Evaluating your household's daily hot water usage is an important step to ensure you purchase the right size and type of water heater. An accurate assessment will ensure a consistent supply of hot water without incurring unnecessary energy costs or running out of hot water during peak demand.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

List All Hot Water-Using Appliances & Plumbing Fixtures

Start by making a list of every device and fixture in your home that uses hot water. Common sources include:

•   Showers and bathtubs
•   Bathroom sinks
•   Kitchen sinks
•   Dishwashers
•   Washing machines

Estimate Usage Per Fixture

Showers & Bathtubs

The average shower uses about 2 gallons of water per minute. If there are four people in your household and each person takes a 10-minute shower daily, that’s 80 gallons of water.

Sinks

On average, bathroom and kitchen sinks use about 1-2 gallons per minute. If you run the hot water for approximately 10 minutes daily for each sink, you'll consume 10-20 gallons of water for each sink.

Dishwashers

Standard ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use an average of 3-5 gallons of hot water per commonly used cycle. Some more powerful dishwasher cycles may use up to 9 gallons of water. Compact dishwashers that are ENERGY STAR certified use an average of 2.7 gallons per cycle.

Washing Machines

Standard washing machines use about 20 gallons of water per load for larger loads. Factor in how often you use your machine on a weekly basis and divide by seven for a daily estimate.

Calculate Peak Usage Times

It's not just about total daily usage; it's also about peak usage. There might be times during the day when multiple hot water fixtures are in use simultaneously. You will want to ensure your water heater can handle these peak demands.

Consider Special Circumstances

Do you often have guests? Are there days when multiple family members might take a bath instead of a shower? Factor in these special circumstances to get an accurate picture.

Total Daily Hot Water Usage

Once you’ve estimated the daily usage for each appliance and fixture, add them together. This total will give you a ballpark figure of your household's daily hot water consumption.

Monitor and Adjust

For an accurate measure of overall water usage, you can check your water meter:

• Ensure no water is running in the house.
• Check and note down the reading on your water meter.
• Use only hot water for the next hour or so (like taking showers).
• Check the meter again.
• The difference between the two readings is your actual hot water usage for that duration. Extrapolate as needed for a daily estimate.

This guide will help when shopping for a new water heater, ensuring efficiency and comfort for years to come. When installing a new hot water heater MR PLumbing will look at your current tank or tankless unit and help you calculate your total water usage to ensure your get the right size water heater for your needs.

What they are and why every homeowner with a generator needs one.

When power outages strike communities in the Chicagoland area, having a backup generator can be a lifesaver. You will not only be able to keep the lights on, you can also power your heating and air conditioning, refrigerator and other essential appliances.

But to harness a generator's full potential and ensure safety, you need a crucial component: the generator transfer switch. If you're new to the world of backup power or are considering investing in a generator for your home, MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical  will walk you through the basics of generator transfer switches.

What is a Generator Transfer Switch?

A generator transfer switch is an electrical device that allows you to safely connect a generator to your home's electrical system. Instead of running extension cords from your generator to your appliances, a transfer switch provides a direct link to your home's electrical panel.

Why Do You Need One?

The primary reason is safety. Connecting a generator directly to your home's wiring without a transfer switch can "backfeed" electricity into the power lines, posing a severe risk to utility workers and neighbors. A transfer switch prevents this dangerous backfeed.

The second reason is convenience. With a transfer switch, you can power hardwired appliances like your furnace, well pump, or home security system, which can't be powered with extension cords.

Another advantage of transfer switches is efficiency. Because a transfer switch interfaces with your service panel, it allow you to manage which circuits in your home are powered, helping you maximize the efficiency of your generator.

Types of Transfer Switches

There are primarily two types:

Manual Transfer Switch

As the name implies, it requires you to manually switch the power source from the utility to the generator. It's more affordable but requires manual intervention during power outages.

Automatic Transfer Switch

This type detects when utility power is lost and automatically switches to generator power, then switches back when utility power is restored. It's more convenient but comes at a higher cost. A standby generator will employ this type of transfer switch.

How to Choose the Right Transfer Switch

When selecting a transfer switch, you will need to consider:

Generator Size: It essential that the switch be rated to handle the generator's power output.
    
Number of Circuits: Decide how many circuits in your home you want to power during an outage.

Type of Appliances: Some sensitive electronics may require specific types of switches.

Local Regulations and Installation

In many areas, installation must be done by a licensed electrician. An electrician will obtain any necessary permits and will follow local regulations before installing a transfer switch.  Proper installation ensures safety and compliance with local codes.

Chicagoland Transfer Switch Installation

A generator transfer switch is an essential component for anyone looking to use a backup generator for their home. It ensures safety, convenience, and efficient use of your generator during power outages. If you're considering setting up a backup power system in Chicagoland, MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical can help. We take the time to learn about your backup power needs, access your current electrical system and provide cost-effective solutions for safe, reliable backup power.

How Furnace Efficiency Is Measured

A Guide to Understanding AFUE Ratings

When you're in the market for a new  furnace or boiler for your Chicagoland home, one of the most important factors to consider is its efficiency. Understanding how to measure furnace efficiency through Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings can help you make an smart decision that can help you save energy dollars for years to come.

What is AFUE and Why is it Important?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It's a standardized metric used to evaluate how efficiently a furnace or boiler converts energy from natural gas, propane, or oil into heat. All new furnaces and boilers sold in the U.S. must display their AFUE ratings. This allows consumers to easily compare the efficiency of different models over a typical heating season.

