Why is humid air needed in the winter?

January 29th, 2013

HumidifierThe unpredictability of Dallas winters creates cold temperatures, and we rely heavily on the ease and quickness of our home’s heating system to keep warm.  Once frigid temperatures begin, many of us quickly head to our thermostats and adjust the heat to warm our home.  While the optimal warm temperature can range from home to home, turning on the heat creates a much dryer environment.  Why is dry air in your home an issue?

Dry air creates low humidity and can make the air in your home feel cooler.  Dry air creates dry skin and chapped lips, can have a negative effect on your nose and throat, and can worsen sinus issues.  One easy and convenient way to keep your home warm while creating a comfortable environment is to introduce humidity to the air with a humidifier.  A humidifier will improve the air quality immediately.  Humidifiers add moisture to the air.  Not only will the added moisture create comfort, it will also help the air retain heat (this will aid in keeping your heat setting regulated).  The first step in creating this warm and less dry atmosphere is finding a humidifier that is right for you.

There are a variety of humidifiers to choose from.  One of the first considerations is the size of your room or home.  Next, you will need to choose the kind of humidifier that will give you the results you desire.  Humidifiers offer many functions such as steam, evaporative mist, warm or cool mist, or the use of ultrasonic technology. With many sizes and styles to choose from, the addition of a humidifier can be a welcome yet stylish accent in any room. Proper maintenance of the humidifier will ensure that your system works to its full capability all winter long.

If you are in need of an efficient heating system or have questions about creating a comfortable environment in your home this winter, contact the professionals at Levy and Son today!

Levy & Son
11024 Indian Trail DallasTX75229 USA 
 • 972-241-8655
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Are you going on vacation? Be sure to turn off your water before leaving!

June 28th, 2012

How can you make sure that your summer vacation isn’t spoiled by flood and water damage?  No one wants to end a vacation with calls to the insurance company and costly home repairs.

Before leaving town for an extended period of time, turn off the water supply valve to the water heater.  Leaking water heaters can result in major damage to your home, especially when you are away for several days.  A water heater tank can fail at any time.  We recommend that every water heater be installed in an aluminum drain pan with discharge piping that extends to the exterior.  In some homes it is not possible to install a discharge pipe to the exterior.  In this case, Levy & Son recommends the installation of a safety valve installed in the drain pan that will automatically shut off the water supply to the heater if less than 1” of water is detected in the pan.

To help protect from a washing machine flood, we recommend installing new braided stainless steel water supply hoses.  Many hoses that are in place today are a basic flexible rubber hose subjected to constant water pressure, often at more than 70 psi.  Over time, the hoses deteriorate and eventually fail.  Replacing these hoses every 5 years will help avoid costly damage to your home.

A flood can happen anytime however, by taking a few precautions you can reduce the risk and possibly limit the damage.  Check your water heater and washing machine on a regular basis. Since some leaks begin slowly and go unnoticed due to their location, it may be best to have an expert from Levy & Son take a look.  Contact us today!

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Water heaters – tank vs. tankless

March 10th, 2012

Conventional storage tank water heaters have been used in commercial and residential applications since the early twentieth century. While most household electronics have taken great strides in terms of new technology and efficiency, the traditional tank water heater has not. Most consumers do not need a lesson in the inefficiencies and problems associated with traditional water heaters as we have all experienced them at one time or another. With energy costs continuing to rise and interest in household technology and environmental stewardship at an all-time high, the concept of “on demand” or tankless water heating has increased dramatically in popularity during the past decade.

The general premise behind a tankless water heater is to only heat water “on demand” as it is needed. This eliminates the need for a storage tank and dramatically increases energy efficiency. Almost every major shortcoming of a conventional water heater is addressed by a tankless system. When deciding between a tank water heater and a tankless water heater, most people take into consideration the convenience of not having to wait for hot water, not running out of hot water, along with, cost, efficiency and long-term maintenance.

The equipment cost of a tankless water heater is about the same as a high-quality tank heater, the difference in cost typically comes from the additional materials involved for installation.

Tankless water heaters have proven to be more efficient. 20-40% of energy consumed by a traditional tank heater is wasted as heat is slowly lost due to radiant heat loss from the storage tank. Tankless water heaters operate entirely on demand only when hot water is needed. Since there is no hot water storage, thermal heat loss is almost completely eliminated; you can reduce water heating costs as much as 50%.

With a tankless, you may have some additional maintenance, depending on the mineral content and quality of your water; you may need to flush your unit’s heat exchanger annually. It is also advised to install a sediment filter on your incoming water line.

Our skilled and professional plumbers can help you choose the water heater that is right for your home or business. We can complete your tank or tankless water heater installation efficiently so that you and your family can enjoy doing everything you need to do with hot water. We also perform tankless heater maintenance and repairs on all makes and models of heaters. Your complete satisfaction is our top priority.

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