Is Something Wrong With Your Water Heater?

When a water heater is no longer working properly, the entire home is going to devolve into chaos. No one will be able to take a relaxing shower, clean their dishes, or even wash dirty clothes. This is why every family should know some of the most common water heater issues, when these appliances need to be replaced, and just how important it is to call in the pros for these services.

Three Common Water Heater Issues

Water heaters are often turning off and on throughout the day, and these means that they will be susceptible to a number of different problems. For most families, the single most common issue with the water heater will be a lack of hot water due to a faulty pilot light, a pilot light that has gone out, a damaged heating element, or problems with the pipes themselves. Another common problem is water that has an unpleasant taste or odor due to an unclean water basin or old filters. A third issue that many families will have to deal with is a noisy water hater. If a water heater is making unusual noises it should be serviced immediately.

Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?

No matter how advanced or durable a water heater may be, it will have to be replaced at some point. For owners, the key is to understand when it must be completely replaced and when repairs will be sufficient. The most important variable is the age of the unit. Modern water heaters have been designed to last for around 10 years with the proper maintenance. Owners also want to take a closer look at their energy bills. If their water heater is an older model, then it may be consuming much more electricity or gas than necessary.

The Benefits of Professional Water Heater Services

The typical water heater is a relatively complex appliance that is impractical for the an owner to work on. Even with minor changes, homeowners may unknowingly reduce the efficiency of their unit which results in impurities in the water and more gas or electricity being used. It is also important that there is no hiccup in the water supply of a home due to unforeseen damage. By utilizing an experienced contractor, you can rest assured that the job will be taken care of quickly and efficiently without any major issues bringing your home to a grinding halt.

When Water Heaters Become Dangerous: 3 Dangers of Water Heating You Should Be Aware Of Introduction

Unchecked Water Heaters can be hazardous if they are unchecked for an extended period of time. There are several dangers that can be caused by water heaters. However, three of these dangers are very common and highly possible.

Explosion hazard

One of the major danger is a water heater exploding into flames. Explosion can be caused by a number of defects including rise in temperature and gas leaks. This normally happens due to lack of maintenance and care. This is because water heaters do not demand for a lot of attention since the average lifespan of a simple water heater is about 10 years.

It is important to understand that the conversion of water to steam increases the volume of water rapidly. Therefore, since the heated water is enclosed in a sealed tank, it cannot boil but it become very hot. As the pressure rises, the water turns instantly into vapour/steam which causes the tank to rapture and explode with a bang.

In case a water heater explodes due to pressure imbalance, hot water can be spreader all over the house destroying furniture and drywalls around it. This is caused by a faulty water heater burner fails to shut off. The continued heating builds up pressure as the temperatures rises and eventually causing the tank to explode.

Fuel Hazard

When the section bringing in the fuel to heat the tank is also fractured, there is an imminent risk. In case of a gas water heater, a fractured pipe that supplies the tank with the fuel can be very dangerous. This may cause gas leaks and the volatility and flammability of LPG’s is a danger that cannot be underestimated.

Water Shell Hazard

Another great danger is the condition of the water heater shell. Many people confuse the water heater shell for the main tank. However, the outer covering of your water tank is a shell that covers the tank inside. Sometime the outer shell might look alright but the inner tank could be in bad shape. This may cause unnoticed leakages and eventually cause harm or weaken the tank entirely.

Conclusion

To avoid such unpredictable hazards, it is very important that that regular check is given to the water heaters. Some of the ensuing hazards are products of a slow process that has been happening over time. Regular maintains ensures that such process are stopped before they progress into a full scale hazardous situations.

Get expert air conditioning service and advice for your Vernon home from Water Heater Medic by calling (860) 896-3342!

3 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Water Heaters

There are a lot of things people know about their water heaters, but there are also a lot of things people don't know.

We are going to discuss what three of these things are.

They Need To Be Replaced

Believe it or not, but many people don't know that they should to replace their water heater. This is because a lot of people tend to think that their water heater will last forever, but that is not the case at all. In matter of fact, the average lifespan for a water heater is around 10 years, but it could be short than that or longer, as it all depends on a number of factors.

Generally speaking, it is a good idea to have your water heater replaced every 10 years, or even less if need be.

They Need To Be Maintained

Many people buy a new home or a new water heater and they forget about it. They think that if there are no visible issues, then their water heater is fine and there is no need to maintain it. However, this is wrong because water heaters need to be maintained in order to run properly.

If you do not maintain your water heater, then you could end up shortening the lifespan of it, or it could lead to major issues, such as leakage, property damage and so forth. It is important for people to maintain their water heaters because it could end up costing them a lot of money if they don't.

