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.

2.    Keep a regular eye on the temperature valve of the water heater. This valve opens when too much pressure builds up in the water heater. If this valve is clogged or blocked in any way, an explosion could occur, causing extensive damage to your property or yourself.

3.    During the summer months, many tenants may experience bug problems. This is the time of year when bug bombs are used in the house to stop the bug issues from occurring. Make sure that the pilot light on the water heater is off and that the gas line is closed completely before any foggers or bug bombs are set off in the home. Foggers and bug bombs are highly flammable and when they come in contact with an open valve on a water heater, they can cause a fire or explode.

4.    Regularly check gas valves to make sure that no flammable gas is leaking near the water heater.

5.    Do not store flammable liquid or items near the water heater.

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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.

Tankless heaters may not provide the endless hot water many manufacturers claim. One of the more common complaints about these models is the fact that hot water consistency just isn’t there. Most tankless models will first feed cold water to determine the temperature level needed. So the heater may not ignite if you’re just using a small amount of hot water – such as if you are shaving or washing your hands.

They also require more care than the traditional tanked hot water heaters. Tankless models tend to have a scale build up issue and they need to be serviced about once every year. Calcium build up can have a tremendous impact on a tankless heater’s efficiency and a water softener may also need to be installed. If you plan on getting a tankless heater, check your warranty. It may be shortened if you don’t obtain a water softener along with the water heater.

A tankless water heater can be a great solution under the right circumstances. Like any home improvement investment, it does require a bit of homework to understand if this option is right for you. Before jumping in with both feet and contacting a tankless water heater dealer, who will always praise the product, talk with an experienced plumber first. Your plumber can give you the pros and cons of each choice and provide you with the best options to meet your needs.

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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.

You might have insufficient insulation – If the water heater is not properly insulated, it will be unable to maintain the water temperature.  If this is the issue you can purchase an insulating wrap at any local hardware store.

You might have sediment build-up – Over time sediment builds up in the bottom of your water heater.  If you haven’t drained your tank in a while, sediment may be causing your tank to function inefficiently.  Draining the tank will clean it out and fix the efficiency problem. We provide advice on how to do it yourself, or if you want to avoid the time and mess of doing it yourself, give us a call.

Your tank might be old – Of course, your water heater issues might simply be from a tank that needs replacing.  Older tanks will have to run more frequently to maintain a good water temperature.  Solution: buy a new tank.

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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.

2.    Insulation - The first step in energy savings is to make the best of the energy you use.  Insulating your water heater and the pipes immediately adjacent to the tank will help keep the water hot and prevent the use of extra energy to reheat the water.

3.    Fix leaks – Not only do you want to maintain heat, you want to maintain the hot water.  A leaky faucet leads to needless waste of water as well as the energy needed to heat it.

4.    Change your faucets – Low flow faucets use less water and less hot water.  Less hot water used translates into lower energy output for heating water.

5.    Install heat traps – Many newer water heaters are created with heat traps built in.  However, if you have an older model, you might consider installing heat traps for your water heater.  This will help keep the heat where you want it – warming up your water.

6.    Drain regularly – Older tank water heaters accumulate sediment over time. Clean out your tank on a regular basis, eliminate the sediment that accumulates on the bottom, and inspect the overall working condition.

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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.

There is a layer of insulation between this interior water tank and the exterior (the part that you see every day). A heating mechanism is inside of your water heater. This mechanism heats the water at the lower part of the tank. Your water heater has a place where the water enters the tank and a place where the heated water exits the tank.

Your water heater also has a thermostat for controlling the temperature of the water. You can adjust the temperature of your hot water to suit your personal needs. Normally, between 120 to 140 degrees is hot enough for regular household use.

Your water heater functions in a basic manner – the cold water enters the tank. It is heated by the heating mechanism. As the water gets warmer, it rises to the top because cold water is denser than warm water. This heated water is then ready to leave the tank and enter your tub, shower, washing machine, and kitchen sink.

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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.

The age of the unit will be a major factor in the efficiency of you water heater. Appliances become less efficient over time.  Even if your unit was highly energy efficient when new, as it ages, it will loose some of its efficiency.

If your water heater was built before 1991, it has additional reasons (aside from its age) for potential energy inefficiency.  In 1991, a new conservation act required all units to achieve an energy efficiency of .88 or higher.  Prior to this act, the average water heater had an energy efficiency of .80 to .86 (much lower than the current average of .95).

If your heater has a fiberglass insulation rather than foam, your water heater was probably built prior to 1991.  If that is the case, now might be a good time to consider replacing your old unit with a new, energy efficient water heater.

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Your water heater is a vital appliance in your home. You depend on it to work every day, to provide your home with hot water for bathing, cooking and cleaning.

When your water heater fails and you have to purchase a new one, you may not know where to begin. With so many available models, the decision can be a bit daunting. Understanding what to look for in a water heater will help you choose the right model for your home.

First, start with the basics. This includes the type of water heater you need (gas, electric, propane), the size you need based on your family’s use (larger families tend to need larger water heaters) and the size of the space where it will be installed in to ensure you buy one that fits.

