Products
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a great solution for your home comfort system when electricity is your only source of energy because they work to provide both heating and cooling. Heat pumps have SEER/SEER2 and EER/EER2 ratings like air conditioners and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF/HSPF2) ratings for measuring heating efficiency.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) new minimum efficiency national standard for Heat pumps is 15.0 SEER/14.3 SEER2/11.7 EER2 and 8.8 HSPF/7.5 HSPF2. This is a standard across the United States. Higher SEER/SEER2 and HSPF/HSPF2 ratings mean greater energy savings.
SEER/SEER2 and HSPF/HSPF2
SEER2 is an updated rating standard introduced by the DOE. SEER2 standards are intended to provide a better gauge of typical home operating conditions whereas the older SEER rating utilized very precise protocols to determine ratings in ideal conditions. SEER2 standards include updated testing means that give a better indication of how a unit will operate in the real world.
HSPF2 is the newest type of rating system that expands on the basic HSPF scale.
Much like miles-per-gallon for a car, SEER/SEER2, EER/EER2 and HSPF/HSPF2 offer an easy way to compare efficiencies of different products – the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. Just be sure you are comparing either SEER vs SEER or SEER2 vs SEER2 (same for EER/EER2 and HSPF/HSPF2).
EER2 Versus SEER2
EER2 and SEER2 both evaluate an air conditioner’s energy efficiency, but they’re concerned with two different types of temperature conditions:
- EER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency at the peak cooling temperature of 95°F.
- SEER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency throughout an entire cooling season, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 104°F.
Let Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Walk You Through All The Heat Pump Choices
Heat pumps are a very efficient alternative to electric baseboard heat alone. A heat pump works the same as an air conditioner in the summer, but it runs in reverse in the winter to heat your home. If needed, the system will be matched with a backup heating source, most often electric strip heating elements, for those extremely cold days of winter.
Just like our air conditioners, many of our heat pumps have advanced features, such as 2-stage compressors and variable speed fan operation. These features not only improve the comfort level of your home, but can provide additional energy savings as well. Call us now at 217-824-4684.
Air Handlers
The air handler is the indoor component of a heat pump system. It includes the fan and the heating/cooling coil. The air handler is designed for a particular refrigerant, so it must be matched with the heat pump or air conditioner.
We offer many air handlers with variable and multi-speed features that can provide enhanced indoor comfort by slowly ramping up to your thermostat setting rather than simply turning on at full speed. This alleviates the "cold air blow" often associated with single speed air handlers, and dramatically reduces system noise.
Gas Furnaces
Today's new high efficiency furnaces can save up to 50% in operating costs over a ten-year-old furnace. Many 1990 and earlier model furnaces have Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 65% or less. The minimum AFUE rated furnace that can be sold in the United States today is 80% for the Southeast and Southwest, with 90% being the minimum in the North.
Our current product offering starts at 80% AFUE and goes all the way to a very efficient 98%+ AFUE rating. Depending on your average usage, higher AFUE rated furnaces can significantly reduce your gas bill.
The DOE’s regional breakdown by state is as follows:
- North – 80% AFUE
- Southeast – 90% AFUE
- Southwest - 90% AFUE
Let Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Help Pick The Right Furnace For Your Home
We offer many furnaces with variable and multi-speed features that can provide enhanced indoor comfort by slowly ramping up to your thermostat setting rather than simply turning on at full speed. This alleviates the "cold air blow" often associated with single speed furnaces, and dramatically reduces system noise. Call us now at 217-824-4684.
Packaged Units
Our complete line of packaged systems include Packaged Air Conditioners, Packaged Gas Furnaces and Air Conditioners, Packaged Heat Pumps and Packaged Hybrid Heat. These self-contained systems are located outside of the home, mounted on the ground or the roof, and ducted into the home.
Just like individual furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps, these package units carry SEER/SEER2, EER/EER2, AFUE and HSPF/HSPF2 ratings. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit is. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) new minimum efficiency standards vary by region, so your choice of package units will depend on where you live.
