Should I get a tankless water heater?

Posted on March 28, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Benefits of having a tankless water heater in your home

The traditional tank water heaters that most American homes have are inefficient and pose many problems over time. Tankless heaters were introduced years ago to the Japanese and European home market. Only in recent years has this product begun to gain recognition for it's simplicity, leak-free, and cost efficiency. These are not new in the world market, but they are new to Americans. Homeowners will find that tankless water heaters are the future to heating our water.

Traditional water heaters are large, costly to heat, and expensive to repair. There have been a number of cases in people's homes of their water boiler leaking and flooding the basement. The tank holds gallons of water that is constantly being heated and stored; ready for use. If the water is constantly being heated, in order to be ready at a moments notice; this can't be cost efficient. Tank's are also known to pose problems within a large family. If there are a number of residents going to shower, the very last one will likely have no hot water at all.

Tankless water systems are a simple and great solution to solving all these problems. For one, there's no tank and can be installed on any wall; inside or outside. Each system also comes with a set of controls where a homeowner can configure it to fit their desired needs. Since the water isn't stored and heated constantly, this reduces a homeowners carbon footprint and bill at the end of the month. As the water passes through the tankless water heater, the system heats it as it passes by. This allows anyone in the home, to have access to hot water, no matter what; unless the system breaks of course.

If your planning on buying a new home, or already own one. Looking at the water boiler is one of the most important things to look at when purchasing or maintaining a home. These systems may carry a larger retail price than their traditional cousins. However, in the long run you will run into fewer repair problems, therefore saving more time and money in the end.

Are you looking to get a new tankless water heater for your Vernon home? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and get started today!

How can I properly take care of the water heater in my home?

Posted on March 21, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

Tips on Properly Maintaing The Water Heater in Your Home

Your water heater is one of the easiest appliances in your home to ensure it stays in tip top shape, did we mention it's also really simple? There are things that need to be done for the water heater just as any other appliance in order to keep it in tip top shape. These things are far less expensive and can go a long way to expand the life of your water heater.

Insulation is probably this biggest part of your water heater instillation, however this should not have to replaced unless it gets damaged in some way. Ensuring you have insulation will reduce the amount of time the water heater has to heat and also preserve the heat that is there. This ensures the heat stays in the tank as long as possible and the tank works the least amount as possible. Sediment is another part of instillation and that should not need to be replaced for the life of the water heater. While both of these are very important there is normally no reason to replace for the entire life of the water heater. Those are the best tips of the water heater, once completed at instillation no need to repeat! This is a favorite for every home owner!

The best tip to keep your water heater in the best shape is the drain it two times a year. This will flush out all of the rust and any other impurities that have found a new home inside your water heater. Most times we have no way of knowing this is happening until we drain our tank. Also while you have the water heater drained you should check the anode rod to ensure it is still in pretty good shape! If not feel free to replace it! Without this rod the water corrodes the tank much faster than intended.

In all actuality your water heater is one of the easiest appliances to keep in tip top shape, there is not a lot that needs to be done once the instillation has been completed successfully you are good to go.

Is the water heater in your Vernon home in need of a tune up? Call us at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!

How do I know when my water heater needs maintenance?

Posted on March 14, 2014 at 6:24 pm.

Written by Water Heater Medic

3 Signs your water heater needs maintenance

One of the most essential appliances in any household is the hot water heater. You will appreciate how important it is to everyday life when you can’t have a bath, shower or wash clothes and dishes. We usually take it for granted and neglect it until it breaks down on us leading to expensive repairs and often flooding. You can avoid a lot of hassle by looking for these three signs and taking corrective maintenance steps before the problem escalates.

No Hot Water-This is the most obvious sign there is a problem with your water heater. First thing to check is if the pilot light is lit if it’s a gas powered heater. Follow the instructions for relighting and if you smell gas evacuate the house and call your gas company. If it’s an electrical heater it’s likely to be a fault with one of the heating elements and you will need to call a qualified plumber to repair this.

Brown Water-If you are getting brown or discolored water when you run the hot faucet this is a strong indication that your water heater needs maintenance. The thing that is causing this discoloration is sediment that has gathered up at the bottom of your water tank. This will have to be cleaned out but to avoid causing injury to yourself or further damage to the tank it’s important that you enlist the help of a qualified professional plumber.

Leaking Tank-Worst case scenario is when the water tank starts leaking. It’s a good idea to always do a regular check to make sure there are no leaks as what begins small can easily lead to flooding and damage to your property. Check to make sure there are no signs of corrosion whenever you do a routine spot-check. When you do discover a leak it’s important to turn off the water supply and drain the tank and then contact a plumber who can provide you with professional repairs to your tank.

To sum up, a few simple water heater maintenance checks can help prevent expensive repair bills further down the road.

Is the water heater in your Vernon home in need of maintenance? Call us at (860) 896-3342 for immediate service!

How can I tell if my water heater needs a tune up?

