What Temperature Is A Heat Pump Not Effective? How Cold Will A Heat Pump Work?

Heat pumps are an excellent choice if you want to maximize efficiency in your home. A heat pump is a special type of HVAC unit that uses refrigerant to move hot and cold air throughout your home.

A heat pump can pump cool air into your home in the summer, and then be reversed in the winter to heat the interior of your home.

Heat pumps are very efficient and mechanically simple, making them very popular for mini split HVAC installations.

But you may have heard that there are no heat pumps that work below freezing.

How cold will heat pumps work, and does it make sense to get a heat pump in an area with cold winter, such as Bethlehem, PA? Find out now!

Why Do Heat Pumps Work Less Effectively When It’s Extremely Cold?

To understand why a heat pump doesn’t work as well in the cold, it’s important to understand how a heat pump functions.

Essentially, a heat pump uses a “refrigerant” to transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors – and vice versa.

When it’s hot in your home, the refrigerant in the heat pump absorbs the heat, and vents it outside. The hot refrigerant is then expanded, which cools it down significantly. Then, a fan blows over this cool refrigerant, pumping cool air back into your home.

In the winter, this process is reversed. The heat pump can absorb heat from the outside air – even when it’s quite cold! Then, the hot refrigerant from the outdoors is pumped into your home, and a fan blows across it to provide heat to the inside of your home.

The refrigerant cools off again, and is pumped back outside to be heated once again.

Even in very cold weather, there is enough heat outside for your heat pump to absorb it and continue heating the inside of your home.

https://youtu.be/wzqTWv8zGlM

However, this is only true to a certain extent – when temperatures get very cold, there may simply not be enough ambient heat to keep the pump running efficiently.

If you have a heat pump and your thermostat is not reaching a set temperature heat when it’s very cold outside, this is likely what is happening. It may be so cold that your heat pump is not operating efficiently.

This is why, traditionally, heat pumps are only recommended for climates where the temperature rarely dips below freezing during the winter. They are not as effective when it’s very cold, in most cases.

However, most heat pumps can be modified with electric “heating strips.” When switched on, these strips provide an extra source of heat for the pump, allowing it to work efficiently at any temperature - this could add more money to your power bill.

What Temperature Is A Heat Pump Not Effective? It Depends on Your Heat Pump!

How cold will a heat pump work? That’s a great question, and it mostly depends on the model of your heat pump. Most standard heat pumps will function at 100% efficiency until the outside temperature reaches about 40° F.

However, when the temperature dips below this, most heat pumps are not able to maintain efficiency. They become much less effective at temperatures between 20° F to 30° F. At lower temperatures, the heat pump will use a lot more energy and will not heat your home as efficiently.

Brands like Mitsubishi are perfecting the efficiency below 30° - ask us about these systems when looking for a new HVAC system install quote.

There are a few stereotypes to heating installation, but this is an exception when it comes to how cold heat pumps will work, though. There are some heat pumps that will work below freezing. For example, there are Mitsubishi H2i heat pumps, which use Hyper-Heat INVERTER technology.

Using a powerful pump unit and a special “flash injection” circuit that injects more refrigerant into the system, these Mitsubishi heat pumps deliver up to 76% efficiency at outdoor temperatures as low as -13° F, and 100% efficiency at temperatures between 0° F and 5° F. In contrast, most conventional heat pumps won’t work at all at temperatures that are this low.

In addition, this system is a ductless “mini-split” system, so it does not require costly ductwork throughout your home. If you’re interested in replacing your HVAC system with an efficient and simple heat pump – or you want to retrofit an older building that doesn’t have room for ducted HVAC – Mitsubishi heat pump products are a great option.

Need Heat Pump Installation or Repairs In Bethlehem, PA? We’re Here to Help!

Whether you want to install a new heat pump like a Mitsubishi H2i in Bethlehem, PA, or you live in the area and have been Googling “heat pump repair near me,” Deluxe Plumbing & Heating is here to help.

We carry and install high-quality Mitsubishi heat pumps that work in even sub-zero temperatures, and we can service and repair all makes & models of heat pumps in Bethlehem.

If you’re having issues with your heat pump during cold temperatures, we can repair your unit and even modify it with electric heating strips to keep it functioning all-year-round. To learn more about our heat pump installation and repair services in Bethlehem, PA, just contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/what-temperature-is-a-heat-pump-not-effective-how-cold-will-a-heat-pump-work

Furnace leaking water when heat is on [4 possible causes]

Okay, so your Furnace is Leaking Water When the Heat Is On?

