Every decade or two, Maryland homeowners are faced with a choice when it’s time to replace their water heaters. How do you decide between a tank vs a tankless water heater? The plumbing pros at Grove Heating & Cooling explain the differences between these two systems, their advantages, and how to decide between the two options.
A tank water heater is a type of water heating system that uses a hot water storage tank. Water is preheated and held within the tank for use as needed in the home. These units are also called storage tank water heaters due to the storage tank, or sometimes conventional water heaters as this type of unit was the standard used for many decades.
When a hot water tap is turned on in the home, pre-heated water from the top of the tank flows through the hot water pipes to the desired location. As hot water goes out to the tap, cold water simultaneously enters the bottom of the tank to replace the outgoing hot water. To maintain a consistent water temperature within the tank, a thermostat monitors the water temperature and activates a heating element or natural gas burner when the temperature falls below a predetermined threshold. This process ensures a ready supply of hot water for household use.
When it comes to choosing between a tank water heater and a tankless water heater, the benefits are important to consider for the tank style:
While tank water heaters are a popular choice for many households, they come with several drawbacks that should be considered before making a decision:
Before the 1990s, tank vs tankless water heaters wasn’t really a debate. In the past 30 years or so, though, this technology has grown in popularity and is now more widely used. Tankless model water heaters differ from tank water heaters in that they do not have a storage tank to hold hot water because they do not preheat hot water for the home. Instead, water is heated as needed.
Inside the unit, either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water, providing a continuous supply of hot water as needed. This efficient process eliminates the need for a storage tank and the energy losses associated with constantly maintaining a large volume of heated water.
Tankless water heaters are also called on-demand water heaters, as they heat water as the demand arises in the home. The benefits of these systems include:
While tankless water heaters offer numerous benefits, it’s important to weigh their potential drawbacks before deciding if they are the right choice for your home:
Each system type has distinct qualities and advantages. However, you cannot make the tank vs tankless water heater decision based on these stats alone – it is important to weigh how they fit with your household and lifestyle to decide between a tank vs tankless water heater.
No matter your choice in the tank vs tankless water heater debate, Grove Heating & Cooling is here to help. Our team of plumbers performs expert installation for all types of water heaters, ensuring your family has a reliable source of hot water for years to come. Call us today to request an estimate for hot water heater installation, and we can help you decide between a tank vs tankless water heater for your home.
Are you experiencing the frustration of your heat pump not cooling your home? It’s a common problem faced by homeowners that can arise due to several issues. Grove Heating & Cooling discusses some of the common problems which are responsible for a heat pump not cooling and provides troubleshooting solutions to get your heat pump running efficiently again.
The thermostat is the most vital component of the HVAC system as it controls the temperature in your home. A malfunctioning thermostat can sometimes prevent the heat pump system from cooling properly. If your thermostat is faulty, it may not send the correct signals to the heat pump, resulting in an improper cooling cycle.
This issue can often be resolved by simply replacing the thermostat. However, if you’re unsure of how to do this, it’s best to contact a professional heating and air conditioner technician to inspect and replace the thermostat.
Refrigerant is the medium that’s responsible for transferring heat from inside to outside and vice versa. If there’s a refrigerant leak, your heat pump will struggle to maintain a consistent temperature, which can cause the system to run continuously or inadequately cool your home. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s crucial to have a professional repair the leak and refill the refrigerant to the recommended levels. This will ensure that your heat pump functions optimally and efficiently.
Heat pumps can also get stuck in heating mode. If this happens, your heat pump will blow hot air instead of cool air, which can make your home uncomfortable during the summer. The culprit of this problem can be a faulty reversing valve. The reversing valve is responsible for defrost cycles and switching the heat pump from heating to cooling mode. Contact an HVAC technician to diagnose this issue and replace the valve if it’s defective.
