How Often Should I Replace My Water Heater?

We take clients requests very seriously and have taken every step to ensure they receive the highest quality service. Owning and maintaining a water heater is a tremendous responsibility and requires plenty of knowledge and information, whether you're a new homeowner, a landlord, or someone paying rent. It's extremely important to make sure you're up to date and accurate on everything in order to avoid making a mistake and having your water heater malfunction. Use this guide to periodically check and make sure your water heater is running properly, and when to maintain, replace, and/or call someone in to inspect your water heater.

Here are a few signs you should look for in your water heater: 

The first and most important thing you can do is check to see if the power to your water cooler is functioning properly. If there is no hot water, this is the first thing you should check. No hot water could also reflect the fact that the power light is out or the circuit breaker tripped. The ideal temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees, so make sure to routinely check the thermostat.

Examining the water is another way to make sure that the water heater is running smoothly. Make sure that the water isn't rusty, dirty, or otherwise unclean. If you notice excessive rust in your water, and/or water spilling from the top of the tank, we strongly encourage you to look into replacing your water cooler.

If you notice your water heater making loud and disturbing noises. This usually has many different causes, but, it's most frequently caused by debris build-up within the water heater. Excessive popping and crackling could be a sign towards serious damage within your water heater, and speaking to a professional about proper replacement.

When to replace: 

If you're doing routine check-ups on your water heater and notice any of these things, it's time to call a professional and get it replaced. Most water heaters have a life-span of 5-10 years, and if your water heater ages excessively past this point, there's a good likely hood it's in need of repair or replacement. When you start noticing clogs, mineral build-up in the water, or leaking coming from your water heater, that's a good sign you should call a professional and have your your water heater replaced.

Are you looking for water heater installation services in the Vernon area? Look no further than Water Heater Medic, call us today at (860) 896-3342.

Why Are Flood Prevention Services Important?

Flood prevention is a necessity in every home. You may not think that your home could ever flood, but you need to take steps to prevent a flood from entering your home. A consistent and heavy rain could come into the house easily, and we can help you keep that water outside.

The Door Frames

The door frames in your house could all let water into the house during a heavy rain or flood. The bottom of the door should be sealed, but you also want to seal the edges of the doors. We can seal the edge of each door on the exterior of the home, and we can make sure that those doors will not leak at all.

The Windows

The windows on the lower levels of the house will let in large amounts of water if they are not sealed properly. Weatherstripping will help you control the temperature in the house, but we can seal the windows to make sure that water is not passing through during a flood.

The Basement

Your basement walls need to be sealed to make sure they do not leak during heavy rains. You may notice that your basement becomes more humid during the rainy season, and this is because of the walls. We use special products that helps to seal and protect the walls of your basement or crawl space. If these areas are allowed to flood, your home could be plunged into a much larger flood.

Landscaping

The landscaping outside your home could lead to flooding inside the house even during a heavy rain. We can help you adjust your landscaping to prevent rainwater from entering the house. Leading the waters around your home will help to prevent flooding, and you can be sure that you will not have water in the house.

When you want to prevent floods at the house, you can call Water Heater Medic for help at (860) 896-3342. Our flood prevention services can help keep your Vernon home safe and dry. 

Save Money With Water Heater Maintenance

 
Quietly tucked away in the utility or laundry room, our water heaters are among those out-of-sight, out-of-mind household necessities that we barely notice until our daily routine is disturbed. But even the most efficient water heater is subject to daily damage from a dangerous "occupational hazard": sediment build-up. And when the water heater's efficiency deteriorates and we have to call professional help on an emergency basis, you can be sure that both the price and the inconvenience are going to be daunting, this is why regular water heater maintenance is the most cost-efficient way to go.

It makes a lot of sense to get into a routine of regular professional water heater maintenance. Not only does a professional technician know how to work safely and knowledgeably around your machine; he also knows how to keep it working most efficiently. And efficient operation, in the long run, is going to save you money, since your heater won't have to use so much energy to get the water to the temperature you desire.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to saving money with your water heater. First, be sure that the thermostat is set at the appropriate temperature. If you have children at home, don't set the water too hot as it can cause scalding: 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit should be a maximum. Remember that appliances like dishwashers have their own water heaters, so you don't need to have extra-hot water available for such use. Keeping the temperature on the heater a bit on the lower side will save money in the long run.
Be sure that the tank is free of sediment. Whether your heater is gas-, electric-, or solar-powered, the build-up of sediment in the tank is going to be inevitable. Any time that water is heated, calcium carbonate and other minerals occurring naturally in the water are going to settle out and fall to the bottom of the tank. With time, this sediment forms a kind of insulating layer between the heating element and the water, causing the element to work that much harder to get the water hot. Removing the mineral deposit means savings on your energy bill.

