Water Heaters Denver CO are one of the largest appliances in a home. They are often located in a basement, utility closet, or garage. Electric models heat water using electricity and store thermal energy for later use. They are the cheapest and easiest to install in homes.
The short tank design makes this model ideal for tight spaces, and fits easily into a utility closet. Reviewers appreciate the electronic gas valve and LED status indicator.
Whether it is gas or electric, a water heater consumes lots of energy to operate. Hot water heating is on average the second highest household energy expense, and it takes up to 18% of a home’s energy bill. This makes choosing the right water heater an important decision for consumers who want to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions.
ENERGY STAR water heaters are among the most efficient, using less energy than other models to meet your household’s hot water demands. To compare the efficiency of different models, look for a yellow Energy Guide label with standardized information about their energy use and estimated annual operating costs. To find the best ENERGY STAR model, choose one with a high uniform energy factor (UEF), which indicates how efficiently it performs compared to other similar models.
An electricity-powered water heater has the benefit of being able to be powered by renewable energy sources, which makes it a good choice for consumers who want to make an environmentally conscious choice. Gas water heaters, on the other hand, are not as good for the environment because they require natural gas which is retrieved from the earth in a process that releases greenhouse gases.
The combustion and ventilation processes that power a gas water heater also waste energy by allowing heat to escape from the system. In contrast, an electric water heater has no need for ventilation. This allows it to heat up faster, and the heat stays inside the tank instead of being wasted through the vent.
If you have an electric water heater, your utility company may offer rebates or other incentives for switching to a more efficient model. You can check for these offers online, or by calling your local utilities.
Consumers can also save money by installing a heat pump water heater, which uses about half as much energy as a standard gas or electric water heater. These units draw energy from the air, and are a good option for people with existing electric heating systems or who live in climates that do not support traditional fuel-based heat pumps.
Tank Size
Choosing the right water heater size is important. A tank that’s too small can run out of hot water quickly and be more expensive than one that’s larger because it will consume more energy keeping up with demands on an ongoing basis.
Traditional storage tanks are sized based on BTU input and capacity in gallons, but you can find out more about the best tank size for your household by looking at a unit’s first hour rating (FHR). This rating lets you know how many gallons of hot water it can supply during peak usage. A family of four, for example, might shower and wash laundry all within an hour, using up to 100 gallons or more. So a 40-gallon tank, like this A. O. Smith ProLine Power Vent Gas Water Heater available at SupplyHouse, would be a good choice.
To determine your FHR, simply count how many people are in your household and then multiply it by 12. You can also estimate the amount of hot water you use on a daily basis by adding up the number of showers and loads of laundry you take each day. This will give you a general idea of the capacity you need, but it’s best to get an accurate number by counting your usage over the course of a week.
This budget gas model has a 40-gallon tank capable of producing 68 gallons during the first hour of use, making it a great option for households of three to four people. It also features a digital gas valve for easy temperature adjustments and a vacation mode that saves energy when the house is empty. Reviewers say it’s compact enough to fit in utility closets and installs easily.
This electric tankless water heater has a high energy efficiency rating, so it’s more environmentally friendly than other models. It’s also more affordable and has a longer warranty than other models, which makes it a smart purchase for any household. It also has a shut-off valve that immediately stops the flow of water when it detects a leak, iCOMM smart connectivity that allows you to control your water heater remotely via WiFi, two 5,500-watt quality stainless steel heating elements that provide fast recovery times and a low maintenance cost, and a glass-lined tank that protects against corrosion.
Safety
Water heaters are usually tucked away in some corner of your home and seldom considered unless there is a problem. However, they can be dangerous if not properly maintained and vented. This is especially true with gas-fueled water heaters which can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer that can cause headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, chest pain and confusion in people and pets. It is particularly dangerous for children and seniors.
A gas-fueled water heater is also a fire hazard. That is why you should never store combustible items near the unit such as paint, jump ropes, trash, canisters of gasoline, or coats or other clothing. All it takes is one spark to ignite the flammable materials and start an explosion. Gasoline fumes are also a hazard to have near a hot water heater because they can seep out of the vent. That is why we suggest that you keep your gas water heater elevated on a pedestal, which will help the fumes stay low and out of reach from combustible items.
Ventilation is also important for a gas-powered water heater. If there is a lack of ventilation the water heater can leak carbon monoxide into the home. It is important that you have all your gas appliances, including your water heater, serviced by a professional to make sure they are properly vented. Also, you should install carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you have a gas water heater to alert you of a CO leak.
An incorrectly installed pressure/temperature relief valve can cause a tank to explode. It is crucial that you have a licensed plumber install this valve correctly. The valve is designed to open when the temperature and pressure rise too high, preventing your water heater from bursting and damaging your home. It is a good idea to test your water heater’s valve once a year by pulling on the handle and making sure it moves easily with no leaks. If the valve is faulty, it needs to be replaced immediately. The water line from the top of the tank to the hot water service pipe should also be checked to make sure it is not leaking and that the valve on the bottom is working correctly (it should open when you pull up on the handle). If it does not, the valve needs replacement.
Maintenance
Out of sight, out of mind: that’s how most homeowners view their water heater. But that’s a dangerous way to treat such an important appliance. Unless you’re constantly keeping an eye on your water heater, minor issues can fly under the radar and turn into major problems – leaving you with a flooded utility closet. That’s why it’s essential to conduct a quick inspection once a month.
First, shut off incoming water flow using the tank’s water shutoff valve (or the breaker to a gas or electric unit). Then, drain the tank and rinse out the sediment chamber. This will help extend the life of your hot water heater and reduce energy costs by lowering energy usage.
All gas and some electric water heaters come equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve. This safety device is designed to open if the internal temperature or pressure exceeds benchmarks set by your manufacturer. To test this, place a bucket below the discharge pipe and lift the lever on the pressure-relief valve. A limited pool of water and hot water should spill out, indicating the valve is functioning properly.
A corroded anode rod may be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. Your anode rod attracts corrosive materials that would otherwise shorten the life of your water heater, but as it degrades it becomes less effective at doing so. Check the anode rod’s core steel wire: if more than half of it has been exposed, it’s time to invest in a new one.
It’s also a good idea to drain and flush your water heater once every three to five years. This will prevent sediment buildup, which is a leading cause of rusty water. Draining the tank requires a large container to catch all of the sediment, a garden hose and, for gas units, a propane tank or a natural gas adapter.
For a tankless water heater, follow your manufacturer’s instructions for locating and draining the filter. It’s usually screwed into a port on the side of the water heater. You’ll likely hear a gurgling sound during the draining process; this is air entering the system as water exits the tank.