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6 Tips for Purchasing a Commercial Water Heater

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Commercial water heater

Whether you’re in the restaurant biz or you own another kind of commercial property, your water heater is at the heart of a lot of activities that keep your business running smoothly. It can be a major setback to deal with replacing it once the time comes. Replacing it is enough of a task on its own; figuring out all the details that go into purchasing and installing one can create added stress to an already inconvenient situation. 

Here at WM Buffington Co., we know a thing or two about water heaters for business owner properties. If you’re in the process of replacing your commercial water heater, let us help guide you through it!

Once you have a better understanding of the process, we would be happy to facilitate the installation! Give us a call to discuss our service options.


1. Gas or Electric?

Gas pilot light

Water heaters fall into two camps: gas and electric. Each has its own set of benefits and setbacks. The right choice for you will depend on your situation and specific needs. You’ll need to consider factors such as your budget, how much water you need to heat, and what your building is already set up to accommodate. 

Gas heaters run on natural gas or propane. They typically work by igniting a burner within the tank to heat up a mixture of air fed into the tank and, of course, water. This type of heater requires a flue to vent out emissions created by this combustion process. They require a higher upfront cost and need regular maintenance to run smoothly but will typically be less expensive to operate. 

Electric heaters are strictly fueled by electricity, as the name suggests. This type of water heater also uses a heating element within the water tank to get the job done – only it’s powered by a different source. Electric heaters tend to have a higher energy factor (EF) rating and a lower upfront price tag than their gas-powered counterparts. But they typically cost more money to operate. It’s also important to keep in mind that they won’t run during a power outage. 


2. To Have a Tank or To Not Have a Tank?

Tankless water heater

The next consideration will be if you want to go with a tankless water heater or one with a tank. When deciding which one to go with, you’ll need to consider the space you want to put them in and how much money you want to spend upfront. 

Water heaters with a tank are a standard in both residential and commercial buildings. They are sturdy and can provide large volumes of hot water. Most tanks can house anywhere from 20 – 80 gallons of hot water. 

Tankless water heaters are mounted on a wall rather than holding preheated water. Most of these devices can provide around 2 – 5 gallons of hot water per minute. They work by shuttling water past heating coils to rapidly warm it on demand. Although they are pricey upfront, they are more energy-efficient so you’ll save over time. Just remember, this type of water heater won’t work without electricity. 


3. Consider Your Space 

There are a couple of variations of water heaters to choose from. You can have an electric heater with a tank, a gas heater without a tank, and every other combination of these subcategories. When deciding which one will be right for you, take a look at your existing space and what kind of heater it’s predisposed to support.

Most of the time, this is difficult to do if you are unfamiliar with water heater systems for commercial properties. We’d be happy to help you choose if you need a decision-maker.

If you have a small space, you’ll likely want to go with a smaller tank or a tankless model. If you have a lot of room to spare, you can go with a large tank or a tankless model. This can vary on how much you’re willing to spend upfront and in the long run. 

Look at the energy and water hook-ups you already have in place. More times than not, it will be easier to simply choose a water heater based on what your building is already equipped for. But you can change these hook-ups if you choose to switch water heater types. 


4. Keep your Business Needs In Mind 

Do you run a kitchen that rapidly goes through hot water? Or perhaps you manage an office building that doesn’t use much hot water at all. Are you a gym with ten showers that get used constantly throughout the day?

When selecting a water heater it’s important to keep in mind how much hot water you truly need for your commercial building to run smoothly. Try to think of what your needs are as a business or building. If you don’t need a large supply of hot water, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for you to go for the largest, most energy-efficient tank. Instead, you might consider a smaller tank or tankless model. 


5. Consider the Overall Cost 

Stack of money - Cost of a furnace

The more you change to your plumbing, the more expensive the installation process will become. The most cost-efficient option upfront will typically be to stick with the same water heater type you already have in your building.

