Residential & Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration Tips Blog | Atlantic Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Inc.

Pros and Cons of Tankless Water Heaters: Maybe It’s Time to Switch

March 13th, 2023

Wall-mounted tankless water heater with exposed pipes, gas line, and temperature control knobs.vvvv

Newer construction often comes with tankless water heaters installed rather than tank water heaters, but how come? We know they’re great, but are they really that great or what?

Compared to traditional storage tank models, tankless water heaters offer several advantages, such as greater energy efficiency, higher flow rates in certain scenarios, and operational benefits like endless hot water. While there’s no such thing as perfect, especially when it comes to home plumbing, a tankless water heater is a device that is a step up over tank heaters. They’re seen as the future of home water heating for a reason.

It comes down to this: if you need tankless water heater installation, you should know what the benefits are and be fully aware of all the setbacks. Tankless water heaters are energy efficient due to the elimination of standby heat losses, and they don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with storage tank models. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but we’re willing to bet that you’ll also see the benefits of tankless water heaters.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

Tankless water heaters, sometimes called demand-type or instantaneous water heaters, are designed to deliver hot water only when you need it, no storage tank required. Unlike traditional water heaters that keep a large tank of water hot at all times, most tankless water heaters heat water directly as it flows through the unit. This means when you turn on a hot water faucet, cold water travels through a heat exchanger inside the tankless water heater, where it’s quickly heated by either a natural gas burner or an electric element.

The heart of the system is the heat exchanger, which transfers heat from the gas unit or electric element straight to the water. As soon as you open a hot water faucet, the tankless water heater springs into action, providing a continuous flow of hot water for as long as you need it. Whether you’re running the shower, washing machines, or dishwasher, you’ll get hot water on demand, no waiting for a storage tank to reheat.

One of the biggest advantages of tankless water heaters is their energy efficiency. Because they only heat water when it’s needed, they eliminate standby energy losses that are common with traditional tank models. This makes them a smart choice for households looking to save on energy bills and reduce wasted energy. Plus, tankless water heaters are typically wall mounted, freeing up valuable space in your home and offering flexible installation options, indoors or outdoors, depending on the model and your climate.

However, there are a few factors to consider before installing a tankless water heater. The initial cost and installation can be higher than with a standard tank water heater, since you may need to upgrade your gas line, add venting, or update electrical wiring. It’s important to choose the right model for your household’s hot water demand, as the flow rate of tankless units can be limited if multiple fixtures are used at once. Regular maintenance is also key to keeping your system running efficiently.

Overall, tankless water heaters offer a modern, efficient solution for water heating. With their ability to provide continuous hot water, save energy, and free up space, they’re an appealing option for many homes. By understanding how these systems work and what’s involved in installation, you can decide if a tankless water heater is the right fit for your household’s needs.

Your Commercial Refrigerator Is on Its Last Leg: Here’s How You Can Tell

February 27th, 2023

Your refrigerator won’t last forever. Every appliance has its lifespan, and when yours begins to show signs of wear and tear, it already has one foot in the grave. Well, in this case, junkyard.

Before you panic and start worrying about the implications for your business, you can find signs your refrigerator is dying in Sussex County, DE that still signal a bit of remaining time before it dies completely.

If you don’t know what to look for, or you’ve never had a refrigerator die on you in the past, that’s okay. We’ll fill you in right now. This is what you need to look for.

Pros and Cons of Water Softener Systems

February 13th, 2023

Do you know if you have hard water? Here’s a quick way to tell: scale buildup on your fixtures, in your pipes, or on your dishes. A lot of homes have hard water, and while there are some benefits to it, we’re willing to bet that you’d benefit from a water softener system even more.

Let’s go through the pros and cons of water softener services in Sussex County, DE and see if they line up with what you want for your family.

Those Weird Furnace Noises Explained

January 30th, 2023

Your furnace is reliable, always there when you need it, and you barely notice it’s on. That is, until it starts making a ton of noise.

Once your furnace makes itself known through excessive (and unsettling) noise, that’s when it’s usually time to call for furnace repair in Sussex County, DE.

Let’s walk you through some of these sounds and what they mean so you can be prepared for anything that comes your way.

Telltale Signs Your Heat Pump Needs to Be Replaced ASAP

January 16th, 2023

Heat pumps are just like any other piece of HVAC equipment: they’re only as good as their condition. While they often pose benefits over traditional HVAC systems, they’re not without faults. Your heat pump can give off five major telltale sings that it has one foot in the grave.

You may need heat pump replacement in Sussex County, DE, but before you jump to conclusions, let’s see if your heat pump encounters the problems we’ve listed below.

Tank vs. Tankless: What Should You Replace Your Water Heater With?

December 19th, 2022

Wall-mounted tankless water heater with exposed pipes, gas line, pressure gauge, and temperature control knobs.

Everyone wants more energy efficiency for their home, but they don’t want to sacrifice conveniences for it. Old tank water heaters may not be the best option for many households in Delaware, and that’s okay, because tankless systems are an option. With tankless systems, there is an elimination of the storage tank and the standby energy losses that come with it, resulting in improved efficiency and a continuous hot water supply.

Water heater replacement in Sussex County, DE should benefit you and your accessibility to hot water while lowering energy bills at the same time. Let’s find out which unit makes more sense for your home by comparing some benefits of each.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Better Than a Traditional Tank?

On-demand hot water: Heats water only when needed, so you do not run out during high usage.
Improved energy efficiency: Eliminates standby heat loss from stored water, reducing monthly utility costs.
Longer lifespan: Often lasts 20 years or more with proper maintenance, compared to 8 to 12 years for tank models.
Compact design: Wall-mounted units save space and fit easily in smaller utility areas.
Higher upfront investment: Installation costs can be higher, but long-term energy savings may offset the difference.

How Geothermal Heating and Cooling Works: A Beginner’s Guide

December 5th, 2022

Heating and air conditioning repair system with underground cooling and radiant floor heating illustration.

Geothermal heating and cooling is a new concept to many, which is why we’ve compiled this beginner’s guide. Consider it a quick-start to geothermal and how it works in a residential setting.

With geothermal, you stand to save money, have more consistent heating and cooling, and improve the overall comfort in your home. If you’re curious about geothermal heating and cooling in Sussex County, DE, here’s what you need to know.

What Makes a Refrigerator Commercial Grade?

November 21st, 2022

Woman opening commercial refrigerator and grabbing a bottle of wine.

The fridge in your kitchen isn’t up to the same tasks as a commercial refrigerator in your business, but why is that? What’s the defining feature between a basic refrigerator and a commercial grade unit?

Commercial refrigeration in Sussex County, DE has a list of differences from a standard refrigerator. There’s a reason you never see floor model refrigerators being used in businesses. Here’s what you need to know.

3 Most Common Reasons Your Furnace Breaks Down

November 7th, 2022

Repairman opening the front panel to a furnace to begin inspection and repair.

You don’t want to call for furnace repair in Sussex County, DE, but lo and behold, your furnace broke down again. It’s important to know what to look for before you contact a technician to come out and repair the issue. These are three of the most common problems your furnace runs into that can lead to breakdowns if left unchecked.

6 Most Common Plumbing Problems

October 24th, 2022

Plumber tools on the floor of a bathroom near an open toilet.

Plumbing problems come with the territory of being a homeowner. You can fix some problems on your own such as a clogged drain or a minor leak under the sink, but some issues require a professional plumber. These common issues may require plumbing repair in Sussex County, DE.