Conventional storage water heaters still remain the most popular type of home water heating system. But how do they work? How easy are they to install and maintain? And how do you know which model is right for you?
This article breaks down what you need to know about conventional water heaters.
How They Work
A single-family water heater holds 20-80 gallons of hot water. When you turn on the hot water faucet, the tank releases hot water from the top of the tank. To replace the lost hot water, cold water enters the bottom of the tank – ensuring the unit is always full.
Since water is constantly heated, energy can be wasted even when a hot water faucet is not turned on. This is called standby heat loss. You can find certain insulated water heaters, which significantly reduce standby heat loss. Or if you are really concerned about standby heat loss, you should consider purchasing a tankless water heater.
Installation and Maintenance
In order to ensure that your water heater is running efficiently, you will need to properly install and maintain your unit.
Proper installation requires great attention to detail. Things to consider include fuel type, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues. Because of the complexity of water heater installation, it is recommended that you hire a professional to handle the job.
Once your water heater is in place, it is time to start thinking about maintenance, which can significantly prolong the life of your unit while minimizing loss of efficiency.
Routine maintenance should include:
• Flushing a quart of water from the storage tank every three months
• Checking the temperature and pressure valve every six months
• Inspecting the anode rod every three to four years.
If you have any questions regarding conventional water heater installation and maintenance, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!