As we bid farewell to the warm summers, we also welcome the chilling months of fall. This is the time when water heaters become the superheroes of the house. However, like any electronic appliance, water heater installation takes a bit of know-how as heaters come in various models and sometimes require repair or replacement.
If you want to welcome this seasonal transition in the coziest way, this guide on water heater installation can help. We will discuss everything about water heaters, from the different types available in the market to troubleshooting common issues and even the installation process. So, please keep reading to make your investment in water heaters worth it.
Understanding Water Heaters
Water heaters are expensive and one of the most energy-consuming appliances in your home. During the fall, they also consume 20 percent of your household budget. This is because a water heater works consistently to provide you with a constant supply of warm water at a preset temperature that you can use for cooking, laundry, bathing, and more. Water heaters function with a heat transfer process different from traditional water heating devices like kettles, pots, or cauldrons. It raises the temperature of the water to a certain level while keeping up with the daily requirements of a household.
Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters come in various types, each with unique features. Conventional water heaters are tank-type systems that store and heat large volumes of water, typically 30 to 80 gallons. They use burners to heat water, which is stored until needed. While affordable, these heaters have higher operational costs compared to modern alternatives.
Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient and space-saving, providing a continuous hot water supply without the need for a storage tank. They have a longer lifespan and offer instant hot water without the wait.
Heat pump water heaters are advanced, all-electric systems that transfer warmth from the air into water, making them highly energy-efficient. They are ideal for moderate climates.
Point-of-use water heaters are compact and convenient, designed to deliver hot water directly to small spaces like bathrooms or garages. They range from 2.5 to 19 gallons and minimize energy waste.
Solar water heaters, using solar collectors, are an excellent option for reducing power bills. They can be direct-gain systems, heating water directly, or indirect systems using a heat transfer fluid. Drainback systems prevent freezing by storing water in a tank during cold weather.
Signs to Identify a Faulty Water Heater
There are several signs that your water heater needs to perform optimally. For instance, a sudden stop in the hot water supply, odd noises like banging or popping, or water flowing around the base are all signs that your water heater is malfunctioning. Other symptoms include fluctuating water temperatures that disrupt everyday life and brown, muddy-colored water that may signal rusting or other forms of pollution.
Early detection and repair of such issues will prevent further damage from spreading and guarantee your heater works well. Regularly maintain your water heating system to avoid sudden breakdowns and costly repairs. This can also expand the longevity of the appliance.
Fixing Common Issues of your Water Heater
You could be considering contacting a plumbing professional to handle these problems after water heater installation, but before that, consider these troubleshooting steps as an emergency measure to solve minor issues.
- For gas heaters, check if the pilot light is on; if not, follow the directions given by the manufacturer to relight it.
- Remove several gallons of water from the tank to enhance efficiency since sediments accumulate.
- Ensure that the thermostat is set at your desired temperature. The defective thermostat could be responsible if hot water is still not there, even though it is set as you want.
- Test the pressure relief valve by lifting and releasing its lever. If water keeps flowing, the valve may require replacement.
Water Heater Maintenance
Regular maintenance enhances water heater safety, performance, efficiency, and longevity.
Drain the Water Heater Tank: Sediment buildup reduces energy efficiency, clogs water lines, and damages the water heater. Open the drain valve slowly and let the water flow until clear. Briefly opening the cold-water supply valve helps stir up sediment. Draining two to three gallons is usually sufficient.
Test the Pressure-Relief Valve: This valve prevents over-pressurization in gas or electric water heaters. After turning off the electricity or gas, pull the trip lever and let the water fill a bucket. Listen for a rush of air or see water and vapor. If not, drain the tank and have the valve replaced by a professional.
Check the Anode Rod: Examine the anode rod every three years. Replace it if it’s less than ½ inch thick, coated with calcium, or has over six inches of exposed core steel.
Adjust the Temperature: The optimal temperature is about 120°F for safety and bacteria control. Lowering the temperature by 10°F can save up to 5% in energy costs.
Insulate Pipes: Use self-sticking foam pipe insulation to match the pipe diameter.
Insulating cold-water pipes prevents summer condensation, while insulated hot-water pipes improve winter efficiency.
Insulate the Heater: Older units benefit from a fiberglass jacket or R-4.5 foil-covered bubble wrap. Put the insulation over the tank, cutting it around pipes, the pressure-relief valve, and temperature control. Seal with foil tape. For oil or gas heaters, avoid covering the top. For electric heaters, top with a large circle of insulation taped to the tank’s side.
