There’s nothing worse than jumping into the shower and finding out the cold way that your water heater isn’t big enough for your family or worse – broken. The water coming into your home from underground pipes is usually cold (or glacial depending on the time of year). To have water warm enough to take a shower or use your dishwasher or washing machine, you need a water heater. The average home has a water heater with a tank. The tank capacity can be anywhere between 30 gallons and 80 gallons. Each person uses 10 to 20 gallons just to take a shower, brush their teeth and wash their hands each morning – that’s a lot of water.
The old, reliable water heater design that’s most familiar in the U.S. today is a pretty simple appliance. It’s basically a cylindrical drum filled with water with a heating mechanism on the bottom or inside. Don’t let the simple shape shrouded in its wooly insulating blanket fool you. They have an ingenious design on the inside. They exploit the rising heat to deliver hot water right to your faucet with a minimum of effort.
Most hot water heaters can last 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. The water heater’s efficiency begins to decline in part because internal parts are corroded or encased in a buildup of minerals. Flushing the hot water heater regularly keeps it working efficiently longer. A few telltale signs will let you know it’s time to purchase a new hot water heater before it fails.
– While no hot water can be a sure sign that the hot water heater has failed, it could also mean the pilot light is out. If you have an automatic pilot light, the circuit breaker may have been tripped. Check for power to the heater.
– If the water coming from your hot water pipes is rusty, your water heater may be failing.
– Murky water may indicate a build up of with sediment in the tank. You can attach a hose to the drainage bib on the hot water heater, turn the heater off and drain it to examine its contents.
– If the hot water has a metallic taste or smell to it, the hot water heater is close to breaking down because internal parts have rusted.
– The hot water heater may make strange noises. Loud cracks and pops indicate an interaction between the heating elements inside the heater and the scale and mineral deposits built up on them.
– If you hear the Squish, Squish, Squish of your slippers in the puddle of a leaking water heater, take immediate action. Disconnect the electricity and turn off the gas to the unit. Let the water cool down before attempting to remove and replace the hot water heater.
If the pipes or fittings are the leaky culprits, your certified plumber can repair the pipe instead of replacing the entire heater. If you do need to replace the heater, now is the time to do some research. Your certified plumber also can help you decide on the replacement. You’ll have to live with the new heater for a long time.
When you replace your water heater, you have a lot of choices. Of course, first you’ll have to decide what type of heater you want. Your common options are tank less (or demand-type) water heaters, and storage and heat pump (with a tank) water heaters. There are also combination water and space heating systems; you’ll need to consult a qualified contractor for more information.
To size tank less or demand-type water heaters, you need to determine the flow rate and the temperature rise you’ll need (whole house or a remote application, like a bathroom) in your home. First, list the hot water devices you expect to use at any one time (shower, kitchen sink, etc.). Then add up their flow rates (gallons per minute). This is the desired flow rate you’ll need. To reduce flow rates, you can install low-flow water fixtures. To determine temperature rise, subtract the incoming water temperature (usually about 50 degrees) from the desired output temperature (usually about 120 degrees). On average, you’d need a demand water heater that produces a temperature rise of 70ºF (39ºC) for most uses. For dishwashers without internal heaters you’ll probably want a higher output temperature. Most demand water heaters are rated for a variety of inlet temperatures. Some types of tank less water heaters are thermostatically controlled; they can vary their output temperature according to the water flow rate and inlet temperature. Tank less water heaters can get expensive, but they are also not limited by the tank capacity. Tank water heaters also cost more on monthly energy bills, because they continually heat the water, even when it’s not being used. Tank less water heaters also save space. There are also hybrid heaters and mixing valves that can increase the output where in the past larger (and more expensive) heaters were needed.
To properly size a storage water heater (including a heat pump water heater with a tank), use the water heater’s first hour rating. The first hour rating is the number of gallons of hot water the heater can supply per hour starting with a tank full of hot water. The water heater’s capacity depends on the tank size, source of heat (burner or element), and the size of the burner or element. The EnergyGuide label lists the first hour rating as “Capacity (first hour rating).” Manufacturer’s product information will also provide the first hour rating. You’ll need a water heater with a first hour rating that matches your peak hour demand. To estimate your peak hour demand, determine what time of day you use the most hot water in your home and calculate your maximum usage of hot water during this one hour of the day.
A properly sized water heater will meet your household’s hot water needs while operating more efficiently. Before purchasing a water heater, make sure it’s the correct size and type to meet all of your needs. Your certified plumber can help you decide which system is best for you. They may also have specials on equipment or other services. They may also have service plans, like Berkeys BAM Plan, that can help save you money on service calls.
You can call Berkeys Air Conditioning & Plumbing 24/7 at 972.464.2057 email us thru our website at www.Berkeys.com for questions and scheduling information.