Commercial Plumbing Emergency Tips

Tips for Commercial Plumbing Emergency

When dealing with plumbing problems in your house, it is a nightmare. However, commercial plumbing emergencies can potentially cause even more disasters and hassles. At best, it can impact business operations. At worst, commercial plumbing emergencies can jeopardize your customers' and employees' safety. Having a commercial plumbing emergency tips guide can help you save time, money, and lives.

We have compiled a list of commercial plumbing emergency tips to assist you in preparing for and dealing with workplace plumbing emergencies.

What Is Considered To Be A Plumbing Emergency?

Plumbing emergencies can be big or small. They can happen at any time and without warning. Here are the following examples of potential plumbing emergencies.

A Leak Or A Drip

Although these are not the most severe plumbing emergencies that you can experience, leaks and drips can vary in intensity and cost your money over time in the form of wasted water. On the opposite side of the spectrum are more severe plumbing emergencies. A leak or a drip is a plumbing emergency when lots of water leaks.

However, you also don't want to assume that a faucet with a minor drip is not a big deal. You may not be aware, but one leaking tap that drips three times a minute results in 104 gallons worth of wasted water each year. Although a minor leak that you cannot repair or locate yourself is not an emergency, you will need to call a plumber as soon as possible.

Standing Water

Unattended leaks are the leading causes of standing water. Backed-up drains are another potential cause. No matter the reason, standing water is a plumbing emergency since, along with the potential to cause permanent structural damage, the water can cause people to be susceptible to electrical hazards. For example, an electrical malfunction that would not ordinarily be dangerous could pose higher risks if it occurs near standing water.

Flooding Or Overflowing Water

Not only is flooding or overflowing water potentially damaging to your business operations. Moreover, it can also compromise the safety of employees and even customers by posing health and electrocution risks. Flooding and overflowing water is a serious plumbing emergency.

If the problem is isolated to one area, you can simply shut down that part of your business and fix the issue as soon as possible. In the meantime, direct customers away from the affected area and notify your employees about what happened.

A Burst Pipe

Leaks that result in significant water damage are the most obvious commercial plumbing emergencies. Also, leaks that cause structural damage or flooding can be commercial plumbing emergencies. However, burst pipes are even more severe. Although the water loss is usually rapid, they typically do not affect people's health and safety.

High Water Pressure

If a loud bang accompanies a sudden extreme spike in water pressure, it is probably best to call a plumber immediately. This type of plumbing emergency can burst pipes and cause leaks, which result in electrical hazards if the leak is in standing water. Also, the high pressure itself can damage equipment and parts.

A Malfunctioning Water Heater

There are several reasons why water heater problems are a plumbing emergency. Although it happens very rarely, a water heater can explode in extreme situations. A plumbing emergency that is much more likely with the water heater is when the thermostat causes the water to become too hot and scald. Or suppose water is not heated adequately by a water heater. As a result, it can cause a sanitary problem, especially for specific commercial plumbing customers such as restaurants that need to do things like wash dishes.

What To Do When A Plumbing Emergency Arises?

Suppose you have a plumbing emergency such as one of those discussed above. To minimize damage and ensure everyone's safety at your business, follow the below instructions before calling a commercial plumbing company.

First, shut off the water supply to your site. Second, if you notice a leak, find an isolated area and shut off the tap or valves that control this part of the plumbing system. If you cannot reach it or underwater, call a plumber immediately for help. Also, be sure to check pipes outside to find the main water supply. The location of this faucet varies depending on your business, but it is typically close to where you have your meters or gas meter.

Moreover, if a specific fixture is overflowing, such as a toilet or washing machine, you can find the water shut off for the particular fixture. It will usually be located directly behind the fixture. However, some leaks are not associated with a specific individual shut-off.

Lastly, to avoid standing water plumbing emergencies, the main water shut-off for the whole building will need to be shut off. If you don't know how to do this, find out how to do it now. Then advise all employees of the shut-off valve location and instructions for shutting it off.

Breaker Box

Hopefully, it will be easy for you to find your breaker box. The circuit breakers are usually labelled and correspond to power in specific building parts. If that is not the case in your situation, you and some employees need to visit the breaker box and become familiar with it. For example, if there is standing water, shut the power off to that part of the building to eliminate the risk of electrical shocks. It can also be helpful during a plumbing emergency that involves a water heater.