The DOE’s regional breakdown by state is as follows:
- North
- 14.0 SEER/ 13.4 SEER2
- 8.0 HSPF/6.7 HSPF2
- 80% AFUE
- Southeast
- 15.0 SEER/ 14.3 SEER2
- 8.0 HSPF/6.7 HSPF2
- 90% AFUE
- Southwest
- 15.0 SEER/ 14.3 SEER2
- 8.0 HSPF/6.7 HSPF2
- 90% AFUE
SEER/SEER2 And HSPF/HSPF2
SEER2 is an updated rating standard introduced by the DOE. SEER2 standards are intended to provide a better gauge of typical home operating conditions whereas the older SEER rating utilized very precise protocols to determine ratings in ideal conditions. SEER2 standards include updated testing means that give a better indication of how a unit will operate in the real world.
HSPF2 is the newest type of rating system that expands on the basic HSPF scale.
Much like miles-per-gallon for a car, SEER/SEER2, EER/EER2, AFUE and HSPF/HSPF2 offer an easy way to compare efficiencies of different products – the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. Just be sure you are comparing either SEER vs SEER or SEER2 vs SEER2 (same for EER/EER2 and HSPF/HSPF2).
EER2 versus SEER2
EER2 and SEER2 both evaluate an air conditioner’s energy efficiency, but they’re concerned with two different types of temperature conditions:
- EER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency at the peak cooling temperature of 95°F.
- SEER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency throughout an entire cooling season, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 104°F.
Right-Size Your HVAC Packaged Units. Give Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing A Call Today!
We carry a wide offering that includes advanced features such as 2-stage compressors, variable speed fans and quiet operation. Call us now at 217-824-4684.
Hybrid Heat
With a traditional heating and cooling system, if you wanted to save more, you had to use less. But a Hybrid Heat system combines the benefits of intelligent control for both gas and electric heating to create an intuitive system that can actually react to changing conditions.
No matter what the temperature is outside, a Hybrid Heat system will automatically select the fuel source most efficient for your home, which means you'll stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer and save money all year long.
To design a Hybrid Heat system for your home, we professionally match one of our heat pump units with a natural gas furnace. Contact us to see how much energy you can save over your existing system.
Geothermal
The Earth absorbs almost 50% of all solar energy and remains a constant temperature of 50°F to 70°F depending on geographical location. A geothermal unit utilizes this constant temperature for heating and cooling your home.
You can realize up to 60% energy savings vs. traditional systems. There is no flame, no flue, no odors and no loud outdoor equipment. Heating, air conditioning and hot water can all be attained from a single compact unit.
Duct Free Systems
Duct free heating and cooling systems make your home's individual rooms or other small spaces more comfortable. Remember, just like whole-home systems, the higher the SEER/SEER2 and HSPF/HSPF2 ratings, the more efficient they will be.
The DOE’s regional breakdown by state is as follows:
- North
- 14.0 SEER/ 13.4 SEER2
- 8.8 HSPF/7.5 HSPF2
- Southeast
- 15.0 SEER/ 14.3 SEER2
- 12.2 EER/11.7 EER2
- 8.8 HSPF/7.5 HSPF2
- Southwest
- 15.0 SEER/ 14.3 SEER2
- 12.2 EER/11.7 EER2
- 8.8 HSPF/7.5 HSPF2
SEER/SEER2 And HSPF/HSPF2
SEER2 is an updated rating standard introduced by the DOE. SEER2 standards are intended to provide a better gauge of typical home operating conditions whereas the older SEER rating utilized very precise protocols to determine ratings in ideal conditions. SEER2 standards include updated testing means that give a better indication of how a unit will operate in the real world.
HSPF2 is the newest type of rating system that expands on the basic HSPF scale.
Much like miles-per-gallon for a car, SEER/SEER2, EER/EER2 and HSPF/HSPF2 offer an easy way to compare efficiencies of different products – the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. Just be sure you are comparing either SEER vs SEER or SEER2 vs SEER2 (same for EER/EER2 and HSPF/HSPF2).
