Selecting A Tankless Hot Water Heater

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Posted on 22nd November 2010 by admin in Air Conditioning |Cooling |Heating |News |Plumbing

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What To Consider When Selecting A Tankless Hot Water Heater For Your Needs

The beauty of tankless water heaters is that they will only provide hot water throughout the home as it is needed.  The traditional storage water heaters you are used to typically produce standby energy that costs you a great deal of money.  Instead of running hot water when you are away from the home or when there is no need for it, a tankless water heater can help you to start saving.

With these water heaters, cold water actually travels through the pipe into the unit when a hot water tap is turned on.  With electric units the electric element heats the water while gas-fired units have a gas burner that heats the water.  Instead of waiting for a storage tank to fill up with hot water, there is a constant supply of hot water with tankless units.  They can provide hot water at a rate of 2-5 gallons per minute.

Now that you know a little bit about tankless units, how do you know which one is suitable for your home?  The first thing you will want to look at is the fuel type.  The two options to choose from include an electric water heater and a gas-fired water heater.

If it is an electric water heater you want to go with, look at the voltage, amperage, and circuit breaker.  If it is a gas-fired unit you will be going with, look at whether it is natural gas or propane, what venting requirements are needed, and make sure to purchase Category III stainless steel venting.

The second thing to look at location, size and demand.  It is imperative you think about where in the home you will be needing hot water.  Do you want a unit that will supply hot water for the entire home, a single floor, or even just a single bathroom?  Knowing the number of fixtures that will need hot water can help identify demands.

The final thing to think about is what kind of application you want inside of your home.  There are countless options to choose from allowing you to find the perfect tankless hot water heater for your needs.

One option is a single point application where only one fixture will require an electric water heater.  Another option is a thermostatic water heater, which will serve as a booster for temperature loss from long pipe runs, dishwashers and sanitation.  These are particularly good for applications where you need to have an exact temperature control.

Identifying your needs and where the unit will be placed can help you decide on the right tankless hot water heater.  Just know you can save a great deal of money by going tankless inside your home.

Problems To Be Wary Of

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Posted on 13th November 2010 by admin in Uncategorized

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Plumbing, Heating And Air Problems To Be Wary Of

Although home improvement is something no one desires taking care of, it is something you will battle frequently.  Plumbing, heating and air are three of the most prevalent areas to get used to as a homeowner.  Here are some common problems you too will likely face at some point in time.

The first of the plumbing, heating and cooling problems to focus on is plumbing.  Everyone faces a blocked sink from time to time whether it is with a build up of grease or old food.  Using a round sink plunger and pacing the cup of it over the drain can help clear the blockage.  Snaking a piece of wire down the drain is another option.

If you have a leaking faucet, you will first want to turn off the water at the main.  From there, remove the faucet cover in order to unscrew the handle.  At the bottom will be a washer that you need to replace.  If there is still a leak after replacing the washer, you will need to tighten the handle more.  Other plumbing issues to be wary of include blocked toilets and the dishwasher not draining.

The second part of the plumbing, heating and air trio is heating within your home.  A lot of people still use natural gas furnaces, which can raise a number of potential dangers.  The first thing to be concerned with is poisoning as certain by-products can be produced from a gas furnace.  Unchecked emissions can cause indoor air to become contaminated and a faulty flue vent can cause reversal of emissions inwards.

Another thing to keep in mind with gas furnaces is accidental fires, which can be caused by improper storage of items in your house.  There are a number of items that can easily activate combustion in the furnace room.  Make sure you do not keep gasoline, cleaning powders, paper or wood near the furnace.  Just be smart about what you keep near or around the gas furnace.

The last aspect of plumbing, heating and air within your home to be cautious of is the air unit.  The easiest thing to keep an eye on with your air conditioning unit is the Freon level.  You can see what level your unit is at with a simple gauge and judge that off of what it should consist of by looking at the number on the outside of the unit.

Electrical problems can arise as well if it is not operating properly, is blowing hot air, or does not turn on at all.  First, check to see if it has blown a fuse or circuit breaker.  Some electrical problems can also include wiring, the compressor, or a fan motor issue.  These are things you may need to call an electrician to take a look at.

