There are many things to be concerned about when you own a condo or home. Your appliances, roof, backyard, garage door, and that’s just home maintenance. This is not to mention your real life which includes work, play, family, and time with your loved ones. You probably don’t give much thought to your water heater or plumbing.
Your hot water heater, like your furnace and air conditioner, is almost always on and keeps your home comfortable. Yet, it’s easy for people to forget about it because it just does its job year after year. Although it is nice to have one less thing, your water heater will eventually need attention as it ages. We’ll be discussing situations where you might want to consider buying a new hot-water heater from King.
Is your water heater leaking?
This is the main reason why people do hot water installation in Melbourne. We push all buying decisions to the point that we have to replace it, so a water heater that isn’t working is an incentive to upgrade.
There are some situations where a new water heater is a good idea. If your water heater stops producing hot water or your water temperature drops below a certain point, it may be time to replace it.
You may also notice condensation or small leaks on the exterior of the system. Although the danger of the system bursting is not imminent, any moisture leaking from the system should be a sign that King Heating & Cooling needs to be called. Do not ignore signs of a hot water heater problem. You could be without hot water for a long time or worse, your home will flood.
Four signs that you need to replace your water heater
If any of these signs are present, you should call an experienced plumber to come to your house to check your water heater.
- Water appears muddy or sandy
The sediment buildup in your water heater tank could be causing water from the tap to appear muddy or sandy. The tank’s contents can be removed and the problem may be fixed. If the muddy water persists, you may need a new heater.
If the water heater is leaking, it’s likely that there is rust. The anode rod becomes brittle and the tank walls are exposed to heat and water for many years. This is known as corrosion. Your water heater will eventually leak if it is getting rusty.
- Your water heater isn’t producing hot water anymore
There is nothing worse than feeling cold water rushing through your shower. This is a sign that your water heater needs to be replaced.
The heating element of a water heater that has burned out will stop producing hot water. You may be able repair the heating element if your water heater is relatively new. It may be more economical to replace the whole unit if it is old.
- It is impossible to know when your water heater was replaced the last time.
Find out the date your water heater was manufactured. This information can be found online by searching for the serial number. You should replace your water heater if it is older than 10 years. To ensure your water heater continues to work safely, King should be called.
If your water heater has not been replaced in the last 10 to 15 years, or if you live in your home longer than that, it is time to get a new one. Water heaters typically last for 15 years. If yours is older, it may be very near the end of its useful life.
- Repairs are often necessary.
The need to make frequent repairs is one of the most obvious signs that your water heater needs replacement. It’s better to replace your water heater if it breaks down frequently. You’ll save money over the long-term by buying a new unit. Plus, you’ll have more peace of mind knowing that hot water will be available when you need it.
King Heating, Cooling & Plumbing should be contacted if you find moisture around your water heater. Metal heats up and expands, which can cause a small crack in the water tank. Flooding or other damage can occur if the leaking becomes more severe.
- Water heater making strange sounds
Water heaters should be very quiet. As it ages, your water heater may begin to rumble. As your water heater ages, sediment builds up at the bottom. The sediment hardens as it heats up and makes rumbling or banging sounds.
These sounds indicate that your water heater is suffering from hard sediment buildup.
Are your energy bills skyrocketing in the wake of rising costs?
The equipment we make today, whether it’s hot water heaters, furnaces, or air conditioners is generally more efficient than the previous models. This is partly due to the use of better materials and technology. Some of it is also due to an increased focus on conserving energy. Older water heaters, regardless of whether they use electricity or gas, are less likely to conserve energy. This can lead to inefficiency: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates water heaters account on average for 17% of residential energy consumption.
You can make a significant reduction in your monthly energy costs by purchasing a hot water heater. Gas systems are generally more efficient than electric systems. Ask King about your options if your home has gas lines. It doesn’t matter which system you choose; it will be more efficient than your older system.
Why is it important to upgrade my water heater
- Your heater could be very inefficient. Generally, the more efficient a water heater is, the less you spend on utility bills. You may be paying a lot for your old water heater.
