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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!

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!

What Are the Benefits of Smart Thermostats?

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What are the benefits of a smart thermostat?

In the midst of the frigid winter months, our heaters are a major part of our everyday lives. But whether we want to reduce the temperature when we leave our homes or simply get a better idea of our energy use, a regular thermostat doesn’t offer a lot of benefits outside of climate control. Smart thermostats can give a homeowner a lot more control over their heating/cooling system. 

A smart thermostat – also known as a connected, WiFi or communicating thermostat – is a device used to control a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. But it goes beyond mere climate control. A smart thermostat gives you the ability to automate your settings. It can also adjust the temperature based on the weather and your household patterns.


Key Benefits of Making the Switch to a Smart Thermostat:


Control Your System from Your Phone  

Smart thermostats give you the option to change your settings from just about anywhere. Through an app, you can adjust your heating schedule to your liking while you’re away. This can be a useful function if you’re away on vacation or heading home outside of your normal schedule. 

Can Minimize Energy Costs

One of the biggest draws to a smart thermostat is its ability to help you save money. You can use it to plot out your heating schedule around when people are actually home. Depending on the manufacturer, you can save roughly 10% – 20% on your current heating bill. 

Lets You Track Energy Use 

A smart thermostat also gives you a snapshot of your energy consumption. Through the app, you can get a better look at how much energy you use to heat your home and possible ways to improve and save even more money!

Long-Term Learning

Your smart thermostat can learn about your behaviors and adjust your heating and cooling costs accordingly. Some systems even come equipped with motion sensors to see when people are up and moving through the home. It will then determine when it needs to activate your HVAC. 

Voice Command 

A lot of smart devices are being engineered to make the user’s experience as streamline as possible. Smart thermostats are also following that trend. You can change your thermostat with your voice, making climate control that much easier. Hook up your Alexa to the new thermostat.

Tracks the Weather

We may change our thermostats based on the daily forecast. A smart thermostat does that for you. If a cold snap hits, it will adjust to turn your normal scheduled temperature up by a few degrees. 

Compatible With Other Smart Devices 

Many homes have a smart device for every room. Some can work in tandem quite nicely. Your smart thermostat can connect with your other devices to make climate control even easier. It can connect with your humidifier or air purifier and incorporate them into your schedule. 

Easy to Install

Best of all, as high tech as they are, smart thermostats are actually quite easy to install. In fact, they’re installed just like a regular model in most cases. But if you do have any issues, be sure to consult a professional. 


What To Consider Before Getting a Smart Thermostat 

There are a few things to keep in mind before you commit to a smart thermostat. In order to learn your preferences and schedule, some systems will require you to manually adjust the temperature at least a few times. From there it will adjust the temperature based on your feedback.

You should also double-check to see if your HVAC system is compatible with a smart thermostat. Most newer systems will be compatible. But if your system is 10 to 20 years old it will likely not work properly.

And finally, smart thermostats require a paired smartphone or tablet. Your thermostat will likely have an affiliated app that will allow you to control your system while you’re away. 


Monitor Your HVAC With Your Smart Thermostat

Some smart thermostats such as the Google Nest take HVAC maintenance to a new level. They give users the option to monitor their system right from their smart device. If an issue does arise, they’ll be notified immediately. Catching potential HVAC problems early can save a homeowner a lot of time and heatless evenings.

If you’re in the Central Pennsylvania area and you find yourself in need of a thorough HVAC inspection, WM Buffington is at your service! We offer a range of high-quality offerings to cover any potential issues with your home’s heating and cooling system. 

Contact Us!

Home Ventilation: What You Should Be Concerned About as a Homeowner

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Homeowner testing airflow from air ducts

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ventilation is the “exchange of indoor and outdoor air.” Homeowners should be greatly concerned about the efficiency of this exchange in their homes.

Improper ventilation can lead to a myriad of health problems and other issues, as it has the potential to smother residents with harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, as well as create a moisture-rich environment that can lead to mold and mildew. Keep reading for what you should be considering when it comes to your home’s healthy ventilation!

Ventilation Options

Your home’s ventilation system is a lot like a set of lungs. It should move freely, have unrestricted inward and outward flow, and needs to be free of anything that might block proper movement.

Homeowners should be concerned about ensuring their ventilation method is a best-fit and is running properly. The three most-popular and efficient ventilation options are:

  • Uncontrolled ventilation: Uncontrolled, technology-free movement of indoor and outdoor air by way of windows, doors, and cracks, etc. This isn’t much of a method at all, though some older homes still rely on it.
  • Spot ventilation: Utilizes exhaust fans to remove pollutants and moisture from a specific space (stove range hoods, bathroom exhaust fans, etc). This method can be used alongside natural ventilation as a more effective means of localized redistribution of air.
  • Whole-house ventilation: This system is more uniformed and structured in nature, utilizing exhaust ventilation, duct systems, fans, and ideally include exhaust and fresh air circulation.

Avoid Moisture Problems

Without a proper ventilation system, homeowners should be concerned about moisture accumulation. Humidity (moisture found in the air) can quickly manifest as harmful mold or mildew growth. Additionally, unchecked moisture can be detrimental to furniture, flooring, and other elements of the home.

To best avoid moisture accumulation, here are three tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:

  • Stop air leaks: Often, home moisture is correlated to uncontrolled airflow, where moist air comes into contact with cold surfaces and results in condensation. Ensure all holes, gaps, and airflow leaks in your home’s fixtures are sealed. Check windows, attics, basements, etc.
  • Control water: One of the most effective ways to ensure unwanted water isn’t leaking into the home is to inspect your roof. If your roof is not equipped to keep moisture out, it will find its way in.
  • Ventilate indoor moisture: Whether or not you realize it, your family creates and accumulates moisture in your home simply by living in it. Cooking, showering, and doing the laundry are all culprits of adding water to the air. Ensure kitchen and bathroom vents lead directly outside, and implement a ventilation system in the attic if necessary.

Carbon Monoxide and Other Pollutants

It has been suggested that if not mitigated properly, the air we breathe inside our homes could be more dangerous and harmful to human health than the pollution found in major cities. Let’s think about the toxins that could be making their home in the very air you breathe: nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, formaldehyde, radon, sulfur dioxide, asbestos, and many that fly under the radar in the form of basic household chemicals (hairspray, paint, pesticides, polishes, cleaning agents, etc).

Unfortunately, many of these pollutants are nearly unavoidable. This is why homeowners should be greatly concerned about implementing a quality, efficient air ventilation system in their homes. The negative health effects from toxic fumes will last far longer than the annoyance you may feel at the sound of the exhaust fan.

Your Local Home Air Experts

Our team here at WM Buffington is proud to be Central Pennsylvania’s go-to source on all things air, heating and cooling since 1952. We are committed to going above and beyond to ensure your family is safe and comfortable at home!

Our goal is to provide all of our customers with the best home efficiency at an affordable cost. With high energy efficiency and affordability in mind, WM Buffington Company provides a wide variety of products and services for our residential and commercial customers in need.

We pride ourselves in hiring NATE-certified technicians who offer the best home solutions for your HVAC troubles. With extensive and continuous training, our team can get the job done right the first time. For a comfortable and efficient home, choose WM Buffington Company as your HVAC problem solver.


For 66 years, our team of experts have dedicated themselves to providing fast, professional work with superior customer service. Contact us today!

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