Today’s well informed home owners decide on a tankless water heater for 3 good reasons. First, they know that tankless water heaters are used throughout the World where energy costs are high. Canada’s energy costs are rising. Secondly, they recognize that a 92-97% thermal efficient gas tankless water heater compared to a 50 – 60% standard gas tank type water heater will save money and help reduce their carbon footprint. Thirdly, the tankless water heater doesn’t store hot water but produces it on demand.

Tankless water heaters are capable of providing an instant, endless supply of hot water. Because these systems function on an on-demand basis, they do not require a holding tank to store pre-warmed water. No storage or holding reserve means that tankless water heaters have a life span that is twice as long as traditional systems because of the risk of rust and corrosion is significantly lowered.

They are hung from the wall saving floor space. They can be installed almost anywhere. Most have warranties up to 15 years with all parts being replaceable and 100% recyclable. They do cost more initially but looking at all the benefits including the re-sale value of your home, they are well worth the expense.

Tankless heaters are not new to the market. They have a proven record dating back to 1950 in Canada. They come in many sizes to suit your needs. Experienced contractors can help you select the right unit.

A tankless hot water heater will save you money, save space and you will never run out of hot water again. Best of all your home and family will be environmentally friendly.

Electric tankless hot water heaters
Electric units heat the water as it passes over an electrical element. To run an electric tankless water heater, you will need to have it hardwired to your circuit breaker/electrical panel. Although, electric tankless water heaters are less expensive to purchase and operate, they typically have less capacity, which makes them less practical for large families or households that consume large amounts of hot water at one time.

Gas tankless hot water heaters
In a gas unit, a gas burner is utilized to heat the water. Gas-powered systems are fuelled by propane or natural gas. To operate one of these units, you will need a gas line running through your home to where the water heater will be installed. It can easily provide endless hot water for one major application at a time. This unit is a great replacement for the traditional 40-gallon storage tank water heater.

There are also provincial grants available under the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive program for replacing your domestic hot water heater with a qualified instantaneous gas water heater which you may want check into as well. For an estimate and potential savings, please call Ashton Service Group at 604-283-2383 and ask for Bob, our residential heating manager.

I am sure many of you have heard of a heat pump, some of you may even have one, but has anyone ever taken the time to explain what they are and how they work?

Heat pumps are often misunderstood or not understood at all. Because of this, you may not realize that there may be a better heating and cooling option than a furnace or air conditioner. A heat pump is an efficient method of cooling your home in the summer and warming it in the winter.

Although heat pumps are new to many people, they have been around for over three decades. Its name is a little misleading, a heat pump is an efficient method of heating a home during the cold winter months and also cooling it during the blistering summer months. A heat pump looks like an air conditioner, but that’s only the outside appearance. It actually has two functions based on the same principles for both. In warm weather situations, the heat pump works as a normal air conditioner. It extracts heat from inside the home and transfers it to the outdoor air through a condensing process.

In colder weather, however, the process reverses, collecting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it inside your home. Even when the air outside feels extremely cold, the air still contains some heat. The heat pump pulls the heat from this cold outdoor air and sends it inside to warm your home, using a similar process that a refrigerator would. When there is not enough heat in the outside air to meet the demand of the thermostat setting, an electric heater supplements the outdoor air to warm the home. While many people find the winter operation of a heat pump the most difficult to understand, it is during the heating cycle that the heat pump produces the most savings. Unlike a furnace that turns fossil fuel or electricity into heat, the heat pump collects heat that already exists in the outdoor air by means of its refrigeration cycle.

Consequently, a heat pump will produce two to three times more heat than the energy it uses.

In addition, a heat pump can be an effective add-on option to use in conjunction with an existing gas furnace. With a dual-fuel system, the two systems share the heating load but never function at the same time. Each system operates when it is most cost effective. The heat pump will be the primary heating and cooling system. However, when the temperature drops below the heat pump’s ability to operate as efficiently as the gas furnace, the gas furnace will take over until the temperature rises enough for the heat pump to operate more efficiently.

It should be noted that there are grants available if you upgrade your heating system with a new heat pump though the LiveSmart BC Efficiency Incentive program. Act fast before the grant funds are fully allocated or the programs expire.