If you’re picking out a unit for a new-build or you are looking for the most efficient long-term costs, you might want to consider a tankless model. But if you need the most water heating capabilities for the least amount of money, you might be better off with a gas water heater with a tank. 


6. Lean On Your HVAC Professional

Picking out a commercial water heater is a multifaceted process with many considerations to keep in mind. Cost estimates are just estimates; the true cost could be much higher or lower than anticipated. You need to discern which type is right for you, which one will cost the least in the long run, and which will suit your business best. If your head is spinning with all the moving parts involved, get a professional opinion! They’re the ones doing the installation anyways so they can provide expert advice for your needs.

WM Buffington is proud to serve the Central Pennsylvania community with water heater expertise. If you need assistance picking out and installing a commercial water heater, don’t hesitate to reach out! 


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Why Is My House Hot Upstairs and Cold Downstairs?

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It’s not uncommon for the lower level of a home to be cooler than the rest of the house. Warm air rises – this core law of physics is to blame in most cases. But sometimes this temperature difference is uncomfortably noticeable. This difference in temperature can be annoying, to say the least. 

If you have to wear layers to stay warm downstairs but immediately work up a sweat when you go upstairs, you might have a real issue on your hands. Fortunately, there are a few different fairly simple solutions to try. Once you get to the bottom of the problem, you find a more harmonious balance between the different levels of your home and maybe even see a lower energy bill.  

Let’s take a look at why your home might be hot upstairs and freezing downstairs.


The Air Filter Needs to Be Changed

Before checking for any other issues, take a look at your air filter. A dirty filter can make it harder for your whole HVAC system to run smoothly. Change it out and see if that makes a difference in how the heat is distributed throughout your home. 

There are several factors that determine how often you need to switch out your filter. The size of your home, the number of pets you have, and local air pollution levels will all factor in.  Generally, you should switch out a basic 1″–3″ air filter every 90 days. 


Your Home Is Poorly Insulated 

Insulation is key in HVAC. If there’s an air leak somewhere in your ducts, you could be losing precious heat and money. Sometimes there doesn’t even need to be a leak for the ducts to improperly dispel heat. If they aren’t properly insulated, warm air moving through them could cool by the time it exits the vents. This makes it virtually impossible for your system to do its job efficiently. 

The best solution to heat loss through the ducts is patching up any leaks and adding better insulation.

Other parts of your home can also lead to cooler temperatures in lower levels. If your attic isn’t properly insulated, the heat your HVAC system creates will rise to the upstairs level and straight through your roof. All the attic floor joists should be covered and insulated.  


There’s An Issue With the HVAC System 

Sometimes your HVAC system simply isn’t up to the task of heating the entire home evenly. When you have a clean filter and proper insulation yet each level of your home is a completely different temperature, your system may need maintenance or to be replaced. 

If your system is in reasonably good condition and you’re still encountering uneven heat distribution, you might need to consider using a zoned heating and cooling system. This is a way to heat the different levels of your home independently of each other to better control the temperatures. 


WM Buffington Is On the Job 

Whether you need guidance on what filter is best for your HVAC system or you need a complete overhaul of your ductwork, WM Buffington is here to help. We’ve proudly served the Central Pennsylvania area for 66 years with top-rated HVAC services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to schedule a diagnostic inspection of your HVAC system to uncover the best solution for your home! 

Contact Us Today!

What To Do If Your Faucet Is Leaking

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What to do when your faucet is leaking

It’s a sound we dread hearing: the subtle, persistent drip, drip, drip of a leaking sink faucet. You’re not alone if you’ve opted to grin and bear it rather than take the time to actually fix the issue. It seems easier to ignore it, learning to coexist with the seemingly minor annoyance.  

A leaky sink faucet can actually cause a lot more issues than you may imagine. But don’t worry! Fixing the problem won’t be as difficult as you might be working it up to be. In fact, it’s a fairly quick and inexpensive fix even a beginner can tackle. 