Signs to Replace Your Water Heater
If you have one, heed these warning signals to replace the water heater. Keep away from preventing these problems by using items from reputable brands.
A hot water heating system over 15 years old: Most water heaters have a lifespan between 10 and 15 years. If yours is this old, it may require replacement to eliminate inefficiency and avoid a complete breakdown.
Discolored or odd-tasting water: Rusty or metallic-tasting water may signal corrosion inside the tank, compromising your water supply and ruining the heater.
Loud or strange noises coming from your water heater: Banging sounds, popping sounds, and other weird noises are often a result of sediment accumulation. If the tank flush does not help, then a new unit could be what you need.
Leaks: Any signs of pooling around your water heater’s base or visible leaking indicate something is wrong. Even small leaks can quickly escalate into significant problems with flooding issues.
Water takes longer than usual to heat up or doesn’t heat up: No hot water can mean that the heating elements are failing or that the thermostat is malfunctioning. If these issues continue after troubleshooting, then a replacement could become inevitable.
Choosing the Right Water Heater
Recognizing the following factors is crucial when it comes to water heater installation.
Type and availability of fuel: Before making final decisions around water heaters, factor in whether or not you have access to the required kind of fuel compatible with home configurations. For example, if considering a natural gas-powered water heater, ensure that you have a natural gas line running through your house, or one can be installed there. Different fuels include electricity, gas, or even propane. Heat pumps save on power bills but cost more at start-up.
Household size: The speed at which water flows out from the plumbing system at any time in connection with use determines how much hot water can be delivered daily into any house by the water heating system. Choose a heater size that will cater comfortably to your household needs. For instance, a 30–40-gallon tank-type water heating system suits couples, while families with four would require 50-60 gallons of hot water during the fall.
Consider area: Not all homes can accommodate standard-size heating systems for hot water. Compact ones are good because they are famous for modern homes that lack space for large devices. Consider purchasing tankless or point-of-use type water heating systems if your house has limited space.
Cost and efficiency assessment: Search for Energy Star equipment if energy saving is paramount. Higher initial costs may result from improved operational efficiencies but later yield returns over time. Energy guide labeling allows you to see each model’s anticipated performance and differences in their respective energy requirements.
Replacing Your Water Heater
To ensure the safe and efficient operation of the heater, it is of utmost importance to carry out a proper water heater installation. Start by measuring the space where you will install the heater to find out which type of tank will fit best in terms of size. The area must be clear and have good ventilation to prevent overheating.
In case of any seamless installation, you should consult with a plumbing services provider or a water heating expert. They will know how to assess the specific requirements of your home, recommend the most suitable type of heater, and ensure that it is installed following the required codes for security purposes.
APES is a well-known HVAC and plumbing service provider in Phoenix, Arizona, with a team of local expert technicians who are always available to provide all plumbing services, including water heaters. APES guarantees that your water heater will be properly, effectively, and professionally in time management to make everything fuss-free at once.
Be it a conventional tank type or an environmentally friendly tankless hyper-plumbed unit, the team at APES adopts a hands-on approach to ensure fabulous once-in-a-lifetime installation. APES prioritizes your safety at all times. It is undeniably one company that cares about its customers by providing excellent services and affordable prices.
Average Cost of Water Heater Installation
The kind of water heater you pick dramatically affects the total cost. A tank heater can be as budget-friendly as $1,500, whereas a whole-house tankless water heater goes for a little above $2,000. Usually, installation labor rates range from $40 to $200 per hour and take between one and three hours. In this way, the average labor fee for tankless water heater installation comes to around $360.
However, note that water heater replacement costs have increased quickly in recent years, and their prices can vary a lot from one place to another. This is because labor costs and materials are different in various regions; thus, obtaining quotes from local experts or plumbing professionals is essential to understand how much it may cost specifically in your locality.
When planning a new water heater, consider its initial purchase price and long-term energy savings associated with energy-efficient models. The upfront costs might be higher for tankless vehicles, but they lead to considerable energy bill savings over time because of their on-demand heating capacity.
By looking into these considerations and working closely with a qualified installer, you can create a well-rounded decision that has upfront and long-term commitments in mind, helping you identify the right one for your home where price doesn’t matter.
APES comprehends that different properties have distinct hot water needs determined by occupancy, usage patterns, and energy efficiency objectives.
For this reason, the company provides tailored water heater installation solutions that cater to your unique needs and preferences. APES will help you develop a system that fits within your custodianship range, whether a space-saving, tankless heater or a high-capacity one for prominent families. APES will collaborate with you to design a system that fits your specifications and budgetary constraints.