Posted on March 7, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

3 Signs Your Water Heater is in Need of a Tune Up

Maintaining the water heater unit in a home is a valuable consideration for most people to keep in mind. They should work with a plumber whenever they notice that their water heater unit is showing signs of struggle. This could prove to be an invaluable asset for owners interested in learning more information soon. Most people will want to review their options for how they can secure support for projects in their area. They should work with a service tech to learn more about the different types of repairs that may be necessary to fix these issues.

First, every owner needs to make sure that they are looking for the any physical sign of damage or wear for their water heater unit. This could be an invaluable asset to maintaining these water heaters for a longer amount of time. Most people will want to check out how they can link up with the best overall unit to suit their needs going forward. If owners look for any breakage or notice that a leak has occurred, they should contact their plumbing team soon.

Many owners will also just want to make sure that they are simply staying updated on the different aspects of owning the water heater. They should try to monitor the general age of these water heater units sometime soon. When they contact their service team, this may actually be one of the first questions that they tend to ask. They may be interested in learning more information about the services that they can put in to place. The plumbing team will likely want to conduct their own test, but this will provide a valuable step for them.

Finally, most owners will also want to monitor the overall cost of their water bill each month. If they notice that the bill itself has increased unexpectedly, this could prove to be a challenge for them going forward. This is part of the reason why most people will actually want to secure support from a service team in their area soon. They will be well suited to helping owners identify any major issue that may be emerging.

Is the water heater in your Vernon home in need of maintenance? Call us at (860) 896-3342 for immediate service!

How often should I have my water heater inspected?

Posted on February 28, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

The importance of keeping up with you water heater

Water heaters are a much needed appliance in today's society. These are used in the home, office or industry. In the home, there are some kind of uses just like cooking, bathing, cleaning and space heating and industry. There are many usages such as getting hot water and the steam for many other industrial uses.

It is important to maintain the water heater, by scheduling maintenance at a specific time periods. First of all, one of the key factors is the location of the water heater. It should be installed in the right location and set at the right temperature. However, there are some additional steps to be taken to prevent the leakage and any other damages to the heater.

It is mandatory to keep a regular maintenance schedule. This can possibly be every two months, once in every six year and once in every year. The first check should center around observing the plumbing joints for excessive or unusual corrosion. This check applies to only gas powered heaters. All the gas supply parts as well as the water heater should be checked for any flammable material surrounding these parts. The water supply should be checked by turning on a nearby hot water tap and listening for any unusual sounds. If this is running smoothly and the heater is at the right temperature, it is properly managed. It is imperative to drain the heater completely after every two months, to remove any sediments that has accumulated within. Additionally, one should consider replacing the anode rod habitually, after two to three years. A good way of identifying an anode rod in need of replacement, is by looking for large chunks of material coating missing from the main surface indicates.

In some cases, the problem with a water heater may be minor. The solution may come from just turning the water heater on and off. In other cases, one will need the services of a reputable company to ensure that your water heater is not damaged. Our company prides itself in being able to conduct high-quality work and repair on your water heater. We offer reasonable rates and take great pride in providing you with the best service. Consider choosing us for all your plumbing needs.

Is the water heater in your Vernon home in need of maintenance? Call us at (860) 896-3342 for immediate service!

What exactly is an Oil Fired Water Heater?

Posted on February 21, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

Advantages of Having an Oil Fired Water Heater In Your Home

An important aspect of any home is the water flowing into it and what type of equipment homeowners should use to heat that water.

For this task, there are many different types of water heaters available for your home. Some are powered by electricity, solar powered, compost powered, and others are tankless or even oil fired water heaters. But which type of water heater should you choose?

Are tankless water heaters better?

Posted on February 14, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

Why You Should Consider Installing A Tankless Water Heater In Your Home

Tankless water heaters have been used in Europe and Great Britain for decades. Tankless water heaters provide hot water as you need it, instead of constantly storing hot water in a tank, waiting for you to use it, heating water on demand instead of keeping water hot 24 hours a day.

Are tankless water heaters right for you? That depends on what you need from your water heater. Tankless heaters are fine for most household hot water applications.

Tankless water heaters are more expensive to buy than tank water heaters, but they can last up to twice as long, 20-22 years, instead of 10. Heating water on demand uses less energy than keeping it hot all the time. Tankless heaters take up less room than tank heaters. Gas tankless heaters are usually more efficient than electrical ones. Whole house tankless heaters are usually gas, while electrical heaters are usually smaller, installed at the point where you are using the heater, such as near a sink, dishwasher, shower, tub or washing machine.

Your professional plumber will be able to help you to determine what kind of heater you need for your home.The first consideration is how many gallons of hot water you will be using at one time. Next to check the specifications of different types of water heaters to determine whether you will need a whole house heater, two smaller units set up in series, or single water heaters at the locations where you will be using the hot water. Your plumber will be able to tell you what modifications may have to be made for installation of the heater(s). Some gas water heaters may require modifications in gas lines, or ventilation, some electrical heaters may need special wiring, depending on how much power they draw. Your plumber can help you choose the unit(s) you need, and install them correctly.

There may be federal, state and local tax credits available when you install tankless water heaters which can help offset the higher initial cost of tankless water heaters, in comparison to the cost of tank water heaters.

Are you looking to get a new tankless water heater for your South Windsor home? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and get started today!

