Learning the ABC’s of Water Heaters
Hot water is one of the purest forms of luxury. Naturally, hot springs have attracted the unwell and healthy alike to their soothing waters for centuries. People use hot water daily for washing and drinking (usually in the form of tea or coffee). Every homeowner who has experienced the joys of camping or hiking in the great outdoors knows the true value of a warm shower. Thus, water heaters have become essential in any household. There are options to fit almost any need and budget.
All Different Types To Fit a Customer’s Needs
There are many options for heating water within a home. The water heater is the silent hero of every shower, load of smelly laundry, and full dishwasher. The technological options can accommodate almost any situation.
- Electric Water Heaters: These heaters have the traditional hot water tank and are heated through the home electrical wiring.
- Gas Water Heaters: These also have a large tank in which a gas flame heats the water.
- Tankless Water Heaters: Also called “on-demand” water heaters, these function through passing the water over super-heated coils to produce nearly instant hot water. These are highly efficient and don’t use energy when there is no hot water being used.
- Solar Water Heaters: This tank-style heater uses solar panels to produce the heat needed to make water hot.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters: These are also known as hybrid heaters. Instead of using electricity to heat up the water, this type of water heater collects the heat in the air or in the ground to produce hot water. It’s a highly efficient system because it only uses electricity to pump, not heat.
- Condensing Water Heaters: This type of water heater is an excellent option if the home already uses a good deal of natural gas. This type of water heater uses the leftover natural gas fumes to heat the water in its tank. Again, a highly efficient system that uses what is already there to create hot water.
Be Consistent With Maintenance
After choosing the appropriate water heater for their home, the next step for homeowners is maintenance. Just as people cannot expect their cars to function properly without the occasional oil and filter change, so too people cannot expect their appliances to run without proper maintenance. Here are a few tips for maintaining household water heaters:
- Flush the Tank: The tank should be drained once a year, and sediment cleared out.
- Test the TPR Valve: The temperature-pressure-release valve should activate if the pressure in the water tank gets too high. If it is malfunctioning, it can cause leaks or something much worse.
- Consider Insulating: Depending on which type of heater is in a home, it may be a good idea to increase efficiency by insulating the hot water pipes or the tank itself.
Considering Repair: Signs of Malfunction
There is only so much an average homeowner can do when it comes to maintenance and repair. A mistake can lead to disastrous results. There is always a time to call in a professional. If any of these symptoms show up, it may be time to bring in the big guns.
- Gurgling noises
- Leaks
- Rust-colored water
- Running out of hot water more quickly than normal
About Oak Plumbing
The multiple award-winning Oak Plumbing has been serving the Benicia, CA area for more than two decades. Their upfront pricing and same-day service make them the go-to plumbers of the area. Contact them for all water heater services, including repair, replacement, and installation.