GRmetro Heating and Cooling Inc Blog

How To Choose The Right Water Heater For Your Home

May 18th, 2023

Turning on a hot water tap only to find cold water pouring from the faucet can affect a variety of daily activities, such as bathing and washing dishes. The problem could stem from a broken water heater, small-sized equipment, or increased water usage, resulting in less hot water for your household’s needs. In these cases, it might be time to upgrade your home’s water heater. 

Water heaters are one of the biggest energy consumers in a household, second only to HVAC equipment. Choosing the best water heater requires research if you want to maximize its output and maintain its energy efficiency. In this article, we put together a guide that explains everything you need to know about water heaters in Grand Rapids, MI.

Different Types Of Water Heaters In Grand Rapids, MI

Though water heaters are essential appliances that provide hot water to properties throughout the year, many Grand Rapids homeowners don’t pay much attention to them until a problem occurs. A busted water heater could lead to substantial water damage to your home and require a replacement. 

Many homeowners choose to install a similar model to their faulty equipment. However, replacing a water heater may afford you the opportunity to explore other types with greater energy efficiency and hot water output. You will also need to explore various water heater types if you’re building a new home or adding to your current residence. Below we listed three of the most common water heaters in Cascade, MI and the benefits each one can provide. 

Traditional Storage Tank Water Heater

Tank water heaters have a reservoir that stores gallons of water to warm using a heating component near the bottom of the tank. Many homes use this standard water heater due to its lower installation cost, low flow rate, and ability to accommodate natural gas and electric hookups. 

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters produce water on demand. When someone turns on the hot water tap, cold water flows through the system and its heat exchanger. A natural gas burner or electric heating element warms the water as it flows through the unit and out of a faucet. 

Many homeowners who want excellent energy efficiency in their water heaters choose the tankless variety. They’re more efficient than traditional heaters, which results in lower utility bills. Since the equipment doesn’t include a tank, you can also save on space with an on-demand water heater. Though tank water heaters can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance, the tankless variety can last five to ten years longer with care. 

Indirect Water Heaters

Many residents in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding areas use hydronic heating systems, which are boilers that heat properties using water and radiant heat. Indirect water heaters will send the boiler’s hot water to the water heater’s heat exchanger. The appliance is efficient, has no extra burners to maintain, and doesn’t require separate fuel lines.

Common Fuel Choices For Water Heaters

Before buying a water heater for your home, consider its fuel source. Not every home has the capability of handling every type of fuel, so you might have limitations unless you’re willing to pay for additional installations. For example, if your house doesn’t have a gas line, you would have to contact a local gas company to install one into your home to run a gas water heater, increasing your installation expenses. Below is a list of common water heater fuel sources: 

  • Electricity: Most properties in the nation have access to electricity, which is suitable for any type of water heater. Electric water heaters are among the most common in Michigan.
  • Oil: Fuel oil can power traditional and indirect water heaters. 
  • Natural Gas: Another popular fuel for water heaters is natural gas. If the service is available in your area, you could hook up a traditional, on-demand, or indirect water heater, but it works best for tankless models.
  • Geothermal Energy: If your property has or will have a geothermal heat pump system, you could use the excess heat from its compressors to heat water in a geothermal water heater.

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Water Heater for Your Grand Rapids Home

Installing a new water heater in Comstock Park, MI and surrounding areas is an investment for your home, which is why it should be chosen wisely. The experts at GRmetro can help direct you to the best solution for your home by considering important factors such as budget and hot water needs. Before finalizing your decision about your next water heater, here are additional factors to consider.

Check The Warranty

Most water heaters come with warranties that last up to 12 years. Models with longer warranties may be more expensive, but they often have improved components that heat water more quickly and efficiently. Consider water heaters offering the most extended warranty for added protection against damage and wear.

Know The Costs

Many expenses go into a water heater replacement, including equipment and labor costs. You should also consider the fuel type because it will affect your expenses as well. For instance, if you want a gas tankless water heater without a gas line, you’d have to pay for a gas company to install one. Take note of all installation-related and ongoing expenses to determine which water heater is the most energy efficient for its price.