Why It’s Important to Fix That Leak

Sure, the sound of water dripping in the sink can be maddening but there’s more to be concerned about when you notice this issue crop up. It can lead to an increase in your monthly water bill and even further damage to your sink.

Every leak will release a different amount of water depending on the frequency of the drip and the severity of the leak. According to an expert at Appliance Analyst, the average leak will waste around 0.3 gallons of water daily. That totals out to a whopping 9.3 gallons of water monthly. This may not seem like a lot but it can add up over time. And, if your county is in a drought, this could make a larger impact on your neighborhood than you realize.

Remember, this number is just an average. You could see more or less wasted water depending on your situation. 

A leaky sink faucet can also cause damage to your plumbing and home. One major issue that could arise is corrosion and rust. Your pipes are equipped to handle water but the other components of your sink are less reinforced. As the continuous stream of water interacts with the metal around your sink, faucet, and handles, it could discolor or damage them.

Depending on the location of the leak, it could also lead to mold or damage to other parts of your home too.  

What Causes a Leaking Sink Faucet?

There are a lot of reasons why your faucet might start leaking. There are four different types of sink faucets (cartridge, compression, ceramic disk, and ball type) each with their own distinct functionality. But the issues they encounter do have some overlap. Here are a few common general issues that might cause a leaky faucet. 

  • Improperly installed or worn-out washer.
  • Worn-out O-ring or neoprene seal.
  • Loose part.
  • Corrosion in the valve seat.

How To Fix A Leaking Faucet DIY

Fixing a leaking sink faucet is a fairly straightforward process. It can typically be completed in under two hours. Even a beginner can handle this fix smoothly. You’ll simply need to identify the type of faucet you have and secure the proper tools for the job.

Honestly, if you’re looking to fix a faucet yourself, look up some videos on YouTube that have a lot of likes rather than dislikes. This means that the video most likely solved the problem and was a good tutorial.

Tools and Materials You May Need: 

  • Phillips-head screwdrivers
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Cloths or rags 
  • Pliers 
  • Replacement parts for your faucet type
  • Slotted screwdrivers
  • Hex keys

Before starting any project with your sink, be sure to shut off the water supply. There should be a shut-off valve underneath your sink. If there isn’t a valve under your sink you might need to shut off the water supply to your whole house. Now let’s take a look at how to repair a leak for each type of sink faucet.  


Ball-Type Faucet 

ball-type faucet
  1. Off to the side of the handle near the base of the faucet, you’ll see an index cover. Remove this cover to reveal a hex- head screw. Loosen it with a hex-key wrench. 
  2. Remove the faucet handle. 
  3. With pliers, remove the cap and collar underneath. 
  4. Now you’ll see a faucet cam. Loosen it and lift it out with the rotating ball and cam washer. 
  5. With needle-nose pliers, extract the springs and rubber seat within the body of the faucet. Lower new springs and rubber seats in their old place. 
  6. Put the rotating ball back into its place. You’ll be able to tell if it’s in the correct spot by matching it up with the tab inside the faucet body.
  7. Install a new cam cap and rubber gasket.
  8. Tighten the top cap and faucet handle back into place and tighten the hex-head screw.


Cartridge Faucet 

Cartridge Faucet
  1. Remove the cap at the base of the sink faucet. There will be a screw underneath holding in the handle. 
  2. Remove the screw and pull off the handle. 
  3. You’ll notice a threaded retaining clip holding the sink cartridge in place. Use a pair of pliers to remove it. You’ll need to pull straight up to get it loose. 
  4. Now you can remove the spout and the worn-out O-ring. You’ll need to use a small knife to get it off. 
  5. Replace the old O-ring with a new one greased with plumber’s grease.   
  6. Replace the entire cartridge with one the same length as the old one. 
  7. Reassemble the entire sink faucet. 


