Water heaters can last many years, provided that you take proper care of them. However, no matter how well you take care of your water heater, you will eventually need a new one. It is important that you be able to identify the signs that your water heater is reaching the end of its life, so that you can replace it before it fails completely. You don’t want to be suddenly without hot water, after all. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that you need a new water heater.
Sunset Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Water Heaters’
Signs You Need a New Water Heater
Monday, July 18th, 2016Replace Your Water Heater if You Notice These Symptoms
Monday, February 22nd, 2016Water heaters are pretty sturdy systems, and as long as you take care of yours it will probably last a good long time. No amount of prompt repairs and preventive maintenance can make a water heater last forever, though. Eventually, you will have to replace your water heater. It’s important that you be able to recognize the signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. That way, you can replace the system before it breaks down on you completely. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that your water heater is in need of replacement.
Why You Need Annual Water Heater Maintenance
Monday, January 11th, 2016Water heaters are tough systems. They have to be, in order to deal with the constant flow of water that moves through them every day. However, they cannot last as long as possible without regular maintenance. If you want your water heater to give you the maximum return on your investment, you should schedule maintenance for it at least once a year. Read on to find out more about why annual water heater maintenance is so important.
What Happens During a Water Heater Maintenance Appointment?
Monday, June 15th, 2015Water heaters are placed under a pretty significant amount of stress from the time they are installed to the time they are replaced. You may not use your HVAC systems every day, but you almost certainly use hot water on a daily basis. That means that water heater maintenance is arguably the most important type of maintenance you can conduct on your home appliances. After all, you don’t want to suddenly find yourself taking a cold shower when your water heater breaks down. So, let’s take a look at what actually happens during a water heater maintenance appointment.
When Is It Time to Replace My Water Heater?
Monday, June 8th, 2015It’s never fun to have to replace a major appliance in your house. It typically incurs considerable expense, and at least a little time investment that could be better spent elsewhere. Unfortunately, no matter how well you take care of your appliances, there will come a day when you have to replace them. Let’s take a closer look at one of those appliances: your water heater. Here are some signs that you should talk to a professional about replacing your water heater.
What Is the Anode Rod, And Why Should You Monitor it?
Monday, April 13th, 2015Have you ever wondered how your tank water heater could last so many years without rusting away? After all, it is unceasingly heating water in case you should need it. From the time it is installed to the time it is replaced, your tank water heater is in constant contact with gallons and gallons of water. So why doesn’t it rust?
Tank vs. Tankless: Which Water Heater Should I Choose?
Friday, February 27th, 2015If it’s time for a new water heater, you have the option of choosing a tank or tankless water heater. Which is for you? You are probably pretty familiar with how a tank water heater works, but do you know how a tankless water heater works? Understanding the differences between each system can go a long way toward helping you decide which type of unit will be best for your home. The experts at Sunset Air are happy to sit down and help explain how each type of hot water heater works – all you have to do is call and schedule an appointment for water heater services in Olympia, WA.
How a Tankless Water Heater Works
The key to a tankless water heater is a component called a heat exchanger; this is how a tankless system provides hot water on demand. It works like this: when you open a hot water tap anywhere in your home, the heat exchanger in the tankless device turns on and cold water from the intake valve flows into the heat exchanger. Within a matter of seconds the cold water is heated, then flows to the open hot water tap. Some benefits of a tankless system are:
- Very good energy efficiency – there is no standby heat loss with a tankless system and it uses significantly less energy to heat water
- Endless hot water – with a tankless system, you never have to worry about running out of hot water
- Space-savers – tankless heaters are much smaller than tank water heaters
However, the installation of a tankless water heater is more complex than a tank unit, particularly with a gas tankless device, and initial costs are more expensive.
How a Tank Water Heater Works
Tank water heaters use either gas or electricity to heat. The heating elements are at the bottom of the tank and once the water at the bottom is heated, it rises to the top for use. The storage tanks are double-lined and insulated, but they’ll still suffer from standby heat loss. When a hot water tap is opened, the hot water flows from the top of the tank. Once the water in the tank reduces to a certain level, it is replenished with water from the cold water valve. The cold water travels through a component called a dip tube that forces the cold water to the bottom of the tank. Some benefits of a tank water heater are:
- Easy installation – installation is not as complex as it is with a tankless system
- Low initial costs – storage tank water heaters are typically less expensive to purchase and install than tankless water heaters
So which option is best for you? This is where working with a professional is critical.
The experts at Sunset Air can help you determine which type of hot water heater is best for your home and install, repair and maintain it for you – it’s all part of our water heater services in Olympia, WA.
