You likely don’t think much about your home’s plumbing, unless you have a leaky faucet or constantly running toilet.
However, it is something you should think about. With regular professional maintenance and professional plumbing services from Williams Energy, your home’s plumbing can function effectively.
There may come a time when plumbing in your home may need to be replaced. Let’s run through some of the basic information on this topic.
The answer to this question depends on what type of plumbing we’re talking about. These are the average life expectancies for piping.
Plumbing fixtures and appliances, such as faucets and water heaters have their own life expectancies. Here are some of those.
This depends on the age of your home as well as the plumbing. These are some general guidelines and factors to consider.
Homes built after 2000: It’s likely that your pipes are in good condition—especially if you schedule regular professional maintenance. However, even new copper pipes can be susceptible to a condition known as pitting corrosion. Therefore, it’s crucial not to overlook any signs of leaks. Contact a plumber immediately, and they will promptly detect and address the leaks, as well as handle any necessary pipe replacements to resolve the issue.
Homes built 1970 – 2000: While it is crucial to stay alert for typical leaks, older homes may introduce added issues like lead and polybutylene pipes.
The presence of lead in drinking water presents a substantial health hazard, particularly for young children who may encounter developmental challenges as a result of lead poisoning.
Polybutylene, also referred to as “poly,” was a widely used material from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, often found in DIY plumbing projects. However, it is important to note that poly pipes have a tendency to deteriorate rapidly when exposed to oxidants present in the public water system. As a result, they become brittle and susceptible to breakage.
If you have any concerns about the presence of lead or polybutylene pipes in your plumbing system, it is of utmost importance to promptly schedule a replacement. Reach out to Williams Energy for a thorough evaluation of the materials utilized in your home’s plumbing.
Homes built before 1970: Whether you own a First Period home, an 1800s Victorian, or a mid-century home, the plumbing will likely need attention. It is highly advisable to conduct annual inspections on the piping to detect any indications of corrosion. Piping in older homes is commonly constructed using galvanized steel, brass, or cast iron. While these materials have the potential to endure for up to a century, it is important to note that this is only possible under ideal conditions. Factors such as hard water and inadequate maintenance can accelerate the deterioration and corrosion process.
If you notice any signs of flaking, discoloration, or dimpling on exposed pipes, such as those found in basements or crawlspaces, it is crucial to contact us so we can inspect them promptly. Our plumbers will assess whether you require pipe replacements and evaluate the extent of the issue.
Whether you need to fix a leaking faucet or replace plumbing, Williams Energy has the team of expert plumbers to get the job done right! Get your free quote today.
Thank you, as always, for your continued patronage. We sincerely appreciate using Williams Energy for your home energy delivery and services. Because of you, we are currently operating in our 104th year of business and look forward to a bright future. We wanted to remind you of some matters relating to your home comfort:
need an outlet fixed, lighting installed, generator for back-up power, or an at home electric car charger? Contact Williams to have our in-house electricians come over to help! With safety and care, Williams is happy to support our customers’ electric service needs.
if you are away from your home this winter, it is important to maintain contact with indoor temperature levels so to prevent freezing pipes and other avoidable mechanical issues. We recommend having someone check on your home or contact Williams electrical services to install a smart WI-FI enabled thermostat so that you may monitor remotely.
supplemental heating- such as heat pumps, fireplaces, space heaters, etc. are great for comfort and heating redundance. When on an automatic fuel delivery for your home heating, be mindful of increased fuel consumption when not using supplemental heating sources. Please notify us if you have a change in fuel use so we can adjust delivery your schedule.
every home with natural gas or propane needs to have a carbon monoxide detector. As recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, carbon monoxide detectors should be tested once per month. This is especially important in the wintertime when we make our homes airtight and we consume more energy for heating and hot water. For homes with oil heat, make sure you know where the emergency switch is located.
please be cognizant of the condition and age of your home energy storage tank. Be aware of excessive rust, staining, and odors around your tank. Notify Williams if you notice any safety issues occurring. If your fuel oil tank is over thirty years old, you may want to consider upgrading your tank with a new double-wall model.
with residential heating, there has been an increase in the deployment of higher efficiency heating and AC systems. Williams fully supports HVAC and water heating systems that can save energy while not sacrificing comfort.