EER2 vs. SEER2
EER2 and SEER2 both evaluate an air conditioner’s energy efficiency, but they’re concerned with two different types of temperature conditions:
- EER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency at the peak cooling temperature of 95°F.
- SEER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency throughout an entire cooling season, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 104°F.
Call Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing To Find Out If Duct-Free Systems Are Right For You.
We offer a variety of through-the-wall packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) and duct free heating and cooling systems to meet any individual room's needs. Call us now at 217-824-4684.
Boilers
If your home has hot water radiators in each room for heat, you have a boiler to heat the water. Like a furnace, the energy efficiency of a boiler is given as the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Boilers manufactured since 1992 must have an AFUE of at least 80%. We offer a complete line of gas and oil boilers starting at 80% AFUE and up.
Radiant Heating
Radiant heating is used everday in many ways. It is a way of heating unlike conventional means (normally convection). We offer countless products that heat both indoors and outdoors substantially. Call us for more information on our radiant heating products.
Garage Heaters
When winter hits, there's one area that we often wish was warmer than it is; the garage. If you have a detached garage that houses your vehicles or workshop, you may want to consider looking at a garage heater. These can not only make the air in the building warmer and more comfortable, but it can actually help when it comes to warming up the car or truck in the morning. We offer a wide selection of electric and gas garage heating systems.
Standby Power Generators
Standby Power Generators can help maintain your comfort and a relatively normal life during power outages by supplying a totally automatic backup power source to your home.
When the power from your utility company goes out, the standby power generator automatically turns on, whether you're home or not, and automatically shuts off when power is restored.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners may look similar, but their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER/SEER2 and EER/EER2) can vary widely. For air conditioners, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) new minimum efficiency standards vary by region, so your choice of AC units will depend on where you live.
The DOE’s regional breakdown by state is as follows:
- North
- 14.0 SEER/ 13.4 SEER2
- Southeast
- 15.0 SEER/ 14.3 SEER2
- 12.2 EER/11.7 EER2
- Southwest
- 15.0 SEER/ 14.3 SEER2
- 12.2 EER/11.7 EER2
SEER Versus SEER2
SEER2 is an updated rating standard introduced by the DOE. SEER2 standards are intended to provide a better gauge of typical home operating conditions whereas the older SEER rating utilized very precise protocols to determine ratings in ideal conditions. SEER2 standards include updated testing means that give a better indication of how a unit will operate in the real world.
Much like miles-per-gallon for a car, SEER/SEER2 and EER/EER2 offer an easy way to compare efficiencies of different products – the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. Just be sure you are comparing either SEER vs SEER or SEER2 vs SEER2 (same for EER/EER2).
EER2 Versus SEER2
EER2 and SEER2 both evaluate an air conditioner’s energy efficiency, but they’re concerned with two different types of temperature conditions:
- EER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency at the peak cooling temperature of 95°F.
- SEER2 measures an air conditioner’s efficiency throughout an entire cooling season, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 104°F.
Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Can Help You Choose
We currently offer a line of air conditioners that meet the local minimum rating and go all the way up to a 24 SEER2. Depending on your average usage, higher SEER2/EER2 air conditioners can significantly reduce your electric bill.
Additionally, we offer many air conditioners that have advanced features, such as 2-stage compressors and variable speed fan operation. These features not only improve the comfort level of your home but can provide additional energy savings as well. Call us now at 217-824-4684.
ecobee4 Smart Thermostat
Get whole home comfort while saving energy.
Experience enhanced comfort, increased savings, and advanced control with SmartThermostat with voice control and included SmartSensor.
- Save 23%* on annual energy costs
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- Control from anywhere on iOS and Android
- SmartSensor included in the box
- Alexa Built-in
- Adapts to your schedule with eco+
Smart features and easy scheduling help you save up to 23%* annually on heating and cooling. Plus, you’ll get monthly energy reports that show you how much you’ve saved and how to save even more.