Regular maintenance will also insure that the valve system on your water heater is functioning efficiently and safely. Both the temperature pressure relief valve and the water heater drain valve need to be inspected to insure that sediment has not interfered with the manner in which they maintain pressure and temperature within the heater.

Heaters powered by gas should have their gas flue, gas burner, and pilot light regularly checked as well. When these elements lose efficiency, you can be sure that there will be a greater drain upon the energy used, and higher energy bills in the long run.

Looking to hire water heater services in your Vernon community? Call Water Heater Medic today at (860) 896-3342.

What does Thermal Efficiency mean?

Thermal Efficiency

Sometimes referred to as energy efficiency, thermal efficiency is the measure of a device that uses thermal heat. In this case, it refers to the amount of thermal energy that a water heater transfers to heat water. Let us help you with our water heater services.

While heat is an exchange between two things, thermal energy is the source and the effect of the transferred heat. Simply put, thermal efficiency states how well a heating system can warm your house or building. It is the highest level of steady heat that a system can deliver.

Thermal Efficiency Range

For gas or oil powered water heaters, thermal efficiency typically ranges 80-98% for residential and commercial models. And any model of water heater that has a high energy factor, effective water heating efficiency or thermal efficiency rating is an efficient water heater.

A water heater can also be both Energy Star qualified and thermal efficient. Energy Star products are tested by the EPA to ensure energy efficiency.

The Draw of a Hot Water Heater

This refers to the amount of hot water from a storage tank that can be “drawn” before the temperature is no longer hot (around 110 degrees). For a gas or electric water storage tank, the draw efficiency is 70% of the maximum water level in the tank. For example, if you have a 30 gallon tank, your hot water heater would have a 21 gallon draw.

This is the amount available for you to use. And if you require more hot water, your heater can produce it via the heater recovery capacity. This allows you more hot water during the times when you need the most. You should choose a size that fits your needs. A 50-75 gallon tank may be more appropriate for a larger family, whereas an 30 gallon tank could fit a single person’s needs.

First Hour Rating

There is a limit to the amount of hot water that a can be heated, known as the first hour rating. This rating is calculated by finding the amount of hot water in the tank, combined with how much hot water the heater can create in one hour.

For example, a 30 gallon tank has 21 gallons of hot water available and may heat 31 gallons of hot water in 1 hour, giving that system a first hour rating of 52 gallons. The very best water heater will transfer a large percent of its energy directly to the water, which will save you energy and give you the most hot water for the cheapest price. So in the end, it pays to invest in an energy efficient water heater!

Looking to inspect or install a water heater in your Vernon home? Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for the reliable service you deserve.

Water Heater Preventative Maintenance

The water heater is something that most people don’t give too much thought about. You go to the sink and turn on the hot water and you expect the water to be toasty warm. The real problems come when the water is ice cold. However, there is a way to prevent waking up to a frigid bath, prevention is needed. A water heater can last 10 years or more. Most issues with a tank involve the thermostat, which is an inexpensive fix. However, there comes the time when the tank will have to be replaced. There is a way to keep the tank sparkling clean and possibly extend the life by a few years. It takes just under a half hour to complete and should be done a couple times a year. Water heater maintenance is important to the hot water tank, just like any other mechanical item.

How Do I Clean My Water Tank?

You probably didn’t even know that a hot water tank can be cleaned out, but it can. This is sometimes called a flush and it is typical to what is done to a car radiator. The tank is hooked to a garden hose and all the water is removed. The water and electric or gas must be turned off to the tank. The tank should be drained completely and the water coming out should be observed. If rust and other odd looking particles are coming out of the tank, this shows a problem that the tank may have issues. If the water is nasty coming out, fill the tank again with cold water and repeat the same process. Continue to fill and flush the tank as many times as needed, until the water runs clean from it.

Why Do I Need to Clean my Water Heater?

As a water heater heats the water, sediment forms on the bottom of the tank. Did you know that most tanks that go out completely are due to a sediment build up? As these particles build up inside the tank, they shorten the efficiency and longevity of the tank itself. There is no way to stop this build up and the longer a tank has been sitting there, the more sediment is probably in there. Some tanks will become so heavy with sediment it is hard to remove them once they are done. By simply removing the water and flushing the tank on a regular basis, it will extend the life of the unit.

Serving your Vernon community everyday. Give Water Heater Medic a call at (860) 896-3342 for a guaranteed quality water heater clean-up services!

How Often Will I Need Professional Services For My Water Heater?

Water heaters don’t seem so important, until you have to take a cold shower. Regular checks and maintenance can go a long way toward limiting the number of repairs and extending the life of the unit. Manufacturers may recommend a maintenance schedule based on the specific features of their product. However, a yearly check of a hot water heater can help prevent avoid any safety issues, reduce the chance of a loss of hot water, increase energy efficiency, and increase the lifespan of the water heater. Service of a professional may also be called for seasonally, if there have been renovations to the home, or if the homeowner notices any issues with the hot water supply.

