It’s that time of year again – it’s hot, and you’re probably thinking about ways to cool down. But have you thought about your water heater? Annual maintenance is an important part of keeping your home running smoothly. In this behind the scenes plumbing tutorial, Nick explains the best practices for flushing a water heater during annual maintenance.

How Often Should You Flush a Water Heater?

The tech featured in the video above is Nick. With elevated comfort plumbing, heating, and air today we’re going to talk about doing a water heater flush, anode rod check, just a safety inspection should be done yearly. Once a year, every year this is a 40 gallon American standard. First things first we want to figure out how old this system is. You know usually you can tell by the model number. Any technician should be giving you that information.

Plumbing Behind the Scenes: Step-by-Step Water Heater Flush

First, we’ll shut the water down to the water heater. This is our domestic cold water inlet. From there, what we do is shut that guy down. We’re going to hook up a standard garden hose to the drain valve and drain it out. This will allow us to descale the tank itself. Getting the most minimal amount of calcium, sand, and debris out of the tank is something that you want to do from the first year it’s installed. If you wait 10 years and then try to do it, it’s not really going to do anything for your system.

Once that’s all descaled, we come over to this system. This system has a hex head style anode rod inside the unit. The anode rod is magnesium with city water, and their zinc with well water. Otherwise you start getting that rotten egg smell. So for this system, in particular, city water application is a magnesium rod. Now there are two places these can be on this system: on a hex style or a nipple style. You know, some of the older systems have a hex style, and others have a nipple style. Your plumber will be able to determine where the anode rod is located in the tank.

In this case, we’re going to use a big impact wrench with a socket that’s 27 millimeters to unscrew the rod. It should just unthread out of there. This one is missing for some reason – it has half the rod going – but it should be about the length of the tank, going all the way down to right above the burner. What this does is it attracts calcium and sediment minerals and debris things like that. Hard water can cause these systems to overheat, so it’s important to swap out the filter every two to four years.

Behind the Scenes Tip: Flush Often for Stable Temps

So if you are a household that is constantly turning up the temperature on your water heater, you know that every year or every six months it’s probably because you haven’t had it looked at in a while. It is very important that your plumber and you work together to make the best judgment on whether one of these needs to be replaced or if the tank is long gone and needs to be replaced entirely, or if you can put a new anode rod in it. If your inner rod looks good, it just needs to be wiped clean; it may have another year or two in it.

Then, you throw it back in and cinch everything down after that process. You know we’re sure there’ll be questions involved but your plumber’s going to get rid of the hose close up that bib and slowly fill this guy back up releasing air either out of the TMP valve if it’s new enough or through a inside fixture like a bathtub or something like that. So once that’s all done, your system’s good. You kick it back to 120 degrees and give it 30 to 45 minutes – that is your water heater flush.

Why Start at a Bathtub?

The reason why we want to start at a bathtub instead of a kitchen faucet is because if there is any sediment minerals inside of the tank, we don’t want to stir it up and suck it through the faucet. We always want to go to a bathtub or something with a big amount of water that comes out – this is your water heater flush. Hopefully this is helpful, like we said, with a system like this or a process of how to maintain these- it’s like a car, right? You have to change the oil, rotate the tires, and clean the air filters. We ask so much of these things every day – to give us hot showers after a long day, to be sanitary when we’re washing our hands, and to do dishes – that we have to take care of them.

Want More Behind the Scenes HVAC and Plumbing Tips?

Our channel features weekly tune-up tips and more. However, maintenance is always the best behind the scenes secret that we can pass on, it’s the difference between six years of use letting it sit or thirteen to fifteen years if you take good care of your equipment. Number one: a good manufacturer and a homeowner that knows how to take care of their equipment are very important. We have a monthly plan for nineteen dollars a month. It’s something that we come out and do for you, which is really cool. Hopefully that’s helpful, guys. Thanks for reading and have a good day!

When I, Matthew McDonald, founded the Elevated Comfort HVAC company, I had a vision for providing the highest quality heating and cooling services to his community. With over two decades of experience in the home improvement industry, I was confident in my ability to succeed. I joined an elite business mentorship group and surrounded myself with top experts in order to accelerate my personal and professional growth. Through hard work, dedication, and loyalty to my clients and team, Elevated Comfort has become one of the fastest-growing HVAC companies in the region!

