September is National Fruits and Veggies Month!

National Fruits and Veggies Month is an excellent time to find ways to incorporate these wonderful foods into your diet. They're nutritious, filling and full of vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function.

While many people enjoy fruits, it's sometimes harder to get the right amount of veggies in your meals throughout the day.

The following are some excellent tips to recognize these foods during National Fruits and Veggies Month.

Learn to Snack Healthy

Snacking is a good habit to have if you choose the right snacks. The humble apple and banana are both filling, affordable and nutritious snacks that are also portable. Not only will they fulfill a sweet craving, but will also help satiate hunger until your next meal.

Edamame is another healthy snack that is appetizing with a dip like hummus. Add in some carrots and pepper strips and you have a colorful meal that is full of vitamins.

Visit a Local Farmers’ Market

The farmers’ market is one of the best places to find fresh produce that is in season. The produce at the farmers’ market may have even been picked the day before or that same morning.

Many farmers’ markets also sell some produce that has been preserved or pickled by the family. These products offer a fun way to try a new jam or jelly that you may not find in the grocery store.

The following are some unique items that you may find at your local farmers market.

• Rhubarb
• Heirloom tomatoes
• Okra
• New apple varieties
• Locally-grown food

Know the Benefits of Eating Fruits and Vegetables

It's important to understand the reason why the body thrives off eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. There are many benefits from eating fresh produce.

Once you find your favorites, it will become easier to find new ways to prepare them to ensure you get the recommended daily servings.

Here are some of the most exciting benefits of eating fruits and vegetables:

• They're filling with minimal calories
• Many contain fiber to aid in digestion
• Greens and berries have antioxidants to help counteract the effects of aging

The next time you're planning a meal or snack, be sure to incorporate at least 2 or 3 fruits or vegetables. When you're shopping, look for a new variety each time you go to the store.

You can always find recipes for nearly anything online, and it's tons of fun to expand your palate and try new things!

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of fruits and veggies, our company, Water Heater Medic would like to offer you a hand with your water heater needs in Vernon. Give us a call at (860) 896-3342.

The Magic of Greywater Recycling and How It Can Reduce Water Bills

Have you ever given any thought to the amount of water you use up that goes down the drain still relatively clean? The average American uses close to 100 gallons of water per day in or around the home. Roughly, 35% of the water we consume is used for showering and bathing, while 30% is used for flushing toilets.

With a looming water crisis facing the world, it seems particularly wasteful to send shower and bath water directly into the sewage system for treatment and to use drinkable water to flush toilets.

What is Greywater Recycling?

Greywater is wastewater drained from sinks, showers, bathtubs and washing machines, but not from toilets. Greywater recycling is a process that aims to capture that still useful water to be reused safely elsewhere.

Greywater may contain dirt, hair, detergents, food and other contaminants that make it unsuitable for drinking. It can, nevertheless, be reclaimed and useful for other purposes.

How Can I Reuse Greywater?

A greywater system can be installed in the home to capture water used from sinks, tubs, and showers for safe use for subsurface landscape irrigation or flushing toilets.

Safety is of primary concern when it comes to greywater recycling to avoid waterborne diseases.

A good greywater system will store used water in a tank that will allow solids to fall to the bottom or rise to the surface to be filtered out, much like a standard septic system.

It will also send greywater that has been stored for too long directly to the sewage system to ensure it is not used. The system is designed to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination with potable water in your home.

Is Having My Own Greywater Recycling System At Home Safe?

Traditionally, plumbing codes have not made a distinction between greywater and blackwater (water from the toilet) and considered it all sewage. With the rise of the water conservation movement, however, many states and jurisdictions have acknowledged the need to reuse greywater where possible.

In Vernon, where the International Plumbing Code is adopted, greywater can be used for subsurface irrigation and for toilet flushing.

In addition to not storing it for extended periods, contact with greywater should be avoided, as it could contain a pathogen. Additionally, greywater is best used for irrigation when it is infiltrated into the ground and used for ornamental plants or fruit trees. It can also be used for vegetable plants as long as it doesn't touch the edible part of the plant.

