Category: Water Heater

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.