|
The winter is almost here. Temperatures are dipping and things around you are freezing up. After a long day of working and traveling through all that cold weather, you definitely look forward to going home and taking a hot bath. But what if your tap does not pour out hot water? This may be because your water heater was not prepared for the winter.  Here are a few things you need to consider in order to ensure your water heater is fully ready for the winter. Clean The Tank The tank which stores the water tends to have mineral residue and other sediments left behind due to the heating process of the water. This residue tends to cause clogging and corrosion within your tank also affect the water heater. Emptying the tank and cleaning it from time to time will not only ensure smooth functioning of the heater but also help you store clean residue-free water. Re-Adjust The Heater Temperature With a dip in temperature, the load on your water heater increases to heat the water to your desired temperature. Sometimes, the water heater is not capable of doing that. Hence you end up getting cold water even though you have a preset temperature. To avoid this problem, you could set the temperature of the water heater, a few degrees higher. Check The Anode Rod An anode rod is made up of magnesium or aluminum. Its purpose is to corrode inside the water tank forming a layer and thereby preventing the rusting of the exposed steel, within the tank. It is necessary to keep a check of the anode rod to prevent internal rusting of the heater. Insulate Your Heater Insulation is always the best option when it comes to controlling temperature. Getting your pipes, as well as the heater structure, insulated is the best way to contain heat. Insulation, not only contains heat, it prevents the pipes from freezing up, thereby avoiding the problem of pipe bursts. Examine The Pressure Relief Valve The purpose of a pressure relief valve is to stop the pressure build-up which could lead to an explosion. The pressure relief valve drain pipe releases hot water in small amounts when there's a change in the temperature. You need to open the valve to release the pressure. If no water is released, then the valve needs to be repaired or replaced. Also, the dislodged debris in the valve needs to be cleared for a smooth functioning of the heater. Check For Leaks The other basic thing you need to do is to check for any leaks. If water is leaking out from pipes connecting to the heater, this could compromise the heating capacity of the heater. Certain leaks can be taken care of at home, others require professional help. Invest In A New Heater Water heaters are a long-term investment. However, like any other machinery, it cannot last forever. Over a period of time, the heater can get spoiled and cannot function the way it used to. Therefore, if your heater is in use for several years, then get it checked and invest in a new one if required. It’s better to buy a new one and be prepared for the winter rather than waiting for your old water heater to break down. Regularize Maintenance Checks One precautionary measure which will surely help you in tackling all the problems is conducting regular water heater maintenance checks. Timely checks help catch the above-mentioned problems and prevent them in the future. You do not want to wait for your heater to stop working before you take any action this winter. It is better to be prepared with a working heater to fight the cold weather. Therefore, contact an Edmonton hot water tank repair professional to make your water heater winter ready.  Are you a qualified water heater expert? Or do you have immense knowledge and experience in dealing with your water heater? If your answer is a 'No' to both these questions, then you must not take up the water heater installation and repair jobs in your own hands. However, you can always take necessary measures to increase the lifespan of your water heater. To best deal with your water heater, install it, repair it, fix its issues, and avoid any catastrophic situations, you must hire professional water heater experts.
Most water heater installers explain the dos and don’ts of using a water heater. We have come up with a few water heater safety tips for you. Ventilation To maintain good ventilation make sure that:
Temperature Control It is important to keep the temperature close to 130 degrees. Even though you can be scalded at 130 degrees if you spend long enough under the water, you’ll probably draw back before that happens. A residential water heater usually has 3 different settings – warm, hot, very hot. And the most suitable temperature setting is 130 degrees at the tap. Temperatures above 130 degrees increase your scalding risk, encourage sediment buildup and waste energy. Be Disaster Ready Irrespective of whether you are in a disaster-prone region or not, you should ideally get your water heater strapped. Strapping your water heater to the wall will prevent it from falling over and damaging the gas line. Get It Checked By A Professional Annually The key to ensuring the smooth functioning and safety of your water heater is by getting a professional water heater installer to check your device at least once a year. If you use a gas and oil-fired water heater, then burners have to be cleaned once a year. Get your service professional to thoroughly inspect your water heater for any minor problems. You can reach out to our professionals at Hot Water Tanks Edmonton, for all kinds of water heater maintenance, repair, and installation services.  It doesn’t matter which business sector you belong to, your premises will always need a water heater. Many organizations, especially the hospitality and food service sectors, need a steady, hot water supply to meet their daily business requirements. The need for hot water is not any less vital for standard offices as well.