Become Familiar With Your Water Heater

Is your business water heater electric or gas? If you have an electric heater, it is good if you have already checked the breaker box, as discussed earlier. If you have a gas heater, do you know the location of the gas shut-off valve? When your water heater ever overheats, this plumbing emergency will require you to immediately shut down the system to avoid more severe problems.

Moreover, turn the water valve off that feeds into your water heater. You should then be ready for commercial plumbing professional to come out to repair your water heater so you can return to business as usual.

If the valve is jammed, you need to shut it off at the source. If you cannot figure out how to do this, now is the time to call a plumber if one doesn't come within the next few minutes.

Summary - Commercial Plumbing Emergency Tips

No matter what type of commercial or residential plumbing emergency you have, our experienced professionals are ready to save the day. Our company offers same-day appointments 24 hours per day, and we guarantee all of our work. Call us after you complete the steps discussed above to help with your plumbing emergency. We will arrive as soon as possible.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/commercial-plumbing-emergency-tips/

Five Steps You Should Take Before Professional Drain Cleaning

How to Clean Your Drain

Your pipes, tanks, and fittings can all benefit significantly from professional drain cleaning. Even if you haven't noticed a clog, there's a good chance that hair, food waste, and other substances are stuck in your drain. Cleaning services can clear all this away, allowing your plumbing system to work efficiently.

With that said, you'll get better results from drain cleaning if you prepare your unit ahead of time. With these simple steps and the help of our experienced plumbers, you'll be able to keep your plumbing in excellent condition.

Related: Most efficient water heater

Clear Away Clutter

Take the time to do a little cleaning so that there's nothing that will get in the plumber's way as they walk from your door to your drain. You should also put away items that are around the drain. That way, your plumber will have ample space for the cleaning equipment they're using.

To get the best drain cleaning available, you have to clear away as much of the debris from your drains and pipes as possible. Even if your plumber uses a power drill and snaking system, they won't be able to find and dig out blockages that are hidden in standing water or coated with hair and soap scum.

To prepare your plumbing, you'll want to start with a careful cleanup of the area around your shower, tub, and sink drains. It would be best if you do this at least one day before professional drain cleaning.

First, remove any loose debris from inside the bathtub or basin. Next, wipe away grease and oil stains from racks or shelves near the basin. Finally, scrub down and rinse away any areas of standing water on the floor or shelves and cabinets near your drain.

This removal of materials can allow a cleaner to spot problems more easily during professional drain cleaning. Not only that, but it will likely lead to faster repairs as plumbers won't have to comb through dirty water.

Make Sure Nothing is Blocking Your Access Point

While you might think that drain cleaning is simply about pulling out the hair, soap scum, and debris inside of your mainline, it's more complicated than that. Some items can get stuck in places where they don't cause an immediate clog, like on the side of a branch line or around fasteners. See benefits of drain cleaning.

In addition to clearing away any clutter that might be on your floors, you'll want to move any items near the access point where the plumber will be working. Whether you need to move the cleaning supplies from beneath your kitchen sink or store towels and toiletries in the bathroom elsewhere, you should ensure that there's nothing in the way ahead of time.

It will not only make the process of drain cleaning more convenient, but it will also allow your plumber to address clogs and other issues as soon as they appear. It's easier for them to deal with a problem at its source rather than trying to dig out blockages from inside an enclosed pipe, which can lead to multiple issues down the line.

Clean Sewage

Has sewage been coming out of your drains? You don't need to wait until you call a plumber to deal with the problem. Use soap, hot water, and rags to remove as much of this liquid as possible.

While it's fine to use your toilet for any sewage overflow, make sure you clean up any residual liquid on the floor beneath it before calling in professionals. You don't need to spend time scrubbing the floors if your plumber will do it for you. Your plumber will have a powerful drain cleaning solution at their disposal, so don't worry about trying to get rid of any excess moisture by mopping up. These products help break down organic materials that might be stuck in your pipes.

No matter what, make sure you turn off any water in your home and prevent it from travelling through any sewage lines or drains before calling a plumber to deal with the issue. You also need to make sure that your plumber knows about everything going on at the source before they begin cleaning out your main line.

You may also consider having professionals get rid of that sewage before plumbers arrive. Find a company that provides waste removal services so that you can give the plumber a clean access point.

Don't Use Chemical Cleaners.

Don't try to deal with a clog on your own by using a commercial drain cleaner. Many drain cleaners consist of harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your pipes. If you need a solution before the plumber arrives, you can drive using a homemade drain cleaner instead.