- It consumes more energy than the majority of your home. While people may not consider a water heater a major electricity or gas hoarder, they use more energy than any other appliance in your home.
- Your water heater might not be able to meet your needs.Maybe the water heater is too small and does not have enough hot water to heat your home in the morning. You might need a larger supply if this is the case.
What should I look out for when buying a hot water heater?
These are the three things you should consider when looking for a new heater.
- Check out the FHR: One of the most common misconceptions about hot-water heaters is that larger tanks equal more hot water. Check the heater’s label for the First-Hour Rating. FHR is the maximum amount of hot water the heater can provide within one hour. King Heating and Cooling can help you compare heating systems and answer any questions.
- See the EF: This is the “Efficiency Factor” that measures the energy efficiency of a water heater. The heater’s efficiency is determined by the higher the EF number. The EF of gas water heaters is between 0.50 to 0.60. Some high-efficiency models are around 0.80. The more efficient your heater, the more money you will save over the years on your energy bills.
- Search value: It doesn’t necessarily mean that you should choose the cheapest water heater. While a cheap water heater may save you money in the beginning, it could end up costing you a lot of electricity and gas over the life of the heater. Consider the FHR, EF and price when choosing a water heater for your home.
Is your water heater reaching the end of its useful life?
Although hot water heaters are designed to last for between 10-12 years, some may live up to 12 years. Your water heater will die in its second decade. You should be ready to consider replacement. King can assist with this. There are many options for hot water heaters.
Simple steps to maintain your water heater
- Examine the pressure valve
Every water heater has a temperature release valve. This valve can release the pressure from the tank if it reaches too high. To avoid serious problems, it is essential that the TPR valve works properly. To inspect the TPR valve, lift it up to release some water from the tank. Close the valve. King’s professional plumbers will replace the valve if water continues to flow.
- Make sure to check the anode rods
It is important to check the anode rod of your water heater regularly in order to prevent it from rusting. The anode rod is made up of a small steel wire that is surrounded by zinc, magnesium, aluminum or a combination of all three. The anode rod draws corrosive substances from your water to ensure that the tank walls don’t corrode. You may need to replace your tank sooner if you don’t replace it regularly.
Unscrew the anode rod from the tank to check its condition. It’s time to replace it if it is less than one-half inch thick or coated with calcium. For anode rod replacement in Chicagoland, call King
- Flush the tank
Your water heater should be flushed every year to ensure maximum functionality. Flushing the tank removes sediment from the tank. This can reduce its efficiency and cause water line blockages.
Turn off the cold water inlet to the tank and perform a tank flush. Attach a hose at the drain valve, and then open the TPR valve. Drain the water from the tank to an area that can hold a lot of hot water such as a floor drain. Once all water has been removed from the tank, shut off all valves. Next, turn on the hot water faucets at your home as well as the cold-water outlet. After water has returned through the faucets, shut them down and turn on your water heater. Make sure to light the pilot light.
What are demand-type water heaters and how do they work?
You don’t appreciate hot water until you lose it. Hot water is essential for everything, from showering to washing dishes to laundry. This is just one reason to switch to a demand-type heater.
Tankless water heaters are also known as demand-type heaters. They offer many advantages over standard heaters. We’ll be breaking down the main differences in this blog.
Energy savings can help you save money
Switching to a demand-type water heater is a great way to save money on heating water. These systems have the advantage of heating water only when it is needed, and not having to heat it again before it is stored in a tank.
A tankless water heater is efficient and will save the environment. It is easier than ever to be green. Your home’s appliances are a good place to start.
Your system will last longer
No matter how much money you want to save on heating, cooling and plumbing, it’s not a given that appliances are expensive. Tankless water heaters are a great option because they can last up to 20 year if properly maintained.
Safety is better with water that’s more potable
If water is heated and stored in a tank, it has the potential to collect scale and rust. This can cause problems when water comes out of your kitchen faucet or showerhead. A tankless heater can help you avoid this problem.
A water heater that does not use a tank will not cause you to accidentally boil your water. These water heaters are equipped with unique safety features to prevent that.