Having hot water in our homes is an essential part of our daily lives. Whether it’s taking a shower or cleaning our dishes or clothes, having hot when you need it is essential.

However, when it comes to a home’s energy efficiency and reliability of hot water delivery, the quality and reliability of a water heater are important considerations. But when looking to purchase a new or maintain a current water heater, you’ll need to know the difference between a tankless water heater and a traditional one.

How Water Heaters Work

There are a couple of different formats of water heaters.

Traditional Heaters

A traditional water heater uses a large insulated tank. The size of this tank will vary from model to model and can range between 40 and 80 gallons.

In a traditional water heater, the tank is where the the heated water will be stored. At the base of the tank, there will be some type of heating element – either a gas burner or an electric heating element. This is used to get the water to the desired water temperature. As cold water enters the bottom of the tank, the heated water rises to the top of the tank and is then ready to be distributed throughout the home.

Tankless Heaters

 

As the name implies, a tankless heater doesn’t use a tank or water reservoir when to heat the water. Instead of this approach, a tankless heater relies on a more powerful heating element to provide hot water on demand.

When hot water is needed, a tankless water heater distributes cold water through a series of pipes that pass directly over a high-efficiency heating element. The water is heated rapidly to the desired temperature and redirected to the necessary location.

Unlike traditional water heaters, which are restricted to the size of a tank, tankless water heaters can provide an endless supply of hot water as long as the heating element is properly functioning.

Comparing Energy Efficiency

Water heaters can be a large source of energy consumption in a home since they are used regularly. When comparing the energy efficiency of a traditional and tankless water heater, there are a couple of things to consider:

Traditional Heaters

The primary function of a traditional water heater is to “pre-heat” the water that is stored in its reservoir tank. While this might be convenient, it’s actually an inefficient design due to “standby heat loss.”

When you’re not actively units hot water in your home a traditional water heater will continuously expend energy to ensure the stored water maintains the correct temperature. The constant heating/reheating cycle that takes place can lead to a large waste of energy and increase monthly utility costs – regardless of your actual water use.

Tankless Heaters

Since tankless water heaters don’t rely on a water reservoir that needs to stay constantly within specified temperature ranges, they are much more efficient. Water is only heated when it’s actually needed and the heating element is activated only when a hot water faucet is opened.

This form of on-demand heating means there is no standby heat loss and can help to significantly reduce home energy consumption when compared to traditional water heater models.

Meeting Hot Water Supply

Depending on the size of your home and the amount of people living in it, the available hot water supply of your heater is something to think about.

Traditional Heaters

The hot water supply in a traditional water heater will depend on the size of the tank and how many individuals need access to the supply. Because the water supply of a traditional heater isn’t indefinite, there can be a point where there is no hot water available. This can typically happen after back-to-back showers or when simultaneously running a dishwasher or laundry machine.

If the water ever runs out completely on a traditional water heater, it can take anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour or more to replenish and reheat the hot water supply.

Tankless Heaters

A great thing about tankless water heaters is that they have a theoretically endless supply of hot water. However, the primary drawback of these solutions is the flow rate they’ll be able to support.

Flow rates of tankless heaters are measured in gallons per minute (GPM) and will dictate how much hot water demand they’ll be able to meet at once. This can be limiting in some cases depending on how often hot water is needed in multiple locations.

Home Installation and Space Considerations

While you may already have a preference regarding the type of water heater you would prefer, there are certain installation and space considerations that each formate will need.

Traditional Heaters

Because traditional heaters are so common, they are generally much easier to install and less expensive. However, they are more bulky in size and will require dedicated floor space in a basement, garage, or utility closet.

Traditional water heater installations are fairly common and most can be done without any major modifications to a home’s plumbing or electrical system.

Tankless Heaters

 

An advantage of tankless water heaters is that they’re considerably more compact than traditional heaters. This can be a great benefit for smaller homes or those with minimal storage areas.

That being said, the installation of a tankless water heater system is often much more complex than a traditional one. In order to support the on-demand heating capabilities of a tankless heater, homeowners may need to upgrade their gas lines or make certain electrical upgrades.

Overall Costs and Lifespan

Depending on your budget, you’ll want to carefully consider some of the budgetary pros and cons associated with a traditional vs. a tankless water heater.

Traditional Heaters

Traditional heaters generally have lower upfront costs than tankless water heating models. There are also a variety of sizes and brands to choose from, helping homeowners find an option that fits well within their budget.