Ceramic Disk Faucet 

Ceramic Disk Faucet
  1. When you lift the ceramic disk faucet handle you’ll see a set screw. Unscrew it and remove the handle. 
  2. Remove the escutcheon cover and unscrew the disk cylinder mounting screws underneath. Now you should be able to remove the entire cylinder. 
  3. Use a screwdriver to remove the neoprene seals from within the cylinder. Replace with new seals. 
  4. Clean the opening of the cylinder with a rag and a gentle, non-toxic cleaning solution (or distilled white vinegar).
  5. Reassemble the faucet. When you test the water be sure to keep the water pressure low to start. The pressure build-up from the returning water could be too much for the ceramic disk to handle. 


Compression Faucet 

Compression Faucet
  1. Remove the cover from the handle that seems to be the source of the problem. 
  2. Under the cap will be an attachment screw holding the handle in place. Remove this screw and pull off the handle. 
  3. Unscrew packing nut.
  4. Next, remove the stem from the body of the faucet. At the bottom of the stem, you’ll see a small rubber seat washer. 
  5. Remove the washer and replace it with a new one. Be sure to coat it with plumber’s grease. 
  6. You’ll see a packing nut at the top of the stem. Remove it to uncover the O-ring. Replace the O-ring with a new one. It’s vital that you have the correct size or you may encounter other issues down the line. Once you replace the old O-ring, coat it in plumber’s grease. 
  7. Reassemble and check for the leak. 
  8. If it’s still present, you may need to replace the entire handle set with a new one.  


Call In the Professionals 

Overwhelmed? Don’t have the right tools? The fixes above didn’t solve the problem?

If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area and need help fixing a leaking faucet, WM Buffington is here to help! From minor plumbing issues to plumbing emergencies, you can call on us 24 hours a day for service. 

Contact us today to book an appointment! 

What is a Dehumidifier and How Does it Work?

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What is a dehumidifier and how does it work?

Those in humid regions such as Pennsylvania are no strangers to the sticky, wet presence of humidity. It can even permeate the air in our homes. The humidity levels inside can be made worse by condensation created from cooking or doing laundry too. This can lead to discomfort, reduced air quality, and a higher risk of mold. 

Dehumidifiers set out to remove excess moisture from the air in a home.

What is a Dehumidifier? 

Dehumidifiers are a popular appliance many people in humid regions have in their homes. Just as the name implies, it reduces the humidity levels in a living space. Essentially, it takes in air, separates out the moisture, and blows it out again. This cycle continues as the air picks up excess moisture.  

How Do They Work? 

There are two main methods a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air: through absorption or through refrigeration. Let’s break down how each of these works. 

Absorption

This method involves using a water-holding medium to absorb moisture from the air. Later, this material is ringed out to remove any collected water. 

A Step-By-Step Look at the Process 

  1. Moist air is collected through a duct. 
  2. This air is then introduced to a rotating wheel of the water-holding medium. Moisture is absorbed as the air is continuously drawn in by a fan. 
  3. The dehumidified air is cycled back into the room by a blower. 
  4. Hot air is blown past the moisture-absorbing wheel to dry it out. 
  5. Hot air used to dry the wheel and any remaining moisture is blown out through an exhaust duct.   

Refrigeration

This type of dehumidifier borrows technology from refrigerators and air conditioners. It uses cold mechanisms to remove moisture from the air. 

A Step-By-Step Look at the Process 

  1. The moist air enters the machine through a grille. 
  2. As a fan draws the air in, it passes through freezing cold pipes. These pipes are filled with a coolant solution similar to what you would find in an AC or refrigerator. As the pipes cool down the air, the water turns from a vapor back into a liquid. This liquid will then drip from the pipes into a collection basin below. 
  3. Next, the moisture-free air passes through hot pipes to warm back up to its original temperature. This air is then sent back into the room through another grille. 
  4. When the basin that collects the liquid water fills up, the machine will turn off and indicate it’s time to empty out its collection basin. 

Reasons to Have a Dehumidifier 

Unchecked humidity levels can wreak havoc on your home. From your health to your personal belongings, you can run into a lot of issues if you let unchecked moisture run rampant. Here are some of the reasons to invest in a dehumidifier. 