Infiltrated greywater must never be allowed to pool up or run off as it can pose a risk to nearby well water or provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

It is critical for you to use plant-friendly products in your home if you intend to recycle greywater for irrigation.

These products should be made without salts chlorine bleach or boron, which can damage soil and harm plant life.

Other Ways To Make Your Water Use More Eco-Friendly

If you're not quite ready to invest in a greywater recycling system for your home, many other ways to reduce your water consumption will have a beneficial impact on the environment and lower your water bills. You can add barrels around your home to capture rainwater to water your lawn and garden.

You can also capture water used in your bathroom sink in a bucket by opening the P-trap and use that water to flush your toilet.

If you’re interested in finding out more about greywater recycling and reducing your water consumption in Vernon, contact the experts at Water Heater Medic today at 860-896-3342.

Plumbing History for the Buildings of the Northeast

When we think of American history, plumbing is often not the first thing that comes to mind.

It’s unfortunate because the Northeastern United States has a rich and vibrant plumbing history that shows numerous plumbing innovations.

From pipes made out of wooden logs to technology advancing far enough to allow running water in private homes, the Northeast is steeped in plumbing history.

Some of the most notable historical plumbing events include:

The 1840’s: Indoor Plumbing at the Tremont Hotel

During this period, travel by boat and train was extremely popular. There was a surge in hotels being built to accommodate travelers throughout the Northeast.

Specifically, the Tremont Hotel in Boston was a very popular destination for many. We now know the Tremont as the first hotel with indoor plumbing. After the Tremont invested in indoor plumbing, other hotels followed suit. In this time period, the only indoor plumbing available was at various hotels; private homes still relied on outhouses.

1842: The Croton Aqueduct System

After the American Revolutionary War, the population of Manhattan and New York started to grow. With that growth came the need for more fresh water since a lack of clean water at that time led to disease in the area and an epidemic of Yellow Fever and Cholera.

After the Great Fire of New York in 1835, it was clear that something needed to be done to meet the water demands of the rapidly growing city.

Thus began the construction of the Croton Aqueduct. For the time, it was an extremely large and complex project. Even today, it’s an engineering feat when you consider the size and work involved with building it. As one of the first major aqueducts, the Croton line transported water a total or 41 miles using only the force of gravity and forever changed the landscape of New York City.

1855: New Homes and Private Bathrooms

As plumbing technology advanced, many homeowners were still using outhouses to relieve themselves.

However, a more convenient technology was just around the corner. During this time, new homes were being outfitted with private, indoor bathrooms. These bathrooms worked by using pipes to pump water from the laundry to cisterns in the attic.

Once the faucet was opened, or the toilet handle was flushed, water would flow down from the attic into the bathroom sink or toilet. The wastewater was then carried out to a very basic septic system. While this system was far from perfect, it is the basis on which almost all modern bathrooms are built upon.

The 1870’s: Wood Pipes

As the demand for indoor plumbing grew, more needed to be done regarding sewer lines and urban pipes. At this time, it was common for pipes to be made from bored out logs. Most of these logs were hollowed out from auguring by hand or burning, and many of these wood pipes were still in use well into the 1900’s.

Looking back through history, it’s easy to spot the innovations and advancements in the plumbing industry. We wouldn’t be where we are today without many of the inventions that were created hundreds of years ago.

When you need plumbing or water heater service in Vernon that is efficient, advanced and reliable, call the experts at Water Heater Medic at 860-896-3342.

3 Ways to Prepare for UV Safety Awareness Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which is a recognition many are unaware of. While we tend to think of fresh air and sunshine as healthy and therapeutic, the sun's UV rays are quite harmful. They can cause eye damage, skin cancer, and premature aging. UV rays can also suppress the immune system, leaving your body vulnerable to infections and diseases.

UV Safety Awareness Month is meant to educate those who are unaware of the sun's damaging effects and to serve as a reminder to everyone that the sun must be enjoyed safely. Here are three ways you can prepare this year.

Go Shopping

It's important to wear sunscreen! Make sure it’s not expired. Clean out the medicine cabinet, and replace any expired sunscreen with a new bottle. Get a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face during outdoor activities as well as a pair of sunglasses.  Be sure to choose sunglasses that block all UV rays as your pupils will dilate when behind dark glasses.