Installation costs for traditional heaters tend to be more straightforward and approachable than tankless heating options due to the simplicity of the process. One thing to note, however, is that traditional water heaters tend to have a shorter lifespan and will usually need to be replaced every 10-15 years

Tankless Heaters

Because of the complexity of a tankless heater installation, the initial costs are usually considerably higher than when purchasing a traditional water heater setup. However, the longer-term value these solutions bring helps to make up for that difference.

Since they’re more energy efficient, homeowners can expect to see substantial savings on their utility bills over time. Also, the lifespan of a tankless heater can be nearly double the length of a traditional heater – typically lasting more than 20 years.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Needs

Like any major appliance in your home, maintenance and troubleshooting needs will be something to keep in mind when deciding what type of water heater you’ll want to use.

Traditional Heaters

A traditional water heater requires a regular maintenance schedule to ensure proper operation. Most maintenance routines include flushing the tank completely to remove sediment buildup that can occur over time. After repeated use, various minerals and other particles that settle on the tank’s bottom can make it harder for the water heater to heat water properly.

How often the flushing is required will depend on the usage patterns in the home, but it is usually recommended that this be done every 1-2 years. A sacrificial anode rod made of magnesium or aluminum should also be inspected and replaced when needed. These rods are used to keep corrosion away from the tank and help extend its lifespan.

Tankless Heaters

A tankless water heater typically requires less maintenance over time than a traditional model. Because there is no tank, the issue of corrosion isn’t factored in. That being said, depending on where you live, there could be hard water that can lead to mineral deposits building up on the heating elements over time. This can cause water scale, which will reduce the unit’s efficiency and make it more difficult to heat water effectively.

To prevent this form of wear and tear, the water heater should be descaling regularly. Certain tankless water heater models have built-in self-cleaning features that can help to prevent scale building, but it’s still recommended to have a regular maintenance routine scheduled by an experienced service company.

Even when regularly conducting maintenance routines, more components can malfunction or need repair in a tankless heater setup. Qualified plumbers can help to diagnose any potential issues with the setup and help to address smaller issues before they become larger, more expensive ones to address.

Choose a Water Heating Solution That’s Right for You

Choosing between a traditional or tankless water heater depends on household needs, budget, and space considerations. Whichever you prefer, it’s important to hire a contractor you can trust to handle both the installation and proper maintenance routines the way they should. Contact Sierra Air today and let them help you find the water heating solution that’s right for you.

There’s nothing worse than having no hot water. It’s closely followed by having water that’s too hot, or even seeing rusty, dirty water pour out of your taps.

But it’s more than just a nuisance. If not repaired, problems with your water heater can put a stop to daily life. In extreme cases, these issues can develop into massive problems that demand expensive and time-consuming repair.

That’s why you should know how to troubleshoot a water heater. While they don’t teach you this at school, we’re here to tell you what to do when your hot water isn’t working the way it should.

This article will cover the 4 main water heater problems:

• having no hot water,
• seeing a leak,
• and having brown and rusty water.

We’ll explain what’s gone wrong inside the mechanism and how you can fix it.

I Have No Hot Water

First on our list is having no hot water at all. If you’ve turned on the faucet and there’s only cold water coming out, that’s a clear indication that you have a water heater problem. More specifically, it indicates a problem with your power, thermostat, or heating elements.

If you have an electric water heater, you need to make sure that the water heater’s circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Take your service panel to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If it has, simply switch it off and on again. If you have hot water after this, then it was a straightforward power trip.

If, however, it hasn’t tripped, you’ll need to reset the high-temperature limit on your water heater. This sounds intimidating, but all you need to do is follow our steps:

1. Turn off the breaker to your water heater’s power using the service panel. Make sure it’s all switched off before you proceed.
2. Now, remove the access panel, insulation, and safety guard. Make sure you don’t physically touch any of the electrical wires or terminals.
3. Next, you’ll need to find the high-temperature cutoff reset button. This is a bright red button located just above your upper thermostat. Press this button.
4. Now, reinstall your safety guard, insulation, and access panel.
5. Switch on your heater’s circuit breaker.

My Water Heater Is Leaking

If you’ve seen water leaking from your water heater, you need to act fast.

Ignoring it won’t solve the leak. In fact, it’ll allow the leak to grow, wasting you hundreds of dollars of water. Plus, you could end up with flooring and wall damage, as well as a spread of mold and mildew.