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down your drains, and pour down 1 cup of white vinegar. Put the drain stopper in place and leave it there for 15 minutes. After that, remove the plug and run hot water through your drain. The hot water may be sufficient, but it can help you hold out until the plumber adequately cleans your drain.

Set Aside Money for Extra Services

Issues with your drain can be an indicator of a severe problem. When the plumber cleans your drain, they may notice that your pipes or damaged or that there's a difficulty with your sewer line. Thankfully, you can depend on our plumbers to provide all the services you need.

We offer pipe and sewer repair and replacement services and can even show you how to extend the life of your water heater. The longer you wait to address your drain concerns, the worse the issue is likely to be. Don't wait to call professionals that can inspect your pipes and take care of the issue.

Steps You Should Take Before Professional Drain Cleaning - Conclusion

You don't want to wait until you call in professionals before taking care of the problem. For example, if your sewage is coming out of your drains, take care of it right away. Also, keep in mind that you can use homemade drain cleaner or baking soda and vinegar to unclog your pipes before calling in professionals.

Don't use chemical drain cleaners, and set aside some money for extra services. For example, you could have a pipe or sewer problem that you need to address. With the steps laid out in this article, you should feel confident that your drains will be clean before professionals arrive.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/five-steps-you-should-take-before-professional-drain-cleaning/

What Does a Commercial Plumber Do?

If you have ever looked at potentially hiring a plumber, you're likely familiar with the difference between a residential and a commercial plumber.

Most people would consider a residential plumber as one that works on homes. In contrast, a commercial client would work on commercial properties. You may be wondering whether or not the differences are significant. When it comes to getting proper work done, you want to ensure that you hire a plumber with the right type of plumbing experience.

Below, you will find some of the specialties of a commercial plumber. Consider these to figure out if you should hire one for your plumbing work.

1. Building Maintenance

You will find that the plumbing needs of an entire building can be extensive. After all, the building is significant, and it has a lot of different water lines and drains. These things can overcomplicate matters and make it increasingly challenging to work on the plumbing.

Because of this, you need to get routine maintenance checks with a professional plumber experienced in commercial plumbing. An experienced commercial plumber will ensure that your building is well maintained and that the plumbing adheres to all of the building standards set forth by the local government.

A commercial plumber is typically responsible for checking up on water leaks, drain line issues, and more.

These things are essential because they help to ensure that your property isn't going to suffer from a plumbing emergency that can only make things worse. You'll find that a lack of maintenance can lead to issues with the plumbing that can negatively impact the entire building and result in costly repairs.

2. Fix Drain Problems

Have you ever thought about the many people that use the same restrooms in your building daily? The truth may surprise you.

As a result, it takes a lot of work to keep your plumbing working smoothly. Unfortunately, your drains are bound to clog at some point. As the commercial property owner, it will ultimately be up to you to keep your plumbing drains as straightforward as possible. It would help if you had an experienced and reliable commercial plumber. Hiring someone with experience and the tools required to perform the job can be crucial to keeping your commercial property running well.

It's one of the best things you can do to avoid any severe damage to your building. You want to also familiarize yourself with some of the tell-tale signs of having a stuffed drain. For instance, foul-smelling odours permeate from the drains and even leak.

Once you begin to notice a bubbling sound occurring in your drain, it's time to call on a professional for assistance.

3. Service For More Than One Floor

If you require service for more than two floors, it's time to call a commercial plumber. The number of floors is usually the most significant difference between a residential and commercial job.

In general, a plumber that handles residential work will service two floors at max. At the same time, a commercial plumber will have the experience of working with many more floors.

Many people may not realize this, but plumbers have to consider gravity and its role when it comes to plumbing in a commercial building. After all, if a building has more floors, water needs to go against gravity. Thus, it requires more water pressure to travel up the pipes.

A commercial plumber needs to be educated, skilled, and experienced in water pressure to calculate water pressure. The total estimated water pressure is considered for everything from toilets to showers and even sinks.

4. Identify Different Water Line Problems

Often, a plumber doesn't need to have much experience to identify water lines on a residential property. It can be reasonably straightforward for the average plumber to do so. In contrast, commercial properties typically don't have any audible signs. Commercial properties usually go above and beyond to hide any traces of water lines.

As a result, issues with water lines are difficult to spot and detect. By the time you notice a problem with your water line, it's likely to have done a lot of damage to the property.

