Water Heater Denver is often located in the garage or basement. It is important to elevate them above the floor to reduce moisture, which can cause leaks and other problems. This also makes it easier to access for maintenance and inspections.
Water heaters use electric resistance heating elements to heat water. These are contained in a metal sheath and surrounded by insulation. When the element fails, it must be replaced.
The thermostat of a water heater regulates its temperature to prevent it from overheating. It also keeps the water hot enough to kill bacteria that could cause disease, such as Legionnaire’s disease. It’s recommended that the temperature be set to 120 degrees F. This helps prevent scalding accidents in younger children and the spread of dangerous bacteria that thrives in warm water.
The heating element in an electric tank water heater converts electricity into heat by passing it through a metal sheath that allows the current to pass but protects the elements from direct contact with water, thus minimizing corrosion and increasing its lifespan. The element is controlled by a thermostat and safety switch, which shut off the power supply if it exceeds a safe temperature.
Most gas and propane tank water heaters use an intermittent pilot together with an automatic flue damper or baffle blowers to help control their temperature. Because they are so efficient, these types of water heaters typically have energy factors of 67% or higher and meet ENERGY STAR standards.
A water heater that’s powered by natural gas or propane is also required to have a pressure relief valve in the plumbing line to prevent excessive, potentially explosive pressure buildup within the plumbing system. It’s important to have a properly installed pressure relief valve because it can save you time and money from having to replace broken pipes, water heaters and other appliances in your home.
Some newer tankless gas and propane water heaters have an integrated temperature control. However, since these units are located closer to the point of use, they can be subject to temperature fluctuations from varying flow conditions. This is why a downstream ASSE 1017/1070 temperature-actuated mixing valve is still recommended for these applications.
The temperature controls on tank-style gas and electric water heaters use relay outputs (also called solid state relay drivers) to energize the coil of a larger heating contactor that’s used to turn on and off a large amount of heating power. The temperature controllers also have hysteresis bands to help maintain accurate temperatures, and they can test for a broken output device such as a heating element.
Safety Features
Thermostats, heating elements and safety switches are built into State water heaters to ensure that they don’t overheat. A thermostat controls temperature and a safety switch monitors water temperatures and shuts off the electricity to the element if it goes above a safe limit. This feature protects against scalding accidents and electrical problems.
Another safety feature is the venting system that directs gas fumes out of your home. This helps prevent carbon monoxide build-up, which is a dangerous and deadly gas that may leak from a broken or malfunctioning water heater. Inadequate or faulty venting can cause fumes to go back into your house, so it’s important to keep the vents clear and free of dips or drafts.
If you have a gas water heater, it’s also important to elevate the unit at least 18” from the floor in a garage or area where gasoline containers or vehicles are stored. This will minimize the risk of combustion, which can occur if gasoline fumes come in contact with the pilot flame or any other combustible materials.
While not as common, fires can also be triggered by combustible objects like canisters of gas, garbage or clothing that are kept near the water heater. This is especially a concern for gas water heaters, which operate with an open flame. Fires can also be triggered by a tripped high-limit switch, which is another safety feature built into State water heaters.
When you hire a plumber for installation and maintenance of your water heater, make sure that they’re certified and understand the proper safety precautions. This is especially important if you have gas connections, which should only be handled by certified technicians to avoid gas leaks and other dangers. Additionally, when working on electrical wiring, always disconnect the power to the unit and use a circuit tester to verify that it’s off before touching any wires. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby, in case of an emergency.
Energy Efficiency
The old days of bulky, inefficient water heaters are fading into history, thanks to advancements in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Today’s models are sleek and powerful, and offer a range of features to save homeowners money on utility bills.
Traditional electric and gas storage water heaters use substantial amounts of energy, contributing to high utility bills and excessive carbon emissions. By comparison, demand or instantaneous water heaters use only the energy needed to heat incoming water as it flows through the system, resulting in lower operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
When selecting a new water heater, look for an ENERGY STAR model with an energy factor of 0.67 or higher, reflecting an estimated gas usage of 214 to 230 therms per year. In addition, ensure your water heater is properly sized to meet your household’s peak demands for hot water. Oversized units waste energy through excessive cycling and higher standby losses, while undersized units can cause problems with delivering sufficient hot water.
If you choose a natural gas tank water heater, look for one with a first hour rating of 82% or higher, reflecting the unit’s ability to deliver 82% of its total capacity in the first hour of operation. In addition, new standards for natural gas water heaters require that all units be tested using updated procedures to determine if they meet the new UEF rating, which takes into account the impact of tank size on efficiency stats.
On the other hand, a new generation of environmentally friendly heat pump water heaters (HPWH) uses free, renewable energy to heat your water. They don’t produce any direct emissions, and use as little as one-half to a third of the energy of conventional electric resistance and gas storage water heaters.
For eco-conscious homeowners, there are even solar-powered tankless and combination water heaters that generate electricity from sunlight, providing a sustainable solution to both space heating and domestic hot water needs. It’s important to note that, in many cases, solar water heaters cost more upfront than gas- or electricity-powered models, and the payback period varies by geographic location and local incentives. Additionally, acquiring rebates may require specific maintenance and monitoring and adherence to usage guidelines.
Maintenance
While a water heater may seem to be an innocuous appliance, it is actually one of the most complex appliances that your home or business will have. It has a number of safety features, such as the pressure relief valve, that help keep scalding water from spraying out of the unit and causing serious burn injuries.
It also has heating elements that are heated by electrical current to heat the water. If these elements get dirty or worn out, it can cause the appliance to work harder than usual to heat your water, which will result in higher energy bills for you. It is important to perform regular maintenance on your water heater to avoid any major problems.
Water heater maintenance typically involves checking the power supply, examining the heating elements for signs of damage and testing the thermostat and high-limit switch. While you can do some of these things yourself, it is a good idea to contact a professional to ensure that your water heater is properly maintained and functioning correctly.
The most common problem with electric water heaters is element burnout. This occurs when the resistance wire on the element becomes too hot, causing it to fail and require replacement. It can be caused by mineral buildup on the element, which insulates it and forces it to work harder than necessary, or by age. Performing regular element flushes can help prevent this from occurring.
Another common issue with electric water heaters is rust and sediment buildup on the bottom of the tank. Draining the water heater by connecting a garden hose to the spigot on the bottom of the tank can help eliminate this problem. It is best to drain about two or three gallons of water to fully flush the tank. This will help reduce the amount of sediment that builds up in the tank and shortens its life.
It is also a good idea to periodically check and replace the anode rod on the tank. This helps prevent the rust of the inside of the tank and extends the life of the water heater.