First, locate where the water leak is coming from: the top or the bottom of your water heater.

My Water Heater Is Leaking from The Top

If your water heater is leaking from the top, it suggests one of two issues. First, it could be that your hot or cold outlet pipes aren’t fastened tightly enough. Second, it may be that your temperature and pressure (T&P) valve isn’t functioning the way it should.

The first step is to find where your leak is stemming from. To do this, switch off your water heater but do not turn off the cold water inlet until you’ve found where the leak is. If you turn the cold water inlet off, it could allow the leak to disappear due to a lack of pressure. Once you’ve switched everything on again, the leak will come back.

If you’re struggling to find the source of the leak visibly, try running your hand (but make sure it’s dry) over the pipes and fittings. Feel for any source of moisture, and then investigate should you find evidence of a leak.

If this isn’t working, you can wrap the pipes and fittings in tissue paper. If water seeps through the material, you’ll find where your leak is.

First, make sure the valve is closed properly. While it’s obvious, it’s easily done. Turn it as tight as you can.

If the leak is still present, follow the steps to replace your valve:

1. Connect the valve to an ordinary garden hose. Make sure the other end of the hose sits outside.
2. Switch off your water inlet for the tank. You can find this at the top of your water heater on the cold water line.
3. Turn the valve anticlockwise to open it, and let your tank drain.
4. After the tank has emptied, remove the valve altogether.
5. Use joint compound or Teflon to wrap the threads of your new drain valve.
6. Screw the replacement valve into position, fixing it as tight as you can manually.
7. Finish up by using a wrench to tighten it roughly half a turn.

For water heaters that are leaking from the bottom, we recommend calling in a professional. Fixing these leaks can be much more involved than any leaks from the top of the water heater.

My Water Is a Dirty/Rusty Color

Having dirty colored water is an obvious issue. Your water should always be transparent and clean. If your water is a rusty color, it’s almost always down to a corroded anode rod.

This isn’t something you should ignore. The water could become contaminated, which is dangerous for your family. Plus, it can cause a leak in your water heater, which, as we know, will then need replacing altogether.

So, act fast and replace your anode rod by following the steps:

1. Switch off all power to your water, including the cold water supply line.
2. Locate your anode rod. Generally, you can find it on the top of your water heater toward the side of the mechanism.
3. Now use a garden hose to drain about 10 percent of the water in your tank to somewhere outside.
4. Let your tank cool down.
5. Remove your anode rod with a socket or boxed end wrench. Don’t use liquid solutions like Liquid Wrench on any of your water heater’s components. It could contaminate your water.
6. Ensure the threads are pointed downwards when installing the new anode rod. Wrap them in joint compound or plumber’s tape.
7. Put the new anode rod in place, turning it manually until it can’t be turned any further.
8. To finish, use a socket wrench, tightening it another half a turn. Ensure that your water heater stays in place while doing so, not twisting or turning out of place.

Having a faulty water heater can lead to extensive water damage and high repair bills, so it’s crucial to understand how to troubleshoot. If you want professional guidance call Sierra Air today!

If you just began your search for new water, there are a couple of different types to consider for your decision. This will be an investment in your home for many years. Here we will share with you how water heaters are different and the benefits and pain points of each.

The Differences Between A Tankless And A Traditional Water Heater

Tankless and traditional water heaters have key differences in features and functionality. Understanding how each type works will let you choose which is best for your home and receive the best water temperature.

The Basics

Traditional water heaters come equipped with a water tank that stores water. This tank will preheat 30-50 gallons of water. Once that hot water runs out, it will begin refilling and preheating 30-50 more gallons of water.

Tankless water heaters don’t have a tank and don’t store water. Instead of this method, they will use gas or electricity to heat up the water as needed. This only heats the water that is being used and is on an “on-demand” system.

And as with anything, there are pros and cons to each type of water heater.

Tankless Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Higher Energy Efficiency. When compared to traditional water heaters, these types of heaters are 24%-34% more energy-efficient as long as up to 41 gallons of water is used per day.
• Lower Energy Bills.Because tankless heaters only heat up the amount of water you are using, they are more energy efficient. If you live in an area where energy costs more, you may be able to save on your energy bill with a tankless heater.
• Saves Space.Since these don’t have large, bulky tanks they can fit into smaller places. This makes a great option if you are trying to maximize space in your home.
• On-Demand Hot Water. Since only the water you’re using is heated, your water will continue to run hot until you are finished with your task.