Sunglasses should be rated to block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays and provide the most protection. It can increase the amount of UV light your eyes are exposed to if the glasses don't shield your peripheral vision.

Know When to Go

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the sun is at it's strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you do go out during this part of the day use sunscreen, sunglasses, and try to wear a hat. Stick to the shade as much as you can, as well.

Check in With Your Doctor

Take a moment to call your physician or pharmacist and review any prescription medications you're taking. Some medications make you more sensitive to UV light. If you're taking any of these prescriptions, you'll need to know so you can be even more diligent about your UV protection.

Water Heater Medic in Vernon is happy to bring you these safety tips and reminders during this UV Safety Awareness Month. Remember to stay safe, take an active role in educating others about UV dangers and give us a call at (860) 896-3342 the next time you find yourself in need of HVAC services.

Top 4th of July Events in Vernon This Year

From the end of June until the middle of July Vernon celebrates our nation’s birthday in a host of ways, from hot dog eating contests to river cruises and of course, fireworks and more fireworks.

This year the celebration of our nation’s birthday lands on a Monday. Because of this, the 4th of July will be celebrated in Vernon for over two weeks!

Here are some of the top choices of events for the Independence Day holiday in The Constitution State.

Prior to the 4th of July:

Even before the 4th, many places in Vernon will already be gearing up for an exciting celebration.

1. Dayville’s annual community event is the Killingly Red White and Blue Family Fun Day held on July 1st at Owen Bell Park. There is a Revolutionary 5K Fun Run, chicken barbecue, bands on stage, and of course, fireworks. The music starts at 5 pm; the barbecue starts at 5:30 and fireworks start at 9:15 pm.

2. Hebron will hold fireworks on the 1st, but the holiday won’t end there. Riverquest Cruises in Hebron is offering a very special cruise on July the 4th called “The Fireworks Cruise” from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. For $40, sixty-five lucky attendees can cruise the lower Vernon River enjoying other cities’ fireworks from the deck of the ship.

3. On July 1st in Simsbury, the Hartford Symphony and Asylum Hill Church Choir perform a program of All-American favorites plus. They will include, of course, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, “The Armed Forces Salute” and the “Stars and Stripes Forever”. The program will also include a range of music from Dixieland to American Spirituals. There will be a fireworks presentation after the concert. The concert starts at 7:30 pm and you can obtain tickets through the Hartford Symphony.

4. Niantic, Vernon- On July 2nd and 3rd in Niantic everyone can enjoy the annual Lobsterfest and Chickenfest and a juried Arts and Crafts Show. Along with barbecued chicken and lobster, participants can enjoy corn on the cob and clam chowder.

The Arts and Crafts show will host over 150 artists from all over New England. Best of all, admission is free!

On July 4th:

1. The town of Portland is offering something new and different at the July Fourth Weekend Celebration at Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park. There will be a host of family fun including rock climbing, zip lines, and a food fest.

From noon to 3 pm attendees can sample jerk chicken, ribs, brick oven pizza and other foods from around the world.

2. East Woodstock’s Congregational Church has been hosting their Independence Day celebration since 1957. Named “The Whole Shebang” it features live entertainment, children’s games, food, contests (including members of the fire department competing to push a fifty-pound barrel through a goal with firehoses) antique cars and trucks, floats and more. The event will last from 11 am to 5 pm.

3. If Revolutionary War history is of interest to you, you won’t want to miss the fourth of July in Norwich. Visitors to the Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich can see documents from 1776, journals, artifacts and newspapers. The museum showings will be from 11 am to 2 pm and are $5 for adults and $3 for children.

4. Mystic Seaport may have some of the most unusual, and fun ways of celebrating the USA’s birthday. There will be boat races held on the Mystic River and an old-fashioned spelling bee for the kids. A picnic will take place on the Mystic Seaport Village Green at noon.

A special children’s parade, complete with a marching section for children who have made their own Independence Day hats, will wind through the village starting at 1 pm. The day will also feature hand-churned ice cream, games on the green, live theatrical performances and an 1876 Independence Day ceremony that will feature Mystic’s own Silver Coronet Band.