Frozen coils can also cause your heat pump not to cool your home efficiently. When the coils freeze, they prevent air from passing over them, resulting in reduced airflow and inadequate cooling. A common cause of frozen coils can be the buildup of dirt and debris, which restricts airflow over the coils. Regular maintenance, including air filter changes and coil cleaning, can help prevent frozen coils.
To defrost your heat pump coils, follow these steps:
Do not turn the heat pump back on until the coils have thawed completely. If your heat pump coils continue to ice up, turn the system off and call for heat pump repair.
If the blower motor isn’t working correctly, the heat pump won’t be able to circulate air to cool your home. Common causes of blower motor malfunctions include dirt buildup or a faulty motor. If you suspect a blower motor issue, contact an HVAC professional to inspect and repair the motor.
A heat pump not cooling can be attributed to several issues like thermostat malfunctions, refrigerant leaks, bad reversing valves, frozen coils, and blower motor issues. Proper maintenance and timely repair can fix these issues, and your heat pump will function optimally to keep your home comfortable.
If you’re experiencing issues with your heat pump, don’t hesitate to contact Grove Heating & Cooling for expert heat pump repair services. Our skilled technicians have years of experience repairing all makes and models of heat pumps. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for heat pump repair so we can solve your heat pump problems quickly!
Indoor humidity problems are more prevalent than many homeowners realize. When humidity levels are high, it can cause a wide range of problems in your home, including health issues. Fortunately, there is a solution – installing a whole house dehumidifier. In this blog, the indoor air quality specialists at Grove Heating & Cooling explore what a dehumidifier does for your health and why it’s important to have one installed in your home.
High humidity in your home can cause a range of problems that can impact the health and comfort of your household. One of the most significant issues too much moisture can cause is mold growth. Mold thrives in moist environments and can grow rapidly in areas with high humidity levels. Exposure to mold spores can lead to respiratory issues, including coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Long-term exposure to mold and mildew can also cause more severe health issues, such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
In addition to mold growth, high humidity can lead to skin rashes and irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin. High humidity can also contribute to an increase in dust mites, a common allergen that can lead to a range of allergic reactions, including runny nose, itchy eyes, and respiratory issues.
High humidity doesn’t just impact your health. It can also lead to unpleasant odors in your home and an overall uncomfortable living environment. The excess moisture in the air can make it difficult to stay cool in the summer, making it harder to relax and get a good night’s sleep.
If you’re experiencing high humidity levels in your home, investing in a dehumidifier can help regulate humidity levels and improve the overall comfort and health of your home. A whole house dehumidifier is a device that works to reduce the humidity levels throughout your entire home. It’s installed as part of your heating and cooling system and works by removing extra moisture from the air. Once the humidity is reduced, you’ll see a significant improvement in the air quality in your home, making it a healthier environment for you and your family to live in.
Once installed, a whole house dehumidifier works to remove excess moisture from the air, collecting the water in a reservoir or draining it directly out of your home. As it removes moisture, it provides your home with fresher, healthier air.
A dehumidifier installed with your heating and air conditioner can help reduce the number of allergens floating around in your home. This is especially helpful for individuals who suffer from allergies caused by dust mites, pet dander, and other particles that thrive in a humid climate.
Mold thrives in humid environments, but a dehumidifier can reduce excess moisture and help prevent mold growth in your home. This is especially important for those with respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.
When humidity levels in your home are high, it can make the air feel stuffy and unpleasant. By reducing humidity, a dehumidifier can improve the quality of the air in your home, making it a more comfortable place to live.
High humidity levels can damage your furniture, walls, and even cause warping of your floors. A dehumidifier can help protect your home and keep it in great condition for years to come.
If you’re concerned about indoor humidity problems in your home, it’s time to take action. Contact Grove Heating & Cooling today to schedule an appointment for whole house dehumidifier installation with one of our heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality professionals. Our team of experts can help you determine the best size, type, and installation method for your home, ensuring maximum health benefits for you and your family. Say goodbye to indoor humidity problems and hello to a healthier, more comfortable home with a dehumidifier.
