What You Need to Know Before Installing a New Water Heater

April 22nd, 2024
Steaming hot water flowing from a faucet, indicating effective boiler installation.

Are you considering upgrading your water heater? A new system can boost your home’s energy efficiency and provide consistent, reliable access to hot water. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice for your water heater installation in Cedar Falls, courtesy of your trusted experts: Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc.

What should you know before installing a new boiler?

  • Determine the right type and size for your home: boilers must match your heating load and household hot water demand to avoid inefficiency or inadequate output.
  • Check energy efficiency ratings and long‑term operating costs: higher initial cost for an efficient boiler is often offset by savings on fuel bills.
  • Ensure proper installation by professionals and compliance with local building and safety codes.
  • Plan for removal of old unit and correct placement of venting, piping, and clearances to maintain safe operation.
  • After installation, regular maintenance, including annual inspections, flushing, and checking controls, helps extend lifespan and prevent common issues.

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No Cooling? A Step By Step Guide of What to Do

April 15th, 2024

People are used to immediate results when it comes to an appliance. You flip the switch and it should start working right away. Think about the lights in your home or your television, when you press the button or flip the switch, you can probably imagine how it’s supposed to react. This instant gratification is important because when a system doesn’t operate exactly as it should, you might start getting worried.

This is normal, but it can be stressful when it has to do with your cooling system. Air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA is pretty important, especially when hot temperatures are right around the corner. It feels like heatwaves are coming earlier and earlier each year, which means time is running out.

If you turn your system on and don’t feel any cooling, then be sure to follow our guide to alleviate any panic. It’s going to be okay!

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A Brief History of HVAC: Evolution of Modern Comfort

April 8th, 2024
woman-technician-working-on-boiler

The history of HVAC is a fascinating journey that spans centuries, evolving from early attempts to control indoor climates to the sophisticated systems we rely on today. Let’s explore this evolution, highlighting key milestones that have shaped modern comfort.

When searching for an HVAC contractor in Waukee, it’s important to consider their knowledge of HVAC advancements and their commitment to energy-efficient solutions. Contractors who stay abreast of the latest HVAC technologies will ensure a comfortable and environmentally friendly home for years to come.

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IAQ Tips: Making Your Air More Breathable

April 8th, 2024

Indoor air quality is often overlooked when compared to heating or cooling. After all, it’s much easier to detect a problem with your heater on a cold day when you’re literally shivering and chattering your teeth! Likewise, summertime temperatures are almost unbearable without proper air conditioning. But many people have the ability to get used to their indoor air quality, even if it’s not very good.

Humans are experts at adapting. Our nostrils and respiratory systems can allow us to breathe air that might be filled with dust, pet dander, viruses, mold, and other contaminants that are bad for us. We’d like customers to adapt in the opposite direction and become more used to clean, fresh air that feels more comfortable.

But how does one achieve this goal? Do you need an air filter or air purifier in Cedar Rapids? Do you need both? The answers to these questions might surprise you.

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Why Do Pipes Corrode and How Do I Prevent It?

April 8th, 2024

Ever stumbled upon a leak in your home and wondered, “Now, how did that happen?” Well, pipe corrosion might be your culprit. This sneaky destroyer of plumbing systems can wreak havoc in the shadows, leading to leaks, water damage, and a whole lot of homeowner headaches. But fear not! Understanding the “whys” and “hows” of pipe corrosion can arm you against its costly consequences.

Our team at Dalton is your 24 hour plumber in Waterloo. We are here to walk you through the ins and outs of pipe corrosion.

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AC Refrigerant: A Brief History

April 1st, 2024

Refrigerant is a core part of air conditioning, and it’s something that has even been mentioned in the news in the past few years. As heat pumps become more popular in our area, refrigerant becomes the center of the discussion because of how much is required to meet American AC needs.

Air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA is no different. Each system in our area runs using a specific type of refrigerant, and the model that you use will dictate that difference. But what if the prices of refrigerants change in the future? And how do you know if your refrigerant has been phased out before a problem arrives?

Now you’re speaking our language! Keep reading to learn about refrigerants. We’ll talk about what it is, what it does, the major types, and what the future holds for this interesting chemical.

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It’s Finally Time to Ground Your Outlets

March 25th, 2024
An example of a beautiful southern Victorian home in Georgia.

Ensuring that your electrical outlets are properly grounded is a crucial aspect of home safety. If you’ve been living in a house with ungrounded outlets, also known as two-prong outlets, it’s time to update your wiring installation in Johnston to meet modern standards. Here’s why hiring our team to ground your outlets should be prioritized and what steps you need to take to achieve this essential upgrade.

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2024 Tips for an Unpredictable Spring

March 25th, 2024

If we’ve learned anything about the last few years of weather conditions, it’s that things are becoming a lot more unpredictable. Some parts of the country have experienced record droughts while others have had flooding that hadn’t been seen for a hundred years. This is just par for the course now, and many of our customers are trying to figure out what they should do.

We’re happy to help customers prepare for a particularly unpredictable spring, and that includes tips on best practices, services we offer, and even new systems that could make a big difference. We just urge our customers to not neglect their HVAC systems in Cedar Rapids, IA, and to make sure that no matter how they prepare for the months ahead, they stay calm and collected.

When in doubt, just remember that we’re always available to help when you need it!

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What Homeowners Need to Know About Electrical Work

March 25th, 2024

Electrical systems are the heart of any home, powering everything from your morning coffee routine to your late-night Netflix binges. That’s why it’s crucial to get it right, especially when considering wiring installation in Janesville. We understand the importance of safe and efficient electrical work. Let’s dive into what every homeowner should know.

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It’s Maintenance Season in Cedar Rapids

March 18th, 2024

Don’t you just love how we get to experience all four seasons fully in Cedar Rapids? It’s easy to get used to, but there are many places in this country (let alone internationally) that only experience two or three seasons throughout the year. We get four amazing seasons that bring us snow, sunshine, rain, growth, and more.

But those seasonal changes mean we need to be even more prepared for the temperature swings we can expect from them. AC maintenance in Cedar Rapids, IA is your first line of defense against temperature changes and storms that might come sooner rather than later.

The following guide is going to give you the best benefits of scheduling maintenance this spring. And if done correctly, you can be proud that your AC system is in the best shape possible to keep you cool this summer when things finally get hot.

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