 

Cons

• Electricity Dependent. These units require electricity to heat the water, even if the unit is a gas-powered unit. So if a power outage occurs you won’t be able to have hot water. If you live in an area that experiences a lot of outages this may not be the best option for you.
• Unit Cost & Upfront Cost. Upfront cost of tankless heaters is more than traditional water heaters. This is because the unit costs more and the installation is a little more complex. Although the upfront cost is higher, since these units are more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan, they should pay for themselves in a few short years.
• Less Efficient at Multiple Appliances.Because only a limited amount of hot water is heated at a time, if you’re running more than one water appliance such as your dishwasher or washing machine at the same time your hot will go in and out. This may be avoided if less water is used or an additional water heater is installed.

Traditional Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Installation Cost.Due to homes already having the appropriate plumbing necessary for the installation of these water heaters, the cost is nearly half that of a tankless water heater.
• Easy Replacement.Because these water heaters are more common, it’s easier for plumbers to replace and maintain them.
• Increased Hot Water Flow. Since these water heaters come with a large water storage tank, they will have hot water ready for when you need it. It also remains hot when flowing to multiple appliances at the same time.

Cons

• Take Up A Lot of Space.These heaters must be in a covered area and are very bulky due to the storage tank so they take up a lot of space. This may not be ideal if your home is smaller.
• Uses More Energy. Because the water heater is always reheating water to the pre-set thermostat setting, it will still be using energy even if you’re not actively using the hot water.
• Relatively Short Lifespan. The service life of traditional water heaters is much shorter than a tankless heater. They tend to last 10-15 years on average.

Even though there are pros and cons to each type of water heater, it really depends on your needs for your home. Keep in mind these points when you’re deciding between a traditional and tankless water heater.

The Sierra team is here to help you make the choice of which water heater will be best for your home. Give us a call today for a consultation!

 

 

A water heater is a vital appliance in any home, providing hot water for showers, washing dishes or clothes, and heating your home during the colder months. But just like all appliances, water heaters will eventually reach the end of their life.

But how do you know when to replace your water heater? Well, there are a few telltale signs to watch for.

Older Water Heater

Old water heaters expire for a variety of reasons. Over time, the constant heating and cooling of the water inside the tank cause metal fatigue, which can lead to cracks or warping in the tank walls. This can ultimately cause leaks and flooding in the surrounding area.

Another common issue with older water heaters is corrosion. The constant exposure to hot water and minerals can cause corrosion and rust on the tank and internal components, including the anode rod, which is designed to protect the metal inside the tank from rusting.

For this reason, water heaters only typically last 8-12 years. If yours is older than that, consider replacing it before it fails. You’ll usually be able to find the manufacturer’s recommendation for a replacement date on the water heater itself.

Not Heating Normally

Water heaters are, by design, supposed to heat water quickly and consistently. However, if yours is not heating as it usually does, there might be a more significant issue that must be addressed. One of the common reasons why a water heater stops heating normally is due to sediment buildup inside the tank.

Over time, minerals and sediments from the water can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This sediment buildup can cause reduced heating efficiency, resulting in lukewarm or cold water. Even if you have a gas or electric heater, sediment buildup can still occur, affecting its performance.

If you find that the root cause of the issue is sediment buildup, flushing your water heater can help remove the buildup and restore its heating capacity. On the other hand, if the problem is due to a faulty heating element, replacing it with a new one may be the best course of action.

Constant Repairs

While a broken water heater can be frustrating, it’s normal for it to need occasional repairs throughout its lifespan. However, if you call the repairman every few months, it may be a sign that you’re experiencing more than just minor issues.

Frequent breakdowns indicate that your water heater is reaching the end of its lifespan, and it is best to consider installing a new water heater altogether. Investing in a new one will save you the cost of regular repairs that aren’t insignificant. Besides, a new water heater will operate more efficiently and use less energy, which will only help lower your utility bills.

Noise and Leaks

If you hear unusual noises like popping or banging from your water heater, it’s time to take action. These noises are often caused by mineral buildup or overheating. Sediment build ups eventually harden and start making a popping or cracking noise due to the increased pressure they create.

Overheating, on the other hand, occurs when the temperature of the water gets too high, causing it to boil and produce steam. In addition to unusual noises, if you start noticing water pooling around your water heater, this isn’t normal.

