What Everyone Ought to Know about Indirect Water Heaters

When one thinks of buying a water heater, what comes in mind is how reliable and cost friendly is it. However, this need not be a problem anymore. There has been designed an energy efficient and highly reliable water heater, the indirect water heater.

This is a market leader and surpasses all others in almost every way from energy efficiency, durability, and reliability. If you are thinking of installing a water heating system at your home, this is what you should know about the indirect water heater:

How it works

It is referred to as an indirect water system because it actually doesn’t require direct fuel, gas, electricity, or solar energy to work. It solely relies on the heating system of the house.

The system is installed parallel to the home’s heating system. This makes it the most efficient heating power source by not requiring a homeowner to run two heating systems concurrently. It comes in handy especially during winter and other cold seasons.

Reliability and useful life

The system is highly reliable mainly because it is easy to use and control. Once installed, all it requires is the normal on and off procedure when heating is required. It has no technicalities involved.

Another great feature of this great product is its long life. Compared to the other heating systems available in the market today, the indirect water heating system has the lowest life cycle. This means it will serve you for decades before it calls for repairs or maintenance.

Long term cost efficiency

The installation costs for indirect water heating system can be a little bit prohibitive. This tends to put off some home owners that shy away from the initial cost of installation. What they really don’t consider are the long lasting effects the system would have on their premises. It not only saves on energy consumption, it also minimizes replacement costs because of its durability.

What makes it stand out?

The most significant feature of this system is its efficiency in all aspects. For instance, unlike in the case of the other heaters and boilers where the little heated water has to be used conveniently and in regulated portions, indirect water heaters allows the users the convenience of excesses at no extra cost.

The indirect water heater is most advisable for new buildings. However, this is not to say that already established buildings cannot benefit from this system. There are professionals that will align it with any building just as good as they would do to a new one.

Knowing about the humidity in your Vernon home is important. Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 to learn more about your options!

3 Most Common Water Heater Problems and How to Prevent Them

Although water heaters are fairly basic units when you really break down what is going inside of them mechanically, there are a handful of problems that routinely affect them, which you should be aware about in case they develop in your home.

Luckily, there are some ways that you can prevent them, which can save you money in the long run, due to the fact that you may not have to spend any money on repairs. Here are some of the most common water heater problems and what you can do to make sure that they do not happen to you in the future.

Discolored Hot Water

In a great deal of instances, especially in units that are older and have been running for a very long time, the water that you get out of your faucets will have a reddish tint to it. This is most likely due to rust developing inside of your water heater, which is to be expected after being run for a number of years.

If this is happening, simply empty and flush out your system, which should probably take care of the problem. In order to prevent this from happening in the future, you can periodically flush your system which should stop the reddish tinted color from developing.

A Strange Odor

A problem that a lot of people end up having is a bad odor to the water that is coming out of their faucets. In the bulk of instances, this means that there is bacteria that has been built up in your water heater.

You should avoid going in the shower until you have cleaned your tank and clean the system thoroughly with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, which will take care of any bacteria that is in your system. You can replace the anode rod if it needs to be changed as well, preventing further complications.

No Hot Water

If you are not getting enough hot water out of your faucets, there is a good chance that there is mineral buildup in your tank. This happens over time, as a result of there being minerals present in the water that is constantly being heated up in the system.

The only thing you can do in this instance is remove the mineral buildup that has affected your machine, which is often time's best to simply have done by a professional water heater repair company, who can take care of the job for you.

Remember to keep up with a regular maintenance schedule. Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 to get your Vernon home inspected.

What Can a Homeowner do to Extend the Life of Their Water Heater

Many homeowners do not even consider looking at the water heater until it experiences a significant problem. The truth is that this one device is running longer and harder than any other in the entire house.

The job of the water heater is to make certain water is hot at a seconds notice, and to do this the unit must turn on and off many times a day to keep several dozen gallons of water hot when you need it. The problem is that running this long can wear the unit down quickly if not maintained on a regular basis.

Consider these three things a homeowner can do to extend the life of their water heater.

1. Inspect for Corrosion

Hot water is being passed through the pipes of the water heater throughout the day, and many calcium and deposits in the water tend to corrode the pipes over time. Take a close look at the pipes on the top of the water heater and look to see if any white powdery deposits are forming.

These need to be brushed away and cleaned before they begin to wear away at the integrity of the pipe. If the pipes are neglected long enough, they break down in strength and the pipe could burst at any time.

2. Check for Leaks

Under the water heater should be a small pan designed to catch any water leakage. This pan will not be able to contain all the water in the event of a break. This is why it is so important you constantly check the tank for any leaks.

The leak is the sign the tank is in distress, and one small leak can quickly turn into a large break at any moment. Rather than having a water heater failure and water rushing through your house at 3am, check the leak and call a plumber at the first signs of water outside the tank.

