Is your water heater ready for the winter?

There are many times that homeowner's water heaters are not ready for the winter. Many times, they neglect to realize that it is very important for a water heater to be properly maintained in order to work efficiently. It is for this reason that there are trained professionals that can perform this maintenance quickly and effectively. This maintenance will ensure that they will have proper operation of their water heater in order to provide their household with all of the hot water that they need. There are three major things that should be done in order to ensure this.

Insulation

It is important that a water heater be properly insulated. Poor insulation does not only rob homeowners of money in the winter, but it also robs them of the hottest water that they could, otherwise, have in their home. The insulation makes sure that the heating elements do not have to be used as often. This typically translates into lower operating costs. It can also translate to the heating elements inside of the water heater lasting longer since they are not being used as frequently.

Tune Up

A tune up is another way to make sure that a home's water heater is ready for the winter. Many people use hot water more frequently in the winter as a way to warm up from the biting cold outside. The amount of showers and baths that a household may take in a week may increase. Having a tune up performed on the unit will ensure that it is working optimally for the household. Sometimes, heating elements need to be cleaned, or replaced. This is not something that the homeowner should attempt. There is a fear of electrical shock or fire if these pieces of equipment are serviced incorrectly. That is why it is a good idea for a trained professional to come in and do it so that a person can have peace of mind in knowing that the job was done right and safely.

Thermostat Temperature

Having a professional properly adjust the thermostat temperature in a water heater is also another way to make sure that a home's water heater is ready for the winter. Depending on where the water heater is stored, air temperature can be up to 30 degrees cooler than in the rest of the house. This may lead to cooler water being distributed in the home. Having the heater's thermostat temperature raised in the winter will help to ensure that a family will have hot water all winter long.

Is the water heater in your Vernon home ready for the winter? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 to make sure it is!

Water Heaters 101

Are you looking to install a new water heater? Are you confused about the many different kinds of water heaters available? Read on to see the differences between the water heaters available and see which one works best for you.

Storage Tank Water Heaters

Storage tanks are the most commonly used version of water heaters. A typical storage tank water heater holds from 20 to 100 gallons of water which is enough for one person and a family of six respectively. Most energy efficient varieties of this type come with models that are extra insulated to reduce heat loss. A storage tank water heater heats water in a cylinder that is well insulated and made from steel lined with glass. Some high end heater models come with stainless steel lining that offers protection against high mineral content and acid in water. Anodes that are suspended inside the tank are mainly used to prevent corrosion. The number of anodes as well as the materials that comprise the tank varies from one heater model to another depending on the price and warranty from the manufacturer.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are exclusively made for homes and businesses where space is limited. They are on demand, which means the water heater pilot light ignites only when there is a need for hot water. These water heaters can either be used as a solo hot water source or in combination with other heating systems.

Standard Efficiency Water Heaters

A typical standard efficiency water heater comes with a steel cylinder tank. The tank consists of a 2 inch insulation placed between the outer jacket and the inside lining. The gas burner that supplies heat to the tank is in a combustion chamber where the pilot light ignites the burner. The bottom of the chamber has vents where the supply of air for the combustion takes place. Most standard efficiency water heater models are affordable, reasonably efficient and perform well where the need for hot water is moderate.

High Efficiency Water Heaters

These water heaters are 40 percent more efficient and reliable than standard efficiency water heaters. They have better insulation, better heat exchangers and better mechanism to minimize heat loss as well as prevent corrosion. The electronic ignition enables these water heaters to work or heat water on demand.

Indirect Water Heaters

An Indirect water heater uses a boiler to heat water. They are more expensive than traditional storage water heaters but highly efficient and have higher capacity in general. Most indirect water heaters come with a lifetime warranty and require less maintenance compared to other water heater types.

Looking to install a new water heater in your Vernon home? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and get started today! 

Ways to reduce your water heater's energy consumption

There is no question that expenses are continually rising in today's modern society. Whether one wants to heat his or her home, or simply take a shower, cash is virtually trickling out of their wallets. And while the growing expenses will surely cause headaches for many, there are certain tricks to reducing the cost of living.

We've all had those miserable mornings brought on to us by a cold shower. And while taking a cold shower to reduce the water heater bill is admirable, it simply isn't always practical. Winter is coming and one will surely want hot water during those months. The water heater makes up a good portion of your energy cost in a year, so it is very important to follow the right procedures in an effort to cut those nasty costs. Here are five ways to reduce your water heater's energy consumption.

Turn down the thermostat on the tank

Most water heaters come with a preset temperature that is simply too high and adds to the risk of scalding. It is said that for every ten degrees one lowers his or her water heater, it will lower the energy bill by roughly five percent. If your water heater is set at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, lower it to about 120 degrees. This temperature is more than practical as it will still give you those warm showers you desire, but will also save you plenty of money.

Use less hot water

We're not telling you to stop taking hot showers, but to simply cut impractical use of hot water. Low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators will do wonders in cutting the amount of hot water you use.

Drain the tank

Sediment builds in tanks and they need to be drained annually to help save you energy costs.

