post

Water Heater Installation Techniques

by Posted in HVAC Tagged , , , , , ,

Hooking up a new water heater requires a lot of moving parts. A licensed plumber can install your new water heater safely, according to local codes.

Water Heater Installation

Working on an energized circuit can cause severe injury or death from electrical shock. Make sure the power is off before starting any work. Contact Water Heater Installation Denver for professional help.

The first step in installing a water heater involves collecting the necessary tools and materials. This includes the new water heater itself, as well as plumbing supplies and power tools such as a pipe wrench, pliers, copper tubing, Teflon tape, a voltage tester, a drill, and a hacksaw. It is also a good idea to have some steel wool on hand, as it can be used to clean up any excess debris that may be on the pipes before soldering them.

Before beginning any work, shut off the gas and water supply valves to the old hot water heater, and make sure that the water is fully drained from the existing pipes. This can help prevent scalding while you are working on the new installation, as well as helping to reduce the risk of accidental leaks around the new system.

Once the old water heater is disconnected, turn off the electricity to the unit. If there is a junction box cover on the hot water heater, remove it to expose the electrical wiring connections. Before connecting any wires, carefully read the printed installation instructions and safety warnings on the tank. You should also familiarize yourself with any local building codes or regulations that might apply to your particular installation.

You will need to connect the new water heater to the existing pipes. If you are using copper pipes, it’s a good idea to solder elbow joints onto one end of each pipe. This will help prevent leakages and allow you to connect the pipes securely, without needing to use a wrench. You should also consider installing insulation on the pipes, especially if they are located in an uninsulated area of your home.

When making the gas pipe connections, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a thread sealant designed for gas lines. It is also a good idea to install a sediment trap on the gas line going into the new water heater, as this can help protect the unit from mineral deposits. Once all of the connections are made, you can replace the junction box cover on the water heater.

Venting

A vent is a hole or passage through which smoke, gas or odors escape. A vent is also a way to express one’s feelings: She telephoned her best friend to vent about the latest happenings.

A new water heater needs a proper venting system to safely release combustion fumes and excess water out of the house. The venting requirements are different for gas and electric models. Gas models use natural or propane gas and rely on the building’s existing gas line to power the burner. Electric models use electricity to power the heater’s heating elements and depend on a dedicated circuit to run the pump. Depending on the model and your home’s current piping setup, the cost of installing a new gas or electric venting system may be $500 to $2,500.

The vent pipe must extend from the gas valve (Photo 6) to the outside and up through the roof. The vent should rise at least 12 in. before turning at the first elbow, and the pipe should be sloped to drain. To test the draft, close all doors and windows and move a lit match around the edge of the flue. If the flame flickers and fumes aren’t drawn up the vent pipe, the chimney is blocked or the ventilation system doesn’t work. Call a licensed plumber to fix the problem.

Many localities require that the venting system be changed from an atmospheric vent to a direct vent. In this system, a double-chambered pipe carries gases out of the house while fresh air is allowed in. It’s usually more expensive to install this system, and it can be challenging to do so in an existing home without modifying the structure’s plumbing.

After the venting is finished, turn off the gas at the valve near the water heater. Shut off the main water supply as well and drain the water by opening a faucet on the lowest floor. Next, connect the new temperature and pressure relief valve to the gas line by coating its threaded ends with pipe joint compound and screwing on the first nipple. Coat the remaining nipples with more compound and screw them on with pipe wrenches, then replace the vent hood.

Electrical

If the new water heater is an electric model, you need to have a professional electrician install a new circuit breaker and run a cable (2-pole, 30-amp breaker with 10-2NM cable) from the power source to the tank. This is typically done outside of the home and requires some carpentry work (if necessary). If your water heater uses gas, it will need a new natural or propane gas line to be run to the appliance. A professional plumber will need to make these connections as well.

If you have copper pipes that you need to cut for the water heater installation, clean them with sandpaper cloth and prepare them for soldering by applying a layer of pipe thread compound to each end. This will help ensure that the piping is properly sealed and will prevent leaks down the road. It’s also a good idea to have the professionals install a new hot water shut off valve at the water heater and a cold water shut off valve in your home, so you can easily turn off your water supply for maintenance without having to shut off your entire home.

Once the water lines are prepared, turn off the power to your water heater by turning off the circuit breaker that’s marked “water heater.” Turn off the gas if you have a gas-powered model and drain the old tank before removing it from the area.