*Compared to a hold of 72°F/22°C.
Thermostats
Thermostats are used to turn on heating or cooling systems to bring the home to a set temperature. In addition to basic temperature control, programmable thermostats can be used to manage the indoor environment of your home at different times of the day or week. This type of control can have a dramatic impact on the overall energy use of your home. We carry a complete line of thermostats. Let us help you choose the one that best matches your lifestyle.
iWave-R Air Purifier
iWave-R is the world’s first self-cleaning, no maintenance needlepoint bi-polar ionization generator designed specifically for treating air in residential duct A/C systems. As the air flows past the iWave-R, positive and negative ions actively purify the supply air, killing mold, bacteria and viruses in the coil and living space. The ionization process also reduces allergens, smoke and static electricity, as well as controlling odors (cooking, pet, VOCs) and other particles (no more sunbeams) in the air without creating ozone or any harmful byproducts.
iWave-R treats the air in any brand of residential duct air conditioning systems up to 6 tons (2400 CFM) in size with no maintenance and no replacement parts. Designed for universal mounting, the iWave-R typically requires only 15 minutes to install inside or outside of duct, or to attach magnetically near the indoor fan in the air handler. Simply connect to power using its patent-pending voltage input capability.
Air Cleaners
Air cleaners effectively remove bacteria, pollen, animal dander and other pollutants as small as 0.01 microns. That's 18,000 times smaller than the head of a pin. The higher the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), the more efficiently the cleaner removes particles. We offer air cleaners that range from MERV 10 to MERV 15 to meet your needs. For those families that have severe allergies, we also offer Whole House High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filtration systems.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers work in tandem with your heating system to deliver desired humidity levels throughout your home. Maintaining proper humidity levels in your home is essential to maintaining indoor comfort during the winter months. Moderate humidity levels make you feel warmer at lower temperatures, which means you can set your thermostat lower without sacrificing comfort.
Depending on the size of your home, we offer a variety of humidifiers to deliver the right amount of moisture into the air. Sizing of humidifiers is measured in Gallons Per Day (GPD), and we offer models from 12 GPD to 18 GPD.
Dehumidifiers
Too much humidity harms your immediate environment. Estimates suggest that the average family can produce over 11 liters of excess moisture every single day. While this affects the house in obvious ways, like mold, damp patches and spoiled surfaces, it also affects people's health in more important ways, aggravating conditions like asthma, arthritis and rheumatism.
Dehumidifiers work in tandem with your heating and cooling system to maintain desired humidity levels throughout your home. Maintaining proper humidity levels in your home is essential to maintaining indoor comfort during the summer months. Lower humidity levels make you feel cooler at warmer temperatures, which means you can set your thermostat higher without sacrificing comfort.
Depending on the size of your home, we offer a variety of dehumidifiers to remove the right amount of moisture from the air.
Ventilators
Ventilators bring fresh air into your home without losing heating or cooling energy. Their unique energy exchange system transfers the heating or cooling energy from the stale air being exhausted from your home to the fresh air the ventilator brings into your home.
If your family suffers from allergies, ventilators are a much better alternative for introducing fresh air into your home versus opening your windows. They also do a great job of reducing cooking and pet odors, smoke and other pollutants out of your home.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which makes it extremely dangerous. CO detectors can protect your family from deadly carbon monoxide gas. Fuel-burning appliances such as oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are all sources of carbon monoxide.
A monitored carbon monoxide detector will alert you if high levels of this deadly gas are detected. Local building ordinances require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in your home. An expert technician from Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can properly install your CO detector and ensure it's functioning correctly.
UV Lights
Ultraviolet light kills bacteria and mold growing on your indoor coil before they are circulated throughout your home. UV lamps are installed near your existing indoor coil and work diligently to rid your home of the bacteria, viruses, mold and germs that impact your home's health. We install 1 or 2 lights per indoor coil, depending on the size of the coil.