Heating is important for ensuring the comfort of a home. As a result, interested individuals should monitor their heating system for signs of serious issues that should be checked out by a heating professional sooner rather than later.

One excellent example of such issues would be a furnace leaking water when the heat is on, which could become something worse unless it is acted upon.

What Are Some Potential Causes?

Here are some of the most common causes of furnaces leaking water when the heat is on:

• Condensing Drain Has a Problem

Some people have condensing furnaces, which are high-efficiency furnaces with a second heat exchanger that can extract extra heat from the water vapor vented out in the normal course of things.

If interested individuals are unsure, they can check the material of the vent. This is useful because condensing furnaces have PVC vents while other furnaces have metal vents.

In any case, a condensing furnace might be leaking water because there is a problem with the condensing drain contained therein.

https://youtu.be/v4WMZ5i4c3M

• Condensate Pump Has a Problem

Generally speaking, condensing furnaces drain downwards. However, there are some setups in which the water vapor has to go upwards and outwards. Something that is made possible by the presence of a condensate pump.

Water vapor can't be pumped out when the pump has suffered a serious issue, thus resulting in an eventual leak.

• Humidifier Has a Problem

Not every furnace has a humidifier.

However, those that do are very likely suffering from a humidifier-related problem when they experience a leak.

Unfortunately, there is a wide range of potential causes for said issue. For example, the pad might have become hard and crusty because of mineral build-up, thus making it incapable of absorbing water.

Likewise, the drain might have gotten clogged, meaning that it will need to be cleaned out before it can return to proper functioning.

• Cracked Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is one of the most important components of a furnace. Thanks to this, heat exchanger-related issues are some of the biggest furnace problems.

For instance, a heat exchanger can crack, which in turn, can let out moisture as well as carbon monoxide. This is something that interested individuals should never attempt to handle on their own.

Instead, they should turn off their furnace before calling in heating professionals for a full list of options, which are very likely to boil down to getting a replacement for their broken furnace.

Experiencing furnace problems?

The best solution is to contact reliable and reputable heating professionals such as those with Deluxe Plumbing and Heating, who can handle a wide range of issues with a wide range of furnaces.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/furnace-leaking-water-when-heat-is-on-4-possible-causes

How long does it take an electric hot water heater to heat up?

Is anything as relaxing as a nice, hot soak after a long day?

Or perhaps you prefer to start your day energized by a quick, warm shower.

If you live with a big family, however, sometimes the water runs out too quickly. You may wonder if your water heater is broken or needs replacing. Here's a quick guide to water heaters.

Size First

The biggest question is, how big is your water heater?

Most single-family homes have 40-50 gallon water heaters. You may have to adjust the times given based on how big the water heater is. The times given are also for a complete refill. If you only use, say, half your water tank's capacity at once, the heating time will of course be much less.

⚡ Electric

A working electric water heater can heat 40 gallons of water in just under an hour and a half. More efficient heaters can bring this time down to around an hour.

Gas

A gas water heater in good repair can heat your water in much less time; it usually only takes about thirty to forty minutes.

️ Solar

Since solar generators are usually hooked up to an electricity source, they take the same amount of time as an electric water heater.

There's a couple drawbacks, however.

If your home's power source is completely solar, then you may be without hot water for a long time if the weather is overcast. So if the weather is cold and cloudy, you may end up having to go without hot water unless you have a secondary power system.

Emerging Energy

A few new water heaters on the market take advantage of emerging technology. One example is the tankless water heater. Rather than build up a store of hot water, a tankless heater instantly applies heat to cold water as it moves through your home's pipes and out the faucet or showerhead. These can be expensive, but since they don't have to keep water warm all day, they can pay off in the long run in terms of efficiency. Depending on where you live, a geothermal water heater may also be an option. Let the Earth itself warm your water!

Maintaining Your System

If your water heater is taking much more time than listed here to heat up, it likely needs to be repaired or even replaced. Beyond merely convenient, fixing an inefficient water heater can reduce your home energy bill by as much as 50%! Get ahold of Deluxe Plumbing for a quick and easy consultation.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/how-long-does-it-take-an-electric-hot-water-heater-to-heat-up

Which is cheaper gas or electric heat in Bethlehem, PA?

Choosing between sources of energy to use for your home heating system can be a tough call.

Natural gas and electric heat both come with their own set of upsides and downsides, and it is up to the homeowner to decide which one to use.

