heater Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Choosing the Right Type of Water Heater for You

Three Options for Water Heater Installation

Most water heaters last about 10 years and are expensive enough that most people can’t swap them out without financially planning ahead. Homeowners will have to live awhile with whatever they decide. When a water heater finally fails, it can force homeowners to make big decisions more quickly than they would like.

For these reasons, it's a good idea to understand the options for water heaters before an emergency occurs. Here are three decisions that homeowners must make when considering water heater installation, along with the pros and cons of each.

Gas Water Heater

Gas water heaters are a common choice for heating water in the home. In fact, they are the most-installed type of storage water heater across the US. A gas water heater has a large tank that holds water.

A powerful burner heats the water in the tank to a certain setpoint to be ready for use. Because these burners produce so much heat, a gas water heater can recover its temperature more quickly when the demand for hot water increases. More hot water is available, and people in the family will have to wait less time for the tank to heat up when hot water is depleted.

One of the main drawbacks of gas water heaters is the danger. Natural gas can be hazardous, and some homeowners don’t want to take the risk. Gas water heaters are also generally more short-lived than other options. While they are cheaper to operate month to month, savvy homeowners may look to save money long-term with a longer-lasting option.

Electric Water Heater

The second most popular choice for water heaters is electric storage water heaters. These are often found in homes that are only powered by electricity, so the builders don’t have to install natural gas or propane infrastructure. This can save money on the construction cost of the home, but it also increases the cost of monthly electricity bills because the heating elements in the water tank of an electric water heater consume so much power.

Because the heating elements heat the water more slowly, the water heater's total capacity will be less. However, this reduces the tank's expansion and contraction cycles, reducing overall wear and tear and improving longevity.

Tankless Water Heater

The latest development in hot water technology is the tankless water heater. This type of heater doesn’t have a tank to store heated water. Instead, it relies on powerful burners or heating elements to produce hot water as needed.

Flow sensors within the unit can detect when hot water is needed and cycle the burners on immediately. The burners will continue to operate until demand ceases, meaning they can produce endless hot water.

While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, they can lower the cost of producing hot water by up to 30%. This saves money while giving homes more access to hot water exactly when needed. Additionally, tankless water heaters have longer lifespans than storage water heaters.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company can help homeowners choose the perfect water heater for their needs. Whether it’s for water heater replacement or a new construction, they help homeowners carefully consider their options. Call today for water heater services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Warning Signs It May Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Knowing When It’s Time for New Water Heater Installation

Nearly every home relies on a water heater to provide warm or hot water for everyday needs. Whether a tank water heater or a tankless water heater, these appliances are important for household comfort, operational needs, and daily tasks. A water heater may be able to be cleaned or repaired to continue water heating for the home’s needs. However, there comes a time when a new water heater installation is going to be necessary and unavoidable. It’s much better to be proactive and replace the water heater before a major issue occurs or the unit fails inconveniently. These signs will help homeowners know when to call for water heater replacement.

Corrosion

Some corrosion is going to happen over time. After all, water heaters are subjected to heavy amounts of water and minerals paired with heat. It’s a natural by-product of what the water heater does. While some units are made with materials that are less likely to corrode, it can still happen over time. However, corrosion can cause many issues with the water heater, including leaks, contamination, or even affecting various parts of the water heater.

These are some signs that corrosion is an issue besides visually seeing it:

Metallic odors of heated water
Rusty-looking hot water
Sediment or rust debris in water
Leaks from the water heater tank

When any of these things are noted, it’s best to contact a professional. With extensive corrosion, a unit will need to be replaced. This is why it's crucial to schedule routine water heater maintenance, as it will help prevent corrosion and extend the unit's lifespan.

Hot Water Supply Declines

When there isn’t as much hot water as there should be or none at all, there is a problem. Water heaters have a specific capacity or output. With a tank water heater or storage water heater, the water will be heated, and the tank will be filled and stored for use. A tankless water heater will immediately heat and release water for a specified output.

If there is a decline in this supply or a lack of hot water, that’s a sign that the water heater is not working as intended. A professional can help troubleshoot why the water heater is not heating appropriately and provide the necessary repairs or water heater replacement as needed.