Next, determine what type of water heater you want. Storage tank water heaters are the preferred choice of most consumers. These are the most common type and probably the kind you already have in your home. They hold a specific number of gallons of water in the tank.

Tankless water heaters do not store water. Instead, they heat the water as you use it by passing the water through heated coils. Although more energy-efficient than tank water heaters, you can expect to pay more for a tankless water heater.

For a newer, greener alternative, consider a hybrid water heater. It provides an endless supply of hot water, and emits ultra low emissions, meaning it leaves almost no carbon footprint.

Once you know which kind of water heater you want, it is time to go shopping. You want to find a water heater that will meet your water needs, while still being as energy-efficient as possible. Pay attention to the energy usage labels on each water heater and choose the one that has the highest efficiency and will still fulfill your needs.

You can also consider buying various accessories for your water heater. For example, a water heater stand will elevate your water heater off the floor to reduce the risk of fire. Timers work by only operating the water heater (storage tank type) when it is needed. Water heater alarms will signal you in the event of a water leak.

Ask your local plumber for recommendations, or do your research online. There are many great tools that can help you determine which option is right for you.

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We all appreciate the convenience of hot water for showers, dishes, laundry, and so much more.  Water heaters are responsible for this wonderful convenience, but they usually are ignored unless there is an issue.  So, is there a way to take better care of your water heater to extend its functional lifespan?  Here are a few things to consider to help extend the life of your hot water heater.

Install a second anode rod – Over time, elements in the water serve to wear away or corrode the interior of your water heater.  Most water heaters have an anode rod installed to attract these elements to itself thereby protecting the water heater from these corrosive elements.  One way to improve the life of your water heater is to install a second anode rod.  This provides twice the protection from corrosion,

Flush out the tank - Over time, sediment builds up inside a water heater.  This can reduce the capacity and the efficiency of the water heater.  Newer water heaters have a self cleaning function, but older models need to be flushed occasionally.   Flushing the system annually can help reduce sediment buildup.

Maintain a working Pressure Regulating Valve – If the water pressure entering your home and water heater is too high, it can drastically shorten the lifespan of your water heater.  To protect your heater, be sure you have a working pressure regulating valve (PRV) installed.

Consider a water softener – If you live in an area affected by hard water, you might want to consider installing a water softener for your home.  Hard water can cause residue buildup over time, minimizing the effectiveness and drastically reducing the life of your water heater.  Installing a water softener can help reduce wear on your water heater caused by hard water.

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Imagine having to take a bucket down to the creek for water, bringing it back and heating it over an open fire.

Living like our forefathers isn’t something we think much about. Modern conveniences are everywhere, and more than likely you think little about them. Until something goes wrong.

Your water heater is an important part of your home and daily life. You use hot water for a variety of things, including bathing, laundry and cooking. A water heater makes it possible for you to have hot water instantly whenever you choose. But when you turn on the faucet, and only cold water comes out, you begin thinking about how much you use it. And how you’re going to fix it as quickly as possible.

There are several ways that your water heater could fail you. It might start making loud noises, producing little hot water, producing lukewarm water, or even spring a leak. If you have noticed that your hot showers do not last as long as they used to last, it is time to check your water heater. If you are not experienced with tasks like this, you can always call a professional to do it for you.

The first step in trying to repair your water heater is to drain the tank. Once you have it drained, fill it about halfway up with cold water. Drain it again. This process, known as flushing, will help remove any buildups or sediments in your water heater. Flushing can help your water heater function better and can eliminate the problem of foul-smelling water.

Checking and replacing your heating elements is another way to repair your water heater. Heating elements can fail and if they do, you will not have hot water. If one element fails, your water will quickly become lukewarm because the working element cannot heat the water fast enough to meet your needs. Replacing your heating elements can eliminate these problems.

Finally, if you have a leaking water heater, you will need to replace it. Water heaters do not have any “stop leak” additives. If it is leaking, it means the tank is cracked. And the only way to fix it is to replace it.

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1. About 25% of the energy you use in your home is for heating your water. Since such a large portion of your energy usage is from your water heater, it is important to select a heater that is energy efficient.

2. Most of your water usage comes from taking baths and doing laundry. With an energy efficient water heater, you can worry less about the cost of every bath and load of laundry.

3. The typical tank water heater will last about 10 to 13 years. Tank heaters are normally more affordable than tankless heaters.

4. Tankless water heaters last about 18 to 20 years. One of the biggest myths surrounding tankless water heaters is the assumption of instant hot water. Tankless water heaters are not able to give you instant hot water when you turn on the faucet, but they do give you an endless stream of hot water once it reaches the point of use.

5. Want instant hot water? There is a quick fix. Simply talk to your plumber about installing a hot water circulation system instead.

6. Using an electric water heater will normally cost more per year than a gas or propane water heater.

7. Finally, one fact that is often overlooked by the average consumer is that tank water heaters should be drained and refilled on a regular basis. This helps extend the life of the water heater by ridding the tank of any buildup.

By keeping these facts in mind, you can choose the water heater that fits your budget and your hot water needs.

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