One of the best ways to stop this is by supplying preventative maintenance to the property. A commercial plumber will be well-positioned to figure out a leak before it becomes a significant issue.

5. Hefty Workload Requirements

A commercial building requires a lot of attention to keep it running smoothly. Because of this, you want to hire someone that has the skills and experience to handle the unique needs of a commercial plumbing job. There is much more complexity involving the repairs and maintenance requirements of a commercial building.

One floor could have a lot of issues with draining, and some of the floors below may be dealing with the consequences of a water leak. A commercial plumber will encounter many more problems that only occur in commercial buildings. Many of the more common repairs for a commercial building include running toilets, leaks, pipe bursts, and sewer smells.

6. Experience With Water Heaters

As mentioned previously, having issues with the water temperature on a property can be an issue for commercial properties.

Any commercial plumber will need to have experience working with water heaters. They should be able to figure out if the heater is malfunctioning.

You'll find that various commercial properties will have different requirements for water heaters. For instance, an office building will likely only need one for its sinks. Whereas a hotel would require one that allows for heating for everything, including pools, showers, and sinks.

Hire a Professional Commercial Plumber Right Now!

As you can see, some issues require an experienced commercial plumber. If you are looking for maintenance or repairs from someone who can handle the unique problems commercial property owners face, you can count on us to deliver.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/what-does-a-commercial-plumber-do/

How to Extend the Useful Life of Your Water Heater

How to Extend The Lifespan of Your Water Heater?

Does your water heater seem to be on its way out? Maybe the hot water isn't as warm as it used to be, or perhaps you're not getting enough of it.

Most water heater problems arise from three main issues: corrosion, sediment buildup, and mineral deposits. Corrosion takes place inside the tank when iron or steel rusts through due to electrolysis - two dissimilar metals in contact with each other. Sediment is simply the dirt from the environment in your water when it goes through the tank.

Mineral deposits build up on the insides of a water heater after years of natural minerals dissolving out of hard water, caused by calcium and magnesium.

If you notice any of these signs, there are some steps you can take to prolong the life of your tank for another couple of years.

How long does a water heater typically last?

Standard water heaters have an average lifespan of eight to twelve years. Most of today's tanks are steel lined with porcelain or glass and can deteriorate and oxidize over time. Most tanks will leak eventually. It is a slow leak in some cases, and in others, it is a more significant leak. That is why you should locate the dedicated water shutoff valve before an emergency occurs.

It isn't too typical, but some water heaters will have a useful life of fifteen or even twenty years. It is imperative to remember that even when a water heater is still working, over time, the efficiency of most water heaters will decrease as sediment continues to accumulate inside its tank.

Compared to traditional tanks, tankless water heaters can last two or three times longer, assuming the tankless unit is adequately cared for by the homeowner.

Steps to Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

The following are a few things you can do to extend the life of your water heater:

Lower the temperature.

Reduce the temperature of your water heater. It will reduce the rate at which minerals build up inside and decrease corrosion as less hot water goes through the tank. Keep in mind that if you lower your hot water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you won't burn yourself quickly if hot water is suddenly released.

Remove the sediment from time to time.

You will have to do some research on your own as there are some sediment filters you can attach right on the output side of a water heater, and there are others that need to be installed by a professional plumber. In any case, it would be best to install a sediment filter if you are an average homeowner. You may remove the sediment by draining your water heater through the drain valve.

Install corrosion inhibitors.

The easiest way to avoid corrosion is to install a corrosion inhibitor on your water heater, which will prevent electrolysis from occurring in your tank's metal parts. Drain the unit every three months or so to remove any buildups of sediment or minerals.

Add a second anode rod.

You can significantly increase your water heater's life by installing a second anode rod. An anode is a sacrificial rod made out of aluminum or magnesium. Over time, it undergoes galvanic corrosion and sacrifices itself to prevent the tank from deteriorating.

Install an expansion tank.

You can potentially double your water heater's life if you have a closed system and install an expansion tank. When water heats from 50 degrees to 120 degrees, the tank expands by around 2%. (a 50-gallon tank produces one gallon of extra volume). If you have a closed system (meaning a valve prevents water from flowing into your water main), the water will have no place to go.

Since water is not a significantly compressible material, this will result in rapid decreases and increases in water pressure. These contractions and expansions will cause stress on your plumbing system and water heater, which may cause damage as well as premature failure.

Clean or flush out the water heater tank.

