How to Reduce The Condensation On Your Windows

A big issue during the winter months in the midwest is condenstation on the windows.  Here are a few things to look out for courtesy of the folks at EHOW.

1.Why is there more moisture occurring on my windows this winter ? There are a few reasons. It may be colder outside. You may be trying to save money by turning down your thermostat (too low). Your house is built better, there are no air leaks. You are not bringing in any fresh (dry winter) air. You are not using your bathroom fan when you shower and kitchen fan when you cook. You are not getting warm air flow across your windows. You have older single pain windows.
2.To understand what is happening we need to look at some basic environmental science. Cool air is able to hold less moisture than warm air. Therefore, when the warm, moist air inside the house comes into contact with the cool glass surface, some water vapor that can no longer be held by the cooled air is deposited on the glass. The point on which the water condenses is called the "Dew Point" If it is the inside face of the glass - you want to change that.
3.If you can have more warm air flowing across the inside face of the window this will keep the water from condensing on it's surface. Do not have drapes or blinds closed on your window - they will impede the flow of warm air.
4.Don't lower the inside temperature of your home too low. Colder air cannot hold the moisture and it will condense on your windows.
5.Turn on your bathroom fans when you are running water, showering or bathing. Turn on your kitchen fan when you are boiling water in the kitchen.
6.On days when the temperature is not too cold - open a window and turn a fan on. This will draw dry air from the outside in and push the moist air out.
7.Consider installing ceiling fans in large open areas - this will push the warm air back down and across any large windows.
8.Wipe off any moisture before the water leaks down inside your walls and causes mold. Eventually you will find a balance between comfortable humidity levels and too much moisture on your windows. Buy a hygrometer and try to keep your humidity levels around 35-40 during the winter months. (Hygrometers are instruments used for measuring humidity)
How to Reduce The Condensation On Your Windows eHow.com

To learn more about what ServiceOne can do to help you with your window condensation problem call 563-556-0666 today! ServiceOneDubuque.com

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

With everyone trying to save money these days on their energy bills the curiousity for tankless water heaters has risen dramatically.  Here's a great article for you courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy

Demand (Tankless or Instantaneous) Water Heaters

Demand (tankless or instantaneous) water heaters provide hot water only as it is needed. They don't produce the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters, which can save you money. Here you'll find basic information about how they work, whether a demand water heater might be right for your home, and what criteria to use when selecting the right model.

How They Work

Demand water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. Therefore, they avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. Either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water. However, a demand water heater's output limits the flow rate.

Typically, demand water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons (7.6–15.2 liters) per minute. Gas-fired demand water heaters produce higher flow rates than electric ones. Sometimes, however, even the largest, gas-fired model cannot supply enough hot water for simultaneous, multiple uses in large households. For example, taking a shower and running the dishwasher at the same time can stretch a demand water heater to its limit. To overcome this problem, you can install two or more demand water heaters, connected in parallel for simultaneous demands of hot water. You can also install separate demand water heaters for appliances—such as a clothes washer or dishwater—that use a lot of hot water in your home.

Other applications for demand water heaters include the following:

·         Remote bathrooms or hot tubs

·         Booster for appliances, such as dishwashers or clothes washers

·         Booster for a solar water heating system.

Although gas-fired demand water heaters tend to have higher flow rates than electric ones, they can waste energy if they have a constantly burning pilot light. This can sometimes offset the elimination of standby energy losses when compared to a storage water heater. In a gas-fired storage water heater, the pilot light heats the water in the tank so the energy isn't wasted. The cost of operating a pilot light in a demand water heater varies from model to model. Ask the manufacturer how much gas the pilot light uses for the model you're considering. If you purchase a model that uses a standing pilot light, you can always turn it off when it's not in use to save energy. Also consider models that have an intermittent ignition device (IID) instead of a standing pilot light. This device resembles the spark ignition device on some gas kitchen ranges and ovens.

For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. They can be 8%–14% more energy efficient for homes that use a lot of hot water—around 86 gallons per day. You can achieve even greater energy savings of 27%–50% if you install a demand water heater at each hot water outlet.

Selecting a Demand Water Heater

Demand water heaters cost more than conventional storage water heaters. However, you may find that a demand water heater may have lower operating and energy costs, which could offset its higher purchase price.

Before buying a demand water heater, you also need to consider the following:

·         Size

·         Fuel type and availability.

·         Energy efficiency (energy factor)

·         Estimate costs.

For information about specific demand water heater models, see the Product Information resources listed on the right side of this page (or below if you've printed out this page).

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance of your demand water heater can optimize its energy efficiency.

Proper installation depends on many factors. These factors include fuel type, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues, especially concerning the combustion of gas-fired water heaters. Therefore, it's best to have a qualified plumbing and heating contractor install your demand water heater. Do the following when selecting a contractor:

·         Request cost estimates in writing

·         Ask for references

·         Check the company with your local Better Business Bureau

·         See if the company will obtain a local permit if necessary and understands local building codes, etc.

If you're determined to install your water heater yourself, first consult the manufacturer. Manufacturers usually have the necessary installation and instruction manuals. Also, contact your city or town for information about obtaining a permit, if necessary, and about local water heater installation codes.

Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years. They also have easily replaceable parts that extend their life by many more years. In contrast, storage water heaters last 10–15 years. Periodic water heater maintenance can significantly extend your water heater's life and minimize loss of efficiency. Read your owner's manual for specific maintenance recommendations.

Improving Energy Efficiency

After your demand water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additional energy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills. Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater.

To find out more about tankless water heaters in Dubuque contact ServiceOne today at 563-556-0666

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