Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Cedar Rapids’

How Long Does a Heat Pump Last in Iowa?

Monday, May 16th, 2022
white-vent-on-wall

If you’ve been considering a new air conditioner lately, and you believe you might need a heating system too, then a heat pump installation may be just what your Vinton area home needs. Heat pump systems are versatile and energy-efficient, which we will get into more below.

One of the common questions get about heat pumps though, is how long should they last? Given that these are year-round systems, do they last less time than a traditional central air conditioner? Not necessarily!

When properly maintained–this means getting a professional tune-up every 6 months–your heat pump should have a useful service life of 10-15 years. Read on to learn more about these systems, and when you’re ready to schedule installation, go ahead and give our team a call!

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What Type of Water Heater Is Right for My Home?

Monday, May 9th, 2022
tankless-water-heater-on-green-tiled-wall

When you start exploring the different types of water heaters that are on the market, the options can seem overwhelming. There are heat pump water heaters, electric-powered or gas-powered water heaters, solar water heaters, and even tankless water heaters.

When considering what type to get, it’s easier to start with just two options in mind–a tank or tankless system. Storage tank model water heaters are what you’re most likely used to seeing in the average home, and may even be what you currently have. They come in different sizes based on capacity, and constantly store water which they heat up using elements inside the system. Tankless systems, however, are “on-demand” systems. We’ll explain what that means below. Read on to learn more!

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4 Common Causes for AC Repair

Monday, May 2nd, 2022
two-technicians-working-on-air-conditioner

Summer is not quite here yet, but soon enough temperatures will warm, and you’ll want to ensure that your air conditioning system is in good shape. Of course, this means paying close attention to any indicators of a problem and calling in a professional right away to service your system.

But, what if you are not familiar with the kinds of issues that an air conditioner might face? Well, you’re in luck. We’ve listed 4 of the most common AC repair issues; read on and learn about the issues your air conditioner could face–and schedule a tune-up with us so we can inspect and clean your system to help you avoid unexpected repair needs!

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Making the Choice Between Central Air Conditioning and Going Ductless

Monday, April 25th, 2022
hand-holding-remote-for-ductless-air-handler

As temperatures start warming up, air conditioning talk is happening more and more. If you are in the market for a new cooling system, now is a great time to make that investment. It’s never wise to rush into a purchase of this nature, since doing so could leave you with an inefficient or improperly matched AC system for your home.

There are many factors to consider when replacing an old air conditioner. Do you also need to replace your furnace or boiler? Are you looking for ways to increase efficiency throughout the year rather than just in the summertime? Then a ductless system may be a great choice. If your heating needs aren’t urgent though, and you’ve always had a central air conditioner, you might want to stay the route.

Read on to learn the benefits of each and to get our viewpoint on which type of AC is best!

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5 Mobile Home Cooling Hacks

Monday, April 18th, 2022

When you have a mobile home, you may think your only option to cool off is a few box fans strategically placed around the property–especially if you live in an HOA that doesn’t allow the installation of a central AC outdoor unit. The good news is, this isn’t the case! There are cooling options out there for you, you just need to know who to talk to!

For you, it’s the team here at Dalton. We provide professional and reliable mobile home cooling services in Cedar Rapids and beyond. The installation of one of these systems will increase your home comfort, improve your indoor air quality, and, if you’re currently relying on fans or a window AC unit, can even lower your utility bills.

We’ll talk about this and more below, as we discuss some ideas of how to stay cool this summer in your mobile home.

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“When Should I Replace My AC Unit?”

Monday, April 11th, 2022
air-conditioner-with-flowers-resting-on-it

This is one of the most common questions we receive as HVAC professionals–when is it time to replace your AC unit? You may think that as long as it’s running and blowing out some cold air then it’s still good for a while. Maybe you’ll wait until it simply can’t function anymore.

But, this is not a great plan. The thing is, an AC system that is nearing the end of its life won’t work efficiently, and may not even be operating as safely as it could be. Read on to learn more!

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What’s Included in a Maintenance Club?

Monday, April 4th, 2022
white-question-mark-on-blue-background

For many homeowners, maintenance may seem like “just an extra service to pay for,” until you join a membership club like ours. Professional maintenance pays you back over the years, by improving efficiency, reducing repair needs, and extending the lifespan of your home comfort systems overall. And joining a membership club will provide you with even more benefits (especially if you join ours!)

The Dalton Complete Home Comfort Membership Plan is just one monthly fee and covers all your home’s systems; HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fireplace, and indoor air quality. Plus membership affords you a number of advantages. Read on to learn more!

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Should I Consider Ductless Air Conditioning?

Monday, March 28th, 2022
hand-holding-remote-for-ductless-system

With temperatures dipping back down after seemingly warming up, it can seem a little early to talk about air conditioning installation. But if you’re in need of a new cooling system, there’s no denying that springtime is here, and soon enough those warmer temps will be here to stay until next fall.

Plus, the great thing about a ductless air conditioning system is that it functions as both an air conditioner and a heater, which we’ll get into more below. Ductless systems are great for climates that have winters that are relatively “mild” and summers that are hot. This makes them a great option for many homeowners in our service areas. Read on to learn more!

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Dalton’s Ductwork 101 Guide

Monday, March 14th, 2022
technician-working-on-ductwork

If you’re like many other homeowners in our area, there’s a good chance you don’t give your ductwork very much thought. We get it, but we also don’t want you to take your ductwork for granted. Your HVAC air ducts are responsible for safely and efficiently delivering air into your home from your furnace and air conditioner, and if your ducts are dirty, have pinhole leaks, or have loose joints, it can have a serious impact on your comfort as well as HVAC efficiency.

Ductwork does, in fact, sustain damage and accumulate dirt over time. This can happen with age, or it can happen because of poor initial design and installation. Whatever the cause, it can have a huge impact on how well your HVAC system actually performs, resulting in hot or cold spots, strange noises, and higher than average utility bills.

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What Do I Do If My Pipe Bursts?

Monday, March 7th, 2022
burst-pipe

If you’ve lived in the Cedar Rapids area for even just a year, then you might already know that burst pipes are a definite risk with our winters. When temperatures dip to below freezing, the threat level of burst pipes rises.

Fortunately, our team has seen a lot of burst pipe issues, and not only can we tell you what causes it and what to do about it, but how to prevent the problem from occurring at all, if possible. Read on to learn more!

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