Nothing feels more refreshing than coming home to a cool and comfortable house during a hot summer day. However, when you find a puddle of water beneath your air conditioner, it can be quite unsettling. So, why is my air conditioner leaking water? Grove Heating & Cooling explores some of the most common reasons why an air conditioner may leak water. Whether you’re experiencing a small puddle or a major leak, understanding its cause helps you take necessary corrective measures.
A common question when it comes to air conditioners is why they produce water. The answer has to do with the process of condensation that occurs when air is cooled quickly. As warm indoor air passes over the evaporator coils and heat is pulled from the air, it increases humidity – the cooler air can’t contain all the moisture, so it releases some of it in the form of water droplets. The density of these droplets accumulates on the coil and eventually drip down into a drain pan, eventually out through the condensate drain line, a tube that runs outdoors or to a drain.
If you find yourself asking “why is my air AC unit leaking water?”, then there may be a problem with your system. If you start to notice any type of leakage, it’s best to get an experienced technician out to investigate sooner rather than later so they can diagnose what is causing the leak and perform any needed repairs before expensive damage is caused. Here are a few common issues that cause air conditioners to leak water:
One of the most frequent causes of water leakage from an air conditioner is a clogged drain line. During operation, the coils on the air conditioner draw moisture from the air and convert it to water, which flows down the drain line and is expelled outside. When the drain line gets clogged with dirt, debris, or mold, water will back up and build up in the drip pan, causing it to overflow into the area surrounding your unit.
The drain pan is usually located beneath the evaporator coils and catches the overflow from the condensate drain. However, if the pan is damaged or cracked, water can quickly leak out of the unit. Alternatively, if dirt, debris, or rust accumulates in the pan, the water may not drain correctly, leading to overflow and leakage.
A dirty air filter can cause many problems with your air conditioning unit, including water leakage. When the filter is clogged, it restricts airflow across the evaporator coils, causing the coils to freeze. When the ice melts, it creates a pool of water that may overfill the drain pan and lead to a leak.
Low refrigerant levels in your air conditioner can lead to inadequate cooling, a frozen evaporator coil, and water leakage. If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home effectively or is producing water, low refrigerant levels may be the cause.
If your air conditioning system isn’t installed correctly, it’s likely to leak. An improperly installed AC unit will have incorrect refrigerant levels or insufficient insulation around the evaporator, causing it to get too cold or too warm. This rapid temperature change leads to an accumulation of condensation, resulting in leakage.
Water leakage from your air conditioner can be quite frustrating and even lead to significant property damage. However, understanding the causes of leakage helps ensure timely and adequate corrective actions. If you’re experiencing air conditioner leakage, it’s crucial to contact a professional air conditioner repair service promptly. At Grove Heating & Cooling, we offer fast, reliable, and affordable air conditioner repair services in Bowie, Maryland. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
As the temperatures begin to rise, some homeowners ask “can I install my own air conditioner?” While the idea of installing an air conditioner may seem like a cost-effective solution, installing an air conditioner on your own can actually lead to poor cooling efficiency, repairs, and a shorter expected lifespan. Grove Heating & Cooling explains why DIY air conditioner installation is a bad idea and why it is important to hire a professional for air conditioner installation.
DIY projects can be fun, but when it comes to something as integral and complex as a central air conditioning unit, it’s best to leave the job to HVAC system experts. While saving some money may sound appealing in theory, installing the AC unit incorrectly can cause not only financial strain but will also put your comfort and safety at risk. Here are a few consequences that can occur if you attempt air conditioner installation on your own:
It is important to make sure that the new AC unit is installed properly in order to ensure that it operates efficiently. If the air conditioner is not sized properly and installed incorrectly, it can lead to poor cooling efficiency, which can result in higher energy bills and reduced comfort levels in your home. Proper installation of a cooling system requires knowledge of electrical work, refrigerant handling, and airflow principles, which are not typically possessed by homeowners.