How can I tell if my water heater needs maintenance?

Posted on February 7, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

Signs Your Water Heater is in Need of Maintenance

When properly installed a new hot water heater should last, on average, ten to fifteen years before needing to be replaced. Mineral build up and wear and tear on internal parts can cause a hot water heater to decline in efficiency. This can make both your heating and water costs go up. Proper and timely maintenance will not only extend the life of your hot water heater, it can save you money on your monthly heating and water bills.

There are, of course, some very obvious signs that your hot water heater is not working properly. Lack of hot water being the most obvious. If you find you have no hot water whatsoever it is best to check that the pilot light has not gone out. It is also possible that a circuit breaker has been tripped and merely needs to be reset. Ruling out small problems like this can save you a lot of time, frustration and money. If you find that neither of these scenarios solve the problem, it may be time to call a repair person.

Another sign that there may be an issue with your hot water heater is rust in the water coming out of the hot water faucet. This could indicate a larger problem that would need to be addressed by a qualified technician. Sediment and mud in the water coming out of your faucet could also signal larger problems. A qualified plumber would be able to drain you hot water heater to examine the water and determine whether the unit is failing. Yet another hazard signal to be aware of is the smell and taste of your water. In homes with wells there can often be a slight mineral taste to the water, there should however, not be a metallic taste or smell to water you are using to bathe and drink.

There are also the obvious signs that there is a problem. If your hot water heater is making new sounds or you find water leaking or pooling, it would probably be wise to call a professional.

Is the water heater in your South Windsor home in need of maintenance? Call us at (860) 896-3342 for immediate service!

How often does a water heater need a tune up?

Posted on January 31, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

Tips on Properly Maintaining Your Water Heater

Most people never give a thought to hot water heater maintenance. However, having regular maintenance performed on your hot water heater will ensure that it continues to operate at its highest efficiency. You can reduce costly repairs and extend its life with regularly scheduled check ups. Technicians will check the tanks temperature setting. Most experts prefer to set your tank to heat water between 115 to 120 degrees. At this recommended temperature, your heater will use less energy and eliminate the danger of scalding.

The worst enemy of your hot water tank is sediment. Over time, minerals in your water will build up in your tank causing corrosion. Tanks are equipped with an anode rod specifically for preventing rust. The rods are made of steel and usually coated with magnesium or aluminum. During a maintenance check, your plumber will change the rod when the coating thins and the steel wire begins to show. The composition of your water will determine how often the rods need checked.

When water flows into your hot water tank, sediment, dirt and minerals tend to settle at the bottom. Using high water pressure your plumber can flush a lot of the sediment out of your tank. If you allow sediment to build up, your heater will have to work harder causing it to use more energy. Left unchecked the sediment mixture will cause your tank to rust. If rust eats through your tank and causes leaks, your only option is to replace it. Periodically cleaning out all the sediment in your tank keeps the build up to a minimum.

The law requires that all hot water tanks be equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve. The relief valve is a vital safety device on your tank designed to prevent an explosion. If your tank overheats or malfunctions, the relief valve opens eliminating excess pressure. All professionals will replace a faulty or leaking temperature and pressure valve immediately upon detection. On a gas water heater, cleaning the heating element yearly will extends its life. A well-maintained water heater is safe, effective and long lasting.

Is the water heater in your South Windsor home in need of a tune up? Call us at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!

What are the benefits of having an oil fired water heater?

Posted on January 24, 2014 at 9:00 am.

Written by Water Heater Medic

Benefits of Having an Oil Fired Water Heater In Your Home

When the winter season comes through, the last thing people want when they come into their home, is for it to feel cold and uncomfortable. The home is meant to be a place that is warm, cozy, and a positive environment. But sometimes the cost of all of these comforts just is too much, and we are forced to pay too much for far too little.

Heat is necessary to sustain life. It feels good to come into a warm house after running errands in below freezing temperatures; there is nothing like the feeling of warm air against your red and frozen cheeks after you've spent the last two hours shoveling your driveway. But electricity and gas can cost a lot of money, and sometimes you just have to keep the temperature in your home down, even after shoveling the freshly fallen blizzard in your driveway.

Thankfully there is an alternative and there are several benefits of having an oil fired water heater in your home. First and foremost, it is affordable, much more than electricity and very competitive with gas. An oil heated system also takes far less time to heat than other fuels, assuring a warm and cozy feeling quickly.
Oil heat is also one of the safest fuels to use in your home; the heating system is non-toxic and non-explosive. Oil fired water heaters are also very efficient, with ever advancing technology that is reliable, making sure your home will be heated on those cold and tired nights.

The next time your family members, friends, or neighbors visit, ensure that they feel comfortable in your home during the cold months by using an oil water heater in your home. The efficiency of these heated systems is clear, and one doesn't have to empty their bank accounts trying to afford one. The systems are safe, protecting you from dangers apart from the cold. The time for shivering in your home is over with the oil heating systems available to those looking for comfort, without an overly expensive cost. And their ability to heat the home quickly, will get you excited after coming home to an empty house after work.

Do you want to install an oil fired water heater in your South Windsor home? Call us at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!