According to statistics, domestic-based water heating accounts for anywhere from 15% to 25% of the total of energy that is consumed in the home. These costs may be managed by choosing the right type of water heater type and the appropriate type of fuel. You should opt for an efficiently-designed system, and place an emphasis on those units that specialize in reducing the amount of consumption of hot water. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide information on the benefits of having your water heater serviced on a regular basis.

Selecting the Right Type of Water Heater Storage Tank Unit

The first step to ensuring efficiency of a domestic hot water heater is to select the right type of storage tank unit for the heater system. First and foremost, you should understand that a low-priced hot water heater may prove to be the most expensive to operate and to maintain over the course of the lifetime of the unit. You may also find that an oversized unit may be tempting, but it will cost more to purchase and will result in higher energy costs. This increase in cost will most often stem from stand-by losses.

When purchasing a water heater, you should consider the following factors:

1. Fuel Type – You must determine what type of fuel that you have available. This could be natural gas, oil, propane, or maybe no fuel at all – in which case, you would need to purchase a hot water heater that is powered and ran by electricity.
2. The Cost – The equipment of the hot water heater, the installation steps, and the yearly fuel costs should all be considered or factored in when attempting to determine how much it will cost to operate the hot water heater that is being purchased.
3. Safety – When purchasing a hot water heater, you should place safety considerations such as the possibility for combustion and/or the backdrafting associated with gas.
4. Capabilities – When buying a hot water heater, it is important to consider the capabilities of the unit. Examples include the overall capacity of the system, and the first hour rating or the FHR.
5. Lifespan – When shopping for a hot water heater, you should pay attention to the expected life of the equipment as outlined by the manufacturer.

What is the FHR?

The FHR or “first hour rating” is the amount of hot water that may be successfully supplied per hour if the hot water heater tank is full of hot water when starting usage. This will depend upon the overall capacity of the tank, the source of the heat (either the included element or the burner) as well as the size of said element or burner. To make certain that you choose the proper size water heater for your needs, you must use the FHR – not the capacity of the included tank.

What is the Energy Factor?

The energy factor or the EF is the component that indicates the overall efficiency of the unit based on the amount of hot water that is produced based on the per unit of fuel that is consumed over the average day. In most instances, higher EF levels equal higher levels of efficiency but that does not mean that these units have a lower cost – in terms of operation.

The Benefits of Regular Servicing

A hot water heater is considered one of the most important of all appliances in any home. It is used to wash dishes, cook, clean, washing clothes, and showering. A functioning hot water heater operating at its maximum capacity ensures both comfort and convenience to all who reside in your home. Like any appliance, though, it must be properly maintained in order to operate effectively and efficiently. The following outlines the main benefits associated with servicing a water heater on a regular basis:

• Improvements to Energy Efficiency – If you fail to perform regular maintenance to your home’s hot water heater, it may waste a significant amount of energy when it is trying to reach the temperature that is desired. Servicing such as cleaning, flushing, and performing system inspections on a regular basis will make certain that the unit is operating at the peak level of efficiency. This reduces the negative impacts that it causes to the environment. You will find that the improvements to the efficiency of the system helps save you a lot of money.
• Preservation of the Warranty – Most manufacturers of water heaters require that the product be regularly maintained as part of the warranty agreement. If you do not get the servicing required, it could void the warranty. This means that you will be responsible if any repairs or replacements must be done. You should have a professional inspect the hot water heater on a regular basis. This will help to ensure that the warranty is upheld and that the investment you made into the appliance is protected.
• Prevention of Breakdowns – One of the best benefits associated with having your hot water heater serviced on a regular basis is the fact that you can avoid unexpected breakdowns. As time progresses, mineral deposits and sediments accumulate at the bottom of the hot water tank. This buildup reduces efficiency and may cause the failure of the appliance. By having a professional service the appliance, issues may be detected early and dealt with in a productive manner before issues arise.
• Consistent Water Temperature – If you service your hot water heater on a regular basis, you will find that there are no fluctuations in the water temperature. Servicing helps to make sure that the element or elements within the system stay in top condition. You will find that having your system serviced on a regular basis will help in ensuring that your system delivers consistent and reliable hot water and optimal performance day after day.
• Ensuring Home Safety – Water heater appliances are considered to be highly complex systems that work by gas or electricity. This makes properly maintaining the system imperative. If any of the components become faulty – such as thermostat malfunctioning or complications with the pressure relief valve – have the capability of posing a number of risks – in terms of safety. Having the system serviced on a regular basis will ensure that your home is as safe as possible.

Are There Any Benefits to Installing a Hot Water Circulation System?

A hot water circulation system is specially-designed to provide instant levels of hot water at certain point sources. They also aid in providing many different water conservation benefits, such as those as outlined below:

1. Reducing Consumption – The usage of these types of systems when combined with devices that restrict the flow such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators help to lower the amount of hot water consumption within a household. This type of recirculation system helps to power a pump in order to cycle through the loop between the faucet and the water heater.
2. Safety – it is possible for backdrafting to occur. This is the spillage of exhaust-based gases into the living spaces of the home. This is induced by pressure that occurs within the system. A hot water circulation system will help in preventing this pressure from accumulating in the combustion chamber, the flue, and/or the burners.
3. Placement – If a hot water storage tank system is used, it may be placed in several places in order to improve the overall resistance to the possibility of backdrafting from occurring. Examples include outside of the conditioned space of the home, in an indoor mechanical room that is designed with an adequate type of exterior-based ventilation.
4. Installation and Maintenance – If you elect to put this type of system in your home, it is imperative to ensure that it meets the minimal in terms of applicable code requirements for your area.
5. Proper Installation – When putting this type of system in place, it is essential that it is properly installed. You should hire a professional plumber to have this installed so that it is done correctly and poses no danger to you or others within your home.

At a Glance Benefits

• Consistent Hot Water Supply
• Extended Lifespan
• Energy Efficiency
• Increased Efficiency
• Enhanced Safety
• Warranty Agreement
• Energy Conservation
• Improved Water Quality
• Long Water Heater Life
• Fewer Repairs
• Peace of Mind
• Cost Savings
• Safety
• Environmental Benefits
• Lower Utility Bills
• Monitor Water Temperature
• Improved Performance
• Save Money
• Save Water
• Save the Environment

Conclusion

As you can see from the information contained within this comprehensive guide, there are many benefits associated with performing regular service with your hot water heater. Not only will you contribute to the environment in a positive way, but you will save yourself money and will be taking steps to preventing serious dangers from occurring in and/or around your home. We here at Reynold’s Plumbing specialize in installing and servicing hot water heaters. We also specialize in HVAC systems. If you have any type of plumbing or HVAC need and you live in one of our service locations, call us now to set up an appointment:765-966-0994