Tankless Heaters Could End Up Saving You Hundreds

Something else that people tend to not realize is that going tankless can save them hundreds of dollars per year.

Tankless heaters tend to not use as much electricity as traditional heaters, and this means you could end up saving a lot of money as the years go on. These types of heaters may cost more money to buy and to have installed, but the savings make getting them worth it.

We want to remind you that if you experience any problems with your water heater or you want to properly maintain it, then it is advisable to hire professionals who know water heaters inside and out. We know what we are doing and we can provide you with quality services.

We urge you to contact us if you have any questions about your water heater or if you need to have it fixed or replaced.

Looking for a water heater in Vernon? Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for quality service you can trust!

Top 3 Water Heater Technologies for a More High Tech Home

Home improvements that promote energy efficiency are well worth the investment. You can select a hot water heater that cuts your utility bill and energy costs. The three top water heater technologies for 2015 include the tankless water heater, the hybrid electric heat pump, and the condensing hot gas water heater.

Tankless Water Heater

The tankless water heater is energy efficient and saves quite a bit of storage space. It is not necessary to keep 40 to 50 gallons of heated water at all times. Those numbers wreak havoc on your utility bill and are not energy efficient. The tankless water heater is a compact unit that heats water as you need it.

A tankless heater saves about 30 to 50% in energy costs when compared to the conventional gas water heater. It does take water about 3 to 8 seconds to reach the desired temperature. The tankless water heater does require some yearly maintenance to eliminate scale and build up. However, homeowners save so much in energy costs that the maintenance does not overshadow the benefits.

Hybrid Heat Pump Electric Water Heater

This model of water heater draws heat from the surrounding air. This heat is then pushed through the storage pump. This unit does have traditional heating coils, but these heating coils are only utilized when there is not sufficient heat from the heating pump.

If you live in a warm climate this could be a great option. Storing this water heater in your garage or attic yields stronger results. This electric water heater has the lowest operating cost and homeowners can apply for tax incentives. However the heater itself has an expensive sticker price. The filter also needs to be changed to ensure that this hybrid unit operates as efficiently as possible.

Condensing Gas Water Heater

Instead of blowing exhaust through a flue,this water heater conserves energy by blowing gas through a coil at the bottom of the fan. When the gas reaches the fan it can be used to heat water to the proper temperature. This is the most energy efficient type of of gas water heater available. The first hour recovery rate ensures that it is highly unlikely that you will ever run out of hot water. This unit is expensive and requires proper ventilation and a gas line.

These three units are designed to ensure that your home utilizes the latest technology to operate with energy efficiency.

Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for top-tier services in the Vernon area. 

Water Heater History; An Overview

The Many Uses of the Water Heater

The common water heater is an uncomplicated process that will use a source of energy to heat water higher than its original temperature. The heated water serves many domesticated purposes. These common uses include:

*bathing

*cleaning

*cooking

*space heating

The water heater will offer a continuous supply of hot water. It may use a variety of fuels for its operation. These include:

*petroleum gas

*oil

*solid fuels

*propane

*solar

*natural gas

Invented in 1870

The water heater has a unique history. It had been originally invented in the year 1870. The Englishman who invented the first instant water heater was named Maughan. He was the original influencer of this fabulous and useful machine.

This is the start of a wonderful creation. There is not a lot of information available on Maughan's original invention. It is known that his designs greatly impacted a gentleman named Edwin Ruud.

A Norwegian Mechanical Engineer

Edwin Ruud was a Norwegian mechanical engineer. The year 1889 was the year that this individual invented the automatic water heater. He pioneered the residential and commercial water heater in Pittsburg. He was a founder of Ruud Manufacturing Company.

The Vital Machine

The water heater is a vital machine in almost every society. Many years ago a water heater was called a boiler. A boiler was a vessel that used to burn fuel in order to heat the water. Human beings used to boil the water in a pot or another type of vessel. The following started rising in popularity;

*coal boilers

*natural gas boilers

*firewood boilers

Electricity was then Discovered by Humans

Humans then discovered electricity. This invention allowed for incredible innovation in the lives of many. This includes the innovation of the electric water heater. This was a convenient and clean invention. It was clean and convenient as compared to the boiler.

A Museum of the Past

The water heaters of the past have a large variety of extraordinary designs. The water heater of today is of superior quality from the many past designs. The antique designs bear a strong resemblance to the modern day water heaters.

These older antiques may be worth money. The modern day water heater is by far superior as compared to the early days. Society would be lost without the modern day water heater.