Remember to take into consideration the noise that may be generated by your heat pump related to where the equipment is installed, and how this may affect your neighbour – be a good neighbour!

 If you have any doubts or require an expert analysis, please contact Ashton Service Group at 604-283-2383.

2012-04-30 15:10:13

The two service personnel from Ashton came to install our new hot water heater and despite less than ideal location did so very expertly and efficiently. They were extremely friendly & professional even going so far as to “MacGyver” a special tool to shut the water off outside & then replacing that plug with a more user friendly one. Also when my husband was having a very bad asthma attack they stopped what they were doing to make sure he was okay. I would not hesitate to recommend Ashton Service Group to anyone who is looking for a good, professional and efficient plumbing company.

To check out the over 40 reviews follow the link:

http://www.n49.ca/biz/ashton-service-group/bc/richmond/140-4631-shell-road/reviews/id/43300/

A toilet is a relatively basic piece of bathroom plumbing equipment for a Langley resident to install, but that does not mean that installing it is easy. While the installation itself is not terribly complicated, it is quite important that you get it right, so make sure you have all of the necessary materials, equipment and tools before you begin.

The first thing to remember is that you need to install your toilet in an appropriate place relative to the rest of your bathroom plumbing. Especially if you are installing your toilet along a branch drain, make sure that the sink, shower and any other plumbing fixtures are upstream of the spot where you will be installing the toilet.

You will also need to make sure that you install the toilet an appropriate distance from the wall. You need to be able to get around the toilet, and you also want to leave space so that work can be performed on the unit later. Putting your toilet too close to the wall can cause all kinds of complications in the way the unit functions and there is also a possibility of condensation build-up. For all of these reasons, it is important to make sure you are allowing an adequate amount of space on all sides.

The procedure you will have to follow when installing a toilet will be slightly different depending on whether you are installing it in a new spot or simply replacing an existing unit. When replacing an old toilet, you need to remove everything involved in the previous installation. That means taking the old bolts out of the floor and scraping away any residue to ensure that you have a clean and even surface to begin your installation on.

You should also make sure that you are aware of all applicable local codes before you begin your work. Even if you technically install your toilet correctly, you could run into trouble later on if your installation is not actually up to code. It is also important to remember to level all of your fixtures before you complete the installation process and to make sure you use a dielectric or brass fitting when attaching galvanized steel and copper to each other.  

If you have any questions about this process please call Ashton Service Group at 604-283-2383  or schedule an appointment online and save $ 20.00 on the service call.

It’s Never Too Late to Become Teacher’s Pet!

 As a member of our Service Partner Plan, you’ll always be at the head of the class when it comes to first priority service and maximum service discounts.

 Come on, admit it…back in the day, you detested all those teachers’ pets who enjoyed little perks and spotlight attention…the kind that you and your buds weren’t entitled to.  That is, unless you happened to be a darling little teacher’s pet yourself.  J

 Well, nothing really has changed now that we’ve all become grownups.  We still enjoy perks, special attention, and the feeling that we’re getting the best deal going.

 If that describes you, then you’re going to love our Service Partner Plan…one that will automatically entitle you to elite status with Ashton Service Group…forevermore.

 For one small yearly fee, your membership entitles you to:

• No Overtime Fee
• An annual inspection on all covered systems
• Perpetual warranties on all covered fixtures and repairs;
• Top level discounts on all services not covered by your Service Partner Plan;
• Priority scheduling for all regular and emergency service calls…“24/7!”

What’s it all add up to?  A level of peace of mind the likes of which like you’ve never known…especially when it comes to your family’s indoor comfort and security.

 It’s a great plan, all right.  And perhaps the greatest thing about it is that all covered systems will run better and last longer.  Why?  Because with our annual cleaning and inspection service, we can spot small problems before they get worse, and help to keep your equipment in top working order.

 Sign up today at http://www.ashtonservicegroup.com/AVP.html and get peace of mind.

 We hope to see you soon…“Around the House.”

What seems like a minor leak may surprise you in the amount of water and energy lost. Some simple fixes can add up to some major savings. For example:

• Fix a leaky faucet, save 75 litres a day
• Fix a leaky toilet, save 113 litres a day
• Replace an old toilet with a low flush toilet, save 150 litres a day
• Repair an outdoor pipe leak or broken sprinkler head, save 75 litres a day
• Repair a leak around the pool or spa pumps, save litres a day

Obviously, those litres add up over the year. A 1/32 inch size leak wastes 280,000 litres a year. 1/8 inch wastes over a 3.50 million litres.