Zoning Products
Zoning can provide optimum comfort with increased energy savings in your home by dividing a home into areas with similar heating and cooling needs and independently controlling the temperature in each area. Much like multiple light switches that independently control lighting in different rooms, with zoning, multiple zone thermostats or sensors control temperature in different areas of the home. Contact us for an in-home evaluation and estimate.
Water Heaters
After heating and cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home because it is necessary for so many domestic activities. The capacity of a water heater is an important consideration. The water heater should provide enough hot water at the busiest time of the day. We offer a wide variety of electric, gas and tankless water heaters.
Water Conditioners
Softeners
A water softener is a special type of filter that removes the calcium and magnesium in hard water by using plastic beads and cleans itself periodically by a process called "regeneration." Water softeners have three main components: a mineral tank, brine tank and control valve. Smaller capacity models combine the mineral tank and brine tanks into one cabinet, but the two tanks are still separated within the cabinet. The mineral tank is where the water filtration takes place and the hard water is softened (calcium and magnesium are removed).The brine tank is where a solution of salt or potassium is stored. The control valve is the device that controls the flow of water into and out of the mineral and brine tanks during regeneration.
Sanitizers
Using a unique crystalline media, Sanitizer conditioners effectively remove hardness, iron and manganese while raising low pH level — all in a single pass. The chlorine generator safely sanitizes the entire media bed to remove nuisance bacteria and related odors.
Neutralizers
Installing an acid neutralizer is the most effective and economical way to correct a low pH imbalance of your water. The signs of acidic water - if you have copper pipes - are blue or green stains in the bottom of your tub or sinks. If you have low pH, acidic water not only can create these stains, but can also, over time, damage your copper water pipes and create pinhole leaks. By installing an acid neutralizer, you can possibly slow down or stop the problem at its source. Essentially, this can save you a lot of money in the long run by not damaging your fixtures and copper pipes and building.
Water Filtration Systems
One of the most important things you can do for your family's health is to ensure clean, pure drinking water is flowing from your taps. With quality products from Watts, we can help you meet that goal. There are particles, disolved organics, disolved inorganics and bacteria in your tap water that can be removed using various type of filtration processes. Here is a brief explanation of each:
Sediment Filtration
Sediment filtration uses a filter media to trap particulates out of the water. The filter media comes in the different styles of depth, screen and surface filters, all with the function of removing sediment from the water. Using the right combination can be highly effective and be the most cost effective way to eliminate sediment from your water.
Taste & Odor Filtration
Filter media usually doesn't trap the dissolved inorganics and other contaminants that effect your water's taste and smell. Using activated carbon filtration to absorb these contaminants from the water is the best way to eliminate odor and taste issues. The carbon adsorption process is controlled by the diameter of the pores in the carbon filter and by the diffusion rate of organic molecules through the pores. The rate of adsorption is a function of the molecular weight and the molecular size of the organics. Carbon is usually used in combination with other treatment processes. The placement of carbon in relation to other components is an important consideration in the design of a water purification system.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most economical method of removing 90% to 99% of all contaminants. The pore structure of RO membranes is much tighter than UF membranes. RO membranes are capable of rejecting practically all particles, bacteria and organics. In fact, reverse osmosis technology is used by most leading water bottling plants.
Reverse osmosis is highly effective in removing several impurities from water such as total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, asbestos, lead and other toxic heavy metals, radium, and many dissolved organics. The process will also remove chlorinated pesticides and most heavier-weight VOCs. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration are complementary processes. Combining them results in the most effective treatment against the broadest range of water impurities and contaminants.
Well Pumps
Jet Pumps
Inside the nose of a shallow well jet pump there is a nozzle and venturi pair. The nozzle blows water through the venturi which creates a pressure differential. It’s this pressure differential that actually helps the pump build pressure. It’s kind of the same physics principal used in a jet engine.
