Ways To Tell If Your Water Heater Is In Need Of Repairs

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Signs your water heater needs to be repaired

South Windsor Water Heater

A water heater is a crucial part of the mechanical system that keeps a household going. As a result, it's important to repair any problems that may arise before they get worse. This will ensure that the water heater will not have to undergo any major repairs, which will take a lot of time and money. This will also keep the water heater from having to be replaced prematurely.

One important sign that a water heater is failing is if the water will simply not heat up to the temperatures that it used to. A drop in available temperatures may indicate that the hot water heater is having gas valve or dip tube issues. A second sign is if there isn't as much hot water as there was when the system is first installed. This might indicate a problem with the heating elements or burner assembly.

A third sign that a water heater is in need of repair is if there is an unusual odor coming from the general vicinity of the heater. If the odor seems to be gas, immediately shut off the heater and seek professional repair services. If the odor is simply disgusting, but not of gas, the water inside the tank might need to be treated. Another sign that repair might be necessary is if pilot light is not working. This might be the result of a loose or broken bulb, or it could indicate more serious problems.

A fifth sign that a hot water tank might need repair is if the unit is leaking. A leaking unit can indicate that the water pressure is too high, or that the flex line needs to be replaced. If there is rust or other unwanted particles in the water that is coming from the hot water tank, that might indicate that the tank is corroding and needs to be replaced. Finally, a water heater might need to be repaired if, when in use, there are banging pipes or if the unit itself is simply noisy. Excess noise can indicate a sudden increase in water pressure.

Is your water heater acting up? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and let us take care of the issue for you.

The Upside to Natural Gas Water Heaters

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Advantages Of Having a Gas Water Heater

South Windsor Water Heaters

Hot water heaters are an important asset to any home. The quality and type of water heater can greatly impact a homeowner’s budget. Natural gas water heaters provide benefits that range from environmental concerns to lowering utility bills.

The initial installation of a natural gas hot water heater can be expensive but many energy companies offer rebates that can offset this cost. Some rebates can be found at local utility companies or some may be available online. Certain water heaters that use natural gas are tankless which eliminates the demand to heat a stored amount of water and instead heats just the water that is needed. This helps keep the cost of heating lower and prevents the problem of running out of hot water. Even gas water heaters that use tanks tend to be easier on the utility bill since natural gas is usually cheaper than electricity.

Natural gas water heaters also provide other practical perks. A tankless water heater option can save space and since water is being heated as needed, can help keep the water cleaner. Natural gas setups that include tanks also have a faster recovery time than conventional electric water heaters. In times where power is cutoff to a home a natural gas water heater can still provide hot water uninterrupted.

For the eco conscious, using natural gas for a water heater provides more efficiency and a cleaner burn than electric water heaters. They release significantly less harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, and help lower a homeowner’s carbon footprint.

In many ways water heaters using natural gas are preferable to older electric driven water heaters. They are cost effective, cleaner, and more efficient. Any homeowner thinking of replacing their existing water heater should research and consider their options carefully. Finding the right fit for the home can mean a huge difference in a family’s budget.

Looking to replace your old water heater with a new gas model? Call us at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!

What Is A Gas Water Heater?

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Benefits of gas water heaters

South Windsor Water Heaters

Gas water heaters are good for the environment, and they help the home owner save money. This type of water heater is 80 percent more efficient, and the recovery rate is 82 percent. The saving are possible due to the lack of water. There is no tank, so there is no water that needs to be warmed or reheated. Different brands will produce different results, so research before you buy. All brands; however, will reduce your carbon footprint. The unit does not waste energy. The device only gives hot water when it is needed.

Water provided by a gas water heater is cleaner than water from regular water heaters. Over the years, mineral deposits build up in a regular heater, and the unit will get rusty. The water in the rusty unit is a big issue because the water is used for bathing and cooking. Older homes with worn out pipes could also contain lead.

Tankless water heaters are better because the water heats as it flows through the pipes. Short hot showers followed by a burst of cold water is not possible. This happens when a regular water heater does not have time to heat the water. Tankless water heaters always provide fresh, clean, hot water to home.

Tank less gas heaters can be installed in various areas of the home. Regular hot water heaters must go in a closet. The gas unit is compact, light, and blends with the home design. The unit can also be installed on the wall, and there are no walking risks because the device is slim.

Gas water heaters last longer than regular water heaters. A typical water heater gives the home owner at least 12 years of use. A gas heater gets 20 years of use. The unit lasts longer because there is no tank and no scale build up. The units need less maintenance than standard units. Buying a tank less unit helps the environment. Landfills are filled will old water heater units. Home owners that use tank less units help the environment because their units do not go to landfills until 20 years later.