Add insulation to those exposed hot-water pipes in your home 

Exposed hot water pipes will mean that your water is going to take a bit longer to heat up. Thankfully, all one has to do is insulate the pipes. Hiring someone to get those hard-to-reach pipes insulated will really help to save on energy costs.

Insulate the tank

Most newer water heaters will already have an insulation component, but those with older models will want to get an insulation blanket. If water heaters are in a cold place in your home, it is efficient to insulate them for added performance and energy savings.

Is the water heater in your Vernon home in need of maintenance? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Maintenance

The water heater in your home is one of the most overworked appliances because it is basically running day and night to heat water. The time to have your system checked is long before you are knee deep in water and scrambling through the phone directory looking for a professional plumber to make the repair. Here are just a few signs your water heater needs maintenance.

Your water heater should be running quietly each day to keep the water at a predetermined temperature. The fist sign there could be trouble is when you hear the water heater making noises as it heats the water. These sounds will sound like small pebbles rolling around inside an empty tin can. This means that there is a buildup of sediment or something has come loose, and it is rolling around inside the heater tank with your water. 

If you notice the water has a sulfur smell or has a discoloration to it, this is the time to call your local plumbing professional. A plumber will be able to open up the tank and drain out all that contaminated water. Once the tank has been flushed cleaned, the water quality should improve immediately. The mineral buildups can slowly clog the tank and the water lines leading to your sinks and shower.

Pay close attention to how long it takes the water to heat up in the sink or the shower. If you begin to notice it is taking longer each day to get warmer, the heating element could be malfunctioning or close to breaking down. Rather than find out when you are in the middle of the shower that the heater element stopped working, contact your plumber today so they can inspect the electrical components and see if everything is running properly.

If you begin to see small particles in your drinking water, this could be an indication that sediment has reached a dangerous level inside your water tank. The longer this condition goes without being treated, the more you and your family are exposed to contaminated water. The calcium that can build up in the heater tank could be an indication that the tank is clogged, something a professional can spot and fix quite easily. Leaving this condition to get worse will only result in you having to replace the entire tank in time.

The sooner you have a professional plumber on site, the easier it is for them to inspect and maintain the system. Often they can spot a potential problem early enough that it does not turn into an emergency.

Are you in need of hot water heater services in Vernon? Contact The Water Heater Medic today at (860) 896-3342 for the best services around! 

Why Should I Hire a Professional for Flooding Prevention Services?

Let us look at the damage a flood can do. First of all a flood can damage walls, carpets, furniture, and everything else. The loss that can occur can be doubled if you choose to handle this yourself. If you handle the job yourself, you will not only waste valuable time but without the training you will end up paying more in the long run. This is why flood prevention services are essential to keeping your home safe.

Handling the flood by yourself can cost you more than the original disaster that caused it. First of all, you as a regular person, that is not trained in the job of restoration, will not be able to separate those items that can be salvaged from those that cannot be salvaged. You will throw out furniture and replace everything that has been affected by the flood. This will end up costing you more in the long run because you were not aware of the items that did not have to be thrown away.

Professionals are trained to prevent the flood that can occur to your home or building. What these professional flood restoration service are trained in is the ability to prevent a flood from happening and go through all the items to see which ones can be salvaged, and which ones need to be thrown away. The knowledge of which flood prevention will save you money by not being prepared for an actual flood that can happen to you which will destroy your belongings.

Flood damage is an emotional headache, and what is worse is you can add to it by throwing away and replacing items that could have been restored. This is one of the main reasons why you should hire a professional flood prevention service. The other reason is simple, piece of mind. You will have complete piece of mind that you have protection by a professional service that has the training to teach you prevention steps and save you time and money in the long run.

Remember the key point of this is prevention. We are highly trained in what possibilities a flood can occur, and also what could be effected by a flood. Not only is it a wise move, but you can rest assure that they will have the knowledge that can save you money should a flood happen. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Are you looking to protect your Vernon home against floods? Call the flood prevention experts at The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today! 

The importance of replacing an aging water heater

What are the different kind of water heaters?

When it comes to installing a new water heater, you are going to find there are several different options available to you. It is no longer a matter of finding a water heater that produces enough heated water at once for the size of your family, but instead works with your budget and helps reduce your energy fees as well. All of this is especially important when it comes to finding the right water heater, so knowing what options are available to you and what works for your budget is very important before you go out and decide on the product that is right for your needs.

Traditional Water Heater

A traditional water heater is the least expensive option but it is good when you just want to replace a current water heater and are not looking for anything too elaborate. Different heaters are able to heat the water more efficiently than others, so looking into this when checking out the tradition, tank based heaters, is important. However, when shopping around for this option, you basically need to look at the tank size and go from there. These options are going to last you a good decade, depending on the quality of your water and how well you take care of it. It can last even longer, but usually a solid decade is a desirable length of time.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater does not have the oversized tank as the other, more traditional option. It is installed along the wall of a utility room or basement and the water is pushed through a small, rectangular unit. The unit heats up the water as it passes using a system of heated coils. As the water circulates through the unit and out the exit point it never sits still, providing an almost instant hot water experience. This also drastically cuts down on utility usage as it is the most efficient option for heating the water and you do not have to heat water multiple times as you do with a tank. It is considerably more expensive than the other option, but if you plan on living in the home for an extended period of time, this tankless water heater can actually save you money on the long run by cutting down your energy bills.