It is important with high efficiency systems to continuously maintain them to support manufacturer warranties and to maintain the system efficiency and longevity. Without doing so, the system is at risk of increased energy use and premature system failure.
we continue working to decrease our operations’ environmental footprint by doing the following: increasing the amount of waste feedstock biofuel blended into our heating oil when appropriate; continuously updating customers’ fuel oil storage tanks to decrease environmental risk; purchasing fully electric vehicles for our operational staff and installing vehicle charges on our solar equipped office building; properly recycling old energy and office equipment; and promoting, installing, and maintaining the most efficient HVAC and water heating systems. We are proud to make these improvements toward business sustainability and will continue to do so in the future.
there has been much discussion about the different incentives available for installing high efficiency HVAC and water heating systems. Before making a decision talk with a Williams representative on system eligibility and related incentives to assure you are making the right decision for your home.
Gavin Williams
Williams Energy
Propane upholds an outstanding safety record, thanks to the government’s rigorous regulations and the steadfast commitment of companies like Williams Energy.
Safely using propane at home is crucial knowledge, even though leaks are rare. In the event of a leak, it’s important to know what steps to take. To enhance your understanding of propane safety, we have compiled a list of common topics for you to explore.
Ensuring regular maintenance by a professional service technician for all your propane appliances is crucial to prevent propane leaks. During a tune-up, the technician will thoroughly inspect your appliances and promptly resolve any identified gas leak issues.
To enhance the safety of your home, it is recommended that you invest in propane leak detectors and strategically place them near your propane appliances, such as stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters. Keep in mind that these detectors should be positioned at a lower level than your bed pillows, as propane gas is denser than air. This simple precaution will ensure effective detection and provide peace of mind.
To ensure utmost safety in your home, it is crucial to install both carbon monoxide detectors and propane leak detectors. These detectors serve distinct purposes and cannot detect each other’s presence. Carbon monoxide detectors focus on identifying carbon monoxide leaks, while propane leak detectors are specifically designed to detect propane leaks. By having both types of detectors in place, you can effectively safeguard against potential hazards and protect yourself and your loved ones.
When it comes to propane safety, this is the most important thing you should learn.
Propane itself is odorless, but to allow for quick leak detection, manufacturers include an odorant like ethyl mercaptan, which creates a distinct smell. This makes it easier for people to promptly identify any potential leaks.
If you detect a strong and unpleasant odor resembling the scent of rotten eggs or a skunk’s spray in your home, it is highly likely that it is caused by a propane gas leak.
To maintain composure in the face of an emergency, it is crucial to adhere to the following safety guidelines provided below and refrain from succumbing to panic. Refrain from attempting to independently identify the source of the odor; leave that task to the professionals. Instead, prioritize your safety and the well-being of others.
Let’s go over the steps you should take if you smell a distinct rotten-egg/skunky odor that indicates a propane leak.
Do you have questions about propane safety? Please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help!
Too many people, when looking for a heating oil supplier, only look at the price of the heating oil, and end up going with a discounter.
That can be a mistake. Discounters’ low prices come with other costs. For example, the quality of the heating oil. Going cheap on heating may be a case of getting what you pay for.
There’s no worry about heating oil quality when you choose Williams Energy for your heating oil delivery! Our ultra-low-sulfur heating oil (ULSHO) contains 15 parts-per-million (ppm) or less of sulfur, marking a remarkable 99% reduction from the quantity present three decades ago. This substantial decrease reflects the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and underscores the significant strides made in enhancing the quality of heating oil.
Not only that, we deliver Bioheat® fuel, a blend of ULSHO and biodiesels including plant oils (such as rapeseed, pumpkin seed, sunflower, and inedible corn), recycled commercial cooking oils, animal fats and tallows, and algae.