Thinking about replacing your old water heater with a new gas model? Call your Vernon gas water heater specialists now at (860) 896-3342 and schedule an appointment today!

 

Things to Consider Before Installing A New Water Heater In Your Home

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Things to Consider Before Installing A New Water Heater In Your Home

South Windsor Water Heater

When choosing a water heater for your house, choose a system that will not only provide you with sufficient hot water but will also do so in an efficient way, saving you money and time in the long run. Therefore, you should take your time to consider different types of water heaters available and choose one with appropriate size depending upon the fuel source for your home.

Let’s take a closer look at different types of water heaters:

  • Conventional tank type storage water heaters.
  • Tankless water heaters that supply hot water directly without using any storage tank.
  • Heat pump water heaters that move heat from one place to another. They do not generate heat directly for providing the hot water.
  • Solar water heaters that use the sun’s heat for providing the hot water.

Selection criteria: When selecting a water heater for your house, consider the following:

  • Fuel type, its availability and cost, the energy source you will use for heating water will not only affect its energy efficiency and size, but also its annual operating cost.
  • Energy efficiency, in order to maximize cost and energy savings, you should check how energy efficient the hot water heater is before you buy it. You can research online for your options and choose the best one according to your needs.
  • Size, to provide sufficient hot water and to increase efficiency, you should buy a properly sized hot water heater.
  • Costs, before you buy a hot water heater, you should also estimate its annual operating cost and also compare it with other more/ less energy-efficient models.

You should also research on all options to reduce your hot water usage. You should explore strategies such as drain-water heat recovery, as it can save good money on your annual water heating bills.

When selecting your hot water heater, it is important to consider the energy source you will use, including its ready availability and cost. The cost of fuel used by the water heater will not only affect its energy efficiency and size, but also its annual operating cost.

Are you in need of  a new water heater in the South Windsor area? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and schedule a service call today!

Tips On Properly Maintaining Your Water Heater

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Extend the Life of Your Water Heater with Regular Maintenance

South Windsor Water Heater Maintenance

Water heaters are a vital part of any home. It's almost impossible to imagine life without one. Water heaters are also very expensive to replace. Regular maintenance for your water heater can extend the life of a water heater saving you money.

First off make sure that your water heater is set to the proper temperature. Most manufactures, for safety reasons, suggest that a water heater be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially important in homes with small children to reduce the risk of scalding. Setting your water heater to 120 degrees will also save money on your energy bill. You can drop your energy bill even further by insulating your water heater. Most hardware stores will carry water heater jackets (do not use a blanket from your linen closet).

Changing the anode rod in a water heater is a little more labor intensive, but should be done on a yearly basis. If an anode rod is neglected then the water heater tank itself could start to corrode. A professional can change an anode rod if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself.

Flushing the tank on a yearly basis prevents sediment build up and can significantly increase the lifespan of your water heater. This is also labor intensive, but should also be done on a yearly basis.

Finally, it's important to regularly check the TPR (or temperature-pressure-release) valve on the top or side of your tank. This valve is a safety mechanism that will release excessive pressure in a tank. When inspecting the valve look for any signs of rust or damage. You can also test the functionality of the valve if you suspect it might not be functioning properly (proceed with caution to avoid being burned).

By just taking a few simple steps it's easy to elongate the life of your water heater. Remember, even if you need to hire a professional to do these on a yearly basis it's still cheaper than buying a new water heater.

Is your water heater acting up? Call us now at (860) 896-3342!

What Is An Oil Fired Water Heater?

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Oil Fired Water Tank Variations

Windsor Water Heater

Oil fired hot water heaters give you a cheaper alternative to a virtually unlimited supply of hot water. Though having one installed in your home is a bit pricier than an electric or gas type water heater, the savings you reap over the life of your unit is incomparable. Oil fired heaters recovery rates are one of its best features next to savings. Oil heaters can recover up to 120 gallons of water per hour depending on the model. When compared to traditional water heaters that may average out at about forty gallons per hour, again there is no competition. Your family size will dictate your needed recovery rate. Contact a dealer to help you assess which model will work best for your home.

Oil fired water heaters also come in two firing options: direct and indirect. In a direct type the water is heated directly by a flame under the tank. Indirect units run water from the boiler through heated coils in the tank which in turn heats the water as it passes. Indirect heaters also give you the option of choosing a tankless model. Tankless models come in three varieties: Internal, external, or storage.