5. For a crazy fun time on your 4th of July, join the folks in Willimantic for their annual WILI Boom Box Parade. There are no bands in this parade, just people with their radios and boom boxes all marching in time to the local radio station’s special July 4th broadcast. The parade starts at 9 am.

After the 4th:

1. Enfield offers an array of things to do for Independence Day on July 8th through the 10th. The Enfield Town Green will host musical concerts on all three days. The Enfield Expo Craft and Arts Fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a children’s activity area on both Saturday and Sunday that will feature soccer, bounce houses, pie, spaghetti eating contests and more.

The Taste of Enfield will also happen on both Saturday and Sunday and offer foods ranging from meatballs on a stick to fruit crepes. There is a free shuttle service to get visitors from parking at the Enfield Square Mall to the Enfield Town Green.

The Fourth of July parade will be held starting at 11 am at the Enfield Olde Town Hall. There will be a Twilight Road Race on Saturday evening at 5 pm for the 1K race and 6 pm for the 5K.

Of course, the culmination of all of this will be fireworks at the largest fireworks display in Northern Vernon. Watch the world famous Zambelli Family’s choreographed fireworks show to an entirely original soundtrack. Fireworks begin at 9:45 pm.

2. On the 5th of July, New Britain will host “The Great American Boom”. This annual event will include clowns, trampolines, inflatables, pony rides and more. A variety of food will also be available starting at 5 pm, and at 9:30 pm there will be fireworks.

No matter how you spend your 4th of July, it is probably going to be a hot one. The summer is a great time to get your water heater checked, just call Water Heater Medic in Vernon at (860) 896-3342. They will be happy to help you with all of your water heater maintenance needs, no matter what time of year it is!

3 Ways to Prepare Yourself for Summer Solstice

Summer solstice is on its way, and many people are ready to celebrate by opening their pools and having parties. Celebrating this day is a tradition that dates back to ancient times. Here are some tips to make your summer celebration a success:

1) What is the Summer Solstice?

Summer Solstice is the official first day of summer. It is also the longest day of the year and occurs between June 20-23 (according to the Gregorian calendar). In 2016, it will be celebrated on June 20th. There are many cultures that place a sacred significance on this day. It was seen as a day when the sun was reborn and gave most of its light to benefit the crops. It was celebrated with banquets, bonfires, and special gifts. There are still many groups, such as Wiccans, who have celebrations for the Summer Solstice.

2) Bonfire Tips

After braving the cold of a long winter, it is fun to celebrate the warmth of summer. You can make this year’s summer solstice a fun celebration with family and friends. What better way to celebrate than with an old-fashioned bonfire! The ancients believed that the fire honored the sun and warded off any evil spirits. Just make sure you do it in a place where building fires is not forbidden by local ordinances.

The ideal place for a bonfire is away from buildings, trees, and anything else that can catch fire. Find a spot and gather up some wood. Rather than just throw the wood in a pile, set it upright until it looks like a wooden teepee. Take smaller branches and paper to make kindling. Avoid using hazardous fire-accelerating fuels. Once the fire gets started, you can feed it larger pieces of wood to keep it going. Never leave a bonfire unattended and be sure to watch children around it.

Set the bonfire on the evening of the solstice, when the outside temperature is cooler and the fire can be seen better. Many people have hot dogs to roast over the fire; however, you can grill any type of food that you prefer. You can put meat and veggies on a skewer and have delicious kebabs. If you are a vegetarian, you can stick to grilling vegetables and even fruit. The classic dessert is grilled marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate for s’mores!

3) Watch the Sunset / Sunrise

Another tradition is to celebrate the solstice all night. Your family and guests can watch the glorious sunset on June 20th and stay up to watch the sunrise. You can play games and tell ghost stories around the fire. If you like, you can hand out small party favors to remember the day. Just be careful to watch the fire and put it out completely with water when you are done.

Since you may be opening your pool on this day, it would be a good time to check your water heater and ensure that the plumbing in your home is working. Call Water Heater Medic, in Vernon, at (860) 896-3342.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Water Heater Expert

Water heaters are one of the most important but often most overlooked appliances in every home and business. A properly installed water heater can run for years on end.