Jet pumps are mounted above the well, either in the home or in a well house, and draw the water up from the well through suction. Because suction is involved, atmospheric pressure is what's really doing the work. Think of the system as a long straw. Jet pumps come in both shallow and deep well versions.
Submersible Pumps
Like the name says, submersible well pumps take the pumping power to the source, down the well. A typical submersible pump is characterized by a long cylindrical shape that fits inside the well casing. The bottom half is made up of a sealed pump motor that is connected to the above-ground power source and controlled by wires. The actual pump half of the unit is comprised of a stacked series of impellers, each separated by a diffuser, that drives the water up the pipe to the plumbing system.
While submersible pumps are more efficient than jet pumps in delivering more water for the same size motor, pump or motor problems will necessitate pulling the unit from the well casing-a job that's best left to a pro. However, submersibles are known for their reliability and often perform their role 20 to 25 years without servicing. Submersible pumps may also be used in shallow wells. However, silt, sand, algae and other contaminants can shorten the pump's life.
Shallow Well Pumps
In many areas of the country, the water table is only several feet below the surface of the ground. In such a shallow-well situation, lifting the water up to the house is going to be a little easier, if only because the distance you have to move it is modest. In general terms, shallow wells are designated to be about 25 feet or less in depth.
Both submersible and jet style pumps can be used in shallow well applications.
Deep Well Pumps
If your area doesn't have a high water table, or if it lacks a stable supply of potable water near the surface, you must dig deeper to achieve the same result. And because a deep well means that the water has to be lifted farther, the strategies for moving it changes.
When using a jet pump in a deep well application, it simply involves separating the jet from the motor and impeller housing and placing the jet assembly down in the water. In a typical deep-well jet-pump configuration, one pipe mounted to the impeller housing drives water down into the jet body that's located about 10 to 20 ft. below the minimum well water level. A second pipe connects the output side of the jet body back to the pump. At the jet, the increase in water velocity creates the partial vacuum that draws standing well water into the second pipe and then back into the pump and plumbing system. Deep-well jet pumps use both the suction at the jet to bring water into the system and pressure applied by the impeller to lift the water.
While a jet pump can reliably handle a well several hundred feet deep, a more effective solution is to move the pump down into the well so, instead of lifting the water, it's pushing it up.
Because each well has unique characteristics, let the experts at Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing help explain all the details and customize a solution that's right for you.
Plumbing Fixtures
Click on a logo below to see product offerings on the brand's website:
Toilets
Almost all toilets have a similar tank capacity. When choosing a tank, you'll have flush valve size and flush lever positioning to consider, as well as the flushing system.
The flush valve, which is located at the center of the tank, is activated by the flush lever and releases the water held in the tank. The larger the flush valve, the higher the rate of water flow. Flush levers are positioned either on the side, front or top of the tank.
The pressure-assisted and gravity-flush systems are the two standard flushing systems available:
Pressure-Assisted Flush System: Pressurized air forces water into the bowl when flushed, reducing the chance for clogs. This system is noisy, expensive and may require costly maintenance.
Gravity-Flush System: The most common and simplest system, it uses the water weight to generate flushing pressure. The pressure forces everything from the tank into the bowl and through the S-shaped trapway. A siphoning action completes the flush. This flushing system is quieter and requires less maintenance than a pressure-assisted flushing system.
Additional toilet technology includes:
Dual Flush: This is a relatively new system for saving water without sacrificing efficiency. There are two flushing options for a full or partial flush (ex. 1.6 gallon flush and 1.1 gallons per flush).
Waterless Toilets: Where water or plumbing is not available or when portability is required, a self-contained waterless unit is an option.
Kitchen & Bathroom Sinks
The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the sink handles most of the daily chores. That's because it's the only working area used to both prepare meals and clean up after them. Although quality sinks can last 15 years or more, they do wear out. If you're planning a kitchen remodel, it makes sense to replace your sink and faucet.
Kitchen Sink Size vs. Kitchen Size
With so many options — single bowls to multiple bowls of different sizes, shapes and depths — you need to consider the size of the room and how you'll use the sink. Large multibasin models, which are popular right now, will overpower a small kitchen.