The Backstory of an HVAC Company Founder

Hi, my name is Matt McDonald. I just wanted to tell you a little bit about myself. I got into the construction industry about 22 years ago. I learned how to work hard and work efficiently. Construction was a tough job, working outside all the time. But my wife and I got married, she was pregnant with my son, and I realized that I wanted a better life for us. I knew a lot of guys in the industry, and I had a tight group of guys. So I eventually had the epiphany: I started to think of ways to start my own business.

I thought this industry needed another honest company to fill the void in the market. As a top producer at a local company, I felt I knew what the market needed from an HVAC company. So finally, I joined the Arete Syndicate group. Andy Frisella and Ed Mylett lead it. There’s a lot of fear behind taking the next step and being able to talk with like-minded people. This network of professionals at my back gave me the courage to start my own business.

Starting an HVAC Company

The hardest thing is just to start from day one. We try to do everything the right way–financially, practically, and ethically. We pride ourselves on being honest with customers and providing five-star quality service. You’d be surprised how far that goes.  HVAC is a very old industry and it’s very easy to do things the wrong way or take shortcuts and we just don’t operate that way.

My vision for this company is to be number one. I want to own the most profitable, best customer service, largest HVAC and plumbing company in northern California. I want to have a hundred employees who all have amazing jobs, everybody loves to come to work, and everybody makes money. Our customers are happy, we’re doing good work in the community, and we’re taking care of people. That’s really my vision.

I also want to take care of my team. I have a great group of young men working for me now and I want to see them succeed. I want to see them make a lot of money, buy houses, have families, and just be happy. That’s important to me too.

The Buck Stops at the Top

Every issue that comes into the company, whether you’re a customer or an employee, everyone’s problems come through me. So I make sure that everybody is taking care of customers and employees and everything is going to come through me so that we’re doing the right thing.

I just want something I can pass down to my kids and have them grow up learning the trade as I did.  That means helping the guys clean the trucks, learning how to do the trade from the bottom up, starting to do ductwork, plumbing, digging, and then working their way up to service management and then eventually owner. I’m really proud of my team. I have an incredible staff and great technicians, so we’ve just been able to build something really special.

Final Thoughts on Building an HVAC Company

Thank you for reading! The HVAC industry has a lot of room for growth, and we’re excited to be a part of that evolution. If you’re looking for the best HVAC company in Northern California, look no further than Elevated Comfort! We offer top-quality HVAC services at competitive prices, and our friendly staff is always available to answer any questions you may have. If you require HVAC services like AC installation, heat pump repair, duct cleaning, and more, we’ll be happy to help you out in any way possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a visit from one of our highly trained and experienced technicians!

If your HVAC system isn’t working correctly, you may be tempted to shell out your hard-earned cash for a replacement or extensive repairs. Before doing so, however, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion from a seasoned professional. No technician is perfect, and sometimes what seems like a significant issue could actually be a minor problem that someone with more experience can quickly fix. A Free Second Opinion HVAC estimate from Elevated Comfort gives you peace of mind with expertise from qualified professionals. Contact us today to get started!

Why We Offer Free Second Opinion HVAC Estimates

At Elevated Comfort, we know that to err is human and to know is divine. That’s why our free second opinion HVAC diagnosis offer is so important to us. Many people consider that a less-than-reputable contractor could oversell their services, and they check reviews to take precautions. Unfortunately, many reputable HVAC companies employ trustworthy professionals who may still misdiagnose HVAC and plumbing issues. Everyone needs a second pair of eyes at some point, and an innocent mistake could still leave the customer with a hefty bill for the wrong fix.

A Free Second Opinion HVAC Estimate Can Save You Money

HVAC repairs and replacements can get quickly become expensive and time-consuming for residential and commercial properties alike. However, suppose you are having problems with your system. In that case, a free second opinion HVAC diagnosis can give you peace of mind that the service is needed or even save you money if the problem isn’t as serious as it first appeared.