Problems are bound to happen with plumbing, heating and air within your home.  Keep in mind the common problems listed in this article to help you identify what you may be facing.

Preventing Heat Stroke – A Hot Weather Killer

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Posted on 26th February 2010 by admin in Uncategorized

At Mathis Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we care about the whole community.  This means looking after our neighbors and loved ones as temperatures rise.  Everyone knows to get their air related equipment ready for the summer time.  Heat exhaustion takes up hours of our time if we don’t properly cool our homes.  It’s necessary to have air conditioning or central air when the temperatures rise about 88 degrees.

However, some older adults and disabled adults are more susceptible to getting heat stroke.  Children are typically well supervised, but we sometimes forget about some older and disabled adults being on their own more.  They may not realize that the temperatures are really high.  They may forget to turn on a fan.  They may also not be able to afford steep energy costs.

If you are out in the community, you may see an older or disabled adult that looks like they are in distress.  If you are outdoors and it is hot, you might want to ask them if they are okay.  If they don’t respond or seem unable to respond, move them into the shade immediately.  Ask other adults to assist you so you aren’t doing it on your own.  Have someone call an ambulance immediately.  Do not attempt to give an older or disabled adult fluids if they aren’t responsive and talking.  Some individuals have a hard time with swallowing.

Here are other signs of heat stroke, hyperthermia, or heat exhaustion:

Keep in mind – Heat Stroke is a Serious Emergency!!!!  Call an ambulance right away if you suspect a person has had a heat stroke.

Not sweating (despite the heat and everyone else is sweating)

Acting delirious

Being in a coma/non-responsive

Temperature over 104° F

Staggering, confusion, being grouchy, stumbling

Disabled Adults and Children

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Posted on 26th February 2010 by admin in Uncategorized

Retrofitting Plumbing for Disabled Adults and Children

At Mathis Plumbing, Heating, and Air, we care about the whole community.  We understand that any home, at any time, can suddenly need to accommodate a disabled child or adult.  As a company that professionally serves our community’s heating, plumbing and air needs in any way they require.  We are prepared to help you with any plumbing issues that you need to have installed or changed.

Common plumbing related adjustments include:

Hand / grab rails

Installing a new toilet

Bathroom adaptation

Walk-in shower / low level access

Kitchen sink adaptation

Lever Taps in all sinks, tubs, and showers

Temperature control

Of course, some of these may seem very obvious at first.  However, some individuals, due to minor or major disability, have trouble with seemingly simple things like hot water.  To some, keeping a shower at the same constant and precise temperature is important.  Without this precision, they could risk fainting, slipping, seizure, or other injuries.  For this reason, we are here to help you install, select and understand any bathing and plumbing equipment that you may require.

When you have a chronic long term disability like multiple sclerosis or other autoimmune disorders like Lupus, heat sensitivity can be extreme.  If you need other help adjusting contributing services like hot water heaters, we are only a phone call away.  We can help you assess the situation and get the right equipment in place.   As a professional company with over 60 years of service, these kinds of complicated projects are well within our grasp.

Feel free to call anytime.   Our staff will professionally modify and retrofit any plumbing to help you, a friend, or beloved family member feel more comfortable.  We are also experienced in the paperwork required to get reimbursements for our disabled customers and their families.  Let us help you get back every dollar you spend by filling out the paperwork correctly.  We also offer referrals to trusted friends in the carpentry and home modification industries for your convenience.

Welcome to mathis Plumbing Heating & Air

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Posted on 4th February 2010 by admin in Uncategorized

As a family owned and operated business, we have been proudly serving the indoor comfort needs of friends and neighbors like you since 1952.

Today we still adhere to the same principals set forth by company founders Ralph and Betsy Mathis, and that is to strive – and never settle – for anything short of perfection.

Our many services include plumbing,drain cleaning, heating, air conditioning,indoor air quality, and more. Plus, you can count on Mathis for system installation, routine maintenance, expert repairs.. no matter what the problem or home comfort need.

At Mathis Plumbing and Heating Company, INc., it`s never business as usual. You see, we believe the most important “product” we provide is your increased home comfort, safety and, ultimately, peace of mind. Beyond superior products and service, we adhere to a code of ethics and a set of company guarantees you can count on… no matter what.