How Hot Water Heaters Work
Are you having problems with your water heater? Are you in search for a solution or even a replacement? The water heater is an important component of your home’s plumbing system. Without a properly functioning water heater your home has no access to hot water directly from the tap. No one wants to deal with the inconvenience of a hot water outage, especially for a long period of time. No one has to. With a little knowledge and the assistance of qualified professionals you can be sure that you purchase the best water heater for your home, that it will be maintained properly, that you are know how to identify problems with your water heater, and that you know what to do when and if a problem occurs.
There are two types of water heaters. The most common type is the conventional tank water heater. The other is the tankless water heater. Both types of water heater are available in electric or gas operated models.
A conventional tank water heater heats and stores water in an insulated tank. This steel tank is insulated with glass in order to help keep the water stored inside warm. Cold water enters the bottom of the tank through a supply line and hot water exits through the hot water delivery line, both of which are located on the top of the water heater. Once inside the tank, cold water is warmed. The way the water is warmed depends on whether you have an electric or gas water heater. Electric tank-style water heaters heat cold water with the use of heating elements. Most water heaters have two heating elements, one in the middle and one on the bottom of the tank. These heating elements are triggered to power on by the thermostat, a switch that detects water temperature. Cold water that enters the bottom of the tank triggers the lower element to come on. When you turn on your tap and hot water is pulled from the top the upper element regulates the temperature of the water that replaces it from underneath. Heating elements carry a current until the settings of the thermostat are reached, even after the hot water tap is off. Other tank-style water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat the water stored inside the tank. With this type, a burner is positioned to throw a flame under the tank. The burner is fed gas through a control valve and is regulated by the thermostat.
As their name implies, tankless water heaters do not have tanks. Water is passed through these water heaters rather than stored in tanks. As the cold water passes through the water heater, it is heated by a gas or electric burner. Once the hot water tap is shutoff and the need for hot water is gone, the burner shuts off which can save energy. Tankless water heaters are also a less bulky alternative to the conventional tank-style water heater.
So how do you know which type of water heater is best for you? The choice between electric or gas may be and easy one, but there are other things to consider when shopping for a water heater. If you want to be sure that you are making the best possible choice for your home you should consider the capacity of the heater and its location in your home as well. With tank-style heaters, the larger the home and the more bedrooms and bathrooms in it, the larger the water heater tank capacity needed. This will ensure that you never run out of hot water. Tankless water heaters do not present this problem because they heat water as it passes through. Always consider the amount of hot water that is used in your home, or the flow rate, before making a decision. Also consider the water heater’s storage. Most water heaters are stored in basements or closets, and can get bulky depending on the size of the tank. If you are seeking a space-saving option, you may want to opt for a tankless water heater.
It is important that your water heater be properly maintained in order for it to work most effectively. Always call the professionals if there is a problem, but you can help to maintain your water heater by keeping an eye out for problems. You can also help by doing things like draining your water heater to remove sediment and prevent buildup.
You can also help to maintain the life of your water heater by knowing when there is a problem. Identifying the problem right away and calling the professionals could prevent a larger problem with your water heater. One sure way to know that your water heater is not working properly is that the water is not getting warm enough. This could be a sign of many issues and should be handled right away. If your water heater is leaking, calling the professionals as soon as possible could save you time and money. Never hesitate to act when there is a problem with your water heater.
Your home’s water heater is important, and that is why you should be sure that you choose the best one for your home and your needs. With the right water heater and the professionals on your side, you will never have to suffer a hot water outage because your hot water heater is not functioning properly.