Water heater history may be interesting, but an ancient water heater has no place in your Vernon home! Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.

What to do If You're Continually Running Out of Hot Water

What Makes Hot Water Run Out

First things first. In order to know why you keep running out of hot water, you should learn of a few things that can cause hot water to actually run out to begin with. In a typical household, all of the hot water comes from a hot water heater.

There are actually two different types of hot water heaters you could have. One of the types of hot water heater is a tank that stores hot water within the tank itself. The other type would be considered a tankless model that supplies heated water as needed.

Hot water overuse is one of the most common factors that cause hot water to run out quickly. The actual tank size can also cause hot water to run out, as well as burned-out or undersized elements.

Know Your Limits

You should know what your limit is if you keep running out of hot water. You should try to take a look at the water heater's capacity.

Generally, hot water heaters will generally only deliver up to 2/3 of their actual capacity. The bigger the tank size, the more hot water will be given.

Separate Shower Times

If there are more than two people living in the household, you should consider separating the times you actually take a shower to prevent the hot water from running out.

This tends to happen when people take showers back to back, causing the hot water to run out a lot quicker. This may require a bit of planning ahead of time. However, it is probably the simplest solution.

Check Other Issues

Sometimes it may not just be about knowing your limits, and separating shower times in general. It could very well be that something else is going on with your hot water tank. You should consider looking out for red flags.

A rotten egg smell is one of the first signs you should consider looking out for if you suppose something is wrong with your water heater. If you hear any type of popping or cracking sounds, this is another indication that some type of sediment buildup is present in your water heater. Puddles or even mold could possibly be surrounding your water heater, and this could indicate that there is possibly a leak.

If you're ever experiencing trouble with your Vernon water heating system, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342!

10 Ways to Save Water This Summer

Just because the weather is getting hotter does not mean that you have to use more water. Most people make the mistake of taking longer showers, washing more clothes and dishes, and wasting more of this precious resource overall in the summer. This results not only in higher water bills, but higher energy bills too, especially if you haven't updated your water heater.

Actually, during the summer is a great time to get into the habit of developing water conservation tips that can reduce your water bill and preserve this natural resource. Here are the top 10 ways to save water this summer.

1. Adjusting the Sprinklers

Take the time to adjust all the sprinklers so they are not watering the house, driveway, and sidewalk, then turn down the minutes of each station by a few minutes to preserve hours each week of watering.

2. Limit Dishwasher Use

By running the dishwasher only when the appliance is completely full, you can conserve at least 400 gallons of water each month this summer.

3. Update Landscaping

Reduce the area of grass that needs watering by placing ground cover and shrubs in key locations on the property. these isolated areas will not need as much water this summer.

4. Cover the Pool

Place covers on the pool or outdoor spa to reduce water evaporation. Check around the plumbing of each for any leaks, and seal up with plumbers glue. Even a small leak can have a huge impact on your water consumption each month.

5. Fill Up That Pitcher

Place a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for when the kids want a cold drink. This will eliminate running the tap and waiting for cold water as precious drops are wasted down the drain.

6. Water in the Morning

To eliminate the water on the grass evaporating in the hot summer sun, be sure to water in the early morning hours before the sun has gotten too high in the sky.

7. Cleaning the Driveway

Rather than use the hose to clean your sidewalk and driveway this summer, simply grab a broom and get sweeping. By using the broom you save up to 80 gallons of water each month from being literally wasted.

8. More Efficient Showers

People tend to take longer and colder showers in the summer, so replace that outdated shower head with an energy efficient low flow model that will save you gallons of water every shower.

9. The Rain Barrel

Place a rain barrel on your property and use that collected water to take care of any plants that need watering. The collected water can be used to take care of outdoor and indoor plants as well.

10. Adjust the Lawnmower

Raise the lawnmower blade to a higher setting. This will allow the root system to hold moisture longer.

If you're ever having water heater troubles in your Vernon home call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342! 

3 Different Homes, 3 Unique Heaters

Based on where you are living and the size of your home or apartment, you may be wondering what the right type of water heater is best suited for your individual living situation.

Your heater may have broken, or you may want to replace a water heater to better suit your needs, however, many people are completely oblivious when it comes to picking out a water heater. Here are some options that you have when picking out a water heater, which are best suited for a few different types of living situations. 

Large Family Home

A house is far different from an apartment building when it comes to water heaters. Typically, when you are in an apartment building you will have a water heater that runs a handful of the units in the building and most of the time you won't even have any say in what water heater you are using.

