Water Heater Denver is one of the most important appliances in a home. It allows you to perform a variety of tasks like showering, washing laundry and cooking.
A water heater with a tank takes cold incoming water and indirectly warms it through gas burners or electric heating rods inside the storage tank. It then stores the hot water until it’s needed.
Water heating accounts for 18 percent of all household energy use, so any opportunity to save energy is worth looking into. One of the most important steps is to find an energy efficient model, and the best way to do that is to choose a tankless water heater.
Electric tankless water heaters (HPHWs) are more energy efficient than traditional storage tanks because they only heat water when it is needed, rather than constantly. A tankless water heater also has a lower environmental impact because it produces no flue gas. The energy efficiency of a water heater is measured by the Energy Factor or UEF, which was previously called the Energy Factor Rating (EFR). This rating uses a standard test load to compare the efficiency of different models. The tests include a high draw pattern of 84 gallons per day, which simulates taking several showers, washing a load of laundry, and using the dishwasher.
The EEF of a water heater is calculated by multiplying the BTU/hour rating and the gallon-per-minute (GPM) capacity. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit. Until recently, ratings were based on the old FHR system, but they have now been converted to the new UEF system. The UEF system is similar, but has an additional factor that takes into account the temperature of the hot water supply, which may vary from the main temperature setpoint of a tankless heater.
A standard electric tankless water heater requires about 11 kW to achieve a 77°F temperature rise, which is far more than most homes are wired for. However, some manufacturers offer small HPWHs that require less than 10 kW of electricity to perform the same tasks as larger units. These are best suited for small additions or homes with existing 240-volt wiring.
Solar-powered tankless water heaters are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow households to save money and reduce carbon emissions. The system works by using excess energy from the sun to heat the water, but it usually has a backup power source that will take over on cloudy days. Natural gas condensing water heaters, which make use of the heat in the exhaust from the combustion process to further improve energy efficiency, are another option for homeowners who want to save money and reduce their environmental impact.
Water Heater Size
Choosing the right water heater size is crucial for ensuring your household has enough hot water to meet its needs without overusing or damaging your unit. Depending on your house’s occupancy, physical size, and household activities, you may need a large tank that will accommodate a lot of simultaneous hot water use or a smaller tank for less demanding circumstances.
If you have a family of five, for example, you will likely need a 56-gallon gas tank or an 80-gallon electric storage tank. This is because your family likely takes longer showers, uses multiple appliances that require hot water at the same time (such as washing machines and dishwashers), and has more people taking showers in a day.
For a storage tank, you can determine the proper size by looking at the unit’s first hour rating. This number tells you how many gallons of hot water the tank can produce in one hour and is an excellent starting point for finding your household’s peak demand.
You should also consider other factors, such as the types and sizes of hot water appliances in your home, the number of occupants, and whether you plan on using water heater booster pumps. A booster pump is a device that helps increase the flow of hot water for high-demand tasks such as showers.
To calculate the peak demand of your household, simply add up all the water consumption devices in your home that require hot water at the same time. This includes showers, dishwater washing machines, laundry washers and dryers, clothes washers, water softeners and filtration systems, and water heaters.
Finally, you should consider that incoming water temperatures vary throughout the year. You should select a new water heater with a temperature rise capacity that will accommodate your household’s peak demand in both summer and winter.
For a tankless or demand-type water heater, you will need to look at the unit’s flow rate and the maximum temperature rise it can produce at that flow rate. To do this, subtract the temperature of the incoming water from 110 degrees Fahrenheit and divide it by your desired flow rate.
Installation
The water heater is one of the most vital appliances in your home. It provides hot running water for bathing, cleaning and cooking. But like any appliance it is subject to wear and tear over time. Eventually, you may find that it is time to replace your water heater.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a new water heater. A professional will help you select the right size for your home based on your current and projected hot water needs. They will also guide you in selecting between gas, electric or tankless models and determine the best fuel source for your house.
If your water heater is located in a hard-to-reach area, it will be more expensive to install. It is also necessary to ensure that the new water and gas line installations are properly done to ensure safety and compliance with local codes and regulations.
It is important to read the printed installation instructions and all safety warnings before starting any work on your water heater. This is especially true if you are working on an energized circuit as it could lead to severe injury or death from electrical shock. Before you do anything, always make sure the power to your unit is off.
You will also need to shut off the cold water supply and hot water drain valves. This is done to prevent scalding water from spilling over the side of the tank or damaging the unit in the event of an emergency. You will want to place a sturdy heat-resistant drain pan under the water heater in indoor environments. This will help protect your floor and any surrounding fixtures from damage or rust.
If you have a gas water heater, it will require the installation of a new gas line in your home, as well as a vent pipe for combustion and exhaust gases. Gas water heaters generally cost more to operate than their electric counterparts, but the additional installation costs can offset this difference in price.
If you choose an electric water heater, it is recommended to use dielectric unions for all pipe connections. This will allow for easier disconnections in the future without having to cut or solder.
Maintenance
A water heater is a major appliance that should be maintained on a regular basis to keep it in good working condition. This can help avoid costly repairs or even water damage to your home. A few simple maintenance tasks are all you need to do to ensure your hot water heater works efficiently and reliably.
Visual Inspection
You should make a habit of performing a visual check of your water heater at least once or twice a year. Look for signs of leaks around the tank, water line, or gas connection. Also, you should check the temperature-pressure relief valve (TPR) for proper function. Discharging this valve will prevent excessive pressure from building up inside the tank and may protect your house from potential damage.
Drain the Tank
You can improve your energy efficiency by flushing your water heater tank at least once each year. This can help remove sediment and rust from the inside of your tank that can cause corrosion. To perform this task, first turn off the electricity to your water heater at the circuit breaker or shut off the gas supply to your unit. Next, open a hot water faucet in a nearby tub or sink to reduce the pressure in your pipes. Next, turn off the incoming cold water valve to your water heater and connect a garden hose to the drainage spigot. Open the drain valve and drain a few gallons of water from your tank.
Anode Rod Check
Most storage tanks have a magnesium anode rod that “sacrifices” itself by corroding faster than the steel tank it’s in. It’s important to replace this anode rod as needed to avoid causing premature corrosion of your water heater.
Insulation
You can help cut your energy costs by wrapping your hot water heater in insulation blankets. This will also help protect it from damage by preventing water from splashing onto the sides and bottom of the unit.
Pilot Light
Keeping your pilot light clean and correctly adjusted will help ensure that the water heater is heating your water efficiently. The pilot light is the spark that ignites the burner in your gas water heater to heat it up. You should clean the flame sensor and check the thermocouple periodically to ensure they are functioning properly.