Prevent Mold

Mold thrives off moisture. If you live in an area with naturally high humidity, a dehumidifier can help combat potential mold outbreaks. If you get the humidity levels in your home under control, you’re less likely to see mold crop up on your clothes, furniture, and old storage cardboard boxes. Be sure to put your dehumidifier in high-moisture areas such as the basement, kitchen, or bathroom. 

Protect Electronics

Electronics aren’t built to withstand high humidity levels. That’s why you’ll often see silica packets included with new electronics when you first remove them from their packaging. Dehumidifiers can prevent rust or short circuits from occurring in your phones, computers, cameras, and more.

Increase Air Quality and Environment 

Dehumidifiers can efficiently reduce mold and dust in your home. They can also help deter cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders from taking up residence in your dwelling. 

Better For Your Health  

Increased air quality can lead to better health. Dehumidifiers may cut down symptoms associated with allergies such as wheezing, sneezing, eye irritation, and more. They can also alleviate symptoms associated with asthma. 

Helps Cool Air Faster 

Less moisture in the air can make for more efficient temperature regulation. The heavy, dense feeling of humidity can make a room feel a lot hotter. A dehumidifier will help level out humidity levels so the air will feel lighter and cooler. This can help you cut back on your AC usage.

Be Sure Your HVAC is Doing Its Part 

Dehumidifiers and your HVAC system work in tandem to assure the climate in your home is ideal. If you feel that your heating and cooling system isn’t running as optimally as it could be, give WM Buffington a call! We specialize in HVAC service, repair, and installation in the Central Pennsylvania area. 

Contact Us Today!

5 Reasons Why an HVAC Maintenance Plan is Important

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Technician doing maintenance on a HVAC system

We’ve said it before, we’ll say it a million times: HVAC maintenance is vital!

We often don’t pay mind to our heating and cooling systems outside of adjusting the temperature. But an issue could be lurking right under your nose and it could go on to cause bigger issues down the line if it isn’t corrected. We recommend that homeowners should do an HVAC maintenance inspection at least once a year. 

Luckily, this process is made easy through your trusted heating and cooling experts. Many HVAC pros offer maintenance plans you can opt into so you can easily schedule out your yearly inspection. These plans can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. 

If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area, WM Buffington is happy to be your go-to HVAC experts. Give us a call to find out more about our HVAC Maintenance Program! 

In this article, we’ll share the top 5 reasons why an HVAC maintenance plan is so important. But first, let’s discuss what to expect during your inspection so you know where your money is going.


What Happens During an HVAC Maintenance Inspection?

Your HVAC professional will come to the inspection with one major goal in mind: making sure your heating and cooling system(s) is running as efficiently as possible. They will also inform you of your system’s overall condition and any potential upgrades you could add on.

Here are some of the tasks your professional will complete during your appointment: 

  • Clean the interior and exterior of your indoor and outdoor units
  • Assure the thermostat and electrical connections are working properly
  • Check refrigerant levels and replenish if necessary
  • Replace air filter
  • Lubricate moving parts
  • Inspect ductwork for inefficiencies and leaks 
  • Clean out your heat exchanger


Top 5 Benefits of an HVAC Maintenance Plan

If you opt-in to an HVAC maintenance plan, you can expect the following benefits:  

1. It Can Save You Money 

Don’t let the fee to join up scare you away. In the long run, it will actually save you money. Heating and cooling problems can be expensive to fix. If you can get ahead of them during your yearly inspection, you might not have to invest as much money into fixing them. 

Regular HVAC maintenance can also extend the life of your furnace. Usually, a furnace will last up to 20 years. But that lifespan can be slashed significantly if you’re not keeping up with regular maintenance.

Plus, many HVAC companies, like ourselves, offer discounts on certain repairs/installations and also reduce regular costs on fixes or diagnostics.