A family home is far different in that you can customize a water heater to fit your family’s needs. Although many people may groan at this, picking a water heater really does come down to a mathematical equation. Ideally, you would like to never run out of hot water, which would mean that your family is using more water than the heater can support and you don't want to have too big of a heater, which would heat up additional water than you need and you would be wasting money.

It truly comes down to a calculation, which is best to be worked by with a qualified professional, who can advise you on the correct size based on your family’s average usage, which can be readily tracked.

Small Apartment

As stated previously, you likely will have no say in the water heater you use in an apartment, due to the fact that a building is typically run by the owner of the building or a management company.

These companies typically will have a water heater that supplies the unit of the building; however, occasionally you will find a situation where you have your own water heater. In these instances, you will always want to get a fairly small unit because you will not be using large volumes of hot water.

Eco-Friendly Home

Everyone is going green these days and if you are on board with this, you may want an eco-friendly water heater. These water heaters are not your typical size or shape and generally are in the form of a small box that looks very similar to your electrical box.

These water heaters are incredibly efficient, save a ton of money, save a ton of space and are great for the environment.

We have water heater services for every Vernon home. Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 to learn more!

Why Should Homeowners Consider a Tankless Water Heater?

Most homeowners are familiar with the traditional water heater and how it provides treated water throughout the house. These same people are just now discovering what a tankless water heater is and all the benefits that it can provide the homeowner.

If you are shopping around for a new water heater, consider some of these benefits to owning a tankless water heater system

Less Water Consumption

If you are trying to conserve water consumption, the tankless water heater is the perfect solution. In the older traditional water heater, water sits in a large metal tank and is heated twenty-four hours a day so it is hot when needed.

The water can burn off and evaporate in the tank while sitting each day waiting to be used. The tankless system only heats the water the instant it is needed. The heating elements reaches a high temperature and provides heated water instantly. No water is stored and wasted in a tankless system.

Lower Your Energy Bills

When you have a traditional water heater, several dozen gallons of water are constantly being heated each day. The tankless water heater will only heat water on demand. This means if you are not using hot water, the tank is not heating hot water.

This reduction in energy usage can significantly lower your utility bills each month. When you do need hot water, the heating elements treat the water until you are finished. Once you are done using the hot water, the heater turns off and is basically on standby until you need to use it again.

Less Space Used

The traditional water heater utilizes a large tank that holds several dozen gallons of water. This can take up quite a lot of space in the garage or laundry room. The tankless water heater takes up virtually no space at all.

Your local plumbing repair company can install the tankless water heater under a sink, on the wall in a garage or laundry room, or anywhere the unit can access the water main. This means you need less space to house the unit, and can use that valuable space for other accessories in the home.

Consider a new tankless water heater if you are looking to lower your water usage, save on your utility bills, and free up a little space in your. This unit will help you to lessen your carbon footprint and conserve more natural resources.

Be mindful of what goes into your lungs! Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for air quality services in the Vernon area. 

What are the 3 Main Types of Water Heaters and How are they Different?

Choosing the right water heater for your home can come down to a number of factors. Maybe you are looking to be more environmentally friendly, maybe you want to use less energy, or possibly you want the least expensive option because you are working on a budget.

Here is a breakdown of the three main types of water heaters and how they are different.

The Conventional Water Heater

The conventional water heater has been the mainstay in this industry for decades. A large metal tank holds several dozen gallons of water, keeping it at the desired temperature day and not until needed. This system allows you to have hot water for washing or bathing immediately.

The one drawback to this system is because the water needs to be heated continuously, your utility bills can be high. On the flip side, because these systems are fairly simple, they tend to be rather inexpensive, regardless of the water capa

city. They tend to have a lifespan on average of seven to tens years, depending of course on the make, model, and temperature setting.

The Tankless Water Heater

Having been popular in the UK for decades, the tankless water heater is just now gaining popularity in the United States. This system requires no large tank to store and heat water continuously. The unique heating element is very small, easily mounted under a sink, in a garage, or the laundry room, and heaths water instantly.

The high temperature mechanism only heats water when it is needed. While this will save you a tremendous amount of money each year in utility bills, the installation and cost of the unit can be rather expensive. However, the cost will pay for itself in a few years from lower energy consumption.

The Solar Water Heater

The solar water heaters get their power from the sun, and similar to setting up solar panels to heat your pool or run your appliances, uses no energy from your local utility company. The cost can be more than the other options, but once it is up and running, your only cost is to maintain the system.

The solar panels in a sense

heat the water, then store it in a collection tank, similar to that of the conventional water heater. Then when you need hot water, it is ready to go as the collection tank fills up again.

Don’t let a bad water heater ruin your day. Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for greener HVAC services in the Vernon area!