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Here’s How To Get The Most Out Of Your Hot Water Heater

Nothing is worse than getting into the shower or drawing a nice “hot” bath only to learn that you have no hot water. You can avoid this scene by using the following water heater tips to keep your unit working and providing hot water when you need it most.

Check the anode rod to see if it needs to be replaced. The purpose of the rod is to keep your hot water heater clean. The rod should be checked around the same time each year. A plumber can replace the anode rod for you.

Check the receipts or paperwork that came with your unit for the date of purchase. A hot water heater should be replaced about every eight years. If your water heater is not heating the way it should or if you are having problems such as water leaking from the appliance, it may be time to install a new heater.

Your water heater may require flushing. If your unit requires it, contact a qualified professional to flush it for you. Flushing the unit is not an easy do-it-yourself project. Rather than take a chance on not doing it properly or damaging the heater, hire a plumber to do the job right.

There are also some steps you can take to make sure your water heater works more efficiently. The temperature of the water does not need to exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. By keeping the water temperature in the 120 degree range, you will save on your utility bill and also avoid scalding hot water which could cause injuries, especially when there are young children in the home.

Another energy saving strategy is to have your water heater insulated. This is especially important if the unit is located in a garage or basement that gets cold in winter. Insulation will help the unit work more efficiently and will help you save on energy costs.

These are just a few water heater tips that can help you get the most out of your hot water heater. Follow us for more great ideas on all aspects of home maintenance needs.

2015 Water Heater Efficiency Regulation Changes

In 2015, every water heater manufacturer that sells in the United States must have their equipment conformed to the new standards of energy efficiency.  This is applicable to all residential, propane, electric and gas water heaters.  Water heaters as they are currently known will not look the same.

New 2015 Water Heater Regulation Changes

Water heaters that are manufactured after April 16, 2015 are required to obey the rules for the new energy efficiency standards.   This will result in a mandatory increase of between 3 and 30 percent greater efficiency versus current models.  The quantity differs by tank size according to the formulas.  More efficiency will be required based on the size of the tank.  There are only small gains in efficiency; however, the overwhelming majority of US homes have a water heater.  Therefore, this can add up to huge environmental benefits.

The Effects

If your tankless water heater has efficiency rating over .82, it is already compliant.  However, if you have a regular tank heater, you could be affected.  To achieve the efficiency, additional insulation will be added by manufacturers.  You will be impacted as outlined below:

In 2015, every water heater manufacturer that sells in the United States must have their equipment conformed to the new standards of energy efficiency.  This is applicable to all residential, propane, electric and gas water heaters.  Water heaters as they are currently known will not look the same.

New 2015 Water Heater Regulation Changes

Water heaters that are manufactured after April 16, 2015 are required to obey the rules for the new energy efficiency standards.   This will result in a mandatory increase of between 3 and 30 percent greater efficiency versus current models.  The quantity differs by tank size according to the formulas.  More efficiency will be required based on the size of the tank.  There are only small gains in efficiency; however, the overwhelming majority of US homes have a water heater.  Therefore, this can add up to huge environmental benefits.

The Effects

If your tankless water heater has efficiency rating over .82, it is already compliant.  However, if you have a regular tank heater, you could be affected.  To achieve the efficiency, additional insulation will be added by manufacturers.  You will be impacted as outlined below:

Fitting It In

These new tanks will be different in size; they will be wider and taller.  Additionally, larger venting will be required for some of the gas water heaters.

Custom Installation

The installer may need to do some creative planning to fit the new heater to fit some homes.  For example, if a 50-gallon tank is too big, a 40-gallon tank that have an additional mixing valve could produce the required amount of hot water.  Fortunately, we have the experience to get that done.

Price Increase

Manufacturers will need to undertake the expensive task of re-tooling production lines. There will also be increased materials cost from the added tank insulation; as such, we expect a price increase in the $100 range.

Three Replacement Choices

• Substitute with the style and size of your existing tank while it is still available.

• Upgrade to compliant water heaters

• Think about moving to a tankless heater

These are things that must be done in keeping with the 2015 Water Heater Regulation Changes.

These new tanks will be different in size; they will be wider and taller.  Additionally, larger venting will be required for some of the gas water heaters.

Custom Installation

The installer may need to do some creative planning to fit the new heater to fit some homes.  For example, if a 50-gallon tank is too big, a 40-gallon tank that have an additional mixing valve could produce the required amount of hot water.  Fortunately, we have the experience to get that done.

Price Increase

Manufacturers will need to undertake the expensive task of re-tooling production lines. There will also be increased materials cost from the added tank insulation; as such, we expect a price increase in the $100 range.

Three Replacement Choices

• Substitute with the style and size of your existing tank while it is still available.

• Upgrade to compliant water heaters

• Think about moving to a tankless heater

These are things that must be done in keeping with the 2015 Water Heater Regulation Changes.

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