What material best suits your needs?
There are many kitchen sink materials to choose from, including stainless-steel, enameled cast iron, quartz silicate and solid surface:
- A high-quality, 18-gauge stainless-steel sink will take a lot of abuse
- Enameled cast iron has endless options for shiny colors
- Solid surface or quartz silicate is better at resisting scratches
Here's what to consider when choosing a new bathroom sink style:
Pedestal
A good choice for powder rooms and guest baths where storage is less important and space is limited. Their sleek, sophisticated lines can visually enlarge a room, while also enhancing its appearance. Pedestal sinks come in a variety of styles and shapes.
Wall-Mount
Wall mount sinks feature a basin that it hung from the wall at a location and height that you choose. Lately, these sinks have seen a rapid gain in popularity. In part because there are so many attractive and innovative designs available, but also because they're ideal for universal access applications.
Undercounter
Clean, modern, distinctive. That's the beauty of undercounter sinks. They free up usable counter space, and since there is no rim to catch debris, they're also the easiest type of sink to keep clean.
Above Counter/Vessel
Versatile and stylish, above-counter sinks rise above the countertop, console or cabinet to create a dramatic focal point. They are best suited for master baths and powder rooms, especially in contemporary, cosmopolitan homes. Keep in mind that since these sinks sit above the countertop, the countertop should be lower than normal to allow easy access to the sink. Also consider what type of faucet to use with a vessel sink. Tall vessel faucets work well along with wall mounted faucets.
Countertop
These sinks, also called drop-ins and self-rimming, fit into a variety of countertops. And thanks to their self-rimming nature, they're the simplest type to install. Countertop sinks are the style most commonly found in high-traffic family bathrooms.
Integral Countertop
These sinks combine a countertop and sink together. Their one piece, seamless design allows for a clean, sleek look. Since there are no crevices they are also one of the easiest styles to keep clean.
Bathtubs
If you're remodeling and looking to add a new bathtub to your bathroom, find out what options are available for bathtub types, installation options, and materials to find the perfect tub for your bath and budget.
Find the Right Type of Tub for You
Some tubs are all function, while others focus on indulgence. Let the primary use dictate your selection as you determine what works best for your household.
Standard: This affordable, jack-of-all-trades built-in basic is often found in an alcove installation and doubles as a tub-shower combo; it can be purchased at your local home improvement center.
Whirlpool & Air Tubs: Think of it as an on-demand therapeutic massage in your home. A whirlpool forces water through strategically placed jets, and an air tub pushes a soothing, steady stream of air into the water. With the extra plumbing required, whirlpools tend to be more expensive than air tubs. Visit a showroom or chat with your designer to determine which option best fits your preference and space.
Soaking: Extra-deep dimensions allow the bather's body to be completely submerged. It can be either built-in or freestanding. Walk In: Climbing in and out of a slippery tub can be dangerous, but a walk-in tub is great for those with mobility concerns.
Showers
Need a bathtub and a shower but don't have the room for separate pieces in your bathroom? A space-saving combination tub-shower is a smart choice. These two-in-one units make the most of limited space by providing all the benefits of both a shower and a bathtub in a compact footprint, which can be particularly useful in a child's or guest bathroom. When you don't have room or funds for a separate tub and shower, a combo model is also a wise choice for boosting your home's resale value because it serves homeowners who prefer either option.
Tub and shower combos are available as prefabricated kits or can be installed as a custom design. Typically made from fiberglass or acrylic, prefab units are available from very basic and affordable models to pricey versions that include tile-look walls, modern colors, and shelves. Although the design options are limited with prefab units, you can personalize the unit with the fixtures you choose. A glass shower door can also give the illusion of more space than a curtain. A sliding door is installed on a track along the edge of the bathtub.
Let the experts at Blakley Heating, Cooling & Plumbing help explain all the details and customize a solution that's right for you.