An internal tankless heater uses the indirect coil method to heat water with a coil located within the boiler jacket. This type of heater does not have a storage tank. Thus, it needs to keep the boiler water at a very high temperature in order to supply hot water.

An External coil is indirectly fired as well. It however has a separate tank that holds the coil. This component simply attaches to the side of your boiler. Newer types have plates that will interchange between boiler water and the heated household water.

Storage tankless units are the third type of indirect units available. It was launched into the market in order to enhance water heating capability. After flowing through the heated coils, the hot water is run to a storage tank. The heat in the separate tank is then maintained by a recirculating tube that allows the water to go back to the coil for a reheat.

Need to replace your old water heater in the South Windsor area? Give us a call at (860) 896-3342 and set up a service call today!

Why You Should Consider A Tankless Water Heater For Your Home

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Need a new water heater?

Need a new water heater?

Water heaters are a virtual necessity in most homes, few are willing to sacrifice this comfort. Many people don’t realize, though, that water heaters are the second largest energy consumers in their homes. A water heater typically consumes as much as 20% of your homes energy budget. This places the water heater second behind your heating and air system. Whether you are considering replacing an old water heater, or just looking for ways to lower your energy consumption, replacing an old tank water heater with a tankless water heater can be the answer.

There are many benefits to a tankless water heater. One of the least considered benefits is space. Most people could benefit from reclaiming a little space in their overcrowded homes. The use of a tankless water heater could provide that extra closet you wish you had. A tankless water heater is usually mounted to the wall, in line with plumbing. Dependent on your water heater’s current location, this could be the answer to more space. Best of all, there is no chance of flood from a ruptured tank.

Tankless water heaters require a fraction of the maintenance of traditional tank water heaters and they have a longer life. The standard tankless water heater will last five to ten years longer than its tank cousin. Less frequent replacement means lower costs even when the unit is more expensive. Additionally, some tankless water heaters are controlled by remote so making adjustments to temperature seasonally can be handled more easily than crawling under the unit with a flashlight.

The efficiency and lower utility costs of a tankless water heater cannot be denied. Tankless water heaters work by warming water on demand. Most people only use hot water a few times a day, but the traditional tank water heater uses energy all day each day to keep reserves hot. If the tenants are on vacation, a tankless water heater will not use any energy at all, because no hot water is produced. Additionally, most tankless water heaters will come complete with a federal tax rebate of approximately $300. This offsets the higher cost of the unit in return for running a more energy efficient home.

Thinking about getting a new tankless water heater for your South Windsor home? Call The Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 and set up an appointment with one of our experts today!

 

Signs Your Water Heater Is In Need Of Repairs

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Does Your Water Heater Need Maintenance?

Does Your Water Heater Need Maintenance?

Every residence contains a hot water heater. Knowing the signs of a malfunctioning water heater is essential in order to avoid the frustrating crisis of the unit going out completely. There are numerous signs that you may need to call in someone to assess your hot water heater.

With usage, sediment has a tendency to build up in the bottom of the tank on a hot water heater. When this happens, you will notice a rusty color to your water, or it may be cloudy when you run hot water. This can be rectified with a fairly simple maintenance procedure that is relatively inexpensive.

Hot water heaters contain elements that are essential for the water to heat up. If you are seeing a decrease in the hot water available or have no hot water at all, you may need to have an element replaced. Water can also get too hot. This can be a serious issue because flesh can get burned by water. When water is getting too hot, there's a possibly that the thermostat has gone bad and should be replaced. Whether you can't get enough hot water, or your water is coming out scalding hot, you should check the settings of your thermostat before calling in a professional. Mistakes happen, and sometimes the setting gets switched without anyone realizing it's happened.

One of the most serious issues is a leaky hot water heater. A professional should be called immediately to assess where the leak is coming from. Be sure to turn power sources off as soon as you notice the leak. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination. Worst case scenario, the tank may possibly need replacement but sometimes repair is a possibility.

If your hot water heater has hit its 10 year anniversary, you should seriously consider replacing it. The newer models of hot water heaters are much more energy efficient and will save you money, thus paying for themselves over time.

Is your water heater in need of repairs? Call The Water Heater Medic, your South Windsor water heater specialists, at (860) 896-3342 and set up an appointment with one of our experts today!

Things To Know About Indirect Water Heaters

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What Is An Indirect Water Heater?

What Is An Indirect Water Heater?