Flushing out an older tank once a year can help prevent sediment buildup and maintain a higher efficiency level for a more extended period. Many newer water heater models are self-cleaning. You need to connect a garden hose to the water heater and drain the water outdoors.

Install a pressure regulating valve (PRV).

If your water pressure is very high, over 90 PSI, it can damage appliances and cause premature failure of your water heater. Install a pressure regulating valve to reduce the system's pressure and reduce the wear and tear on appliances. Installing an expansion tank is also a good idea if you install a PRV.

Install water softeners.

The water in Alberta has high mineral content (often called hard water). Hard water causes scaling -- mineral precipitation that deposits onto appliance surfaces. Hard water can significantly reduce a water heater's lifespan. Installing a water softener can often help reduce the amount of wear and tear on your plumbing system caused by hard water.

Conclusion

Water heaters have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years. If you follow the principles outlined in this article, your water heater will likely last 3-5 more years before you need to replace it.

Having your water heater replaced is expensive, so it's best to do the little things that can prolong its life. One of these little things could save you hundreds of dollars in water heating bills and countless hours of hot water.

If you have further questions about how to extend the life of your water heater or need professional assistance, contact Furnace Repair Calgary for expert advice and helpful tips.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-extend-the-life-of-your-water-heater/

7 Major Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning

Why You Should Get Drain Cleaning Service

You've noticed some signs of possible clogging in your kitchen or bathroom sink but placed the thought on the back burner. As time passes, you see that you need to plunge your toilet more often. Water drains a tad slower down the sink. While this might seem a minor inconvenience, it could soon develop into a major plumbing emergency. Knowing the benefits of professional drain cleaning will help you significantly.

Professional drain cleaning comes in handy to keep your plumbing system open and draining. Aside from saving a lot of money in the long run and your family clog-free, there are numerous other benefits to hiring a professional plumbing cleaner. Herein are the top seven reasons you should hire a professional drain cleaner.

#1. Professional Drain Cleaning Eliminates Persistent Nasty Odours

We all know what goes down the toilet. But do you ever think about what goes down your sink? Soap scum, hair, and other organic matter that drains down your bathtub. Your sink drains dirt, grime, and other materials.

A minor clog will cause these items to get stuck in the pipes. Once in place, bacteria start to consume the organic matter. The degradation of the organic matter creates a pungent-smelling odour that emanates from the drains. The off-putting smell will make it difficult to shower in peace.

Cleaning your drains eliminates such organic matter from your gutters, eliminating or at the very least decreasing the odour. With your drains cleaned, you can take your showers in a bathroom that doesn't like a fetid swamp.

#2. Eliminate The Chances of A Major Clog

Picture this; you flush your toilet, but all the toilet's content overflows and spreads over your bathroom floor. Suddenly, last night's taco Tuesday does not look like a good idea.

The worst thing to do is let a slow drain turn into a clog. With the drainage system clogged, you cannot do dishes, take a shower, wash your hands, or use the toilet. You might try your luck with plunging the toilet, but if the toilet is stubborn, it will not budge.

Over-the-counter drain cleaners are not a good idea either. They use harsh chemicals that are hazardous to you and aren't great for the environment.

Regularly cleaning your drains will negate clogging, and you never have to worry about sewage backup.

#3. Protects Walls And Floors From Damage

An overflowing toilet or sink causes flooding, which affects the walls and floors. Floors are not durable enough to take stagnant water, leading to water damage. Water can seep under your wood floor or tiles, causing structural damage to the floor. Moreover, when water seeps into the walls, it erodes the wallpapers. Mould growth becomes another issue of concern.

Replacing the floor and walls is an expensive affair. Unfortunately, if the clogging persists, the damage to your walls and floors will happen repeatedly.

Hiring a professional drain cleaner eliminates your worry about clogged plumbing systems. Importantly, it removes the risk of floor and wall damage. Keep in mind that clogs can last for years if not exposed to water.

#4. Improve Your Family's Health 

As alluded to above, the plumbing system is teeming with bacteria that cause a foul odour. Clogged or slow-draining plumbing systems are the perfect habitat for mould and bacteria to grow and thrive. Without consistently flowing water to flush it out, the bacteria will only thrive.

Bacteria and mould can negatively impact your family's health. Exposure to these organisms is known to cause infections, illnesses, and other health issues. Some moulds are deadly to humans and pets. Others cause allergies and breathing issues.