Leaky faucets are typically caused by worn washers or “O” rings. For something that basic, you may want to pull out the do-it-yourself book and attempt the fix yourself. Or, if you want to save time while you’re confident it’s done right, just call us. You might even combine it with an overall plumbing inspection while we’re there, which may save major costs down the road in preventative maintenance.

Your leaky toilet may be a simple fix too, if you’re mechanically inclined. However, it often indicates you need a new toilet. In fact, if your toilet is ten or fifteen years old, you’re probably better off replacing it with an efficient low-flow toilet. You can save over five gallons per flush, so the savings add up quickly. Also, you’ll get a better flush with a pressurized model. You can conserve even more water with a dual flush toilet. It has two flush settings, one for solids and one for liquids. Incidentally, if you avoid using the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket, you can save 1,512 to 2,200 litres per month.

Simply replacing your showerhead with a new efficient model drastically cuts water consumption from 1,900 to 3,000 litres per month, while you still enjoy excellent shower power. Placing aerators on three kitchen and bath fixtures saves 52 litres a day, while retaining excellent water pressure.

Is the garden hose leaking? Seal the connection threads with thread tape. If it’s the hose itself that’s leaking, wrap it with sealing tape.

By implementing these simple ideas, you’ll be saving you and your community hundreds, possibly thousands of litres each year. Imagine if everyone else implemented these ideas as well. You might want to share this article with your neighbors.

One more extra bonus when you fix those leaks – you’ll hear no more annoying drip drip drip. Please check Ashton Service Group’s product page for many energy efficient options for your home for peace of comfort or give us a call at 604-283-2383.

Unless you’re reading this in the shower, your traditional water heater is wasting energy, heating water you aren’t using. And while you’re at work or running errands all day, that heater is still consuming energy you aren’t using. That large tank in your basement or utility space takes a lot of energy to keep all that water hot. In fact, heating water accounts for up to 30% of the average home’s energy budget.

As the name implies, tankless water heaters don’t have a large tank to keep a reservoir of standby water ready when you need it. (They’re also called “Demand” or “Instantaneous” water heaters.) So there’s no more heating water for hours on end, whether you’re using it or not. Instead, when you turn the hot water handle, cold water travels through a pipe heated by a gas burner or an electric element that heats the water right on the spot.

Since the water is heated instantly, you also get a continuous supply of hot water. Think of the luxury – no more mornings when if you’re the last to shower, it’s a cold shower. The typical tankless system provides hot water at two to five gallons per minute and gas-fired units produce higher flow rates than electric models. If your household often has several simultaneous hot water needs, like baths plus the dishwasher plus the washing machine, ask our technician if you need two tankless heaters connected in parallel, or ask about a “whole house” system. You’ll still be saving energy because when the hot water’s not being used, the heaters aren’t active.

Tankless water heaters are 20 to 50% more efficient than storage tank models. Homes using 40 gallons or less of hot water each day can conserve 24 to 34% energy consumption. Those savings increase with the amount of the home’s water consumption, particularly if a tankless unit is installed for each hot water outlet.

There are different models and sizes of tankless water heaters to choose from. Manufacturers and the government often offer generous rebates, so be sure to check their websites for offers. The type of tankless water heater you need depends on your home and family’s hot water needs. We’ll help you take a hot water energy audit to calculate your hot water usage. We’ll factor in the number of hot water faucets, your appliances, your usage patterns, even the types of showerheads you use, so you’ll have the perfect model match-up. We’ll also tell you your approximate energy savings with the new tankless water heater.

See our latest tankless water heater in stock.

Call us at Ashton Service Group at 604-283-2383 and a friendly, uniformed, professional technician will visit at your convenience for a brief, courteous consultation.

You Can’t See it, Hear it, or Smell it…But it’s There, All Right.  And the Worst Thing You Can Do is Ignore it!

Every year, hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning, and thousands more become seriously ill.  So here’s a quick primer on CO causes, how to minimize their effects, and why you should install a CO detector today!