The typical lifespan of a water heater is 10 to 15 years. But when your water fails, you suddenly realize how important it is to have hot water - for showering, cooking, shaving, cleaning, doing the dishes - and you begin to notice how unpleasant a cold shower can be.

When you realize how important hot water is to your family and lifestyle, you should consider proactive steps to conserve it and extend its useful life, such as regular maintenance. This is key to ensuring that your water heater performs at its best.

This kind of maintenance is best left to an expert plumber, even more so if your water heater is beyond repair and it's time to install a new one. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a professional to ensure your hot water needs are met.

Professional Service

You may suspect something is wrong if your water heater starts making strange noises or if your water takes much longer to get hot than it used to.

However, it can take a trained professional to track down and repair the source of these problems. DIY jobs and repairs from an unqualified handyman can cause more damage than they fix.

Service from a licensed plumber ensures that your hot water supply continues working properly.

Calling in an expert makes your life easier. It will take a professional far less time and trouble to handle your water heater issues, and with much better results.

You can rely on the services of a professional, licensed plumber to do the job right, so that your plumbing is working safely and properly, and you don't have to worry about your hot water at all.

Maintenance Tune-Ups

Maintenance operations are a tune-up for your water heater. Fundamental checks and adjustments such as flushing the system or swapping out the anode rod can make a big difference. Proper maintenance lets the heater work more efficiently, giving you better performance and lower utility bills versus a hot water heater that is not working effectively.

Regular maintenance lowers the risk of failure or more expensive repairs later on, as well as extending the usefulness of your unit by reducing rust and mitigating damage or normal wear and tear.

Over time, that can mean extra months or even years of reliable hot water, making maintenance a good investment versus periodically having to purchase and install a suitable new unit.

Installation of a New Unit

Should the time come to install a replacement water heater, hiring a professional and instituting, a maintenance plan begins a relationship of trust that can continue for the many years of life you'll get from an expertly-installed appliance. Some plumbers may offer maintenance discount for water heaters they installed themselves.

Using the same plumber regularly ensures that they are familiar with your unit and home and can maintain and service the unit more quickly and with more attention to detail. Having a professional plumber on hand at regular intervals can also help to detect any other potential plumbing issues that exist.

A water heater is more than a tank with a heating element. The wiring, plumbing, or fuel supplies can be quite complex depending on the nature of occupant requirements, and require special tools or training for proper repair or installation.

Tankless water heaters provide several advantages over traditional tank types:

• More energy efficient
• If the tanks are emptied, you have to wait for the water to be heated again.
• Freshness- water sitting in a tank may result in rust and corrosion.
• A water heater storage tank takes up more space.

If you're considering an upgrade, it may involve a lot of work where a professional is required.

Safety is First Priority

Water heaters typically operate off a 240-volt power line which can deliver a lethal shock, particularly if you combine that with conditions where they may be flooding, spraying, or constantly leaking water.

It's far better to let an expert handle these issues than to risk great personal injury in trying to repair or install the heater yourself. Tankless, fast-heating water supplies can be just as dangerous when something goes wrong. Even non-electric heaters such as those warmed by natural gas or propane can involve carbon monoxide poison and the leaking of flammable gasses, often in a confined space.

This is a dangerous situation that could do serious damage to your home or family. Ensuring that all your appliances are operating correctly and safely so as not to pose a danger to your friends and relatives is the best investment you could make.

A water heater expert knows how to satisfy local building codes and can ensure that your hot water heater is in compliance with regulations.

If you rely on an amateur or unlicensed individual, you are at risk of violating these codes which could lead to fines or other penalties if something goes wrong, such as water damage or electrical problems.

Insurance companies may deny a claim if a new water heater was the cause of damages and it was not installed by a licensed professional.

Protect Your Warranty

In addition to home insurance requirements, purchasing a new water heater will likely involve a warranty that may be voided if you don't have a professional complete the installation.

This requirement may or may not be included in the accessories that came with the appliance. But when something goes wrong, the warranty may be voided if the manufacturer discovers that the unit was installed or repaired by an unlicensed person, and you're left paying all over again for a new water heater and a professional installation.