Cleaner burning – Because Bioheat fuel burns so much cleaner than traditional heating oil, it offers many benefits.
For starters, it can dramatically increase your heating system’s efficiency. This will help you keep your energy costs down while keeping your home warm and comfortable.
Protection for your heating system – Even with the trust you place in trained professionals like the service technicians at Williams Energy for regular and dependable furnace or boiler servicing, using low-quality fuel in your boiler will inevitably lead to issues.
Using lower quality oils and products not only increases the risk of equipment breakdown but also compromises their efficiency. Consequently, your boiler or furnace will face increased strain and wear, requiring more maintenance and potentially repairs when it breaks down. Before that happens, you’ll notice your energy costs creeping up thanks to your heating system needing to work harder to heat your home.
However, when you use a better-quality heating oil like Bioheat fuel from Williams Energy, the wear and tear on your furnace or boiler is greatly reduced. This not only lowers the risk of breakdowns and the accompanying repair bills, but can also extend the life expectancy of your home’s heating system.
Bioheat fuel presents a myriad of environmental advantages, with its most notable benefit being the substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As biodiesels continue to gain momentum, this reduction becomes even more pronounced. In the heating oil industry’s pursuit of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Bioheat fuel assumes a crucial and irreplaceable role.
Compared with traditional No. 2 heating oil, Bioheat fuel emits 80% less sulfur dioxide, up to 30% less nitrogen dioxide, and 20% less carbon dioxide.
By increasing the usage of biodiesels in Bioheat fuel, we can reduce our reliance on oil drilling, both at home and abroad. This not only promotes sustainability but also helps to diminish our carbon footprint and cultivate a more environmentally conscious future.
Converting these products into biodiesel for Bioheat fuel diverts waste from landfills while promoting sustainability.
Bioheat fuel is a great choice for your South Shore home. Become a Williams Energy customer and enjoy the benefits of this quality heating oil!
With Halloween in the rearview mirror, we’re now in holiday prep season.
Whether you’re having the family over for Thanksgiving, hosting the first night of Hanukkah, or planning a family gathering at Christmas, your South Shore home’s plumbing will be getting a workout thanks to all the extra cooking and laundry, along with guests using the bathrooms.
This increased usage could end up bringing about a plumbing emergency. Fortunately, Williams Energy is here for you, with plumbing service done by licensed, skilled, and experienced plumbers.
You may be wondering what constitutes an emergency when it comes to your home’s plumbing. We’ve assembled some common situations to show you when you should be calling us for emergency plumbing services.
No hot water: The typical lifespan of a conventional storage-tank water heater is approximately 10 to 15 years. However, if your water heater unexpectedly malfunctions, it can quickly complicate your life. You’ll be deprived of warm showers, hot water taps, and the convenience of a fully functional clothes washer and dishwasher.
To avoid the inconvenience of an unforeseen water heater malfunction, we typically recommend replacing your unit after 10 years. Nevertheless, in the event of a breakdown, our prompt response team will assess the possibility of repair. Should repair prove unfeasible, we will promptly procure a replacement, ensuring the swift restoration of your hot water supply.
Sewage backup: Are you experiencing a foul odor emanating from your water fixtures, drains, or appliances? Whether you are connected to a sewer or have a septic system, it is possible that sewage is backing up into your home. This situation is more than just unpleasant; it can also have negative effects on the health of those living in your household. The skilled plumbers at Williams Energy can assess the presence of a sewage issue and determine whether it originates from your property or elsewhere.
A sewage backup can occur due to various factors, such as pipe obstructions, tree roots, or cracked sewer pipes. Our skilled plumbers possess the expertise to identify the underlying cause accurately and implement the appropriate remedy. With their knowledge and experience, they ensure efficient resolution of the issue, restoring the functionality of your plumbing system.