Consider the Age and Frequency of Repairs

Finally, an aging water heater simply won’t last forever. There comes a time when frequent repairs are simply not a solid investment. When this happens, it is better to go ahead and pay for water heater replacement than to continue paying for repairs on an aging unit.

Tankless water heaters are typically designed to last around 20 years, while traditional tank water heaters last about 8-12 years. Understand the unit's lifespan in the home and be prepared to act accordingly should issues occur.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides five-star service to every customer. They stand by the principle of treating every home as their own. With more than ten years of dedicated service in the plumbing industry, the locally owned company can provide for various needs. Contact them today for water heater replacement or repair in Apple Valley, MN!

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Discover Tankless Water Heater Basics

A Quick Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming popular due to their benefits over storage tank water heaters. Tankless systems spring into action whenever hot water arises, providing a continuous supply of heated water. Since tankless water heaters don’t require a large storage tank, they provide space-saving capabilities, making them ideal for smaller homes. But are they right for every household? Read on to find out all about tankless water heaters.

What Sets Tankless Water Heaters Apart?

The principal difference between tankless water heaters and their traditional counterparts is the absence of a large holding tank. Instead, they use burners to rapidly heat water as it runs through a heat exchanger, delivering it around the house without storing it in a tank. This on-demand heating mechanism ensures a constant hot water supply, eliminating the need to wait for a storage tank to fill up.

Another distinctive trait of tankless water heaters is their compact size, as they do not require space for water storage. This can benefit homeowners seeking to save space, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

The Process Behind Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters function based on a straightforward yet effective process. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the heater. A flow sensor activates the burner, which heats either a gas burner or an electric element, heating the water. The hot water then travels along the piping system to the desired location. Once the hot water tap is closed, the unit shuts down, thus conserving energy.

Gas-heated tankless water heaters tend to heat water faster than their electric counterparts, which could be ideal for larger households. That said, most instant water heaters can provide between 2 and 5 gallons of hot water per minute. And while these water heaters still need regular care (like storage water heaters), tankless water heater maintenance is generally quicker and easier than traditional water heaters.

The Amazing Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters offer a myriad of benefits. They are known for their energy efficiency, as they heat water only when needed, significantly reducing the energy loss associated with traditional water heaters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than tank-style heaters for households that use 40 gallons of water or less daily.

These heaters also provide a continuous hot water supply, ensuring no shortage during peak use times. They have a longer lifespan, with many units lasting over 20 years—almost double that of traditional models. The compact size of these heaters is great for space-limited homes. Additionally, they reduce the risk of water damage due to tank leaks or ruptures, a concern with traditional water heaters.

Homeowners considering water heater replacement should consult a professional plumber to see if an on-demand water heater is right for their needs.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The friendly professionals at Apple Valley Plumbing Company have served Apple Valley, MN, since 2013. They provide personalized service from start to finish. They also offer free estimates and back all their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Contact them today for water heater services in Apple Valley, MN.

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Indicators of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

Is It Time for a New Water Heater?

Water heaters are best when they are neither seen nor heard. They are one of those appliances that silently do their job and largely go unnoticed. It is often taken for granted. The problem is that this can lead to years without the homeowner realizing that the water heater is breaking down. If a water heater is more than ten years old, it is a ticking time bomb for replacement. Likewise, a plumbing professional may recommend an upgrade if a water heater is not doing its job and constantly needs repair. If these most obvious signs are not present, a few other ways a home’s water heater may be communicating that it may be reaching the end of its functionality.

Clangs, Rumbles, and Creaks, Oh My!