The biggest regret you may have is calling in an unlicensed and unqualified plumber who didn't resolve your problems. To ensure water heater performance and protect your Vernon home, it's always best to call the Water Heater Medic professionals at (860) 896-3342.

What are Some Pros and Cons of an Oil Fired Water Heater?

Many different types and configurations of water heating systems are in use today. The good news here is, it is now possible to more precisely tailor the hot water needs of each home or office to the size of the space and estimated water usage.

The bad news is, there are many more choices and options to evaluate before choosing a new water heater system. In this post, learn more about the pros and cons of choosing an oil fired water heater.

How a Traditional Water Heater Works

A traditional water heater has several components: a tank for water storage, a source of fuel, and (for gas and oil-fired water heaters) fuel lines and a system of venting to safely remove the exhaust gases.

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, and there is no tank to store hot water for use later.

Alternatively, traditional water heaters operate by dispensing the water at the top of the tank first, thus giving the unit time to heat the incoming cooler water at the bottom of the receptacle before it is needed.

What is an oil fired water heater?

Oil-fired water heaters, like traditional electric and gas powered water heaters, have a tank system in which water is stored so it is always ready to be used when needed.

However, there are some differences between oil fired heaters and heaters operated via other types of fuel. In particular, only oil-fired heaters use both oil and electricity for fuel. With an oil-fired heater, there is a burner that creates an oil plus water mixture. This mixture is then exposed to an electric spark and ignited to heat the water.

What are the pros and cons of an oil fired water heater?

As with any type of water heating system, an oil fired water heater has its unique set of pros and cons, benefits and drawbacks. To achieve the greatest energy efficiency for the least amount, it is important to analyze these pros and cons to determine whether an oil fired water heater is the right choice for your home or office.

Oil Fired Water Heater: Pros

Here are the acknowledged pros that an oil-fired water heating system can offer.

• Very energy efficient.
• Able to heat and store more water.
• Water heating time can be up to four times faster than with other water heaters.
• Very reliable long-term operation.
• Extra insulation can significantly reduce any energy losses due to venting exhaust gases.
• Costs less to operate.
• Can heat lots of water very rapidly to supply high demand and large spaces.
• Exceptionally efficient in providing hot water in large commercial operations.
• Can work with a direct-fired, indirect-fired, tank or tankless water heater system.
• Come in a variety of tank sizes.
• Can operate solely via oil and electricity or via dual fuel sources such as propane plus oil.

Oil Fired Water Heater: Cons

• Experts cite these as the major cons of selecting an oil fired water heater.
• More expensive to purchase and install.
• May require more cleaning and maintenance to continue operating at maximum efficiency.
• Requires the use of combustible fuel sources (the oil plus water plus electric spark system).
• Produce exhaust gases that must be vented to the outside of the building.
• May be harder to procure due to the more limited availability of oil fuel.
• Can produce some energy losses due to the need to vent exhaust gases.
• May need to have the pilot light relit more frequently when housed outdoors.

4 Keys to Choosing the Best Water Heater for Your Space

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are four key aspects to consider before selecting a new water heater.

Fuel.

This must be considered first since energy costs can differ substantially in different geographic regions. Another thing to note; not all energy types are readily available in every area.

So here, what you want to do is find out what fuels are easily available in your area: electricity, gas, oil, propane. Then do a cost evaluation to get a sense of how much you would spend each month using different types of fuel to heat your water.

Cost.

The cost of the water heater itself - purchase, installation, maintenance, repairs - is also a significant aspect to consider before you make your final purchase decision.

Along with the cost assessment, it is important to be aware that some types of water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install up front, but they will deliver much greater savings on monthly energy usage once operational. Doing these comparison estimates can be very helpful to make your final choice.

Efficiency.

Whether your reasons are adopting a more sustainable lifestyle with a lower carbon footprint or simply saving money on your monthly energy costs, it is important to consider the overall efficiency projections for different types of water heaters.

These factors will highlight which type(s) may best align with your overall goals.

Size/Capacity.

Some hot water heaters can generate higher amounts of hot water more quickly than others.