A plumbing system free of clogs refrains fungi and bacteria from growing. As such, with a free-flowing drain, you do not have to worry about exposure to bacteria and moulds.

#5. It Saves You Money over Time

Many homeowners refrain from getting a professional drain clean owing to the associated cost. After all, a plumber will not work for free. However, people do not realize that the cost of having your drains cleaned professionally pales compared to the expenses caused by a clogged drain (possible water damage and foul smells).

While a clog near your skink can be considered an inconvenience or pain, a clog further down the drain can be a disaster. In some cases, you might need earthmoving equipment to unclog the plumbing system.

Additionally, clogs can cause leaks, necessitating the replacement of the underground pipe. As you can appreciate, the overall cost occasioned by clogged drains can be considerably higher than getting professional drain cleaning.

#6. Keeps Your Pipes Clean And Healthy

The buildup of grease, grime, chemicals, and other materials in the pipes can cause corrosion and leaks. A small leak is usually an annoyance. A large leak necessitating large-scale repairs is a nightmare.

The good thing is that it takes a considerable amount of time for the chemicals to break down the pipes. Regular drain cleaning eliminates the chemical buildup, reducing the risk of your drain pipes corroding.

Professionally clean pipes can last decades without showing signs of corrosion. On the other hand, poorly maintained lines will require replacement much sooner than expected, resulting in costly repairs involving tearing into floors and walls.

#7. Speeds Up Drainage

Slow drainage is a tell-tale sign that there is an impending clog. In itself, it's a nuisance as it usually means shorter showers. Drains cannot keep up with the water flowing into the shower. In addition, you must plunge the toilet several times during the day.

Professional drain cleaning eliminates these hassles. The wastewater drains much quicker, and you don't have to worry about overflow in your toilets or sinks. No one wants to cut their shower short due to drainage issues. Take a shower on your timeline without having to deal with a slow drain.

Hiring A Professional Drainer Cleaner Makes Sense

Do not risk damaging your home and incurring the high cost of replacing stubborn clogged drains. It might seem a minor issue, but left to exacerbate and become a severe clog, it will turn into a plumbing nightmare.

Professional drain cleaning helps keep your home and family clog-free. Importantly, it saves you money in the long run. You can read more about drain cleaning on our site. Contact us for more information about plumbing and drain cleaning.

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https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/benefits-of-professional-drain-cleaning/

Most Energy Efficient Water Heater

What Are Water Heaters?

While it is not something most of us will think about every day, it is crucial and something most of us can't live without. We are talking about access to hot water directly from the taps. So, what is the most energy efficient water heater you should get?

If you have a water heater that is more than ten years old, there is a good chance that you need replacements. To make the best selection for your needs, you will need to consider the size of the water heater and the type of fuel it uses. In this article, we will discuss the efficiency of water heaters and what this means to a consumer like you.

The first thing we will have to do is cover some of the basics of water heaters, which will allow you to make the best decision for your needs.

Related: The hidden costs of hard water in Calgary

Water Heaters: What is the Efficiency Rating? 

When you examine possible water heaters options for your home, you will see a sticker or label on the side that says "Energy Guide." This sticker will give you the average annual costs for operating this unit compared to other options on the market.

If you are shopping for a new water heater online, you may find several options and make comparisons easily. Your research will give you a clearer idea of what type of water heater you will need for your home. If you find a water heater at the lower side of the scale, you may want to consider choosing a more energy-efficient option. Although it will be more expensive up front, it will get back your investment over time with lower energy bills.

Most Energy Efficient Water Heater: Old vs. New

A traditional water heater manufactured over 15 years ago will not use the same energy-efficient technology found in newer versions. A tank-style water heater will have a service life of between 10 and 15 years. You can expect that the unit's efficiency will drop over this time. As the water heater's efficiency lowers, your heating costs will rise. It would just be cheaper to buy a new water heater at some point.

One of the things that can significantly deteriorate the efficacy of your water heater is the presence of sediment building up in your water heater. Hard water is highly mineralized water. It can contain large quantities of calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals. This sediment tends to collect at the bottom of your tank and can eventually reduce the efficiency of your water heater over time. In the same way, the deposit in your water heater can become lodged in your water heater's mechanics, which will reduce functionality as well.

You may also be facing efficiency problems because the tank water heater is not providing enough water for the entire family. For example, a 40-gallon tank is not ideal for a family of six people, and the inefficiency reflects in the energy bill. If your tank is not big enough to support the needs of the people it serves, it is cost-effective to change it out for a new option.

