May
11
If you want your hot water system to be “green”, it takes more than simply buying an energy-efficient water heater. Water starts at your water heater. But from there it travels all through your home. For your entire water system to be green, it means concentrating on every piece – not just one or two parts.
For an energy efficient water system to be green, it must use the least amount of water possible while still giving you the access you need. If you think about one of the biggest water wasters in you home, you’ll quickly come up with the idea of letting water go down the drain without using it at all. From filling your kitchen sink for the dishes, to washing your face in the evening, to your morning showers, its not uncommon to leave the water run for several minutes while you wait for the water to warm to the touch. Read more
Mar
28
If you’ve lived in your home for a number of years, you probably won’t think much about what type of water heater you should buy. Because your home is already set up using either an electric or gas water heater, unless you are willing to go through an entire home renovation, you’ll probably stick with the same system.
Yet if you are building your new home from the ground up, the choice will be there.
A gas water heater, in general, is cheaper to use and will create hot water faster. The larger your family, the more water you demand through a large home, the more benefits a gas water heater will have. Yet the one drawback is location. A gas water heater cannot be installed in a living area, and must be kept out of bathrooms or bedrooms.
Electric water heaters can be installed almost anywhere. While most people think electric water heaters are outdated devices, they have had major improvements since their invention. They can be installed under your sink or in tight locations – perfect for small living spaces, such as condos. Read more
Mar
8
Troubleshooting the Most Common Water Heater Thermostat Problems
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Nothing can be worse than getting up in the morning to a cold shower.
If your hot water tank is not producing hot water, you may need to do some troubleshooting to see exactly what the problem is. Taking a look at some of the most common reasons why your hot water tank may not be producing hot water and how to correct the problem will help keep you “in hot water” for many years.
In most cases, when a hot water heater is not producing hot water, the pilot light has gone out. To see if this is the problem, look to see if the pilot light is lit. If it is out, relighting it should successfully correct the problem.
In other cases, the problem lies with the thermocouple. A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature. It consists of two dissimilar metals wires joined at one common junction on your water heater. Tightening or repositioning the thermocouple may be an easy solution to your problem. And in many cases, this will restore your water heater’s ability to produce hot water. If you aren’t sure where the thermocouple is or tightening it doesn’t work, it may be time to call in a professional. Read more
Feb
17
Every appliance in your home has two costs. The first is the price you pay when you purchase it. The second is the cost of operating the appliance over its lifetime. And while most people focus in on the upfront costs, they may be a bit surprised if they dug a little deeper and looked at total costs instead. What can save you a few dollars up front may wind up costing you hundreds or even thousands over its lifetime.
One of the most expensive items in your home to operate is your water heater. Heating your water every month accounts for about 15 percent of your utility bill. And if you have a water heater 10 years and older, the efficiency rating is no more than 50 percent.
A water heater’s efficiency is measured by its energy factor – EF – which is calculated by its recovery efficiency, standby and cycling losses. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. Typical EF ratings will range: Read more
Jan
27
Water Heater Safety Tips
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Water heaters are standard in most residential homes, apartment complexes and mobile homes. They are responsible for converting the cold water that pumps into a home into the hot water used for washing clothes, dishes and ourselves. Even though these heat-producing cylinders are fairly commonplace, they are also a bit of a mystery for many homeowners and renters. Tenants tend to call on the help of a professional maintenance operator to handle any issues that may arise with the heater. This does not mean that safety around a water heater should be forgotten. In order to stay safe around a water heater throughout the year there are certain safety tips to keep in mind.
1. Keep the area around the water heater clean. Make sure that dust, debris and any flammable objects are cleared away from the area. Be sure to sweep and mop the area regularly to prevent any dust build up that may occur. Read more
Jan
12
Everyone is looking for ways to reduce their home energy budget in today’s economy. While small things, like replacing old lightbulbs, can amount to a huge savings over the course of a year; finding large, one time changes may make more sense. So many people naturally turn to the one thing they use every day: water. And when it comes to your home’s water, heating it impacts about thirty percent of an average home’s energy use.
However, one of the top options being brought to the table for a “quick fix” may not be as efficient as many believe. Tankless water heaters are an option that should be explored with care.
Most tankless heaters are a bit more costly up front than their holding tank counterparts. Add in that most models will need an electrical outlet, upgraded gas pipes and also special ventilation systems. This can often make installation costs a bit more prohibitive than people think. Read more
Jan
5
Should My Hot Water Heater Tank Be Running All The Time?
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You are very familiar with the sounds of your home, the drone of the refrigerator, the hum of the heater, the buzz of the lights. These are the little white noises that comprise our day. One of these familiar sounds is the occasional sound of the water heater running. But what happens when this sound never stops? Is it OK for the water heater tank to be running all the time?
In most instances, the answer to our last question is no. If your water heater is constantly running, there is probably a problem. Here are a few potential problems you could be having and a few steps you could take before calling the plumber.
You might have a leak – A leak would be a constant drain on the hot water supply within the tank. To make up for the loss of hot water, your tank would need to run more frequently to keep the same level of hot water as before. If your water heater is constantly running the first thing you should do is check the unit and the pipes immediately around it for leaks. Read more
Nov
30
What are your goals for 2012? Is it to find ways to save money? Is it to find ways to conserve energy, and be kinder to our planet?
While people approach conservation from a many different angles, one of the easiest ways to make a difference both to our planet and to your pocket book is to focus in on what you use every day. Water is our main resource; something we consume every day. From flushing the toilet, to taking showers, to washing clothes and dishes, to using it to cook, water is something we simply can’t live without. And because a lot of what we use runs through our home’s water heater, your water heater is one of the first places to start.
If you are in the market for a new water heater, of course you can shop for an energy efficient model. However, until that time, here are a few things you can do to make your current water heater more energy efficient.
1. Lower the thermostat - One easy way to save energy is to require less. If you lower the temperature on your heater’s thermostat, your water heater will run and heat up water at a slower level. Setting the temperature to 120 degrees will keep the water hot enough for most purposes. Read more
Nov
25
How Water Heaters Heat Water
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When you step into a steaming hot shower or sink into a tub of bubbles, you are enjoying one of the benefits of having a water heater. You probably do not think about your water heater – unless it stops working. However, learning how your water heater works will help you to better maintain its operation.
A properly maintained water heater has a longer lifespan than one that is neglected. Instead of having to invest in a new water heater every few years, you can save your money for other things.
Water heaters, whether they are gas, propane or electric, are constructed in the same, basic manner. Your water heater consists of a water tank within the outer metal wall. This water tank holds a certain amount of water, usually from 30 to 50 gallons. Read more
Oct
21
Whether it’s cheaper gas, sales on groceries, discounts on insurance, or a reduction in monthly bills; we all want to save money. A new trend in the money saving movement has been a transition to more energy efficient household equipment. Consumers can now find just about anything from energy efficient light bulbs to energy efficient appliances.
As you try to go green, save some green, and conserve energy, do you know how to tell if your water heater is energy efficient? Do you know what to look for to help find out?
The Energy Factor (EF) is the measurement for energy efficiency in water heaters. This number measures the percentage of energy that is maintained in the water that your water heater has warmed vs. the loss of energy through heat escaping the unit. A typical new electric water heater has an EF of .95. Ninety-five percent of the energy used to heat the water remains in the hot water. Read more
Blogroll
- Quality 1st Plumbing website - Quality 1st Plumbing website
- Troubleshooter - Tom Martino – The Trouble Shooter
- WaterSense