Depending on various factors such as how much hot water you need to run your business, how quickly you want the water heat up, etc., there are multiple commercial water heater options you can choose from. It certainly is not easy to determine what type of water heater you should go for. As there are so many commercial water heater options available, you need to know what type and size of water heater to choose, and without the help of professionals it becomes difficult to choose the right type. This write-up will point you in the right direction, though you can always seek help from your professionals. Types of Commercial Water Heaters Oil-Fired Water Heaters: This type of water heaters are well suited for mid-sized commercial use. Oil-fired water heaters range in storage capacity from 110 - 1000 liters. There are other dual-fuel models which range upwards to about 2100 liters that is why there are ideal for mid-sized as well as large-sized industrial uses. Oil-fired water heaters provide stable, cost-efficient, and quick hot water supply for businesses, which ultimately adds value and increases efficiency. Gas Water Heaters: This type of water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat water. They operate using a burner at the bottom of the hot water tank. To release water vapor and CO2, they require a venting chimney which may not be ideal for various commercial spaces. Gas water heaters are more expensive than electric water heaters but they are more energy efficient and the cost of gas is cheaper. Electric Water Heaters: These are widely used for residences. They heat water and maintain it at a pre-set temperature. They are not as efficient as other water heaters such as oil-fired and gas water heaters. On the other hand, electricity costs are more expensive than gas or oil. The buying cost of an electric water heater is quite low. They do not require any kind of venting, which may be a benefit for your application. Electric water heaters are ideal if your hot water demands are not high. Solar Water Heaters: As the name suggests, these water heaters make use of the sun’s heat to produce hot water. Solar panels are usually placed on the roof to absorb the sun’s heat. The tubes that are present within the panels either heat the water directly, or heats a transfer fluid which warms a heat ex-changer which then heats the water in the storage tank. Storage Tank Water Heaters: Storage type water heaters are commonly used in both commercial as well as residential operations. These water heaters feature a storage unit with heating workings that keep warm water readily available for use. Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters heat water only on demand or when used. Unlike the storage type, they don’t heat water and store in the tank for later use. This simply means they are more efficient as you only heat and use as much water as you need. You will certainly get a good idea as to which water heater is more appropriate for your commercial applications. Our professional water heater installers are always ready to help and provide necessary insights that you may need before choosing the right type of water heater.  Is your water heater not working efficiently? Perhaps that’s why you’re looking for different types of water heaters, to see which one suits your needs better. If you haven’t replaced your water heater for many years, here’s a small guide that can help you learn about the different types of water heaters.
Indirect Water Heaters Indirect water heaters use a boiler to heat both your water and living space. They are highly efficient and have higher heating capacity in general. They are more expensive than the traditional ones, however, most of them come with a lifetime warranty as they are made of stainless steel. This type of water heaters are ideal for large homes and hot tubs, and also for condos as it reduces the number of appliances and saves space. Additionally, indirect water heaters require less maintenance compared to the other water heater types. Tankless Water Heaters This type of water heater is exclusively made for homes and businesses where space is limited. They work on demand, which means the pilot light ignites only when there is a need for hot water. Tankless water heaters can be used as a solo hot water source or you can add them to your traditional water heating system. Storage Tank Water Heaters These are the most commonly used water heaters. There is a storage tank which can hold up to 70 to 350 liters of water which is enough for one person and a family of 5 to 6 people. The latest models we get today are energy-efficient featuring extra insulation, which reduces heat loss through the tank walls. Most storage type water heaters are steel lined with glass, while there some high-end models which are lined with a steel core wire to prevent corrosion. They are a good option if you receive acidic water or high mineral content. Solar Water Heaters The sun is a free and limitless source of energy, and solar water heaters are powered by the sunlight. This type of water heaters has two essential components - a solar collector and an insulated storage tank. It’s best to install the solar collector on the roof because that is the only place where you get maximum exposure to sunlight. There are two different kinds of solar water heaters - one is referred to as an active solar water heater and the other one is a passive solar water heater. The active solar water heater distributes water by means of a water pump, while the passive model relies on the force of gravity and not on man-made mechanisms. This goes without saying that each of these types requires maintenance, although the amount of maintenance required for each differs. Which is why it’s important to first learn a little about the different types of water heaters and then determine how much you can spend. But obviously, it’s always best to seek help from professional water heater installers who can clearly tell you why should select a certain type of water heater for your home.  Every mechanical device needs maintenance. You may know a few components under the hood of your car because you drive the car everyday or perhaps because you’re a mechanic. However, do you know any components inside your hot water tank? Well, you cannot simply say it’s not important to know what’s inside your hot water tank. You certainly don’t need to know each and every component of your hot water tank, but it’s always good to know the ones which need maintenance.