Lifespan of a Hot Water Heater

Most units last about 8 to 10 years, if it is properly maintained. Factors such as the electrical supply, the water supply, and the quality of the unit certainly influence the life of the unit. Hot water heaters should be clean, have good wiring, and lack mineral deposits. A fully functioning hot water heater can reduce utility costs and provide consistently hot water.

Safety Issues

Although some homeowners attempt to work on a hot water heater themselves there are several reasons to hire a professional. Safety is the most important. Because hot water heater combine two forces, water and electricity, it is important to ensure that the power supply is disconnected. There are many electrical components that can be checked by a professional including the anode rod, the dip tube, elements, and the thermostat. Units differ in the location and servicing of these components.

Regular maintenance of the T&P valve is another important safety measure. The temperature and pressure valve insures that your hot water heater is functioning safely. This valve should be tested and replaced if necessary to avoid damage to the unit or even an explosion if the pressure reaches a high level.

Other Maintenance

In addition, a professional can determine if the hot water heater needs to be flushed to remove sediments. Removal of mineral deposits could extend the life of the element. Checking for leaks and fixing any pipe damage is another element of maintenance that is best done by an experienced service person.

Electric water heaters should be checked for proper insulation to maintain the temperature of the water and keep energy costs in check. In an electric unit it is also a good idea to have the element inspected and replaced as needed to prevent a sudden loss of hot water. A gas water heater must be checked for proper venting. Damage or obstructions to the system can cause corrosion and fires. A professional can also check the pilot light on a gas water heater to ensure that is properly adjusted for maximum energy efficiency.

Need water heater services in the Vernon area? Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 today for quick and reliable services.  

How Often Should I Replace My Water Heater?

Water heaters are one of the most indispensable appliances we have in our homes. We need them for washing, bathing, cleaning and drinking. Without a functioning water heater, let’s face it, life would be difficult, if not impossible.

Types of Water Heaters

There are several types of water heaters such s the conventional storage water heater, tankless or demand-type water heater, heat pump water heater, solar water heater and tankless coil and indirect water heater. Most of us hope that our water heaters last a long time and in most cases, they do. However, there are signs and symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced such as the temperature of your water varies more than it used to. If the water is not as hot as it used to be, if the water in the dishwasher is not hot enough; then you may want to consider replacing your water heater.

Not Enough Hot Water?

Another indication that it may be time to replace your water heater is if you only have enough hot water for one bath or one shower. This may be a good time to talk with a water heater professional. In addition, if your water tank has ruptured and a leak has begun; this may also be a signal to replace your water heater. If you also see a gush of rust colored water when you open the hot water faucet, this is a true indication that your water heater is aging.

When Do I Need a Water Installation/Repair?

The water heater in your home is responsible for keeping the water heated and ready whenever you need it. This means that the heater is working day and night so that water is hot exactly when you need it, wearing on the parts of the unit over time. For this reason, the parts of the water heater break down more frequently than other appliances. Here are some signs that your water heather either needs repair or replacement.

1. Discolored or Smelling Tap Water

A strong odor of sulfur from the water can be an indication that there is trouble in the hot water heater. Particles in the water that cause it to smell can be a build up of sediment inside the heater tank. This repair involves the technician to open up the tank and drain out all the water and deposits trapped in the tank. Once the tank has been flushed clean, this usually will eliminate the smell and colored water, restoring your system back to normal.

2. Water Taking Too Long to Heat

If you are noticing that the water is taking longer to heat up each time you use it, the problem can be with the heating elements inside the tank. This little heating elements are responsible for controlling the temperature of the water, and can often be replaced if they are the only cause of the issue. The water heater technician will better be able to determine if it is worth making that repair or replacing the entire water heater. New energy efficient water heaters are designed to produce the same amount of hot water at a fraction of the cost, saving you money each year in utility costs.

3. Noisy Water Heater

When the water heater is operating normally, it will make very few sounds other than the system turning on and off. When you begin to hear noises inside the tank that sound like pebbles being tossed around inside a metal can, this is an indication that something is seriously wrong. If it is just a cases of excessive sediment floating around inside the tank, the technician can many times drain the contaminants out. It many cases it winds up being a part of the system that has broken off and is banging around inside the take. In this case, it is recommended a new tank be installed.

A professional hot water heater specialist can identify trouble with a visual inspection, and either repair the damaged part of replace the entire system.

We want to make sure our Vernon customers are happy, so leave the Water Heater work up to Water Heater Medic. Don’t delay and call (860) 896-3342 today!

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!