By comparing your home's daily hot water demand and the timing of that demand against the capacity and speed of the water heater, you can determine which water heater unit will align most to meet your needs.

It can be very helpful to schedule a professional consultation and home/workplace evaluation when you are ready to consider replacing your water heater. This consultation can help you evaluate the four aspects of selecting a new hot water heater and identify hidden cost savings you may not be aware of.

Finally, working with a professional will ensure your new hot water heater is installed safely and correctly the first time!

For a new oil-fired water heater installation in Vernon, call Water Heater Medic at Water Heater Medic. 

Why You Should Conserve Hot Water in Your Home and Only Use the Highest Temperature Water When Necessary

A lot of homeowners don’t realize the fact that hot water is a luxury. In many areas of the world, there is no such thing as a hot shower, and if hot showers are available, they’re usually very expensive.

Many Americans take hot water for granted and use it as if there is an unlimited supply.

Whether you realize it or not, every drop of hot water comes with a price, and you’re the person who’s paying for it. With the cost of energy always on the rise, you’re always paying more money for hot water.

Regarding how much money we spend on it, hot water is the third most costly energy expense used in a typical home.

The hot water that you use can account for 12 percent of your monthly energy bill. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce your energy bill, save hot water and maintain comfort.

Make Your Water Heater Use Less Energy

An excellent strategy for hot water conservation consists of forcing your water heater to use less energy. If you’re trying to save energy, you should know that hot water uses an enormous amount of energy.

After turning on the faucet and taking a hot shower, most people don’t realize that the hot water must be heated with electricity, so while it seems like they’re only using water, they’re in fact using water and power. Some homes are equipped with a conventional water heater, which uses a large storage tank.

It’s the heater’s duty to continuously heat the water inside of the tank, so when you need hot water, the tank is able to deliver. Unfortunately, the laws of thermodynamics cause the water inside the tank to constantly cool, so your water heater is in a constant battle to keep the water hot.

By constantly detecting the temperature, the heating element can determine when the water has become too cold, and it will activate and warm the water. In some cases, a water heater can account for up to 18 percent of your annual energy costs.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to reduce this amount.

Lowering the Tank’s Thermostat

Every water heater has a thermostat, and you have control over the thermostat. However, you should always let the professionals tinker with your water heater, and we can do this for you. By turning down your water heater’s thermostat, you can save energy.

A reduction of 10 degrees can save you up to 5 percent on your energy bill. Almost all modern water heaters are sold with a preset temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is quite hot, and it significantly increases the risk of scalding. The Energy Department recommends lowering your tank’s temperature to 120 degrees.

This temperature is almost always hot enough for most people, and it can save you plenty of money on your energy bill. A lower temperature also reduces the amount of mineral buildup occurring inside of your tank, which can prevent costly repairs.

If you want us to come to your home and turn down your water heater’s thermostat, the process is quite simple.

First, we have to check the current temperature. Since the thermostat can be inaccurate, we might use a thermometer to check. Next, we’ll turn the thermostat down to 120 degrees. We might need to wait for a couple of hours and check to make sure the temperature is correct. Some water heaters don’t have a numbered gauge.

Sediment Draining

One of the services that we provide to customers is sediment draining. Over time, sediment can accumulate inside of your water heater, which can reduce its energy efficiency.

If your tank has a huge buildup of sediment, saving energy will be nearly impossible. By draining your tank of sediment, we can make your water heater run more efficiently. The process that we use for removing sediment is simple, but it’s not something that the average homeowner should attempt.

Most manufacturers recommend draining your water heater’s tank at least once per year, but it’s not a bad idea to have it drained twice per year. If hot water conservation is important to you, then this is a valuable service to consider.

Insulating Exposed Pipes

There is a chance that your water heater has exposed pipes. If this is true, you could be losing energy and not even know it. Hot water pipes are designed to deliver hot water to the areas of the home where it’s needed.

When the pipes aren’t insulated, heat is lost through the pipes, which means you’ll have to pay money for the electricity needed to keep the water hot. It’s much cheaper to let us insulate your hot water pipes. Once the pipes have been insulated, you won’t lose as much energy, and you can start saving money on your electricity bill.