Costs are often an imperative factor to homeowners, which will be outlined in this section.

Natural Gas Heating

Natural gas is considered to be an efficient method of heating up your home, which is an important factor to Lehigh Valley and to a greater extent, all northeast Pennsylvania residents, as winters are often times harsh and long here.

Because the state of Pennsylvania has a higher cost on natural gas compared to the national average, it can quickly become a financial liability to many homeowners, if left unbudgeted.

Nevertheless, thanks to technological developments, Pennsylvania residents have saved over $30 billion on natural gas over the past decade.

Despite speculation over the rising costs, it remains the most economical option (usually less than $500) for most residents, due to its competitive pricing scheme.

Electric Heating with Heat Pumps

Quickly becoming a new favorite among residents, it comes with several advantages over traditional gas or oil-based energy.

During warmer periods of the year, when weather conditions are milder, it can provide a sufficient level of heating to homeowners in and around Bethlehem and other parts of the northeast.

In addition, it produces less noise when compared to gas or oil heating, while also being eco-friendly and safer than combustion-based systems. Despite the 3% rise in costs over the past year, the price for electric heating in Pennsylvania still hovers around the national average of 500$ per annum.

It is important to keep in mind that the size of the house and its location will affect costs.

If you are in the market for a new heat system or thinking of switching - we believe heat pumps are the way to go. Heat pumps are quiet, efficient and ,easy to maintain for any age homeowner. The downside of this system is that they can be expensive to install pending on your current situation.

Electric Baseboard Heating

Although they are not as common as other home heating systems, baseboard heating remains in a lot of homes and businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley area.

Being far more discreet than anything else on the list, they make an excellent choice for those who may be disturbed by loud noises. With its simple installation process, alongside individual zone heating controlled by a digital thermostat, it has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years.

However, this method is expensive when compared to an electric heat pump or gas based heating, typically between $500 and $1500.

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Fortunately, there are many calculators that can help you figure out the most efficient heating method for your home, such as this one. If you're in need of a heat pump install contractor, then contact the Deluxe Plumbing & Heating company via (610) 628-1724 to find out more.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/which-is-cheaper-gas-or-electric-heat-in-bethlehem-pa

Why Does my Heat Pump Fan Not Turn On?

Homeowners often find themselves facing issues with their heat pump system. Those issues can extend from the fan or pump not working as intended, or a total failure of the heat pump system.

When the heat pump is running but the fans are not spinning, it is advisable to first check whether there is any debris.

This is not a complicated step, but you must turn off the power before attempting to remove any potential obstacles from the unit, as the fans could cause collateral damage to the user.

Then, remove the top of the heat pump cabinet and check for any potential sticks or critters blocking the fans. Once removed, do not forget to turn the power back on. If the issue persists, here are some potential problems that could cause your fan to not spin.

Sticky Fan Motor

It is possible that the fan is in the early stages of failing. In order to test this, use a stick to give the fan a push. Never use your finger as it can be potentially life risking. If the fan is up and running, motor replacement is needed.

Dead Fan

If the fan remains unresponsive despite giving it a nudge, then either the capacitator or motor has failed. It is not advised to run the heat pump system with defect fans, as they are necessary when cooling the compressor. A dead fan can lead to overheating and irreversible damage to the unit, which will require replacement.

Fortunately, capacitators cost in the range of $150-$275 to replace, which is less than replacing a fan. You may also wish to test the capacitator yourself, provided that you are comfortable working with electricity and have a tester at home.

Running Compressor but Slow Fan

You can check the capacitator yourself, or ask an HVAC technician to test it and determine the problem.

It is possible that your fan has a two stage (speed at about 60% and 100% of capacity) or variable-speed ( speed at about 40% to 100% of capacity) control function, in which case they are running at perfect speed.

If the fan is barely making a sound, then there is a problem, and you may wish to contact one of our HVAC technicians.

No Heat Pump or Fan

Check if your heat pump thermostat is on, and if it's set on the right mode. Ensure that the circuits to the air handler are on.

Your Heat Pump May Simply Be Too Old

If the heat pump is under warranty, meaning that it was purchased less than 12 years ago, then the most sensible option is repairing it.

However, if it was bought over 12 years ago, and has already shown signs of failure, then consider replacing it entirely. One of our HVAC professionals can evaluate which option is most suitable for your particular situation, so give us a call at (610) 628-1724 to receive a free quote or visit and learn more about our heating services.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/why-does-my-heat-pump-fan-not-turn-on

What size water heater do I need in Bethlehem home?