Poor installation can also lead to the need for repairs. If the air conditioner is not installed properly, it can put a strain on the unit, leading to damage that requires repairs. The cost of repairs can add up quickly, and in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to simply replace the unit.
In addition to poor cooling efficiency and repairs, installing an air conditioner yourself can also lead to a shorter expected lifespan for the unit. This is because improper HVAC installation can put additional stress on the unit, causing it to wear out faster. In addition, if the air conditioner is not installed correctly, it may be more prone to breakdowns, which can also lead to a shorter lifespan.
Installing an air conditioner can be dangerous, especially if you do not have experience working with electrical systems. If electrical work is not done correctly, it can lead to serious injuries or even death. Professional installation eliminates these safety concerns, as technicians are trained to safely install central air conditioning units.
When it comes time to install your air conditioner, you want to make sure you hire a professional who is equipped with the right experience, skills, and tools necessary for the job.
With these steps taken beforehand, you’ll be more confident in the hiring decision you make and can rest assured knowing that your central air conditioner installation has been done properly.
While it may be tempting to install an air conditioning system on your own, it is important to remember that proper installation is crucial in order to ensure that the air conditioner unit operates efficiently and has a long lifespan. By hiring a professional, homeowners can ensure that their air conditioners will work properly and safely for years to come. If you are in need of air conditioner installation in Bowie, Maryland call Grove Heating & Cooling for expert installation services.
If you’re looking to install an air conditioner in your Crofton, Maryland home, you have probably heard the term “SEER rating” thrown around without really understanding what it means. A SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of a cooling system’s energy efficiency over a certain period. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit and the lower your energy bill will be. Let’s take a closer look at what is a good SEER rating for an AC unit and why it matters so much.
In order to understand how SEER works and why it’s important, let’s first look at how it is calculated. A SEER rating tells you two things: how much cooling output an air conditioner can generate compared with the amount of electricity used to power it; and how efficiently it performs during the peak summer heat. All air conditioning units are assigned a number that indicates their efficiency levels. The higher the number, the better your energy savings will be over time. For example, if your current air conditioning unit has a SEER rating of 12 and you replace it with one that has a SEER rating of 15, your new unit will use less energy than its predecessor – meaning lower energy bills!
The Department of Energy recently announced changes to its minimum SEER rating requirement for air conditioners being sold in the United States in 2023. These newly mandated energy efficiency ratings were designed to reduce the amount of energy used to effectively cool a space. All models sold in Maryland must meet or exceed a SEER rating of 14 to be legally sold, which is an increase over the former 13 SEER standard. The new regulation will affect all existing models currently available and any new models released after January 1, 2023.
These changes are beneficial because they’ll help to conserve energy while still providing reliable and effective cooling for customers around America. Various equipment suppliers have also indicated their support for these new regulations. With the Department of Energy’s commitment to environmental protection, these updated requirements ensure our air conditioners can continue powering our homes without sacrificing performance or reliability. An AC unit with a 14 or higher SEER rating can save you significantly on cooling costs compared to older models that have 10-13 AC SEER ratings.
For those conscious of their energy costs, choosing an air conditioner with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio rating can be beneficial. A SEER rating of 18 or above is considered to be very good and optimal for maximum efficiency and money savings. However, keep in mind that as the ratings increase so does the cost of equipment – so make sure you budget accordingly when selecting your new air conditioning system!
Not all energy savings come just from a good SEER rating; size, installation, maintenance and other factors also have an impact. When shopping around for a new air conditioner, it is wise to research units that contain highly respected certifications such as ENERGY STAR®. These certifications verify that the HVAC unit has efficiency ratings backed by independent agencies for reliable performance in cooling one’s home cost-effectively.