Purchase The Right Size

Your new water heater should be the appropriate size to ensure it can handle your household’s average water usage needs. For instance, if you expect your family of five to take several showers and run the dishwasher and washing machine daily, a 55-gallon tank water heater may work well for you. Yet a two-person household without a dishwasher may benefit from a tankless water heater with a modest gallons-per-minute rating.

Get the Best Water Heater Services in Grand Rapids From GRmetro Heating and Cooling

Keep hot water flowing through your home’s tap without skyrocketing your energy costs with the help of GRmetro Heating and Cooling. Our licensed and trained comfort specialists work with tank, on-demand, and indirect water heaters that use any fuel source.

We not only offer expert water heater installation services, but our skilled technicians also provide water heater repair in Grand Rapids, MI, to remedy any problem with your existing equipment. Our top-rated company has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and excellent warranties for installations and labor. Call GRmetro Heating and Cooling today at (616) 965-2989 to request an estimate for water heater services.

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Get Your AC Ready for Summer!

April 24th, 2023

It’s spring, which means we’re in spring cleaning mode! Many people are starting to open their windows, sweep the dirt off their front porches, and you might have even heard a lawnmower or two. This is the season to prepare for more time outdoors, gardening, and even time hosting friends and family in your home. That third part is going to depend on the quality and condition of your air conditioning system, though.

Never fear! We know how to help homeowners get into the spring and summer groove. This blog post is going to be our little guide on how to prepare your air conditioner for the warm weather ahead. While scheduling AC maintenance in Grand Rapids, MI is going to be the first good step, you’ll need to invest some time and effort into hosing the system down and getting it cleaned up so it can adequately cool your home.

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When a Furnace Is About to Go

April 10th, 2023

Furnaces, especially old ones, are a hassle to have in your home. Many of us have neighbors, parents, friends, or other family members with an old wood or gas furnace in their home that barely works.

Sometimes it’s covered in dust and debris. And some of them still use old pilot lights that are constantly wasting fuel or energy for no other reason than the fact that they haven’t been replaced yet.

Nobody wants to part with their old furnace. These systems have been with us through the ups and the downs, they’re practically a member of the family at this point.

But we’re convinced that when customers see the sheer amount of savings and convenience they’ll get from upgrading and replacing their furnace, that the decision will be an easy one.

So, let’s talk about a furnace replacement in Grand Rapids, MI, and why it might finally be time for you to get it done.

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When Might You Choose a Dual Fuel System?

March 27th, 2023
tools-to-install-a-dual-fuel-system

It’s always good to have options. Being stuck with one particular type of system or solution to a problem never feels good. In fact, it will make you feel like you’re losing out when you see other people with alternate solutions that might be better in some cases.

This often happens when a customer is choosing between a gas furnace or an electric heat pump. On one hand, you’ve heard about how efficient and versatile heat pumps are, heating and cooling a home with just electricity.

They’re great for the environment and for comfort. But on the other hand, we live in a colder region and require powerful heating on the most frigid days of the winter.

A gas furnace can be that powerful system that always keeps things comfy. So, how can you possibly choose between these two systems?

The secret is that you don’t have to. It might be time to go with a dual fuel HVAC system in Kentwood, MI!

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Heat Pumps: It’s Time to Join the Trend

March 13th, 2023
happy-home

A lot has happened in the past few years. We don’t need to tell you that, you already basically know it. But depending on the field or the industry, different trends are starting to take place, and we’re here to talk to you about the HVAC trends.

More specifically–we’d like to talk about the trend of heat pump technology.

Back a few decades ago, the only heat pumps that were widely used were air conditioners. And since then, air conditioning has grown tremendously in both necessity and popularity.

But now, heat pumps that work both as heating systems and as cooling systems, are widely popular and becoming powerhouses compared to other systems on the market. And, to make things even more compelling, heat pump installations in Grand Rapids, MI are more efficient and eco-friendly than ever before.

