Thermal Expansion Tanks

December 30th, 2010 Posted in Water Heaters
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Maybe you have seen thermal expansion tanks at your local home improvement store, installed near your neighbor’s new water heater, or maybe your plumber has told you that you need one.  If so, you may be wondering what a thermal expansion tank is and whether you really do need one.  After all, you’ve gotten along for years without one so they must not be necessary, right?

The answer depends on whether you have a closed or open plumbing system.  A thermal expansion tank should be installed in closed systems with traditional water heaters.

Until recently, most plumbing systems were open systems.  In an open system, water normally flows from the municipal water system into your house, but under some circumstances, it is possible for water to flow “backwards” from your house into the municipal water system.

Responding to concerns about water system contamination, many municipalities have installed backflow prevention valves, also called check valves or one-way valves, to prevent water from flowing back into the municipal water system.   These valves are generally installed on your water meter and are designed to protect the municipal water supply from accidental or intentional contamination.  Systems with backflow prevention valves are called closed systems

The water in your water heater expands as it heats up. In an open system, this was not a problem because the water could flow backwards out of your house to provide for the water expansion.  However, in a closed system there is nowhere for the water to go and instead the pressure in your pipes increases as the water heats up.  To stop this from happening, thermal expansion tanks are installed to relieve the pressure build up.

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Replacing Your Water Heater

November 16th, 2010 Posted in Water Heaters
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Most people don’t give much thought to replacing or upgrading their water heater until it breaks.  Typically, water heaters quietly give good service for years until they suddenly give out.  Ten to fifteen years is a normal life span for the average water heater.

Water heater problems generally fall into one of two categories.  They will eventually either stop heating the water or start leaking.  If your water heater is leaking, it’s definitely time for a new one.  Water heaters eventually corrode through the tank and start leaking, and when they do they are not repairable.

On the other hand, if your water heater has suddenly stopped heating water, you may consider having it repaired.  First, check to make sure that the problem is not simply an interruption in your electric or gas service.  If not, then a reputable plumber who handles a full range of plumbing services may be able to repair the problem.

However, keep in mind that as mentioned above, all water heaters eventually rust through and need to be replaced.  If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it with a new energy efficient unit rather than having it repaired.  You may actually save money in the long run.  A reputable plumber will be able to determine what’s wrong with your water heater, how much it will cost to repair, and help you decide whether repair or replacement is the better option.

When shopping for a water heater, consider how much capacity you need.  A 40 gallon tank is the norm, but you may need a 50 gallon tank for a larger family or if you have higher hot water needs such as for a whirlpool or a hot tub.

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Water Heater Tax Credit

October 14th, 2010 Posted in Water Heaters
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As we near the end of 2010, we also near the end of the $1500 tax credit for new energy efficient products installed in your home.  The tax credit includes qualified, energy efficient water heaters. Don’t let this opportunity go by to get a great new energy efficient water heater installed in your home.  By installing a qualified water heater, you’ll not only get a tax credit for up to $1500, you will save money on energy costs for years to come.

If your water heater will need to be replaced soon, don’t put it off until next year.  This tax credit expires at the end of December, 2010.  Even if your current water heater might last a couple more years, you will probably be better off taking advantage of this tax credit and installing a new qualified water heater before the end of the year.

The tax credit is available for gas, electric, or propane water heaters and includes installation costs too!  Call a reputable local plumber to arrange installation of a qualified energy efficient water heater.  An experienced plumber can get the job done if a few short hours and most reputable plumbers will also haul away and dispose of your old water heater.

Water heating accounts for up to 25% of home energy costs.  A new energy efficient water heater can mean big savings on your energy bills.  New energy efficient water heaters not only use less energy, they heat water faster.  Your new energy efficient water heater means energy savings, tax savings, and more hot water for baths, showers, laundry, and dishwashing.

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Endless Hot Water

October 8th, 2010 Posted in Endless Hot Water, Tankless Hot Water, Water Heaters
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With fall here, and winter around the corner, you want plenty of hot water for those early morning showers or late night baths.  The colder it is, the harder it is to handle cold water and there is nothing worse than having a shower turn cold on you on a cold day outside.

The best solution to this problem is having endless hot water, but how can you do this without spending a fortune?  The answer really is quite simple:  the best bet is an endless (also called an ‘on demand’ or ‘tankless’) hot water system.  Endless hot water systems actually save energy and water by providing on demand hot water when needed.

Endless hot water systems generally provide hot water around 5 gallons per minute.  Gas fired tankless heaters tend to produce slightly higher amounts, and electric tankless heaters slightly lower amounts.  When you are shopping for your tankless system, consider the number of outlets (sinks, showers, tubs, washers and dishwashers) that may require hot water.  Then, seriously consider what the usage is.  How often are more than one item used at the same time?  Make sure to purchase the tankless system that is sized realistically for your home.

As the temperatures cooler, investing in a tankless water heater may be a great choice for you and your family.  Having plenty of hot water for everyone at home will always bring a smile to faces.  The energy savings from a tankless heater will bring a smile to your face, too.  On the average, tankless water heaters are 20% more energy efficient than traditional water heaters.  This helps lower your energy costs and allows you to be more energy friendly while still enjoying your hot showers!

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