Water Heaters: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on May 19th, 2023.

Water heaters are an essential part of any home. They provide hot water for bathing, washing, and cooking. There are a number of different types of water heaters available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Water Heaters

The most common type of water heater is the gas water heater. Gas water heaters are relatively inexpensive to operate and can provide a large amount of hot water. However, they can also be a fire hazard and produce harmful emissions.

Another type of water heater is the electric water heater. Electric water heaters are more expensive to operate than gas water heaters, but they are less of a fire hazard and produce no emissions.

A third type of water heater is the solar water heater. Solar water heaters use the sun's energy to heat water. Solar water heaters are the most environmentally friendly type of water heater, but they can be expensive to install and may not provide enough hot water for all of your needs.

Which Heater do I Choose?

When choosing a water heater, it is important to consider your needs and budget. If you have a large family or use a lot of hot water, you will need a water heater that can provide a large amount of hot water. If you are concerned about the environment, you may want to consider a solar water heater.

Installation

The installation of water heaters can vary depending on the type of water heater and the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, the basic steps for most water heaters are as follows:

1. Preparation: Before installing the water heater, make sure to turn off the power supply as well as the water supply to the existing water heater.

2. Removal of Old Water Heater: If there is an existing water heater, drain it of water and disconnect it from its electrical and plumbing connections. Carefully remove the old water heater and dispose of it properly.

3. Placement of New Water Heater: Choose an appropriate location for the new water heater. It should be easily accessible for maintenance and repair and away from flammable materials. Make sure that the surface it is placed on is level and secure.

4. Plumbing Connections: Connect the water supply line to the cold water inlet and use a pipe wrench to secure it. Next, connect the hot water outlet to the plumbing system. Use Teflon tape or joint compound to ensure a tight seal.

5. Electrical Connections: For electric water heaters, connect the wires to the terminals on the thermostat and heating elements. For gas water heaters, connect the gas supply line to the gas valve.

6. Venting: If installing a gas water heater, make sure to install appropriate venting according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will prevent the buildup of harmful gases and ensure proper ventilation.

7. Filling the Tank: Open the water supply valve and allow the tank to fill with water. Open a hot water faucet to allow air to escape from the tank. Once the tank is filled, turn on the power supply and/or gas supply and set the temperature to the desired level.

8. Testing: Test the water heater thoroughly by running hot water from multiple faucets. Check for leaks and ensure that the water is heating to the desired temperature.

Maintenance

Water heaters should be maintained regularly to ensure that they operate efficiently and safely. You should flush your water heater every year to remove sediment and scale. You should also inspect your water heater for leaks and damage on a regular basis.

Safety Tips

Water heaters can be dangerous if they are not used properly. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never use a heater that is leaking or damaged.
• Never leave a water heater unattended while it is in use.
• Keep children and pets away from water heaters, as they potentially represent both a burning and electrical hazard.

Water heaters are an essential part of any home. By choosing the right type of water heater for your needs and budget, and by maintaining your water heater properly, you can ensure that you have hot water when you need it.

Here are some additional tips for choosing and maintaining a water heater:

• Consider the size of your household when choosing a water heater. A larger household will need a water heater that can provide more hot water.
• Look for a water heater that is Energy Saving Trust (EST) approved. EST approved water heaters meet strict energy efficiency standards.
• Have your water heater serviced by a qualified technician every year. This will help to ensure that your water heater operates safely and efficiently.
• If you are considering a solar water heater, make sure that you live in an area that gets enough sunlight. Solar water heaters are not effective in areas with low sunlight levels.

Types of Gas Water Heaters

There are two main types of gas water heaters: tankless and conventional. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, while conventional water heaters heat water in a tank and then dispense it.

Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters, but they are also more expensive to purchase and install. Conventional water heaters are less expensive to purchase and install, but they are less energy-efficient.

Types of Electric Water Heaters

There are two main types of electric water heaters: storage and tankless. Storage water heaters heat water in a tank and then dispense it, while tankless water heaters heat water on demand.

Storage water heaters are more common than tankless water heaters, but they are also less energy-efficient. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient, but they are also more expensive to purchase and install.

Does Size Matter?

The size of the water heater you need will depend on the number of people in your household and your hot water usage habits. A good rule of thumb is to choose a water heater that can provide enough hot water for everyone in your household to take a shower at the same time.

The Importance of Heater Efficiency

Water heaters come in a variety of efficiency ratings. The higher the efficiency rating, the less energy the water heater will use. Look for a water heater with an efficiency rating of at least 100%.

Don't wait until it's too late and you're stuck taking cold showers! Trust the experts at iPlumbingHeating for all your water heater needs. Contact us today at [email protected] to schedule an appointment and experience excellent service. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to keeping your water heater running smoothly and efficiently. Let us handle the hard work so that you can enjoy hot water whenever you need it.