Get back control of your Vernon home! Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for professional water heater services. 

How can tankless water heaters help reduce your monthly bills?

Traditional hot water heaters are tank water heaters. They way they work is quite simple; a tank is filled with water, and that tank is heated. Once heated the water is then used for bathing, washing dishes, etc. until the tank runs empty. When that happens the tank is refilled and the heating process starts over again.It's why you run out of hot water after a while.

A tankless water heater, by contrast, is a device that has no tank associated with it. These heaters simply heat the water as it comes in, which provides hot water on demand rather than filling a tank up over and over again. By and large these tankless heaters also save energy, help a house stay green, and in some circumstances can even save users money on their utility bills.

How Do These Heaters Save Money?

Tankless water heaters reduce energy consumption, they use less water, and there's no standby loss (the heat that a tank of water loses when the water is just sitting because there's no demand for hot water). Additionally these devices come with a 20-year lifespan, as opposed to the 10 years that a good, traditional water heater is likely to get. On the other hand though these water heaters have a higher up-front cost, and if they are in constant use with a gas system then they may not provide much in the way of actual, monetary savings.

Every household situation is different, and as such the potential money that one will save will vary depending on water use habits, the age of the water heater being replaced, and what model of tankless water heater that's being installed. The worst-case scenario is that an individual saves no money over the life of the tankless water heater (but that person will still save energy and leave a smaller carbon footprint than would otherwise be the case). In other cases, such as where the existing water heater is grossly inefficient and there is a lot of standby loss, people can see up to a 20 percent savings over their current water heaters. Before installing a tankless heater it's important to look at water use, power consumption, and to crunch the numbers to see just how much money will actually be saved.

Get back control of your Vernon home! Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for professional tankless water heater services. 

Looking for a Way to Get Better and Hotter water during your showers?

It doesn't matter what type of water heater you choose, there are many advantages to everyone involved. But if you want to get the most for your money, choose a tankless water heater. Why do you ask? Below is a short list of some benefits you need to look at.

1) You no longer need to schedule your bathing times. You will have hot water that runs continuously. You won't need to worry about hot water that ebbs and flows. It will also save space. You can place it on a wall. You can install it someplace outdoors. It doesn't matter. It will save you space no matter where you are.

2) It's eco-friendly. This is a big thing for many people. You can save up to 30% on energy, when compared to the tanks that run about 50 pounds or more. You can also save almost half on your water bill. Think about the amount of money you spend each month on your bill. Now divide that in half. This will be the reduction of costs to you and your family.

3) You also get a double guarantee on the lifespan. Most traditional water heaters last only a small lifespan. With a tankless water heater, the lifespan is double. You also get at least a 5 year warranty on parts. You get a 1 year warranty on labor. This comes in handy if something breaks down.

4) It's clean and safe for everyone in your family. Other heaters come with obstacles. Many have rust building up after awhile. But with the tankless heaters you don't. It's also safe for the little kids to be around. Cleaning the tank is also not a challenge. It has built in features that do much of the cleaning on its own.

5) It's easy to install. Most other tanks take two or three people to do the job, tankless water heaters only take one person. It's quick and painless. For most people, it takes them under an hour.

If your Vernon home needs a new more efficient water heater, call us, The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.

Do You Know How a Tankless Water Heater is Different from a Regular one?

If you are considering replacing your current hot water heater, there are a few thing to consider concerning the two types of systems available. The first system is the traditional hot water heater, or demand-type, the second is the tankless water heater. While both provide different benefits, it is important that you understand the difference in both before making that decision.

While we can install either system for you, it is important you consider these important difference. With a traditional hot water heater, you are heating several dozens of gallons all day and night in a huge metal tank. That water must remain heated all the time so when you need hot water it is ready. The tankless system does not store any water at all. It simply heats the water as you need it, requiring no stored water in the process.

The traditional hot water heater is constantly running to maintain a certain desired temperature. The tankless system simply heats the water as it passes through the system. The high powered heating elements reach a high temperature very quickly, allowing water that passes through it to instantly become heated. By only heating water as you need it, your utility expenses are significantly lower each month. The savings in a year can add up.

The cost for one of our specialists to install a traditional water heater in minimal compared to that of the tankless system. The tankless system is a complicated heating system that needs additional venting installed to be able to process water safely and quickly. The cost of installation can be very costly depending on the unit that you purchase.

When one of our technicians install a traditional water heater we are limited to placing that large tank either in the garage or a room where space is not an issue. With the tankless water heater we can install the system virtually anywhere. The system can be installed in a closet, under a sink, or hanging on a wall in the laundry room. Because no water is stored, the system is extremely compact and can be placed just about anywhere.

If you want a more efficient and cost effective way to heat water in your Vernon home, contact The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.