Standing water: Leaks and drips are a common occurrence in any household, but if left unattended, they can quickly escalate into major problems. The presence of standing water can result in property damage, mold growth, unpleasant odors, and even electrical hazards. If you notice any standing water in your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team will promptly locate and repair the source of the leak, ensuring your home remains safe and dry.
Frozen pipes: As winter approaches and people prepare to leave town for the holidays, the threat of freezing exposed pipes becomes more apparent. Without proper heating or insulation on sub-freezing nights, these pipes can accumulate ice and potentially burst, leading to substantial property damage from water. If you find yourself with a burst pipe and water accumulation, please reach out to us immediately.
Whatever plumbing services for your home, Williams Energy is here for you! Contact us today to learn more.
As news stories persist in raising concerns about the safety of gas stoves, it is natural to question the safety of your current propane stove or reconsider the decision to purchase one.
In addition to the news headlines, a flurry of rumors is swirling on social media, hinting at a potential federal government ban on the sale and use of gas stoves, including those powered by propane.
Let’s address the unfounded rumor right away: there are absolutely no plans to confiscate your gas stove. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is actively seeking valuable insights from you and the public regarding any potential risks associated with these stoves. As a government agency, their primary focus is to ensure consumer safety, without any intention of depriving individuals of the products they rely on daily in their homes.
In a January 11, 2023, statement, CPSC Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric said, “I am not looking to ban gas stoves and the CPSC has no proceeding to do so.”
Now, let’s thoroughly examine the information that has been conveyed through both conventional and partisan media sources with agendas of their own, as well as social media platforms.
Extensive research consistently emphasizes the potential hazards linked to indoor cooking. Regardless of the cooking method you employ, be it gas stovetop, electric range, or wood-burning stove, all of them release particulate matter (PM) into the air within your home.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issued a detailed explanation regarding PM, also known as particulate matter. PM refers to tiny solid or liquid particles that can be inhaled, posing significant health risks to our lungs. This clarification sheds light on the potential dangers associated with these minuscule particles and emphasizes the need for proper awareness and precautions.
When cooking steak on the stovetop, the searing process produces smoke that contains harmful particles. Inhaling this smoky air can negatively impact your health, so it’s crucial to maintain a healthy kitchen environment. Indoor air quality specialists strongly recommend using range hoods to effectively remove these contaminants. If you don’t have a range hood, a simple solution is to open a window near the cooking area, which will greatly improve ventilation.
There is a growing concern about the r release of methane from various sources of natural gas, including not just cooking stoves. This development is truly worrisome, considering that methane is an incredibly potent greenhouse gas and makes up the majority of natural gas composition.
It is important to note that propane is not classified as a greenhouse gas because it does not contain methane.
An example that highlights the impact of not distinguishing between these two types of fuels on public perception is worth noting. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shed light on this issue. According to the study, the use of gas stoves contributes to around 12.7% of pediatric asthma cases. However, the researchers failed to differentiate between propane and natural gas stoves. Instead, they referred to both simply as “gas stoves” without acknowledging or recognizing the distinctions between the two.
You can enjoy the convenience and superior cooking experience of a propane gas range in your home with the dependable propane delivery from Williams Energy! Become a customer today.
As autumn is in full swing and winter looms ahead, it is crucial to start considering the ways to ensure warmth, safety, and comfort for your South Shore home during the upcoming months.
Now is the ideal time to reach out to Williams Energy if you rely on heating oil for your home. They can help you schedule a comprehensive tune-up for your heating system and arrange for your first heating oil delivery of the season. Improve your home’s efficiency and ensure a warm and comfortable winter with their expert services.
If you’re curious about the duration of your heating oil supply, the answer isn’t straightforward. Various factors, including your home’s size, insulation quality, and the efficiency of your oil-fired heating system, influence oil consumption. However, we’ve gathered some valuable insights about heating oil and its usage to provide you with an estimate of how long a full tank of heating oil may last in your home.
