Water heaters are vital home appliances that can cause serious disasters when they don’t work properly. The incorrect size can save money and energy, while the wrong fuel type could be dangerous and expose your family to carbon monoxide. To avoid these disasters, hire experienced plumbers to install your water heater. Here are some factors to consider before you get started.
Maintenance
As with any appliance, water heaters require maintenance. Without it, your water heater could eventually experience problems you can’t fix alone. These problems can include leaking, low hot water supply, and more. If you constantly have to flip the breaker on your water heater, it may be overheating. It means you should get a professional to come and inspect the unit. It could also be that you need to replace the heating element. Water heater installation in Salem is relatively cheap and something a plumber can do easily. You ought to inspect the temperature and pressure relief valve once a year. It will prevent the water heater from exploding.
Size
The size of your water heater is important because it determines how much hot water you can use at one time. A small water heater will need more hot water for multiple uses simultaneously and may run out of hot water before all household members can shower. A plumber will help you select an appropriately sized water heater for your household by determining your peak-hour demand. This process involves listing your expected water appliances and their flow rates. A general rule is to choose a water heater with an FHR rating of about 3x the maximum expected peak hour demand. You can find the FHR rating on a water heater by looking for a sticker with that information or by reading the manufacturer’s website. A larger water heater will be able to supply more hot water than a smaller one, but you want to stay manageable, or your energy bills could increase due to overheating.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing the right water heater is more than just tank size and fuel type. It’s also about energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is the best way to reduce our use of fossil fuels and cut our electricity, gasoline, and heating costs. For example, a well-insulated house requires less energy to maintain thermal comfort. Energy-efficient buildings, appliances, and vehicles save money and resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding negative impacts on ecosystems.
Similarly, the energy-efficient water heaters available today can greatly reduce energy bills. To ensure you’re buying a high-efficiency model, check for the EnergyGuide label or ENERGY STAR logo on each unit you consider. The title displays standardized energy consumption information, including the estimated annual operating cost and efficiency rating. It also gives a clear picture of the unit’s overall energy performance, including if it is gas or electric. Also, look for small-diameter piping systems instead of traditional copper piping to minimize energy losses.
Safety
Safety precautions must be taken if you use a gas or electric water heater. One of the biggest issues is improperly sized water heaters that can cause a dangerous situation where the temperature or pressure reaches unsafe levels. One of the main safety devices in a storage water heater is the temperature and pressure relief valve. It should be tested regularly to make sure that it’s functioning properly. It’s also important that anything combustible is kept away from your storage water heater. Jump ropes, coats, and canisters of gas are a few examples that could easily cause a chemical reaction with the vapors that leak from your water heater. Venting is another area that’s often overlooked. The vent pipe slope must be correct so that carbon monoxide doesn’t backdraft into your home. Also, if your water heater is powered by gas, having a CO detector in the house is also a good idea.