2. You’ll Use Less Energy 

A healthy HVAC is an energy-efficient HVAC! When you get your system serviced, your HVAC professional will switch out filters, clean out various parts of your system, and check for any inefficiencies. Once your inspection is complete, you’ll be left with a renewed, more energy-efficient HVAC. This can be great for your wallet and the environment! 

3. Your Home Will Be Safer 

Cracked or damaged heat exchangers are one of the leading causes of carbon monoxide leaks. The colorless, odorless gas can even be harmful at low levels and can be deadly in high quantities. HVAC inspections can assure your heat exchanger is in good shape so you can sleep easy knowing your family is safe. 

HVAC inspections can also prevent possible disasters while you’re away. If you go on vacation during the cold months of the year and your system shuts down, it could potentially snowball into an even more unpleasant situation. A home without heat could lead to frozen pipes, burst waterlines, and flooding. All of this can be prevented by regular HVAC maintenance. 

4. It Can Improve Your Air Quality

According to the EPA, levels of airborne pollutants indoors could be 2-5 times higher than outdoor levels. Some common indoor allergens responsible for this include pet dander, dust, dust mites, and mold. Without proper ventilation, this can spell trouble for those with respiratory issues. 

These common indoor pollutants can collect in your filters and air ducts over time. Regular maintenance will assure your system is clean and properly circulating clean air through your home. 

5. You Can Avoid Major HVAC Problems 

By taking care of the little things, you’ll avoid larger complications. An inspection of your HVAC system is supposed to include checking the moving parts. If multiple parts need to be replaced and you didn’t know, this would likely lead to a malfunctioning HVAC system. You’d then be wondering, “why didn’t I just purchase that HVAC maintenance plan that could have saved me money?”

All in all, deciding to move forward with an HVAC maintenance plan can give you peace of mind. You can go about your day-to-day life confident you likely won’t be surprised by any issues. As we mentioned, most professionals agree that it’s best to schedule an inspection at least once a year. But you can even extend that to twice a year to achieve even more assurance that your HVAC system is running smoothly. 


How to Choose the Right HVAC Company for Your Maintenance Plan

Some people go with whoever shows up first on their list to hire as their HVAC company. Not you, you’re here doing your research, so let’s save you some time in discovering who should be your go-to HVAC contractor for the maintenance plan.

When vetting for a contractor, keep this checklist in mind:

  1. Is the HVAC contractor local? Always hire a local contractor rather than going with a corporation. Local contractors tend to put more heart and effort into their work because they care more about how you’re serviced. On top of that, they also have a better understanding of the area and can make more diligent decisions and better recommendations.
  2. Does the HVAC contractor have good reviews? Why would you go with an HVAC contractor with an aggregate rating of 3 out of 5 from 100 reviewers? Choose a contractor with a rating of 4 or above.
  3. Is the maintenance plan visible on the contractor’s website? You want all information in front of you before you call to get a quote. Once you call, you’ll most likely be looped into a sales conversation and may not be able to ask all of your questions. Be prepared already by researching the maintenance plan as it reads on the website.
  4. Does the maintenance plan include a full inspection of the entire unit and the full cleaning of the system? Full inspection and cleaning are must-haves. Why would they only have a look at the furnace without inspecting the air ducts for clean air?
  5. Is the HVAC contractor licensed and insured? Licensed and insured HVAC contractors are the only people you can trust to enter your home and expect nothing but the best service. If anything happens to your home while they are working on your HVAC system, the company can cover the costs through the insurance plan. Licensed HVAC contractors have proven their experience of dealing with HVAC situations in your local area.
  6. Does the maintenance plan include 24/7 emergency response and services? You have to be able to rely on your HVAC contractor. Otherwise, what’s the point of paying for a yearly plan if you aren’t on the top of the priority list?
  7. How much will this maintenance plan cost? Gather at least 3 quotes from your top picks of local HVAC contractors. You need to know exactly who is doing the best work at the best price.

Keep this checklist on hand as you search for the best HVAC contractor nearest your home. We hope you find the right business for the job!

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