Let’s discuss in detail why heat pumps are really some of the most innovative systems on the market, and why one might be perfect for your home.

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Is It Time to Go With an Electric Furnace?

February 27th, 2023

As far as furnace installations in Walker, MI go, most customers would agree that a gas furnace is a great choice. They’re classic heating appliances.

Gas furnaces are efficient, powerful, affordable, and they’re just synonymous with a warm and comfy home. But they’re not the only appliance available on the market, and with new benefits to electrification, you might actually be better off with an electric furnace.

For all of our new readers, we’d like to remind you that yes, electric furnaces really are a thing.

They’re different from heat pumps where they still create heat, but they are all-electric. This blog post is going to be dedicated to the folks who might be better off with these systems, especially in our frigid climate.

If you like what you see here and think that an electric furnace might be right for your home, then be sure to call us today for installation.

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Your Ducts Need Professional Support

February 13th, 2023

Air ducts are a vital part of a home. Without them, the only option for people who enjoy forced-air heating to stay warm during the winter is with either a ductless heat pump system (which is usually pretty expensive), or space heaters.

Air ducts are necessary because they transport the heated air from the heating system to the rest of your house, so you can actually feel the heat that’s being created.

The truth is that your heating system could be in the best shape possible, but without air duct systems in good shape, it’s going to feel like your heating unit is broken.

It doesn’t matter what kind of heating system you have, air ducts in bad shape will be a big problem no matter what.

This blog post is a bit of a PSA about how you can detect when your ducts are leaking. Our team offers fast and reliable duct sealing in Wyoming, MI so you can get them fixed up and ready for the rest of the winter, or the seasons to come!

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What’s Wrong With My Electric Furnace?

January 30th, 2023
woman-enjoying-hot-coffee

Searching online to troubleshoot your furnace can be hard, especially if you have an electric furnace.

Since gas furnaces are more common, you might get duped into reading a blog that’s focused on troubleshooting a gas furnace without even saying “gas furnace.”

That’s pretty unfair, and we understand this is a stressful situation if you’ve got a malfunctioning heating system.

We’ll be as specific as possible when talking about heating repair services in Grand Rapids, MI. Electric furnaces, while similar to gas furnaces in a few ways, are very different and run into their own problems. You might be encountering a malfunctioning system that is leaving your home cold and uncomfortable.

This blog is dedicated to describing some of the more common problems with electric furnaces, and how homeowners can understand what’s wrong and how important it is to call for expert services.

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The GRMetro Gas Furnace FAQ

January 16th, 2023
Service technician testing a furnace

Being a homeowner can be tough when you’ve got so many questions. Who do you trust to give you all the answers to the questions you’re looking for?

You might scour the internet trying to find the right blog post, news article, or even just a Wiki that can give you the information you’re looking for, and there’s a possibility that you’ll leave empty-handed. We get it.

Well, the good news is that you found a reputable HVAC team that knows what they’re talking about. Our blog post is specifically for potential customers that might have questions and want a licensed, certified technician to give them the answers they need.

So, if you’ve ever wondered questions like “how a furnace works” in Grand Rapids, MI, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll answer some common questions that come from our customers, and we’ll leave a link at the bottom where you can contact us for more help.

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“Will My Furnace Ever Freeze Up?”

December 19th, 2022
furnace-with-side-panel-missing

That’s a very good question, and if the answer were a simple “yes” or “no” then we wouldn’t write a blog that centers around it.

Since the answer is a bit more complicated than just “no,” we’re going to go into detail about one often overlooked part of a furnace’s operation, and why you might always want to defer to an expert when investing in central heating repair in Kentwood, MI.

Furnaces need some amount of warmth to operate correctly, and your basement also requires a bit of warmth in order for it not to be a burden to your house. Finished or unfinished, basements are always going to be cooler than the upper stories of a home, but they shouldn’t be freezing cold or below that. A basement that’s that frigid, while a furnace operates down there, is usually a sign that something is wrong.

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