Contact Elevated Comfort for Your Free Second Opinion Today

Elevated Comfort is a Sonoma County-based HVAC company that has been servicing Northern California for over twenty years. We are happy to offer our customers a free second opinion on their HVAC repairs and replacements, so you can be confident you’re getting the service you need at a fair price.

Get your FREE second opinion HVAC diagnosis today by either calling or filling out the quick form.

If you’re like most people, you spend the majority of your time indoors. And unfortunately, indoor air quality can be a lot worse than outdoor air quality. That’s why it’s important to have indoor air quality services that you can count on. At Elevated Comfort, we provide indoor air quality services to Northern California cities like Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and Mill Valley. We also service the surrounding areas of San Anselmo, Larkspur, Windsor, Novato, Petaluma, San Rafael, Healdsburg, and Corte Madera. We know how important it is to keep your indoor environment healthy and free from pollutants. Contact us today to learn more about our indoor air quality services!

What Affects Air Quality?

There are many things that can affect indoor air quality, such as pets, smoking, and construction. Pets produce dander, which is a major contributor to poor indoor air quality. Smoking produces toxins that get released into the air and can cause respiratory problems. Construction can also release toxic fumes into the air if there isn’t proper ventilation. While these three examples address indoor air quality factors that come from inside the home or business, they are not the only things that can compromise the air quality in your property.

Other external factors can affect indoor air quality, too. These include airborne allergens like pollen and pollutants like carbon monoxide and smog. These environmental factors make up a significant portion of air quality problems in Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas. Unlike the internal factors mentioned above, though, these external air quality issues can be monitored with a tool called the Air Quality Index, along with meteorological and allergen monitoring available on news and weather programs.

Common Airborne Allergens and Pollutants

There are two primary categories of airborne contaminants that can have a negative impact on the quality of air inside your property: allergens and pollutants. Allergens are particles that cause an immune response in sensitive individuals, whereas pollutants are harmful chemicals that affect everyone, regardless of allergy sensitivity (though people with allergies will often be more severely affected than those without).

Pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander are among the most common allergens that can be carried in the air. Concentrations of these particles are often higher at certain times of the year than others. For example, mold thrives in humid conditions, so seasons with heavy rains can produce more mold spores than drier seasons. Chemical pollutants, like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke, and soot, may travel as solid particles (soot, smoke) like many allergens or may be the result of fumes (CO, CO2). These categories also occasionally overlap, with household and commercial cleaning agents, air fresheners, and disinfectants causing allergic reactions and other health concerns when their fumes are concentrated without proper ventilation.

How Allergens and Pollution Affect Indoor Air Quality

Airborne allergens and pollution fill the air outdoors and cause significant health hazards when their concentrations are on the rise, but how does that translate to indoor air quality? When your air circulation system, like your air conditioner or your furnace, draws air into your property from outside, those particles and contaminants travel on the air and are circulated inside your property. However, unlike outdoor air quality, indoor air can’t be cleaned by heavy rains or a strong wind that removes or disperses the particles.

This can lead to a phenomenon known as Sick Building Syndrome. Symptoms of sick building syndrome often affect the entire household or the entire staff of a business simultaneously, rather than spreading from one to another, but increased frequency of respiratory infections is also an indication of poor indoor air quality. Other symptoms include the following:

• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Sinus congestion
• Headache
• Coughing and sneezing
• Dry or irritated skin, eyes, nose, or throat
• Allergy hypersensitivity
• Fatigue

Understanding the Air Quality Index

California air quality data is separated into districts, with the vast majority of Elevated Comfort’s service area falling into the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. From there, the data is broken down further into zones, and then into cities and city segments. This data segmentation is important because one side of a city could have significantly higher levels of airborne pollutants than the other due to weather patterns and other factors.

The AQI, or Air Quality Index, gives residents a scale for the overall air quality, divided into six health ranges spanning 0-500 and assigned a color based on the severity of the potential health hazards and how many residents could be expected to have a negative reaction. For example, if the AQI is orange, people with asthma should limit outdoor activities but those with healthy lungs may be unaffected by more time outside. If the AQI is purple, though, everyone should limit outdoor activities and those with asthma should avoid them altogether.