Whether you’re replacing a broken water heater or installing a new one at a new address, you have the opportunity to go green.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, today’s tankless water heaters can be up to 34 percent more efficient than storage tank water heaters.

If realizing that kind of energy savings is important to you, keep reading to find out about the types of tankless water heaters that are on the market and what size tankless water heater that you need for your Bethlehem, PA home.

Types of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are powered by gas or electricity.

Both types of on demand water heaters have their own set of benefits and challenges. Gas tankless water heaters cost more than electric tankless water heaters, but they are often cheaper to operate. Although prices can fluctuate, natural gas is usually less expensive than electricity.

This is worth considering since it’s not uncommon for tankless water heaters to last up to 20 years. The fuel savings over this long-term period can really add up.

Have a large family?

Tankless gas water heaters come in models that address heavy hot water usage needs better than electric tankless water heaters.

Tankless electric water heaters are more energy-efficient to operate than their gas counterparts.

Experts note that about 98 percent of the energy that is used to power these water heaters is used to heat water.

Only about 85 percent of the energy that’s used to power tankless gas water heaters is used to actually heat water. Electric tankless water heaters are also easier to install and maintain than tankless gas water heaters.

Why Size Is Important

Correctly sizing your Bethlehem home’s water heater can mean the difference between a few cold showers on a winter’s morning and complete domestic bliss.

When you’re going for the latter, here are a few factors to consider to get the right size tankless hot water heater.

Space Requirements

When it comes to saving space, tankless water heaters have a considerable edge over storage tank water heaters.

Without a large tank to hide in your utility closet, you’ll have more room to store appropriate tools and accessories. Many electric tankless water heaters take up less space than gas tankless water heaters and are popular with people who have smaller residences.

Besides being smaller than tankless gas water heaters, electric tankless water heaters have fewer components.

They don’t need to be connected to special gas lines, which may require significant gas line rerouting.

If your space isn’t configured to easily handle the installation of a tankless gas water heater, consider installing a tankless water heater electric. This type of tankless water heater offers more flexibility when it comes to water heater placement.

Comfort and Convenience

Having a constant supply of hot water is one of the biggest advantages of going tankless.

However

An undersized tankless water heater will not produce enough hot water to allow your husband to wash the dishes while your teenager takes a shower.

Most modern households are busy with school sporting events, preparing home-cooked meals, and doing laundry and other household chores.

The last thing that you need is to have your three children wait in line for a shower after soccer, cross-country, and softball practices.

What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

Since getting the right size water heater is so important, you’ll want help from professionals to determine the right size of water heater that fits your needs and to install it safely.

Here are some factors that professional plumbers consider when they find the size requirement for your tankless water heater.

Home Size

If you have a compact home, chances are high that you can get away with installing a smaller-than-average tankless water heater.

When you turn on your faucet, cold water is passed through an electric element or a gas burner to produce heated water on demand. A house that has only one bathroom, a small kitchen, and laundry will more than likely get as much water as it needs from a standard whole house tankless water heater.

A large home that has multiple luxury bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, and a commercial-grade washing machine will need a larger tankless water heater or more than one unit.

Reputable plumbers go beyond calculating water heater size by using average house size estimates. They investigate usage requirements based on household size, flow rates, and temperature rise.

Household Size

The number of people in your household and their hot water usage habits are key variables in the quest for a correctly sized tankless water heater.

In a large household of seven or more people, you can expect that multiple people will want to use hot water at the same time to do different activities.

You’ll also want to consider how your hot water needs impact water heater sizing if you enjoy entertaining friends and family at your home regularly.

Understanding the frequency of your family’s peak hot water usage times helps plumbers to find out if a particular tankless water heater model can produce enough hot water to support your household’s needs.

Flow Rate

Whether you’re running your faucet to brush your teeth in the morning or running your dishwasher after dinner, you’ll want to know the flow rates of all of your taps to choose the correct water heater size.

Asking how much water does a shower use and how much hot water does a washing machine need to complete a regular wash load are great starting points to determine the type and size of tankless water heater that you’ll need.

Here are some average flow rates for common hot water needs.

• Shower 2 gallons per minute
• Dishwasher 2.5 gallons per minute
• Laundry 3.5 gallons per minute

If you want to use your shower and the other listed appliances simultaneously, you’ll need a tankless water heater that has a flow rate of at least 8 gallons per minute.

