Frequently Asked Questions

What Size of Water Heater Is Right for My Home?
What matters when choosing the right size water heater for your home is the number of people in your household and the peak hot water demand at the busiest hot water usage time of the day. It also matters if you’re sizing a traditional tank water heater or tankless system. To size a traditional tank water heater, you need to determine the amount of hot water you need during the time of peak hot water usage each day. To size a tankless unit, you’ll need to add up how many gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water you need your heater to produce at your peak hot water usage time.
What Type of Water Heater Is Best for My Property?
Water heaters are available in various options ranging from storage tanks and tankless units to solar water heaters and heat pumps. When choosing the type of water heater that’s right for your home, you need to consider factors such as:
  • The price of the system and installation.
  • The energy factor (EF) rating.
  • Whether the system meets new water heater regulations.
  • The cost and availability of energy resources.
At Ed Rike Plumbing, Heating & Air, our experienced professionals have the knowledge to apply the right solution for your home.
What Size of Furnace or Heater Is Right for My Home?
The most recommended method for determining the right size furnace or heater for your home is to have a professional perform a heat loss calculation. Most heating contractors can perform such a calculation on-site or work with a set of plans. However, if you’d like to get a rough idea of your heating needs, you’ll need to consider several factors including:
  • The square footage of your home.
  • The climate zone your home is in.
  • Furnace output.
  • Insulation.
  • Efficiency ratings.
  • Desired temperature.
  • The number of dwellers.
  • Exposure to the sun.
How to Troubleshoot Before Calling for Furnace or Heater Repair?
If you’re having trouble with your furnace or heater, here are a few troubleshooting tips to try before calling a professional for repair.
  • Check to ensure the thermostat is working and turned to “heat”.
  • Ensure there’s power to the furnace/heater.
  • Check air registers and grills to make sure they’re not blocked and are open and blowing air.
  • Check to see if your filter needs changing.
  • Check your pilot light and use your owner’s manual for instructions on how to relight it.
If the tips mentioned above aren’t helping, call a professional.
Is a Heat Pump or Air Conditioner the Best Option for My Home?
The short answer: it depends on your situation. A heat pump will usually cost more upfront, but it will handle both your heating and cooling needs efficiently in areas with mild climates and short winters. If you live in a cold climate area you may need auxiliary heat, making things more expensive than a more commonly paired system of an AC and furnace. If you already have an efficient heating system and only need to add cooling, your best bet is to go with a regular air conditioner. Ultimately, you should weigh the costs and benefits of a heat pump vs. an air conditioner.