Ignoring water heater maintenance can only lead to problems. Regular hot water tank maintenance can save your water heater from minor or major issues. Plus, it can drastically improve the lifespan of your hot water tank. You can save yourself headache and money by doing some simple regular maintenance on your water heater. Here are a few hot water tank maintenance tips for you: Drain the Tank Over time, naturally occurring calcium in the water ‘scales’ and settles at the bottom of the tank. The calcium buildup is sometimes muddy and gritty, and commonly known as sediment. Sediment buildup in your tank can cause many problems, but most importantly it becomes a barrier between the heat source at the bottom of the tank. This forces the tank to work harder to heat the water which further breaks down the integrity of the tank floor. Hence, regular draining of the tank prevents sediment build-up. Insulate the Pipes Buy a self-sticking 3/8 inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes’ diameter. Slide the foam over the hot- and cold- water pipes. In summer, the insulated cold-water pipe prevents condensation. If the pipe is 6 inches or less from the flue, cover it with 1-inch thick surface fiberglass pipe wrap. Insulate the Heater Cut the insulating blanket to fit it around pipes. Wrap the side of the tank and seal it with a foil tape. Make sure you don’t cover the top part of your oil and gas water heater. Complete Annual Water Heater Inspection Check the draft hood and make sure it is placed properly with a few inches of air space between the tank and where it connects to the vent in a gas water heater. Start with the top of your water heater and check for any leaks or heavy corrosion on the pipes and valves. Look for corrosion or wear on the gas line and on the piping. Check the thermostat and the area below the thermostat, where the chamber is located. It’s always best to contact professionals if you don’t have any experience in working with hot water tanks. There are different types of water heaters, some work on gas, while some work on electricity. Hence, the maintenance checks for different types of hot water tanks may differ. If your hot water tank has not been functioning efficiently, it’s time to get it checked by professionals.  Quite often we hear about fire accidents caused due to water heater explosions in homes. Now you can’t really stop using water heaters to prevent such accidents but you can certainly follow a set of safety measures to protect your family and your home. Most water heater installers explain the dos and don’ts of using a water heater. Here we have come up with a few water heater safety tips that you can practice to avoid any water heater mishaps. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Temperature Control A residential water heater usually has 3 different settings – warm, hot, very hot. And the most suitable temperature setting is 130 degrees at the tap. You can check for the accurate temperature with a thermometer. It is recommended that you have the temperature of your water heater at least 130 degrees. This helps to prevent Legionnaire’s disease which is caused by Legionella bacteria. If the temperature is 120 degrees then you are at risk of being infected by Legionella bacteria and if the temperature is higher than 130 degrees then there is a risk of sediment build up and higher energy consumption. Ventilation When it comes to water heater safety, it is crucial that you have a proper ventilation system. If you have a poor draft, then the carbon monoxide and fumes released from the tank can come back into the room instead of going out. In order to maintain good ventilation make sure that the vent has the same diameter as the tank’s draft diverter and see to it that the vent goes straight up and out without any dips. Be Disaster Ready Irrespective of whether you are in a disaster-prone region or not, you should ideally get your water heater strapped. Strapping your water heater to the wall will prevent it from falling over and damaging the gas line. Another benefit of strapping your water heater is that it can prevent theft of your tank. Copper piping and water heaters are usually stolen and sold in the scrap market for good money. Fire Safety Make sure there are no combustible materials kept o or around the water heater. Keep away all inflammable liquids including your pest-repellents and bug bombs. Having a neat and clean area around your water heater can go a long way in ensuring the safety of your home. Get It Checked by a Professional Annually The key to ensuring the smooth functioning and safety of your water heater is by getting a professional water heater installer to check your device at least once a year. If you use a gas and oil fired water heater, then burners have to be cleaned once a year. Get your service professional to thoroughly inspect your water heater for any minor problems. You can reach out to our professionals at Hot Water Tanks Edmonton, for all kinds of water heater maintenance, repair, and installation services.  Getting a new water heater is the only way out when your old water heater stops working completely. If you have recently purchased a new water heater, you are probably left with two water heaters, an old one and a new one. And disposing your old water heater can be quite a task. If you have purchased your new water heater from a professional water heater installer in Edmonton, then you need not worry about disposing your old water heater as they take care of everything. But if you are more of a do-it-yourself person then here are a few water heater disposal options,