Here’s a calculation that can provide an approximate estimate of your oil usage based on the running time of your oil burner in minutes per hour. It’s important to note that oil burners utilize a spray nozzle that delivers oil at a flow rate ranging from 0.8 to 1.7 gallons per hour. Additionally, you will need to know the size of your oil tank and the current oil level (if it is not full).
Based on the provided calculation, if your oil consumption rate is 1.7 gallons per hour and you spend around 10 hours at home each day, you would use approximately 17 gallons of oil daily. Consequently, a 330-gallon tank would typically last you for approximately 19 days (dividing the 330-gallon tank by 17 gallons per day gives us 19.4 days).
For an estimated usage based on an average home size of 2,400 square feet, here’s a helpful guideline. Assuming that outdoor temperatures hover around 32° throughout the day, a home of that size would typically consume approximately six to seven gallons of heating oil per day. It’s important to note that if temperatures remain above freezing and you reside in a smaller home, your daily heating oil consumption would be lower.
The table below presents an estimate of your daily heating oil usage, taking into account the outside temperature.
| Average outside temperature | Gallons of heating oil used per day |
|---|---|
| 15° | 7.8 |
| 20° | 7.0 |
| 25° | 6.2 |
| 30 ° | 5.3 |
| 35° | 4.5 |
| 40° | 3.7 |
| 45° | 2.8 |
| 50° | 2.0 |
The heating oil tank is equipped with a transparent glass or plastic cube that resembles a fuel gauge found in cars. This gauge is conveniently marked with numerical indicators: F, ¾, ½, ¼. A red marker or float is typically used to indicate the remaining fuel level in the tank. If the float is positioned at the bottom or is not visible, it signifies that the tank is either empty or nearly empty.
If you notice any issues with the gauge, please get in touch with us right away. Don’t leave the management of your heating oil supply to chance or uncertainty.
At Williams Energy, we truly understand the significance of ensuring a worry-free heating oil supply. Our Automatic Delivery option takes the guesswork out of the equation. By carefully analyzing your heating oil usage history and closely monitoring current and projected weather conditions, we accurately anticipate your future oil needs. This allows us to effortlessly schedule deliveries to your home before you even come close to running low. With our seamless service, you can enjoy a constant and uninterrupted supply of heating oil without lifting a finger.
With dependable heating oil delivery from Williams Energy, your South Shore home will always be warm and comfortable. Become a customer today!
You may not think about your home’s plumbing much, until you end up with a clogged drain in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.
Fortunately, the team of skilled and experienced plumbers at Williams Energy is here for you with complete plumbing services. We also provide assistance with drain cleaning that can not only get rid of clogs, but free up slow drains and help protect your plumbing.
Q. How does drain cleaning work?
A. To address simple clogs, a plumber can efficiently clear your drains using a motorized drain auger, also known as a drain snake. This versatile tool is capable of tackling obstructions of various sizes within the drainpipe. Typically, drain cleaning begins with the utilization of a drain auger to resolve common drain issues.
To ensure a meticulous cleaning, plumbers frequently employ video pipe inspections to assess the most effective approach for drain cleaning. By utilizing fiber optic cable-mounted cameras, these inspections navigate through drainpipes and transmit images to a monitor, providing the plumber with a comprehensive view of the pipe’s interior. This enables the plumber to identify specific areas requiring cleaning and determine the appropriate level of cleaning needed.
Another method for drain cleaning is hydro-jetting, a powerful plumbing device that utilizes motors to generate high-pressure water. This pressurized water is then directed through a nozzle at the end of a hose, which is inserted into the drainpipes. With a force exceeding 7,000 psi, the water effectively scours the interior of the pipes, eliminating various types of buildup. This thorough cleaning process inhibits the recurrence of deposits, ensuring long-lasting cleanliness for the drains. A well-executed hydro-jetting procedure can maintain the drain’s cleanliness for an extended period.
Following hydro-jetting, the plumber may opt for another round of video pipe inspections to assess the effectiveness of the work performed.
Q. How do I know if I need a drain cleaning?
A. When a drain is slow or clogged, it usually indicates the need for cleaning. This is also true if there are unpleasant odors or drain flies. In the event that multiple drains in your home are draining slowly, it could be a sign of a main sewer clog. These clogs are often caused by tree roots, wet wipes, or other objects of high density.
Q. Why can’t I just use a store-bought chemical drain cleaner?
A. These drain cleaners may seem like a quick, cheap, and simple solution to a slow or clogged drain. However, these cleaners contain caustic chemicals can cause damage to your plumbing. Chemical drain cleaners generate heat to eliminate clogs, but few people are aware of the potential damage this heat can inflict on their pipes and toilet bowls. This is due to the fact that cold objects contract while heated objects expand. The use of chemical drain cleaners can create heat that leads to pipe cracks and other issues. Frequent usage of chemical cleaners over time gradually corrodes the pipe material, particularly when it comes to PVC pipes, weaker pipes, and older plumbing systems. This gradual deterioration can significantly damage the pipes.
Q. What causes the problems that necessitate drain cleaning?
A. In most cases, when a sink or another receptacle starts draining slowly or completely stops, it’s usually due to the gradual buildup of substances in your drainpipes. The main culprits for drain clogs are the same substances that contribute to dust and dander in our homes: dirt, skin cells, human and pet hair, and more. However, what sets these items apart is that they become intermingled with our bath and body products during the washing and bathing process, resulting in a stubborn, solid mass of sludge. In the kitchen, it’s typically a result of food and grease buildup. If you have a young child at home, a clog could also be caused by an object that shouldn’t have been flushed down the toilet, such as a toy, piece of clothing, or pull-up diaper. Fortunately, the Williams Energy plumbing experts have encountered and successfully resolved such issues countless times. Equipped with the right tools and techniques, we can efficiently clean your drains and restore smooth water flow.
Q. What if my drains are slow but not totally blocked or clogged?
A. Slow drains can pose as much of a problem as fully clogged drains, but fear not, for the skilled plumbers at Williams Energy are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to resolve any plumbing issues you may encounter. It is important to note that even if water manages to pass through a partial obstruction, resulting in a slow drain, it does not negate the need for repair. Something as seemingly innocuous as toothpaste residue or the remnants of a shave can swiftly transform a slow drain into a complete blockage. With Williams Energy, you can trust that your plumbing concerns will be promptly addressed and resolved with utmost efficiency.
Whether it’s a clog or a slow drain, the plumbing professionals at Williams Energy can get the water flowing properly in your home’s drains! Contact us today for service.
It is completely natural to feel concerned when your home’s central air conditioning is not functioning properly. However, there is no need to panic. There might be a straightforward solution that can promptly restore a cool atmosphere to your home without requiring a service call from Williams Energy.
If you don’t feel comfortable performing these troubleshoots, give us a call and we’ll make an air conditioning repair service call.
Check the thermostat: Please ensure that the thermostat is set to the “cool” setting and that the temperature is adjusted at least 5 degrees lower than the current room temperature. Additionally, make sure the thermostat has a power source and fresh batteries if it operates on battery power.
Check the power supply: See if the air conditioner is receiving power. If it’s not turning on, inspect the circuit breaker or fuse box to determine if a circuit has tripped or a fuse has blown.
Inspect the air filters: Dirty or obstructed air filters can hinder airflow and lead to inefficient operation or system shutdown. It is important to regularly inspect and replace air filters when they become dirty. Add a reminder to your calendar to check your filter once a month, more frequently is you have pets.
Clean up around the outdoor unit: Make sure your central A/C’s outdoor unit is clear of any debris such as leaves, grass, litter, or branches. Blocked airflow can have a negative impact on the performance of the system.
Listen for unusual sounds: If you notice unusual sounds emanating from the central air conditioner, it could be a sign of a mechanical problem. Professional assistance may be necessary if you hear grinding, banging, rattling, or squealing noises.
Look to see if there is ice buildup: If you notice ice forming on either the indoor or outdoor unit, it’s important to promptly turn off the system and allow it to thaw. The accumulation of ice can arise from issues with airflow or refrigerant.
Check the condensate drain line: A blocked condensate drain line can result in water leakage, potentially causing safety mechanisms to shut down the system. If you encounter a clog, make sure to clean the drain line promptly.
Inspect the ductwork: Look over the ductwork for any discernible harm or disconnected sections that may be responsible for air leakage.
Check for refrigerant leaks: Low refrigerant levels can impede the cooling efficiency of your system. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it is crucial to contact Williams Energy right away for a service call.
Reset the system: Sometimes, a system reset can help resolve minor issues. Turn off the power to the air conditioner, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on.
If you’ve followed these troubleshooting steps and are still unable to identify or resolve the issue, rest assured that the skilled professionals at Williams Energy are here to help. With our expertise, we can safely and efficiently diagnose and solve even the most complex central air conditioning problems.
You can trust the HVAC team at Williams Energy to keep your South Shore home comfortable all year-round! Contact us today for a tune-up or to talk about upgrading your home’s HVAC equipment.
If the summertime heat waves have you looking for a cooling solution for your South Shore home, Williams Energy is here to help with ductless mini-split installation and service!
Mini-splits are an outstanding option for people who don’t have ductwork in their home, as you can get the benefit of air conditioning without the expense of adding ductwork for central A/C, along with saying goodbye to the noisy and inefficient window A/C units.
Each mini-split indoor handler consumes between 500 and 700 watts of power per hour, equivalent to 0.5 to 0.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh). Mini split outdoor compressors can connect up to four indoor units to cool these dedicated zones. If all four zones are being cooled simultaneously, the electricity consumption for each hour of cooling ranges from 2,000 to 2,800 watts (2 to 2.8 kWh).
Compare that with central air conditioning, which uses on average of 1,000 watts per ton each hour they are in use. For a house between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet, a 3.5-ton central A/C would be used. That would use 3,500 watts per hour, or 3.5 kWh.
That means that a central air conditioning system would use dramatically more electricity, around 30% more, than mini-splits, making mini-splits a much better choice!
There are other ways that ductless mini-splits offer energy efficiency.
One is through zoned cooling. For example, if your family isn’t using the bedrooms during the day, you can adjust the heating and cooling so it’s not running much in those rooms.
Another way that mini-splits offer energy efficiency is that there is no ductwork. According to the United States Department of Energy, up to 30% of home cooling costs can be attributed to cooling that is lost from leaks in the ducts, especially in spaces like attics and basements.
Ductless mini-splits consist of two primary components: the outdoor compressor unit and the indoor air handler, also known as the evaporator. These components are connected by a conduit, which contains the tubing, power, communications, and condensate drain lines. This seamless connection ensures efficient operation and optimal performance of the system.
How a mini-split provides cooling: The refrigerant flows into the compressor, where the compressor does what its name indicates and compresses the refrigerant. It then moves on to the condenser, where it relinquishes its heat, transferring it from the device to the surrounding air. Now in its liquid state, the refrigerant is directed through the tube to the evaporator. Here, it absorbs heat from the indoor air passing over the evaporator coils. Finally, the cooled air is released into your home, creating a comfortable environment.
How a mini-split provides heating: During the winter, the closed-loop mini-split system undergoes a reversal. Instead of extracting heat from within the house, the refrigerant now absorbs heat from the outdoors. This change allows for a more efficient and effective heating process.
When the pressure of the refrigerant drops and it transforms into vapor, it becomes significantly colder than the surrounding air. As heat energy naturally flows from hot to cold, the refrigerant absorbs heat from its environment. Once it has absorbed all the available heat, the outdoor compressor then pressurizes the gas, turning it into a hot liquid. This extremely hot refrigerant is then transported to the indoor coils, where the blower is utilized to send the heat into your home.
Ready to get the comfort of ductless mini-splits in your home? Get your FREE estimate from Williams Energy!