Showering, washing clothes and dishes, cleaning the house, and doing other chores all depend on hot water. Denver Water Heaters are one of those appliances that are often taken for granted until they break down or start consuming too much energy.
Before making a purchase, check the energy efficiency and annual operating costs for different types of water heaters.
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new water heater. How large your home is, how many appliances use hot water, and how often you use it will help determine the size of tank you need and whether you want gas or electricity. Energy efficiency and cost will also factor into your decision. You should also consider where you want your water heater to be. Lastly, if you want to be less reliant on non-renewable energy sources, an alternative water heater may be your best option.
The most common type of water heater in the US and other countries is called a storage or tank-type heater, which consists of an insulated tank that keeps water heated to a high temperature until it’s needed. These can be powered by electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil or solar energy. They typically range in size from 30 to 98 gallons. These are typically situated inside the home, usually in a garage or basement, although they can be installed in the attic or even outdoors.
They are generally the cheapest to purchase, but can be more costly to operate. They use up a lot of energy to keep the tank filled with hot water, and even when no one is using it, which is known as standby heat loss. Depending on the type of tank you choose, you can run into issues with rusting and leaks.
Another option is a gas tankless water heater, which operates much like a traditional gas water heater but with the added benefits of saving energy. These are becoming increasingly popular because they don’t require a large storage tank, which makes them more space efficient. They also don’t lose heat through a hot water line, so you can avoid the issue of water running cold.
A third option is a condensing water heater, which works by capturing the exhaust heat from the flue gases of a natural gas tankless heater. This helps to significantly reduce the amount of energy required to power the water heater, making it one of the most energy-efficient options available today.
Energy Efficiency
The type of fuel used by the water heater has an impact on operating costs, as does the temperature setting you choose for hot water. It’s important to understand these factors to estimate the cost of different water heaters.
If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to upgrade your water heater to improve energy efficiency. The higher upfront price of a more efficient model can be offset by reduced energy and utility bills.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to take advantage of government rebates and tax credits. Check with your local utility company to see what incentives are available in your area.
In addition to looking for high-efficiency models, it’s also a good idea to look for energy efficiency ratings that are consistent across brands. New industry standards have replaced high-efficiency EF ratings with a more reliable measure called the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). UEF takes into account not only recovery and standby losses but also how quickly water is heated, which reflects real-world use.
Traditional electric tank water heaters use an energy-efficient heat exchanger, which is capable of producing a lot of hot water at once. However, they can be less efficient if your family is taking long, hot showers or if sediment builds up in the tank. In these cases, you will need to flush the sediment regularly.
Another way to increase your energy efficiency is to install a tankless water heater, which uses an electric heating mechanism to produce hot water on demand. These units are 90 percent smaller than tank water heaters and can be installed right at the sink or shower, eliminating the need for a storage unit in the basement or garage. These units also require less maintenance, since they don’t have a tank that can rust or leak.
A natural gas tank water heater can be more energy efficient than an electric model, especially if your home is located in an area where natural gas is readily available and cheaper than electricity. A natural gas model can also be a good choice for environmentally conscious homeowners, as it produces fewer greenhouse gases.
Cost
If your water heater is nearing the end of its life, it might be more cost-effective to replace it than repair it. Depending on the age and condition of your current unit, it may not be safe or efficient to use anymore. Also, the cost of water heating fuel can be a factor in your decision. Check the local fuel costs and rates to see if it makes sense to switch to another type of water heater.
The most common water heaters are tank-style units, which hold anywhere from 20 to 100 gallons of hot water. They usually are located in basements or laundry rooms. They burn energy (gas or electricity) day and night to keep the water at optimum temperatures, even when no one is using the hot water. This is called standby heat loss. Tank-type water heaters can struggle to supply enough hot water during high demand periods. They are also not very energy efficient, consuming about twice as much energy as the newer, more efficient gas or electric tankless models.
Point-of-use water heaters, which are small electric units installed at each fixture, can save a lot of money in the long run. They eliminate the wait time that often comes with opening a tap and waiting for hot water to flow. They consume energy only when hot water is needed, so they operate much more efficiently than larger tank-type water heaters.
Some homes use propane-powered water heaters, which can be expensive but are effective in remote locations that do not have natural gas lines available. They are commonly used in cabins, vacation homes and island properties. Propane water heaters are generally less expensive than electric models, but their efficiency is lower.
If your pilot light is constantly burning out, you should have the thermocouple and gas control valve inspected. You will need to hire a plumber for this, but it is not an expensive service. A faulty dip tube, on the other hand, can be a more serious problem. It’s important to have it replaced, as it protects your water heater from corrosion.
Installation
Water heaters are one of those vital appliances that are usually forgotten about until something goes wrong. When they do, we quickly realize just how much we depend on them. That’s why having a reliable professional to handle any repairs or installation needs is important. This will ensure your water heater is always in good working order, which in turn can keep your family happy and healthy.
Traditional water heaters are a household staple that can be powered by gas, electricity, or propane. These units contain an insulated tank that holds anywhere from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water at all times. The thermostat on these heaters records the temperature inside of the tank, and when it drops below a set point, the heating elements kick in to heat it back up. Water is then pumped through the pipes and delivered to your faucets on demand.
Since water heaters can produce a lot of steam and hot gases, code requirements often mandate that they be vented through an exhaust pipe that is either a venting chimney or a direct vent. Direct venting uses a double-chambered vent pipe that carries the exhaust outside of the home at the same time that fresh air is drawn in. Some areas even require the use of a power fan that assists the flow of gases through the venting system.
Tank-style water heaters should be drained and flushed annually to help prevent sediment buildup that can shorten the lifespan of the unit. A professional technician can perform this maintenance service by draining the hot water tank and cleaning its components.
A water heater is a large and expensive appliance, so if you’re having issues with it you should have a professional look at it right away. A repair may be as simple as fixing the thermostat or pressure relief valve, or you may decide that it’s time for a replacement. Either way, a professional can help you make an informed decision based on your current and future water usage needs.