Then, disconnect the electrical wires from the junction box at the top of the water heater by removing the plastic cover and insulation. Identify the black and white circuit wires by looking at their coloring or the label tags on the water heater. The white wire is the “hot” wire, while the black wire is the “neutral” wire. Connect the wires to each other using wire connectors and attach them to the grounding wire on the junction box. Use your label tag or a picture of how the wires were connected to help you remember where each one goes. Replace the junction box cover and insulation.

After the new water heater is in place, reconnect the wires by following your labels or the photos you took of the original connections. Connect the grounding wire to the green ground screw and replace the junction box cover. Once everything is in place, it’s time to turn the power back on and test your new water heater.

Installation

It’s important to work with a professional plumber on any water heater installation project. Not only can they ensure that your new system is installed correctly, but they can help you figure out which model and type of water heater is best for your home. This process involves figuring out how much hot water you use during peak times, so that you can choose an appropriately sized unit.

After removing the old water heater, make sure that the drainage pipe is connected to a drain pan. It’s also a good idea to install a new temperature and pressure relief valve on the drain line. This is an important safety feature, and it’s required by local plumbing codes.

Once the plumbing connections are made, you can connect the new water heater to the water lines and the electric power wires (if it’s an electric unit). Make sure that the drain valve is open and closed before switching on the water. It’s a good idea to install a manual shutoff valve before and after the heater as well. This will allow you to shut off the water supply to the heater for repairs or maintenance without having to shut off your whole house.

To make the connection, wrap the threads on two galvanized plastic-lined nipples with plumber’s tape and screw them onto the cold water inlet and hot water outlet openings on the top of the heater. Alternatively, you can prepare new pipe assemblies by cutting two lengths of copper pipe and soldering them together. To prevent the pipes from collapsing, you can use FIP adapters.

Before connecting the electrical cables, remove the cover from the electrical junction box on the top of the water heater and disconnect the wire connectors and cable clamp from the two power wires. You may need to use a cable cutter and tubing cutter to disconnect the pipes.

If the water heater is gas, you’ll need to disconnect the draft hood and cut the vent pipe from the top of the heater. You’ll also need to disconnect the gas control valve on the gas line by using a pipe wrench or channel-lock pliers.

post

Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips

by Posted in HVAC Tagged , , , , , ,

For safety reasons, it’s important to shut off power to the air conditioner before you begin working on maintenance tasks. You can do this on the exterior unit with an external shut-off box or at your breaker box inside your home.

Moisture buildup from a clogged condensation line can damage ductwork and insulation in your home. Cleaning it is a simple but vital AC maintenance task. You can hire a professional Hubbard Mechanical air conditioning expert to do the job for you.

ac maintenance

Check The Thermostat

Keeping your thermostat in good working condition is crucial to the proper operation of your air conditioning system. If you notice that the temperature in your home isn’t getting as cool as it used to, or if the system keeps turning itself on and off, there may be a problem with your thermostat.

First, make sure the thermostat switch is in the on position and that it’s set to “cool” or “AC.” Then check to see if any override programs are engaged. Also, make sure the batteries are in good shape or replace them if needed.

Older mechanical thermostats can suffer from dust buildup and corrosion. If you have one of these, enlist the help of a friend to hold it while you remove the faceplate and clean it thoroughly. If yours is a digital model, consult its owner’s manual to verify the correct settings and troubleshooting instructions.

If you have a two-wire thermostat, it’s relatively easy to test for correct voltage with a multimeter. Turn off the power to your home’s furnace and remove the thermostat cover to expose the wires. Then touch the probes of your multimeter to each of the wires connected to the thermostat body. If your meter reads 24 volts AC, the thermostat is connected correctly.

If the voltmeter does not read any voltage, you will need to take the thermostat apart to determine if the bimetallic element is bad or if it has simply burned out. Then you can replace it or contact a professional for further assistance.

A multimeter is an inexpensive tool that can be very useful for testing many electrical circuits. If you are not experienced in using one, however, we recommend consulting an expert before trying to repair or replace a thermostat. Having an experienced professional perform an inspection, check-up, or tune-up is the best way to ensure that your HVAC equipment functions properly. An experienced technician can quickly identify the problem and fix it before it becomes worse. They can also help you maintain your equipment with tips for proper maintenance and repair.

Clean The Evaporator

A dirty evaporator coil will restrict airflow through the system, causing the equipment to work harder than it should and possibly shortening its lifespan. You can help prevent this by regularly cleaning the coils inside your home.