3. Feel Water Temperature

Whether washing dishes or taking a shower, pay close attention to how long the water takes to heat up. If it takes longer each week, this may be an indication the heating element is malfunctioning and needs to be replaced.

The best thing you can do is schedule an annual preventative maintenance check so a professional can look closer at your water heater to make certain it is running effectively.

Lower bills with a better water heater in your Vernon home. Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 today for installation!

Common Causes of a Water Heater Leak

Water heaters are exceptional devices that have the ability to make our lives so much more comfortable. When a problem arises, we begin to rehash and become more grateful for the ability to have such a great invention in our home. One of the things that many water heater owners experience are leaks. When a leak comes about, it's usually time to access the problem so that the issue can be solved.

There are many different causes for a leaky water heater. And the only way to fix the problem is to understand the cause.

Pressure is Too Much

One common reason for a water heater leak is built up pressure. When the tank builds up too much pressure it will start to leak. To reduce the pressure, the tank will force the water out of the bottom area. It's important to know that, If the temperature on your hot water heater is too high, it will also cause a small leak.

Excess water pressure

If the drain valve becomes loose for any reason, then it will slowly begin to leak water. Fortunately you can stop a drain valve leak by tightening the valve itself. Make sure that you don't force it to tighten but make sure that it is snug.

End of life span

Another most common reason for a leaking water heater is it's age. Water heaters are made to last for several years, but as they approach the end of their life cycle, the corrosion and rust begins to take a toll on it's overall functionality. Leaking water is a sure sign that either you have some internal issues going on, or the life span is coming to an end.

Condensation

Condensation is something that a water heater tends to go through when cold water first enters the inside of the tank. Once it becomes hot water, it creates condensation. This is normal and many people mistake it for a leaking tank. Of course, it's important that you take the time to wipe down the condensation so that it doesn't lead to other issues.

Knowing why your water heater is leaking is crucial to understanding the overall problem. The more you know, the quicker you can fix the issue.

Get your Vernon home ready by installing a heat pump. Just call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 today for all your home temperature needs.

Water Heater Safety: What Precautions Should You Take To Keep Your Home Safe

Water heaters are one of the most important appliances in every Vernon home, yet they are one of the first to be overlooked in an annual performance check.

Most water heaters are well-made and perform excellently year after year, but there are things a homeowner can do to prevent unforeseen problems. Here is a short water heater inspection checklist homeowners can use to alleviate a lot of worry.

1. Check The Inspection Decal

All water heaters should have an installation and inspection sticker mounted visibly on the tank. Take time to read the details on this sticker.

As a rule, water heater checks should be made every 3-5 years depending on the type of unit. A last date of inspection is recorded on the sticker. If 3 or more years has past, it's time to let a professional make a report on the heater's performance.

2. Learn Heater Settings

Water heaters are hard-working machines. When away for an extended time, turn down the heat settings. Learning to regulate a water heater when it is idle can go a long way in preventing overuse of internal heating units, and can help to reduce utility bills.

3. Inspect Gaskets On The Tank

One of the prime indicators of a worn-out water heater tank is a worn gasket. Any place that an “in and out” line is located, rubber or poly seals are also present.

Routinely make sure these gaskets are intact and performing well. A melted, rotted, or loose gasket can cause leaks. Leaks can go unnoticed for significant periods of time and will cause structural damage. Make sure the water heater that is in place always has tight and dry gaskets.

4. Fight Lint To Prevent Fire

Most gas water heaters will have a complex temperature and pilot mechanism located at the unit base. It is very easy to ignore this area when cleaning.

Collected dust and debris however, can present a fire danger if ignored for too long. Keep at least a 24 inch clean area clear of all inflammable debris from the housing unit that covers a gas water heater pilot light.

5. Consider A Water Heater Wall

Many times, water heaters are installed in a free-standing fashion in a closet, or in a basement. Having a secondary wall around the heater is a great way to keep pets and children from tampering with a water heater.

A grate made of plastic lattice, or a temporary brick enclosure is a good investment to make sure a water heater is never in danger.

Water heaters provide an element in modern Vernon homes that most people consider to be automatic. Living without hot water however, can be very stressful. Whether gas, solar, electric, or geothermal, these water heater precautions will help keep every home safe.

Ensure that your water heater is in working order ! Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 now to repair, replace, or maintain your Vernon water heater.

Innovations in Water Heaters

Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless hot water heaters have become a choice of Vernon homeowners because of their constant ability to have hot water ready and in unlimited amounts. The numbers are very good with 99% thermal efficiency. These tankless water heaters come in three main sizes:

600 MBH

800 MBH

1600 MBH

There is a particular brand of tankless water heater that has such a high efficiency of operation, due to its precision temperature control device, that it leaves a very small footprint. The turndown ratio is so accurately devised that its setting of 20:1 will match load requirements. The unit can be mounted in versatile positions such as roof mounting or or sealed combustion.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

With the use of a heating element that has no coil, there is no direct contact with the heated water. This allows the tank and heating mechanism to be free of scale and harmful lime deposits that will diminish the capacity of the water heater over time. This innovation gives a thermal efficiency level of 95% to 96% for the entire life of the unit.