Carbon monoxide is a natural byproduct of appliances and power tools that burn fuels like gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal.  Breathing low levels of CO can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and headaches.  At higher levels of inhalation, CO can cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. At the extreme?  Loss of consciousness and death.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM CO POISONING

Any tool or appliance that is not adequately vented and maintained can be a potential source of CO, including:

So the idea is to prevent CO poisoning from reaching dangerous levels in the first place…and here are a few simple steps to help you accomplish just that:

• Have your heating system, chimney and flue inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year.
• Don’t operate gasoline-powered engines in confined areas.
• Choose vented appliances whenever possible.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector with an audible alarm in your home and garage.

ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

If you’re planning to purchase a CO detector – or even if you already own one – check to see that it carries the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label, a long-term warranty, and that it’s easy to self-test and reset.  

Should your CO detector alarm suddenly go off:

• Check for symptoms of poisoning.
• Should you find any, get everyone out of the house and seek medical attention for those who require it.
• Otherwise, ventilate your home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of CO, including your heating system and water heater, etc.
• Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to determine why the alarm sounded in the first place.

If you have any concerns or guidance on the best options, please contact Ashton Service Group at 604-283-2383 and we will be happy to assist.

  Most people are astounded at the impact of even tiny leaks in faucets or toilets. Leaks that are barely perceptible to the naked eye can waste thousands of gallons of fresh water a year, costing you hundreds of dollars in excess water bills. If you have a leak that you know of, get it fixed before all that money goes, literally, down the drain. It’s a good idea to have a professional plumber do a complete household check-up to find leaks that escape casual notice.

  Your water heater is one of the most important household appliances. Over time sediment builds at the bottom of the heater, which can hamper performance. A good professional will check this on an annual basis. He or she will also check the drain valve for signs of leakage, and the anode rods for corrosion.

  Also important is a water heater burner inspection. A good way of telling is to check the flame under the water heater. It should appear blue with yellow tips. If it’s mostly yellow or if you see a layer of soot and carbon, the flue ways may be clogged. Don’t try anything yourself at this point. Call a professional to investigate the situation.

  Once a water heater springs a leak in its housing, it is beyond repair and must be replaced. Many units will last 15-20 years or even longer before this happens. (And it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times, like when the family is coming over for a holiday gathering!) If you have an ancient water heater, it may pay off for you to get it replaced even before it breaks down. Units made in the last 10 -15 years have much higher operating efficiencies than older models. Savings in fuel costs often will pay for the new installation in just a few years.

  Lawn sprinklers often spring leaks over the winter. If puddles form on your lawn, you probably have seepage in some of the lines.

  Check your sump pump to make sure it’s in working order before the heavy spring rains begin. Watch for build-up of sand or other debris in the sump pit. This can jam the pump and burn out its motor. Also, make sure the pump’s discharge pipe is not clogged. Hook up a garden hose to the connection point. If water runs through the other end, the pipe is okay.

  Consider getting a battery-operated back-up sump pump if your pump has been overloaded in the past from heavy rains.

  Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris. Water overflowing from blocked gutters collects around your home’s foundation and seeps into your basement.

  If your home is equipped with a flood control device such as an ejector pump, have it checked by your plumbing contractor to make sure it is working properly before the heavy spring rains.

To Schedule a no obligation assessment of your plumbing needs, please contact Ashton Service Group at 604-283-2383 or fill out this form and our client service team will contact you.

Here are some basic things homeowners should be aware of around the house. Plumbing plays a big role in our daily lives, and to keep things running smoothly here are a few things we can do to conserve water and go green initiatives:

• I will know where my water shut off valve is located.
• I will scrape all plates in to the garbage before putting in the dishwasher.
• I will not flush anything that does not break down easily.
• I will space showers at least 10 minutes apart to allow for draining ease.
• I will not put anything down the garbage disposal that is not liquid form.
• I will install low-flow toilets to conserve water.
• I will not set up water sprinklers that hit mainly driveway or sidewalk (wasting water).
• I will use leftover water in glasses for watering plants.
• I will look at buying a front loading washing machine which reduces water usage.

These simple measures can go a long way to protecting the environment and wildlife. More green initiatives can be found at Live Smart BC.

If you would like more information, please contact us 604-283-2383.