You can also conserve water and help your tankless water heater to operate more efficiently by installing low-flow faucets, shower heads, and other fixtures.

Temperature Rise

Tankless water heater flow rates take water supply temperatures into consideration. If your water supply temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, then you’ll need a water heater that can raise the temperature of your tap water by 50 degrees Fahrenheit to accommodate a comfortable shower of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you have a low-powered tankless water heater, you may have to wait for the water to get hot.

Finding Water Heater Installation Near Me

Whether you decide to install a tankless water heater or a traditional tank water heater, Deluxe Heating and Plumbing can help.

Our plumbers have many years of experience sizing water heater systems to fit a range of household sizes in Bethlehem, PA.

Besides recommending well-known water heater brands that come with generous, peace-of-mind warranties, we back our installation work with a solid warranty that’ll give you the confidence that you need to move forward with your investment.

Give us a call today to find out more details about the pros and cons of installing a tankless water heater vs tank water heater and to get a free quote on installation service.

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/what-size-water-heater-do-i-need-in-bethlehem-home

What Is the Best Water Treatment System for Well Water Calcium?

If you have well water that’s high in calcium and other mineral deposits, you may be wondering what the best water treatment system is for your well.

Can you benefit from a whole home filtration system to remove the calcium and soften your water?

In this guide from Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, we’ll give you our recommendation for the best water treatment system for well water calcium – read on, and learn more.

Why Should I Invest in A Whole Home Filtration System For Well Water Calcium?

If your well water has a lot of calcium and other minerals like magnesium, that means you have “hard” water, which can cause a wide variety of different problems.

Some of these issues, like faster soap scum buildup on your shower, are merely inconvenient – but over time, mineral deposits can also cause issues with your well pump system, your pipes, and your plumbing appliances.

This is because the mineral deposits from your well will continue to build up in your plumbing over time, and can cause poor drainage, restricted water pressure, and other such problems that may require additional maintenance – or even the replacement of some of your plumbing systems.

To eliminate “hard” water and minerals like calcium and magnesium, it’s best to invest in a water treatment system such as a water softener, which will pull these minerals out of your water before they reach your taps, showers, and appliances.

What’s the Best Water Treatment System For Well Water Calcium?

At Deluxe Plumbing & Heating, our recommendation is a combination whole home filtration system from Puronics.

Puronics offers both whole home filtration systems and water softeners, ensuring that you get the highest quality water from your well.

Some Puronics products, such as the Filtramax IGEN B, combine a water softener with a filter to remove any suspended solids, such as sediment, from your water – ensuring that you have the best quality well water for your home.

This makes day-to-day tasks like showering, washing dishes and clothes, and washing your hands more convenient and safe, and also gives you and your family the best quality drinking water.

Not only that, but Puronics also offers advanced whole home filtration systems that can help you remove well contaminants like chloramine, sulfur, acid, HAAs, and chlorine, providing you with water that’s crystal-clear and safe to drink – even if your well has issues with odors and contaminants.

How Do I Know If I Need A Water Treatment System For Well Water Calcium?

Not sure if a water treatment system or whole home filtration system is necessary for your well?

A few signs that you may have excessive levels of calcium in your water include:

• Frequent buildup of soap scum in showers and sinks
• Film that builds up on your body or hair while showering
• Discoloration of clothing or spots on dishes while washing using well water
• Whitish buildup around taps and showerheads
• Reduced water pressure or poor drainage

Think your well water may have too much calcium, or other minerals or contaminants?

The best way to be sure of the quality of your well water is to have a water test performed.

You can perform a water test using a home testing kit, or hire Deluxe Plumbing & Heating to conduct the test.

Once you get your results, you can get a comprehensive overview of all of the minerals and compounds in your water – and choose the right whole home filtration system for your needs.

So don’t wait.

Get a water test now, and see if you need a water softener, or a filtration system to remove well water calcium.

Contact Deluxe Plumbing & Heating To Get A Water Treatment System Today!

If you’re worried about the quality of your well water and believe you have too much calcium or other minerals in your water, Deluxe Plumbing & Heating is here to help.

With years of experience and high-quality products from Puronics, we can help you get the whole home water purification system you need for your well water.

To get a quote for the products installed for this customer please contact us online or give us a call at 610-628-1724 to get started.

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Puronics products in the over image are:

• Defender IGEN B
• FA Series

source https://www.deluxeplumbing.com/post/what-is-the-best-water-treatment-system-for-well-water-calcium