When shopping for an AC unit for your Crofton home, make sure to research all available options and determine the right SEER rating for your needs. Selecting an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating can generate long-term savings on your energy bills. If you need help selecting the right model or installing your new heat pump or cooling system, contact Grove Heating & Cooling today! With years of experience behind us, we are sure to find the best solution for any home cooling needs in Maryland’s Anne Arundel County area.
Homeowners who are looking for a way to cool their homes more efficiently may want to consider investing in a heat pump. Heat pumps are a type of HVAC system that move heat energy to generate temperature change, and can be used both as an efficient cooling system and as a heating system. If you’re not familiar with this technology, you may wonder, does a heat pump cool as well as an air conditioner? Let’s find out.
A heat pump efficiently uses energy to transfer heat from one area to another. It works for cooling a space by taking the existing heat in the indoor air and transferring it outside. This process can be reversed depending on the season, making it a great option for both heating and cooling when used with an appropriate climate control system. Heat pumps have become increasingly popular due to their efficient use of energy, allowing them to save users money without sacrificing comfort.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a metric used to measure the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. This means that a higher SEER rating is indicative of a system that will help save energy when cooling, leading to lower monthly power bills. When selecting an air conditioning system or heat pump, checking the SEER rating should be at the top of your priority list to ensure your unit is running efficiently and helping you conserve energy while keeping your home comfortable.
The answer is “yes.” There really isn’t much difference between heat pumps and air conditioners when it comes to cooling power. Both heat pumps and air conditioners use refrigerant to transfer the heat from inside your home into the outdoors, which helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature during warm weather months. A heat pump and an air conditioning unit with equal SEER ratings will be equally as energy efficient as one another in cooling mode.
The big efficiency differences are between heat pumps and other types of heating systems. Heat pumps are significantly more efficient than traditional heating systems, such as furnaces, boilers, and electric baseboard heaters. While traditional systems need to create heat by burning fuel, heat pumps simply move or “pump” heat from one place to another. This makes them up to 400% more efficient, totaling in enormous energy bill savings.
Heat pumps also don’t emit the same hazardous gases that come from the combustion of fuel that a furnace creates, making them a much safer and eco-friendly option. All of these factors combined make heat pumps an incredibly advantageous heating solution when compared to traditional methods.
Overall, if you are looking for an efficient way to cool your home without breaking the bank on monthly energy bills, then investing in a heat pump might just be the way to go! Heat pumps provide not only excellent cooling power but also boast impressive efficiency ratings which can save you money over time. If you live in Crofton, Maryland and would like more information about installing a heat pump in your home, then contact Grove Heating & Cooling today! We can provide all of the information you need about choosing and installing an energy-efficient cooling system that fits your needs and budget best.
“What size air conditioner do I need?” is one of the most important questions to answer when buying a new cooling system. Choosing the wrong size AC will not cool your house adequately and can also lead to unnecessary energy costs and shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.
To help you make an informed decision when buying an air conditioning unit, let’s take a look at why air conditioner sizing is so critical and how the HVAC technicians at Grove Heating & Cooling determine the right size AC for homes.
Many people have been led to believe that bigger is better, leading them to consider buying an air conditioner that is larger than necessary.
However, when it comes to air conditioning sizing, what matters isn’t how much equipment you purchase, but what size it is. And when we talk about an air conditioner’s size, we don’t mean the unit’s dimensions! Air conditioners are sized in tons, and here, a ton isn’t a measure of weight – it’s a measure of cooling capacity.
One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 British thermal units (BTUs) of heat removed from an area in one hour. For homes, air conditioner sizes typically range between 1.5 to 5 tons.
Having the right size air conditioner for your home is extremely important. An AC unit that is too large or too small can be a major inconvenience resulting in either an inefficiently cooled room or unnecessarily high energy bills. To make sure you get what you need, it’s best to research what size air conditioner you need and work with a qualified HVAC professional to ensure the proper measurements and calculations are conducted to find the right fit.