Different things, such as rust, a crack in the tank, or worn-out fittings, can cause leaks. Rust buildup is common in older water heaters and can cause the tank to weaken and eventually crack. If the tank has a crack, water will start seeping out and eventually cause the heater to fail.

The fittings on your water heater are used to connect it to other pipes in your home, and they can wear out over time through frequent use or exposure to hard water. If the fittings start to fail, they will also cause water to leak out of the heater, damaging the surrounding area.

Water Changes

Apart from rusty water, you can also encounter several other water-related issues with a faulty heater. One common problem is hard water, which is when the water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. This can result in scaling appearing on your fixtures and appliances, reduced water pressure, and even make it harder to clean clothes and dishes.

Foul-smelling water is another giveaway that your water heater may be failing. This can be caused by bacteria or algae growth in your pipes or water supply or by high chlorine levels or other chemicals in your water. In some cases, a water filtration system may be necessary to remove these contaminants and improve the taste and odor of your water. However, in other cases, you may need to replace your water heater altogether.

Don’t wait until your water heater goes on its own. Instead, contact Sierra today and let them help you identify the problem and recommend the right water heater solution.

How long is a water heater supposed to last? Most manufacturers say eight to twelve years. But a lot of homeowners’ water heater may last for only half that time. There are several reasons why your water heater may fail. So, if you don’t want to pay for a premature replacement and you’re willing to carry out some maintenance, these tips will help extend the life of your water heater.

Flush Your Water Heater Once Every Year

You should consider flushing out your water heater at least once a year. This will help keep it in good shape and improve its efficiency.

When sediment builds up in your water heater, it can cause several problems, including premature failure of parts like valves or heat exchangers. Sediment also makes it more difficult to heat your water evenly. This can also reduce efficiency because more energy is required to heat that extra volume of cold water at the bottom of the tank.

Flushing also helps to prevent corrosion. Corrosion can occur when minerals and other contaminants build up inside or around the parts of your tank, causing them to corrode. This means that sooner or later, those parts will need replacing.

Change the Anode Rod

Anode rods are part of the water heater tank and are designed to protect the tank from corrosion. As water heaters age, the steel used in their construction becomes more prone to rust and corrosion.

The anode rod is made of aluminum or magnesium and is installed at the bottom of your tank. It attracts positive ions from the water, which protects your steel tank from corrosion.

In older water heaters, the anode rod may be corroded or missing altogether. This can cause serious damage to your tank because it won’t be protected from rusting.

Check your anode rod every three to five years. Or contact your local plumbing service to book a water heater tune-up – they’ll replace the anode rod for you.

Consider an Expansion Tank

An expansion tank is a heat exchanger used to compensate for volume changes in water caused by temperature changes. A water heater’s internal volume changes as the temperature of the water changes, causing pressure changes within the tank. Pressure can rise dramatically without a relief valve to release excess pressure. An expansion tank provides a safe place for this pressure to be released and helps keep temperatures within safe operating limits.

An expansion tank has two main components: a bladder and a heating element. The bladder is filled with oil or other fluid that expands when heated and contracts when cooled. The heating element heats or cools the fluid in the bladder so that it expands or contracts at roughly the same rate as the water in your water heater.

Test the Pressure-Relief Valve

A pressure release valve is a safety device that relieves excessive pressure in your water heater. It’s usually found on the top of the water heater, just above the drain line.

The pressure release valve is necessary because it protects homeowners from scalding and other injuries caused by overheated water. If you have a gas-fired water heater, your water tank may have two pressure-release valves — one on top and one on the bottom. The top one releases pressure if there’s a problem with the burner or flue pipe, while the bottom releases steam from a leaky connection between the gas supply and your appliance.

The pressure release valve should be tested once a year. If you need help with how to test it yourself, your local plumbing professionals can help during a water heater tune-up, where they’ll carry out the check for you.

Install a Water Softener or Whole House Filter

Water softeners and whole-house filters are two of the best ways to extend the life of your water heater.

Water softeners use salt to remove hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium from the water before it enters your home. This can be an excellent way to prevent hard water build up in your pipes and fixtures, which can lead to clogs and leaks.

Whole house water filters offer a similar benefit by filtering out contaminants that would otherwise be picked up by your water heater.

Extend the life of your water heater by booking regular water tune-ups with the professionals at Sierra Air.