How Is Indoor Air Quality Measured?

To measure the indoor air quality of your property, whether it’s commercial or residential, you’ll need a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor. This is a specialized tool that can detect allergens and other chemical pollutants in the air. Once you have used the VOC sensor to identify the source of the contaminants, you can take whatever steps are necessary to reduce their impact.

Other tools that can help you monitor the air quality in your property include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide meters, an accurate thermostat to monitor temperature, and moisture or humidity sensors. These sensors can help you learn what your specific air quality needs are before contacting a qualified contractor like Elevated Comfort for air quality services in Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas.

What Are Indoor Air Quality Services?

At Elevated Comfort, we offer two main categories of services that relate to air quality: IAQ and Air Duct Cleaning. IAQ services include the installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of equipment like air purifiers and air cleaners, which remove VOCs and other harmful particles from the air in your property. Air duct cleaning, repair, and replacement remove buildup in your air ducts that can lead to dust and other particles circulating whenever your heating or cooling system is in use, as well as repairing air leaks and replacing damaged ducts to avoid contamination from external sources.

Elevated Comfort Helps You Breathe Easier

The indoor air quality in your home or business is more important than you may think. While the symptoms of indoor air pollution may seem like a minor annoyance, they can actually lead to much bigger health problems down the line if left untreated. At Elevated Comfort, we provide indoor air quality services that Northern California cities like Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Mill Valley, and more! Call today to schedule your IAQ services from an experienced, local HVAC contractor.

At Elevated Comfort, we pride ourselves on offering the best HVAC services in and around Santa Rosa, CA. That includes our Diamond Elite Contractor status for Mitsubishi Electric HVAC systems. Our expert technicians understand the intricate and powerful systems from Mitsubishi Electric, and we use that extensive knowledge to bring tangible benefits to our customers.

What Makes Diamond Elite Contractors So Valuable?

A Diamond Elite Contractor like Elevated Comfort has advantages in our knowledge of Mitsubishi Electric products and our education. Our in-home consultations will help you determine which systems are best for your comfort, efficiency, and wellness goals.

We will also explore your home’s size and layout to determine the most effective equipment for your property. The temperature control needs of large and small houses are vastly different, and your choice of a single-room or multiroom unit will depend on these factors. It takes an intimate knowledge of the system to find the perfect fit and accurately quote costs.

In addition, Diamond Elite Contractors are knowledgeable about the latest utility rebates and programs. Our professionals will identify any equipment that qualifies for additional energy savings through local rebates and tax credit programs. If this is the case, it can reduce the cost of installing a new HVAC system even more.

Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Case Studies

Mitsubishi Diamond Elite  Installers

Since forced-air units have historically dominated the market, ductless technology is still a relatively new phenomenon for the average homeowner, even though it was introduced over 30 years ago. A certain level of specialized expertise is required in order to grasp the nuances of this next-generation product.

It is essential to properly size and mount an indoor air handler, the wall- or ceiling-mounted unit, or the ductwork for a ducted system, to ensure that the system works properly. The specialized training of a Diamond Contractor can help in these circumstances. When it comes to ductless installation, your contractor’s knowledge of technology and experience are often the key factors in differentiating between a perfect installation and one that is simply passable.

 Product Warranty

You’ll receive the broadest warranty in the industry, up to a 12-year period, when hiring a Diamond Elite  Contractor. Mitsubishi Electric offers a standard warranty of five years on Zoned Comfort Solutions® parts and seven years on compressors. Diamond Contractors, like Elevated Comfort, are able to back parts and compressors for 12 years each, as long as they are installed in a single-family residence and registered within 90 days of installation. For more information, please refer to the product warranty statement. Your investment and the elevated comfort of your home are protected by obtaining a comprehensive warranty.

TAKEAWAY

Consider choosing a Diamond Elite Contractor, like the experts at Elevated Comfort, if you want to ensure that your Mitsubishi Electric heating and cooling system performs effectively. This is especially true for ductless HVAC systems, which require specialized training to install correctly.