As previously mentioned, water heaters tend to do their work quietly. When noises begin issuing from that back corner of the linen closet, there may be a problem. Banging and rumbling noises can indicate that there is sediment or calcium buildup in the tank. Several different things can cause this:

Corroded pipes
Faulty anode rod
Corrosion within the hot water tank
Hard water buildup

What’s In the Water? Foul Smells and Discoloration

The above problems can lead to rusty, musty, and smelly water. Whether or not it is coming from a faulty water heater or the pipes needs to be determined by an experienced professional. At the very least, a home will need water heater maintenance if this problem occurs. A tankless water heater may need to be flushed to remove sediment or hard water crystallization from the internal parts. Here are a few maintenance steps a plumbing professional would take to make sure a home’s water is running clear and without icky smells:

Flush the Tank: This is emptying the water heater’s tank and cleaning it with solvents that help remove sediment and calcium deposits from hard water.
Replace the Anode Rod: The anode rod attracts corroded particles and keeps them out of the water. If the anode rod is not working properly, this will lead to higher particle buildup, so replacing it can correct the problem.
Check and Resurface the Tank: A protective coating on the inside of hot water tanks prevents rusting and other types of corrosion. If this coating is damaged, it can cause rusty colored and rusty-smelling water. One can resurface the interior in some cases, but if the problem is extensive, it may require water heater replacement.

Leaks: A Sure Sign that a Water Heater Needs Immediate Attention

If a puddle or puddles of water are evident from a home’s water heater, it is time to place a call to the pros. While it may be difficult for the average homeowner to determine where a leak is coming from or how to fix it, this is something that the licensed plumber does practically every day. It will be quick work either to repair the leak or advise the homeowner on what steps to take. If a water heater does leak, a person should not ignore it. It can be extremely damaging to a home’s structure.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Serving Apple Valley, MN and the surrounding areas, this company is known for its fast response time, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed workmanship. Call Apple Valley Plumbing Company for water heater services!

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Don't Forget To Schedule Service for the Water Heater

Schedule Now! Don’t Wait Until There’s No Hot Water!

The water heater is the backbone of the home plumbing system. It helps all the appliances connected to the plumbing do their jobs. Cleaning clothing, cleaning and sterilizing dishes, and hot showers and baths could not happen without the water heater. People are no longer required to heat huge amounts of water over a fire to complete daily tasks as they did less that 200 years ago. Just as one must monitor a fire to keep it burning, so a water heater must have scheduled maintenance to keep it working as it should.

Why Should Regular Maintenance Be a Priority?

Though they know they may need replacement someday, every homeowner wants their fixtures and appliances to function for as long as they possibly can. This is at the very heart of scheduled maintenance. This should be done once a year at a minimum. Some of the benefits of regular maintenance are:

Efficiency: Maintenance provides a water heater with the highest possible efficiency, which lowers energy costs.
Lasting function: A regularly checked water will have a longer life because one can prevent problems instead of fixing them.
Savings: Lower energy costs mean more money in a customer’s wallet.
Helps other parts of the home: If the water heater is working well, it better serves the other appliances in the home that depend on it.

Checks and Parts Replacement: What Happens During Maintenance?

So what will a plumbing professional do for a water heater during a check-up? Several things are standard when it comes to water heater maintenance. The primary steps of a scheduled maintenance visit will include most of the following:

Flushing the tank: This involves emptying the tank and making sure the interior is in good shape and free of corrosion.
Descaling the tank: This process uses a descaler/cleaner to remove the build-up of mineral deposits due to hard water.
Checking/Replacing the PRV: The PRV or Pressure Release Valve is an important safety device on a water heater that prevents pressure buildup within the tank. There can be dire consequences (leaks being the best case scenario) if it is not working properly, so this is one of the main maintenance checks.
Checking pipe connections: Making sure the pipes that bring water to and from the water heater are attached properly, are not leaking, and do not need any insulation.

Symptoms of a Troubled Water Heater

Despite even the best efforts, sometimes water heaters do break down and need repair or replacement. There are many ways that a water heater can malfunction. If a homeowner observes any of the following signs, they should contact a reliable plumbing company for an inspection or consultation.

Rust-colored water
Hot water not lasting as long as usual
Water is not as hot as normally expected
Hot water temps are intermittent
Leaks

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company offers free phone consultations so customers can be educated and know what to expect. They strive for 100% satisfied customers and work to be on time and provide individual solutions that fit their customer’s needs. Call them today for water heater maintenance and repair in the Apple Valley, MN area.