There are several factors an HVAC contractor takes into consideration to find you the right fit for your air conditioning installation. The square footage of a home helps us calculate how much cooling will be necessary to cool the area efficiently. Other factors include climate, insulation levels, window sizes/orientation/shading levels, ceiling height, and the orientation of rooms (south-facing rooms get more sun than north-facing rooms). All of these factors work together to ensure that your new air conditioner is adequate enough to keep your house cool during hot summer days without overworking itself or consuming too much energy.
It’s easy to overlook why sizing matters when buying an air conditioner, but it’s essential for comfort, the longevity of use, and efficiency. With all these factors in mind combined with a professional assessment by an experienced HVAC contractor, you can rest assured knowing that you have chosen the correct size AC unit tailored towards meeting all of your needs while saving money in the long run. Don’t guess when it comes to picking the right sized air conditioner – contact Grove Heating & Cooling today to receive a free estimate for a new air conditioner system.
Humidity levels in your home are essential for both your comfort and health, but too much or too little can lead to problems. Fortunately, a whole house dehumidifier can help counteract any issues caused by relative humidity levels that are too high. But how does a whole house dehumidifier work? Grove Heating & Cooling breaks it down and shares how these systems help improve your indoor comfort.
Aside from providing cooling for your home, an air conditioner and heat pump are also tasked with balancing humidity levels. However, older, inefficient systems can struggle to keep up, making it beneficial to install a whole house dehumidifier to combat high indoor humidity levels.
Integrating a whole house dehumidifier with your air conditioning system is the most efficient way to reduce humidity in your home. Installation typically consists of connecting the return air duct to the dehumidifier. It also requires electrical wiring for power.
A whole house dehumidifier draws warm and moist air from the inside of your home into its evaporator coil. The coil contains refrigerant which helps cool down the warm air being drawn in, causing condensation which collects at the bottom of the coil. This collection of condensed water then drains down into a reservoir tank located at the base of the unit and then out of your home via a drain line.
Once all of this moisture has been extracted from inside of your home’s air, what remains is dryer, more breathable air which is then pushed back into circulation by way of an integrated blower fan located within the unit itself, moving on to the heating or cooling unit.
A whole house dehumidifier can help provide better indoor air quality by removing excess moisture that would otherwise lead to mold growth or excessive dust mites. Not only will this make breathing easier, but it can also reduce energy costs due to less strain on cooling systems during the summer months. A whole house dehumidifier also benefits your belongings and the home itself by preventing damage due to excessive dampness. Finally, having proper indoor humidity levels helps keep those nasty allergens away!
Whole house dehumidifiers are an excellent tool for ensuring proper humidity levels throughout your entire living space while also improving indoor air quality for better overall health and comfort. By understanding how a whole house dehumidifier works, you can make sure that you get maximum benefits from using one in order to keep yourself and those around you feeling comfortable year-round!
Summer is right around the corner, and so is higher humidity. Get ready for hot and humid air conditions by installing a whole house dehumidifier now – call Grove Heating & Cooling today to learn more or request a quote!
When homeowners have to ask, “why is my thermostat blank?,” this can be a frustrating and confusing problem. It can prevent you from controlling the temperature in your home and make it difficult to know what’s going on with your HVAC system. At Grove Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of a properly functioning thermostat and the role it plays in the overall comfort of your home. There are three types of thermostats you may have in your home that this guide helps to troubleshoot. Read on to understand the reasons why your thermostat’s display could be blank and what you can do about it.
There could be several potential causes – some are easy to troubleshoot while others require more specialized assistance from a professional HVAC technician. Let’s take a look at the reasons that are most likely behind a blank screen:
If you’ve tried the troubleshooting tips above and your thermostat display is still blank, consulting a professional who can troubleshoot the issue quickly and efficiently is the best way to get your thermostat back up and running again. At Grove Heating & Cooling, our team of experts is ready to help you with all your thermostat needs – from repair to replacement. Give us a call today!
2142 Priest Bridge Ct. Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114