There is no need to perform any draining of the tank or maintenance to the unit. All types of water can be heated with this unit, including well water that is heavy with rust and lime deposits depending on the region.

The Tempra Series of Tankless Water Heaters

For those who are in need of very hot water with the conveniences of unlimited hot water that tankless water heaters offer, there is the Tempra. Water is available at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

This water heater has many sensors and electronic flow sensors for heavy duty usage. The controls are easy to reach, under a hinged cover. There is a large inlet filter screen. The digital display shows the preference of temperature for Fahrenheit or Celsius. Keeping the proper advanced flow setting is maintained automatically by programming the flow rate at a preset level.

Deciding which water heater to install will take some research. It does come down to what type of usage is intended. Regardless of usage, a sure thing to expect is high efficiency from the choice of any of these tankless hot water heaters.

Whether its a tankless heater with all-copper piping and heating elements or a more affordable package that will feature 12kW output, there is one that will make the home or business function comfortably for many years.

With the help of Water Heater Medic, you can take better care of your Vernon water heater. Just call (860) 896-3342 today, and feel at ease in your home.

 Water Heater Cleaning: What are the Benefits of Cleaning Out Your Water Heater?

Benefit One: Removing Sediment

Our customers should empty their home’s water heater at least once a year to remove the layer of sediment that develops on the bottom of the tank.

Removing this sediment that contains minerals is one of the best ways to have clean water in a home at anytime of the day or night. For homes located in geographic regions with hard water, we recommend performing this task more than once a year.

Benefit Two: Increasing the Amount of Hot Water

When our customers state that they do not have enough hot water in a home, it is probably due to the thick layer of sediment in the bottom of the water heater's tank. Customers who neglect having the tank emptied and cleaned may have only half the amount of hot water that the heater can provide. This is because the sediment takes up the space where water fills the tank before it is heated.

Benefit Three: Fewer Health Problems

The sediments in the tank remain in the hot water as it flows from showerheads and faucets, leading to allergic reactions on our customer’s skin. Instead of getting clean water from the hot water heater, families are receiving contaminated water that can lead to dry and itchy skin. The sediments are also in the water that people drink unless they are using additional filtering systems.

Benefit Four: Reducing Energy Bills

When a water heater is filled with sediment, it has to work harder to heat water, leading to larger utility bills each month. A water heater’s tank may have a limited capacity because a large portion of its interior is full of hard minerals that prevent families from having enough water each day. This means that the water heater’s heating elements turn on more often to heat more water, causing a homeowner to spend more money on their energy bills.

Benefit Five: Extending the Life Span of a Water Heater

Regular water heater maintenance extends the life span of a water heater because it is less likely to rust when the sediments are removed once a year.

While removing the sediment, our plumbers can also inspect other parts of this appliance such as connectors and valves to verify there are no leaks that can lead to water damage on floors. Preventing water leaks can help our customers to avoid secondary damage from mold.

Don't let your old Air Conditioning drag you down any longer. Call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 for installation and repair in Vernon!

Water Heater Flood Prevention

While your water heater is responsible for making certain that hot water is available in a moments notice, that convenience comes with a price. This device can experience mechanical issues and with the water under such extreme pressure, could begin pouring out and flooding your home.

Depending where the water heater is located in your home, you might not even realize a flood is occurring until the damage is done. Here are some things you should consider to help prevent this from happening in your home.

What is a Water Heater Flood?

The simple answer to what is a water heater flood is the release of water at a large pace that pours from the appliance quickly and fills the room it is in. The water heater is responsible for holding and heating several dozen gallons of water, and when the system fails, that water is released from the unit quickly.

If your heater is upstairs, it could easily flood the room and begin leaking through the floor and ceiling in the rooms below. Because water is pressurized to enter the tank, if you don't see the issue soon enough it could spill more water than it holds.

Why Does it Happen?

The reason why water heater floods happen is because of the large volume of water inside and being sent to the unit. Under the water heater is usually a small drain pan, but this pan can barely hold a few gallons of dripping water. When the water heater experiences a severe failure, pressurized water can begin spraying from the seams of the tank and reach several feet away from the tank. If the tank is in the garage, you may not even be away the area is flooding until you go out to the garage.

How Can you Prevent it from Happening?

There are a few ways you can prevent your water heater from flooding your Vernon home. The first is to periodically inspect the connection points of the heater for corrosion. If you see white powder forming at joints, this could become a weak point and point of failure.

Look in the drain pan for any water, this could be an indication of a problem with a leak causing a bigger issue. At these early signs of trouble, reach out to your local plumbing repair company so they can inspect, repair, or replace the unit before a flood were to occur.

Want more information on air purification in your Vernon area? Just call Water Heater Medic at (860) 896-3342 !

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!