing your carbon footprint, if reducing your waste stream is important, going tankless may help you do your part.

No matter what you decide, Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating can help. We do hot water heating system installations of all kinds, and we’re always ready to help. Whether you need emergency assistance, routine maintenance or a new installation, call us at (617) 288-2911 anytime!

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