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Water Heaters – What You Need to Know
Water heaters are a key fixture in many homes. They provide a hot water supply for things like showers and laundry.
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can use a number of different types of energy. Common fuel sources include natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, oil, and electricity.
Tank-style water heaters are the most common type of water heating system used in homes. These systems feature an insulated storage tank and a pipe that delivers hot water to your home’s faucets, showers, and other sinks.
These models can be powered by natural gas or electricity. They also contain temperature and pressure release valves that open when either temperature or pressure exceeds preset levels.
They can be an excellent choice for families with multiple people who regularly use a lot of hot water. These types of heaters usually use less energy than tankless models, and they are typically more compact.
A tank-style water heater requires regular maintenance to prevent it from breaking down. This includes cleaning the tank and checking the anode rod to ensure it’s working properly.
This type of water heater can also be contaminated with minerals and sediment that clump together over time, reducing its efficiency. Professional technicians can drain the tank and flush it out to remove these particles and keep your system working well.
Depending on your water quality and how often you use the hot water in your home, a tank-style heater can last up to 12 years with proper maintenance. However, it can also wear out faster than tankless water heaters because of the constant exposure to standing water and mineral buildup.
These heaters are also susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning, so homeowners should install one or more carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. This type of gas is odorless, colorless, and deadly if leaked into the house.
In addition, you should make sure that your water heater has a shut-off on its water supply line, so it can be easily turned off in the event of a problem. This will help save you money in the long run and prevent costly damage to your water heater.
Whether you decide to go with a traditional tank water heater or a tankless model, the right system will meet your needs and fit within your budget.
A tankless water heater heats water on demand, which is a big advantage over a traditional system that stores water in a storage tank. This reduces energy costs and lowers the risk of a tank failure, though it does require professional installation.
When choosing a tankless water heater, consider the number of people in your home and how much hot water you use regularly. If you have a large household and high water usage, it might be more cost-effective to install two or more tankless units.
For instance, a family of four might use up to 100 gallons of hot water on an average day. While that amount of water may seem like a lot, tankless systems come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of any size home.
In addition to sizing, a good water heater will include smart features that help you control the way it heats your water and your energy bill. This includes front-facing panels that allow you to adjust gas and electricity values, as well as the mixing value (how hot water is mixed into the cold water supply).
The best tankless water heaters also come with a variety of useful features, such as an LED display and a flow sensor. Some models even include Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to manage your system from anywhere in the world.
These features will make your life easier and ensure that you never run out of hot water. In the long run, they will save you money and improve the lifespan of your water heater.