How is AFUE Calculated?

The AFUE rating is calculated as a ratio of the annual heat output produced by a furnace or boiler to its annual fuel consumption. For example, an AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel is converted into heat for your home, while the remaining 10% is lost through the exhaust or other inefficiencies.

Limitations of AFUE Ratings

It's important to note that AFUE ratings don't account for all types of heat loss. For instance, they don't consider heat lost through your home's air duct system, which can account for as much as 35% of total energy loss. Therefore, when upgrading your HVAC system, it's highly recommended to consult with a certified HVAC technician to assess your home's ventilation system.

Why Choose a High-Efficiency Furnace?

Choosing a high-efficiency furnace can significantly reduce your energy bills during our long Chicagoland winters. It's an investment that pays off in the long run, not just in cost savings but also in reducing your carbon footprint.

Tips for Maximizing Furnace Efficiency

In addition to choosing an efficient furnace, there are other steps you can take to improve heating system efficiency.  This includes scheduling heating maintenance checks to ensure your system is running optimally.
    
Sealing gaps around windows and doors and properly insulating your home helps retain heat and reduce the workload on your furnace.

Smart Thermostats

The type of thermostat you use use will also have a significant impact on system efficiency. Consider installing a smart thermostat for more precise control over your heating system. By learning your household's routine a smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature, ensuring that your furnace and air conditioner run only when they are needed.

Understanding AFUE ratings is essential for any homeowner looking to invest in a new heating system. By choosing a high-efficiency model and taking steps to minimize heat loss, you can enjoy a warm, comfortable home while saving money and energy.

Have questions about furnace efficiency? Call the experts at MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical.

The Advantages of HVAC System Zoning

Simply put, HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditiioning) zoning involves dividing your home into different areas or 'zones', each controlled independently for heating and cooling. This setup often uses multiple thermostats connected to a central control panel, managing the opening and closing of dampers within the duct work of your home HVAC system. The concept of HVAC zoning is an effective means of enhancing comfort and efficiency throughout your entire home.

How Zoning Works

• Multiple Thermostats: Each zone has its own thermostat for personalized temperature control.
• Central Control Panel: Manages the opening and closing of dampers in the ductwork based on thermostat settings.
• Dampers: Placed in the ductwork to regulate and redirect air to specific zones of the house.

Benefits of Zoning Your HVAC System

Enhanced Comfort

Does your home have rooms that are always too cold or hot? Zoning allows for customized temperature settings in different areas of your home, ensuring optimal comfort for all occupants. This is a big advantage in multistory homes that are served by one furnace and AC unit.

Increased Efficiency

Heating and cooling unoccupied spaces in your home is inefficient and wasteful. By sending conditioned air to only the areas that need it, zoning reduces energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills.

Improved Indoor Climate Control

Gain better control over your home's indoor climate to address issues like low humidity and indoor air quality issues.

Implementing HVAC Zoning in Your Home

Interested in zoning your HVAC system? Contact MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical. Our team of experts in can assess your home's needs and provide a custom tailored zoning solution.

Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels During the Winter

Winter in the Chicagoland area brings not just the chill, but also uncomfortably dry inside air. At MR Plumbing Heating Air Electric, we understand the important role of maintaining proper humidity levels.  Low humidity can significantly reduce indoor air quality, impacting your family's health and comfort. The best solution to the dry winter air is a whole home humidifier that works in conjunction with your home's heating system to provide ideal relative humidity to your indoor climate.

The Effects of Low Humidity on Indoor Air Quality

Low humidity levels in winter can significantly reduce indoor air quality. Dry air allows dust, allergens, viruses and particulates to circulate more freely and persistently. The longer contaminants remain in the air, the more they can exacerbate respiratory problems such as allergies and colds. Moreover, the increase on airborne contamination in dry air reduces the effectiveness of your home’s air filtration and heating systems, leading to uneven heating and higher energy costs.

Health and Comfort Considerations

The human body is sensitive to humidity levels. In winter, low humidity can cause various health issues, including dry skin, irritated eyes, and exacerbated respiratory conditions. It can also lead to a higher susceptibility to colds and flu, as dry air dries out mucous membranes, reducing your body's ability to filter out viruses and bacteria. It has also been shown that viruses such as the coronavirus remain in the air longer the lower humidity levels are.

How Low Humidity Damages Your Home

Your home also feels the effects of low humidity. Wood flooring and furniture are particularly susceptible to dry air, causing wood to crack and warp. This can lead to early replacement or costly repairs and maintenance.

Whole Home Humidifiers: Your Essential Ally In Combating Dry Winter Air

What Are Humidifiers and They and How Do They Work?

Whole home humidifiers integrate with your home's HVAC system to distribute moisture evenly throughout your house. They work by either evaporating water directly into the air or by using a steam system that heats water to create humidity. This ensures a consistent and controlled humidity level in your home, enhancing both comfort and air quality. Humidity levels are adjusted and maintained by your thermostat.


Maintaining proper humidity levels during our cold and dry Chicagoland winters is vital for your health, comfort, and the protection of your home. At MR Plumbing Heating Air Electrical, we recommend a whole-home humidifier as a key component of a complete home comfort system.

Looking for expert advice or installation services for whole home humidifiers? Contact us today.