An indirect water heater warms water by way of utilizing a home's pre-existing heating system. When a person uses the services of an indirect water heater, they'll benefit from very fast water heating times, as well as the benefit of no need for a separate water heater. Typically, an indirect water heater is both the hot air supply to the home, as well as the way to generate hot water.

Indirect water heaters work by bringing water in through a cold water inlet, heating it within the heat exchanger unit, and then routes it out through the hot water inlet. The heat exchanger heats water the instant it is routed through the cold water inlet and comes in contact with the heated water jacket of the unit.

Since the water is heated using this method, there is no waiting time for the water to become hot first. While not a tankless water heater, an indirect water heater works in essentially the same fashion as a tankless water heater. While there is still the need for a storage tank to hold the hot water, this storage tank is designed to be embedded within the indirect water heater tank normally.

There are many different benefits for someone using an indirect water heater system; not only are they able to marvel at hot water on-demand, there are also many economic advantages for using an indirect water heater. Since there is no need for a water heater appliance, there are no energy costs in operating one.

Furthermore, with the storage tank that an indirect water unit has, there is less need of the furnace being switched on to warm the water and then turned off. Lastly, there are many ways that someone can fuel an indirect water unit which makes them even more convenient.

Looking to install a new indirect water heater in your South Windsor home? Call us at (860) 896-3342 and schedule an appointment today!

Differences Between Tankless Water Heaters And Tank Water Heaters

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The Must Know About Tankless Water Heaters

The Must Know About Tankless Water Heaters Has the time come for you to choose between a tankless water heater, and a tank water heater? Although most people are under the impression that tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, many owners of tankless water heaters have discovered quite the contrary. Because tankless water heaters are forced to use energy heating water every single time, they actually use more fuel than tank water heaters, which simply heat water, then reserve it for another time. Even though tankless water heaters have the potential to save lots of money on heating, they simply aren't a right fit for many people. The main difference between a tankless water heater and a tank water heater, is the ability to heat water, then save it for use in the future. Because the tankless water heater lacks a tank to store water, it must instead heat water on the spot. This can run up an expensive heating bill, unless you ration your hot water use. Another one of the drawbacks of a tankless water heater, is the lengthy waiting period, as water is forced to be heated on demand. Due to their "on demand" method of heating water, tankless water heaters have been known to use far more fuel than traditional water heaters. If you're an individual who goes through large quantities of hot water by showering, cleaning clothes and washing dishes, you could be spending up to 30% more on fuel with a tankless water heater. Conversely, if you're a person who uses hot water sparingly, a tankless water heater could actually end up saving you money. When all is said and done, despite claims that tankless water heaters are more economical than tank water heaters, testimonies from tankless water heater owners tell a different tale. Because they are forced to expend fuel every single time you turn on a faucet, tankless water heaters can run up a hefty heating bill, when compared to their more traditional counterparts. Unless you're the kind of person who uses hot water very infrequently, going with the tried and true tank water heater may be the better option.
Has the time come for you to choose between a tankless water heater, and a tank water heater? Although most people are under the impression that tankless water heaters are more energy efficient, many owners of tankless water heaters have discovered quite the contrary. Because tankless water heaters are forced to use energy heating water every single time, they actually use more fuel than tank water heaters, which simply heat water, then reserve it for another time. Even though tankless water heaters have the potential to save lots of money on heating, they simply aren't a right fit for many people.

The main difference between a tankless water heater and a tank water heater, is the ability to heat water, then save it for use in the future. Because the tankless water heater lacks a tank to store water, it must instead heat water on the spot. This can run up an expensive heating bill, unless you ration your hot water use. Another one of the drawbacks of a tankless water heater, is the lengthy waiting period, as water is forced to be heated on demand. Due to their "on demand" method of heating water, tankless water heaters have been known to use far more fuel than traditional water heaters. If you're an individual who goes through large quantities of hot water by showering, cleaning clothes and washing dishes, you could be spending up to 30% more on fuel with a tankless water heater. Conversely, if you're a person who uses hot water sparingly, a tankless water heater could actually end up saving you money.

When all is said and done, despite claims that tankless water heaters are more economical than tank water heaters, testimonies from tankless water heater owners tell a different tale. Because they are forced to expend fuel every single time you turn on a faucet, tankless water heaters can run up a hefty heating bill, when compared to their more traditional counterparts. Unless you're the kind of person who uses hot water very infrequently, going with the tried and true tank water heater may be the better option.

Need a water heater installed in the South Windsor Area? Give The Water Heater Medic a call at (860) 896-3342 and set up an appointment with one of our experts today!