The Importance of Conserving Hot Water

In most areas of the world, hot water is a luxury. It’s easy for people to think that hot water comes from the local water supply and forget that the water must be heated inside the home.

A great way to conserve hot water is to start using less of it. However, this is usually easier said than done.

Another strategy involves insulating your hot water tank. Many older tanks never came with insulation, so they’re significantly less efficient than newer models.

If you own an older water heater that is placed in an uninsulated part of your home, you could be throwing away an enormous amount of energy.

When proper insulation is added to an older water heater, it can cut heat loss by up to 45 percent. The good news is that we can handle it for you. We offer a number of different services for your water heater, and we can make sure it’s running at maximum energy efficiency.

If you want to save money, it’s important to conserve hot water and only use the highest water temperature when necessary.

For help with your water heater in your Vernon home, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.

Understanding Why You are Running Out of Hot Water

There is nothing worse than running out of hot water while trying to take a shower or a bath. While you don't expect the hot water to last forever, it generally gets colder gradually as opposed to suddenly going out.

There are several reasons why your Vernon home is running out of hot water or why there isn't any hot water to begin with. Let's take a look at a few common reasons why this may be the case.

The Water Heater May Have a Leak

It is possible that the water heater has a small leak that you may not be aware of. It could be making it harder to keep the tank full at all times, which would reduce the amount of hot water that you have to draw from.

If you notice that there is water pooling around the water heater or there is dripping from an older unit, you could be losing water, which means that it may be time to replace the unit.

The Gas Could Be Out In Your Home

Many water heaters run on gas power, which means that they will not work if there is no gas being fed to them.

You should first check to see if the gas is on and that there are no leaks that could be stifling the supply to the heater. If you are having issues with your gas supply, call your local utility company immediately. They will fix any issues with your meter at no charge.

What About Electric Water Heaters?

If you have an electric water heater, you should make sure that the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped. If it has, your heater is most likely not working like it should. In a modern circuit breaker, the circuit should look like a simple on/off switch, which should make it easy to figure out if there is a problem.

Before any work is done, make sure that you call water heater experts and ensure that the power has been turned off in the home.

Is the Water Heater On?

After awhile, you may forget that getting hot water takes more than just turning the faucet in a certain direction. Without a source of heat, all you are going to get is cold water no matter how far you turn that dial. When you notice that you aren't getting any or as much hot water as usual, check the water heater to make sure that the pilot light is on.

If it isn't, you should either call professional water heater experts to check it or turn it back on yourself. If there is a severe leak or water is gushing out of the tank, have it replaced immediately.

Are You Using a Lot of Hot Water at Once?

If possible, avoid doing dishes or running the dishwasher while you are taking a shower or trying to wash your clothes. Using multiple sources of hot water at the same time can put a strain on the water heater and use up your hot water a lot faster. Therefore, it may be a good idea to take a shower, wait for the water to get warm again and then do the dishes or wash your clothes.

Is Your Water Heater Large Enough?

Typically, a 40-gallon tank should be enough to provide a steady supply of hot water. However, if you have a larger house or have higher than normal water demands, you may simply need a bigger hot water tank to stay warm while in the shower or to leave enough hot water to clean your dishes or your clothes. Those who need a larger tank may want to upgrade to a 55-gallon version, which is still affordable and relatively easy to install.

Has the Temperature Setting Been Altered?

The water may not be hot enough because the temperature setting has been altered. If that is the case, the fix may be as simple as changing the setting to something hotter. However, if that doesn't work, it may be necessary to repair the thermostat that is controlling the temperature in the tank.

Is There Enough Pressure To and From the Tank?

There is a pressure valve located on the side of your water heater. There is a chance that there is either too little pressure or too much pressure coming to or from the tank. If you think that there is an issue with the pressure in the tank, make sure a professional checks it out as soon as possible. This is because pressure buildup could lead to a tank explosion and severe damage to your home.

Not having steady hot water in your Vernon home can drive even the most patient person crazy. While it could be an easy fix to restore your hot water, fixing the problem could mean replacing your water hater.

For the best water heater expert services in your Vernon home, call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342.