Environmental Impact of Water Heaters 

The modern consumer is constantly concerned about the environment and consumer spending on the ecosystem. There are two important considerations here — greenhouse emissions and industrial waste.

The first thing to consider is that the traditional type of water heater will not last as long as a modern option. Most system will end up in the landfill within about a decade or maybe two. You can avoid increasing the waste that ends up in the landfill by opting for a modern variety that will last longer and be more efficient.

But then there are the CO2 emissions to consider. As you may imagine, the solar-powered type of water heater will produce the least amount of greenhouse gasses. But, these types of water heaters will often need an electrical backup. It is necessary for those cold and rainy days when you need a hot shower. However, there's not enough solar energy to heat the water well.

For the average homeowner, the best support for a solar water heater is the tankless water heater (gas or electric) that can provide heated water at the point of access.

Gas Water Heater vs. Electric Water Heater 

When choosing between these different types of water heaters, the first consideration is the source of fuel you will need. Most water heaters operating in residential locations use natural gas, propane gas or electricity, provided in cost, not efficiency.

Natural gas is the cheapest option, followed by propane and finally electricity. The design of a gas heater in conjunction with the laws of thermodynamics makes the average gas water heater a much cheaper option than the electric option.

Here is what you should consider:

• The average electric water heater consumes about $500 a year heating water for an average-sized home
• A gas water heater spends about $250 a year heating water for the same
• home.

So, if there is a critical takeaway from all of this, a gas water heater will be much more efficient than an electric option. If you already have a gas water heater system, you should probably stick to that. But there are some other options that you can consider, and we will get into that a little further in the reading.

Three Main Types of Water Heaters 

For simplification, there are three categories of water heaters that you should consider.

Standard Gas Tank

Most modern water heaters have an Efficiency Factor of .58 to .60. This tank uses roughly 58% to 60% of the energy to heat the water. Some manufacturers will reach an EF of about .62, which can save you about $8 in a year.

Energy Star Gas Tank

Energy star water heaters have an EF of .67, and you can find other manufacturers that offer as high as .70EF. As you may imagine, these energy-star-rated water heaters consist of special insulation, pilot lights, electrical igniters and damper control. The higher efficiency ratings will work to reduce your energy expenses and result in savings of between $25 and $30 each year.

Tankless

It is also called "on-demand" water heaters, these options have perfected the art of gas heating. While these have been on the markets in Asia and Europe for many years, they are relatively new in the United States. These impressive water heaters have unique advantages, including space-saving, energy efficiency, and longer life spans — the tankless water heater will last almost twice as long as a regular tank water heater.

Assuming your hot water consumption will continue as it is now, you have three options to consider:

Non-condensing tankless

The first generation uses a heat exchanger to heat water on demand. Most of these will achieve an EF of 82 – 85 or an average annual saving of between $75 and $80. Some downsides include a hot exhaust and lower efficiency in shorter water usage, like washing hands.

Condensing tankless

The second-generation water heater uses a second heat exchanger to take heat from the exhaust and heat the water. The additional heat exchanger results in a higher EF of 92 – 94, eventually resulting in annual savings of between $90 and $100. The benefit is that the exhaust is much cooler than with first-generation options. The biggest downside is a higher initial cost and lower efficiency.

Condensing hybrid tankless

The third-generation water heater is commonly dubbed tankless, but it contains a small 2-gallon water tank. This tank makes short draws more efficient by maintaining a small amount of heated water ready at all times. These impressive models can reach an EF of 92% to 96%, resulting in energy savings as high as $120 — the best option in the business.

The biggest problem you will face with a new tankless water heater is retrofitting, but this procedure's costs can be recouped within ten years while enjoying the reduced energy costs. The amount of space we save with a tankless water heater is another excellent benefit.

Energy Efficient Water Heater - Conclusion 

Understanding how energy efficiency works with water heaters is an essential first step in getting the best option for your home. It also tells you how much fuel your water heater will need to operate effectively.

Heating water with power from the mains involves a three-step process.

1. Generating electricity using fuel, typically coal or oil.
2. Sending that electricity by power lines to our homes.
3. Using electricity allows an element to heat our water—however, energy wastes at each process.

Using natural gas is a more straightforward process. The gas company delivers the fuel to your home so that the water heater can heat the water. From an environmental standpoint, cleaner-burning natural gas is not only better for the planet, but we also waste less energy in the delivery process.

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