Frequently Asked Questions

How To Determine the Right Water Heater Size for My Home?

Sizing a water heater differs for tank-style units and tankless water heaters. Tank-style water heaters are sized based on the first-hour rating (FHR), which is the number of gallons the unit can supply per hour (starting with a tank full of hot water). Tankless water heaters are sized based on the gallons per minute (GPM) the water heater can produce at the correct temperature rise. In both styles of water heaters, the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is also crucial. The BTU rating shows the amount of energy a water heater requires to heat a pound of water by one degree, which depends on the incoming water temperatures and preferred water temperatures.

What to Do When My Sump Pump Starts to Smell?

If you start to notice an unpleasant odor coming from your crawl space or basement, your sump pump could be to blame. Oftentimes, a foul odor coming from your sump pump is nothing more than an indication that it needs some maintenance. Occasionally, however, a strange odor can point to a problem with your sewer line, a serious plumbing issue. If you’re dealing with sump pump odors, call Walker Plumbing, Heating & Air right away. Our licensed plumbers will inspect your sump pump system as well as your plumbing lines to determine the source of the odors and make needed repairs to get rid of the odor.

Why Does My Furnace Fuse Keep Blowing?

While a furnace frequently blowing fuses or tripping the breaker might not seem like a big deal, sometimes the reasons can be serious. Some of the potential issues behind a furnace that blows fuses include:

• Short circuits and wire damage
• Thermostat shorts
• A clogged air filter
• Water leaks
• Worn and/or faulty valves, transformer, blower motor, or starting capacitor

If you suspect any of the issues above, be sure to contact an HVAC professional for immediate assistance.

Air Conditioner Vs. Heat Pump: Which One Is the Right Option for My House?

The primary difference between air conditioners and heat pump systems is that a heat pump can provide both heating and cooling while an AC can only cool. If you choose to invest in an AC, you’ll typically have to pair it with a furnace to provide heat during the cold months. Because of its design, a heat pump uses less purchased energy to operate than traditional ACs or furnaces. However, heat pumps may not be as effective as a traditional furnace, which makes them ideal for climates where the temperatures don’t drop below freezing. One of the biggest advantages of ACs is the upfront cost. If you already have an energy-efficient furnace, then you probably won’t need to install a heat pump. Ultimately, what matters is that you invest in an HVAC system that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Our HVAC professionals can help you make the right choice for your home.

What to Do When My Air Conditioner Freezes Up?

If your AC freezes up, here are some simple steps you can take to get things back up and running again.

Thaw it out

Running the AC with frozen coils can damage your unit, so you want to make every effort to avoid using it. Turn off the AC at the electrical breaker and let the ice thaw. It could take at least an entire day for the unit to thaw away. Also, don’t be tempted to break away the ice with a sharp tool or heavy object as you could easily damage components and make things worse.

Dry the coils

Once the ice has melted away, dry the evaporator coils. You can use some paper towels or let the parts dry out in the sun. Then restore power to your system and turn the blower on. Be sure to set the thermostat to run only the blower or fan to circulate air over and through the coils to speed up drying. When the coils are dry, your system should operate normally.