This task is easier than it sounds. First, you’ll want to make sure that the unit is turned off before you begin. You can do this by turning off the power at either the thermostat, a switch near the outdoor unit, or at the breaker box.

Next, locate the evaporator coils. These are usually located on top of the air handler in your basement, closet, or attic. Look for a removable access panel held in place by screws or tape. Remove the panel and use a nylon brush to clean any dust off the coils. Then rinse the coils using a garden hose (NOT a power washer; too much pressure can bend or damage the delicate fins). Be sure to clean the access panel and screw it back in place afterward.

If the coils are heavily soiled, it’s best to leave this task to a licensed Carrier indoor comfort specialist. They’ll turn off the system at the thermostat or switch or at the power cutoff near the outdoor unit, then remove and inspect the evaporator coils for any debris like leaves or flowers that may have clung to them. They’ll also inspect the condensate drain for any blockages.

Then they’ll apply a commercial cleaner to the coils and allow it to sit and foam until both the dirt and the cleaner are drained away. Finally, they’ll wipe down the coils with a soft cloth.

In addition to this maintenance, it’s important to keep the area surrounding your outdoor unit free of obstructions. Trim any shrubs or flower beds that may restrict the airflow around the unit and regularly sweep away the grass clippings, leaves, and other debris. Make sure that there’s a clear 12 inches of space between your AC unit and any trees or shrubs. Also check the ground level regularly to ensure that it doesn’t shift, as this could cause the unit to become unbalanced and prone to breakage or even separation from your house.

Clean The Condenser

One of the most important parts of your air conditioning maintenance routine is cleaning the condenser. This part of your system is located outside for central and window units, or inside the machine for portable units. Condenser coils are the most important parts of an AC unit, and a clean condenser helps to ensure proper operation and efficiency.

Before you begin cleaning the coils, be sure that the power to the unit is shut off. This can be done either by turning off the circuit breaker that corresponds to your AC in your home’s breaker box or by switching off the power at the disconnect switch near your outdoor unit (this may have a lever, a switch, or a fuse block that you can pull out to shut off the power). Always wear rubber gloves while working on electrical connections.

Next, you need to gather a few tools for the job. This includes a shop vacuum, a pump-up garden sprayer with a fine or wide spray attachment and a coil cleaning solution concentrate, a brush for removing large chunks of dirt, a garden hose, and a fin comb (available at most hardware stores). It is also helpful to have some pruning shears handy if any plants are growing too close to the unit and need to be cut back.

Once you’ve gathered your tools, start by removing the fan from the unit if possible. This will allow you to access the coils more easily and can save you a lot of work. It’s also a good idea to remove any debris around the unit until there are two feet of clearance all the way around.

With the fan removed, you can start to clean the condenser coil. This should be done with a brush or a vacuum that has a brush attachment to remove the larger pieces of dirt and dust. Then, use the sprayer to rinse the coils and the fins with water. Be sure to keep the pressure low and avoid direct contact with the fins, as they can easily be bent or crushed.

Check The Filters

An air conditioning system has a filter that acts as the first point of contact for the air that passes through it. This is an essential function that helps to keep dust, hair, and other contaminants from reaching different parts of the unit, thus ensuring proper operation. Over time, the filter can accumulate a significant amount of this debris, causing problems that are easy to prevent with regular maintenance.

In general, it is recommended that the filter be changed at least once every three months, but this can vary depending on several factors such as whether you have pets in your home and the type of filter you use. To ensure that the filter is replaced on time, it is a good idea to put a reminder in your calendar or on an app such as your phone’s day planner.

Before you change the filter, make sure that the power to the air conditioner is turned off. This is to prevent the risk of touching live voltage or having any other debris sucked into the unit. Next, you should remove the old filter and clean the slot where it was placed before inserting the new one. Finally, you should check that the arrow on the filter frame points away from the return air duct and toward the air handler cabinet.

A professional can help you choose the right filter for your needs and provide advice on how often you should change it. For example, some filters have a MERV rating that indicates how effective they are at trapping airborne particles, with the higher ratings providing better filtration.

In addition to checking the filter, you should also make sure that the evaporator coil and the condenser are free of any dirt or debris. It is a good idea to clean these areas before summer arrives so that you don’t have to worry about them when you’re trying to enjoy the warm weather. Finally, you should always be careful to keep plants, weeds, and other vegetation at least 18 inches away from the outdoor unit. This will help to prevent them from getting sucked into the condenser, which could result in a costly repair bill for your HVAC system.