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As summer fades and cooler weather settles in, many homeowners turn their attention indoors — tackling maintenance tasks to prepare for the colder months ahead. One upgrade that often goes overlooked until it’s too late is the water heater.
Fall is actually one of the best times of year to replace or upgrade your unit, and doing so with the help of a licensed professional can save you from headaches, safety risks, and unexpected costs later on.
As cooler weather arrives, most families spend more time indoors with the windows shut tight. While this helps keep the cold air out, it also means your home’s air has less circulation and can trap unwanted pollutants. From seasonal allergies to winter viruses, indoor air quality often declines in the colder months. One effective way to combat this problem is with a UV air purifier, which uses ultraviolet light to neutralize airborne contaminants and create a healthier living environment.
As the weather cools and the crisp autumn air sets in, it’s time to start thinking about your home’s heating system. Preparing your furnace before the cold really kicks in ensures comfort, efficiency, and safety throughout the season. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help homeowners get their furnaces ready for fall, including annual heating maintenance in Gibsonia.
Power outages can disrupt your life, especially in Pennsylvania where storms can strike any season. At Kennihan Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, with 50 years of whole home service, we know a backup generator is your home’s best defense against power loss.
Whole home generators ensure comfort, safety, and security, and our team offers expert installation, maintenance, and 24-hour emergency service. Here’s why a generator is essential and how Kennihan can help.
Homeowners today are looking for ways to improve comfort, reduce energy costs, and minimize their environmental footprint. One solution that’s gaining attention is the geothermal HVAC system in Gibsonia, PA. Unlike conventional heating and cooling systems that rely on fossil fuels or outside air, geothermal systems tap into the stable temperatures beneath the earth’s surface to provide year-round comfort.
Tankless water heaters, often referred to as on-demand water heaters, have gained popularity due to their energy efficiency, space-saving design, and virtually limitless hot water supply. These systems bring water into the unit only when there is demand, instantly heating cold water as it flows through the heat exchanger. As cold water enters the system, it is rapidly heated on demand, allowing the unit to produce hot water continuously for as long as needed. This means you can enjoy continuous use, such as taking a shower, without running out of hot water. Typically, these systems can provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons per minute, depending on the model and water temperature.
There are different types of tankless water heaters, including electric, gas, condensing, and non condensing models. Electric tankless water heaters are typically used for point-of-use applications due to their lower flow rates, while condensing models offer higher efficiency compared to non condensing units by utilizing advanced technology to recover more heat. Gas-fired tankless water heaters, on the other hand, produce higher flow rates than electric ones, making them a better choice for households with higher hot water demands. When selecting a unit, consider the flow rate (measured in gallons per minute) to ensure it can supply enough hot water for multiple fixtures, like a shower, running at the same time.
Energy efficiency is a key benefit, and ENERGY STAR certified models help identify the most efficient options. The choice of fuel—gas, propane, or electric—impacts both efficiency and installation requirements. Proper installation is crucial: gas models require safe and code-compliant gas lines, and all units should be installed on a suitable wall (interior or exterior) by a licensed professional to ensure safety. Local climate also affects which system is best for your home, as it can influence performance and installation needs. For instance, gas tankless water heaters are generally preferred in colder climates due to their efficiency and superior heating performance.
To improve hot water delivery and reduce cold water waste in pipes, some systems include a recirculation pump. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent mineral buildup, especially in hard water areas, which helps maintain efficiency and prolongs the life of the unit. Most manufacturers recommend yearly descaling for tankless water heaters unless the water is very soft. While tankless water heaters generally last longer than traditional tanks, they will eventually need to be replaced, though replacement is less frequent. Upgrading and replacing an old water heater with a tankless model can improve efficiency and save space, but always prioritize safety by using a professional for installation and maintenance.
Let’s dispel that myth and explore why regular maintenance is essential to keeping your tankless water heater in Gibsonia running efficiently and reliably.
If you’ve ever dealt with a slow or clogged drain, you might assume it’s just a minor nuisance—a bit of hair in the shower or food buildup in the kitchen sink. But what if that sluggish drainage is a symptom of a much bigger problem? Sometimes, persistent drainage issues are the first red flags of a failing sewer line or septic system. Understanding the signs can save you from expensive repairs and major headaches down the road.
Hosting a summer party is one of the best ways to enjoy the season—grilling, music, laughter, and great company. But when temperatures soar and your home fills with friends or family, keeping everyone cool and comfortable becomes a priority. Your central air conditioner is your best ally, but only if you use it wisely. Here’s how to keep your party chilled without melting your energy bill.
Don’t forget, we’re offering $50 off any repair to keep people safe and comfortable this summer season.
The weather is about to get hot, there’s no way around it. This makes life a little tricky for certain people, especially those without air conditioning. While we’d always advise our local community to call us for AC installation, especially for a central air conditioner or a heat pump, we know it’s not always in the cards. That’s why we’re providing this quick set of tips to help you through the next heatwave.
If you’re a homeowner with an attic, you might also want to consider an attic fan to help reduce the heat load on your home. Attics can soak up heat and cause your air conditioner or fans to run inefficiently, which is a problem on the hottest days of the year. Work with our team to quickly install an attic fan in Butler, PA so you can avoid a serious efficiency problem in your home.
Your air conditioning system is one of the most valuable—and heavily used—appliances in your home, especially during hot summer months. Protecting it isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about preserving your investment and avoiding costly repairs. Fortunately, there are several practical steps homeowners can take to safeguard their AC equipment and keep it running smoothly.
Let’s look at five key protection strategies: wet switches, surge protectors, filter changes, drain treatment, and managing hard starting. Protect your equipment with AC maintenance in Alison Park by scheduling an appointment today!