Recycle Centers There are many recycling companies which use metal and scrap it. Water heaters have a good percentage of metal content made of steel, copper or brass. Basically your useless old water heater could be gold for a recycling company. You can check with the Edmonton Reuse Center or any other recycling company. Some recycling companies even arrange for transport and pick up the water heater from your doorstep. Garbage Service You can even contact your local garbage service who would pick up your old water heater from your doorstep. Some of the garbage service centers have a recycle program through which they can refurbish your heating unit. Call Local Landfill Another option is the local landfill service. You can contact them to find out if they can take your old water heater. They usually have a recycling program which takes care of such products. You can pay them a minimum fee and they will help you get rid of your old water heater. Donate Sometimes people end up getting a new water heater because they need more hot water than their old water heater can deliver. In that case if your water heater is in good working condition, you can consider donating it. There are many donation centers in Edmonton which would accept your old water heater if it is in good working condition. Take Professional Advice You can try contacting a professional hot water tank installer to help you get rid of your water heating unit. Most of them take responsibility of your old water heater when they install a new one. At Hot Water Tank Edmonton, we install, repair and service all kinds of hot water tanks including water heaters. We also undertake the quick and easy disposal of your old water heater. Get in touch with our experts to know more about our services.  Most modern water heaters are built in a way to be energy efficient. But if your water heater is a slightly older model, then you might have to take certain steps to have an energy efficient water heater. The main benefit of having an energy efficient water heater is that you have reduced power and water bills. And this is your baby step towards energy conservation. So what are you waiting for?
Let’s take a look at some steps to make your water heater energy efficient. Insulate Exposed Pipes The first step towards making your water heater energy efficient is to insulate all the exposed pipes around it. The pipes right above your water heater are the usual culprits of energy loss. This is the place where the majority of the energy is lost. The reason behind this is that hot water automatically goes upwards just like hot air. Get Rid Of Sediments In Your Water Heater Over a period of time sediments get accumulated at the bottom of your water heater. This increases the time taken for your tank to heat the water. So your heater has to work for a longer period of time to raise the temperature of water. This reduces the efficiency of your water heater. You can avoid this by draining a gallon of hot water your water heater once in every six months. Turn Down Your Tank’s Temperature To 120 Degrees For every 10 degrees you turn down you end up saving 3-5% on your bill. Most water heater installers recommend that you turn down your hot water tank’s temperature to 120 degrees. This is the optimum temperature for your heater which is high enough for your needs. By doing this you also reduce mineral build-up in your tanks and pipes. Insulate Your Water Heater Considering the fact that temperatures in Edmonton can go really low at certain times during the year there are chances that your water heater can lose out on some energy due to the external weather. It is for this reason that you should insulate your water heater. Newer water heater models are usually insulated to protect any kind of heat loss while in use. But if you have an old model, then you might have to get an insulating blanket to reduce energy loss. You can save a considerable amount on your power bill by getting your water heater insulated. If you need to know more making your water heater energy efficient, then you can get in touch with our experts at hot water tanks Edmonton. Our expertise lies in installing, repairing and maintaining hot water tanks. |
Archives
November 2017
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed