Hot Water Heater- F.A.Q.
All houses need them and they are essential in winter. They come in a variety of models but their function is the same. This article covers some of the most common questions asked in regards to water heaters.
What types of water heater are there?
When do I need to change my water heater?
What is flow rate?
This is the volume of fluid that your water heater is able to pass at any given time (gallons per minute). If you have multiple household appliances working off one heater system, the flow rate of those appliances are affected by your water heater capacity. A solution is to buy multiple heating units or buy a new system that can provide a greater rate of flow.
Which is more important flow rate or energy efficiency?
You should consider both, energy efficiency is important and so is the ability to use a faucet and the washing machine at the same time. High energy use can increase household bills dramatically. Try adding up the flow rate of all your wet appliances combined to see what capacity will suit your needs. Also, keep in mind that modern designs are geared towards efficiency.
Should I insulate my water heater?
With conventional storage heaters you can insulate the body. Also, any external pipes should be insulated, this also applies to other types of water heaters.
You can purchase a bagging kit for storage heaters, or you can insulate the body yourself. Remember do not insulate the vent, leave a good 6” of clearance specifically if you have a gas powered unit and never cover the thermostat.
Do I need to run annual maintenance on my water heater?
A common problem that can affect the performance of your water heater is the buildup of calcium deposits. It is important to flush your heater in order to remove this build up. This can is done by draining the system and can also be achieved through the use of a vinegar-based cleaning solution. Annual maintenance procedures can be undertaken by either yourself or a professional service person. Additional procedures may also be required.
What is an Anode rod?
An anode rod is a component of a water heater that is designed to slow chemical corrosion that can affect the body of your water heater. The anode rods are made of aluminum, zinc or magnesium or a combination of the above. They work by attracting the corrosive elements found in water. As a result, they will degrade in place of your water heater. It is recommended that you change them when necessary.
What types of water heater are there?
- Conventional storage tanks.
- Tank less instant heaters.
- Electric heat pump units.
- Solar water heaters.
- Gas powered hot water heaters
When do I need to change my water heater?
- When they are 10 years old or more.
- You are suffering from limited hot water or no hot water.
- If they are generating too much noise.
- Leaking water.
- Operating slowly.
- If they have high levels of calcium deposits.
What is flow rate?
This is the volume of fluid that your water heater is able to pass at any given time (gallons per minute). If you have multiple household appliances working off one heater system, the flow rate of those appliances are affected by your water heater capacity. A solution is to buy multiple heating units or buy a new system that can provide a greater rate of flow.
Which is more important flow rate or energy efficiency?
You should consider both, energy efficiency is important and so is the ability to use a faucet and the washing machine at the same time. High energy use can increase household bills dramatically. Try adding up the flow rate of all your wet appliances combined to see what capacity will suit your needs. Also, keep in mind that modern designs are geared towards efficiency.
Should I insulate my water heater?
With conventional storage heaters you can insulate the body. Also, any external pipes should be insulated, this also applies to other types of water heaters.
You can purchase a bagging kit for storage heaters, or you can insulate the body yourself. Remember do not insulate the vent, leave a good 6” of clearance specifically if you have a gas powered unit and never cover the thermostat.
Do I need to run annual maintenance on my water heater?
A common problem that can affect the performance of your water heater is the buildup of calcium deposits. It is important to flush your heater in order to remove this build up. This can is done by draining the system and can also be achieved through the use of a vinegar-based cleaning solution. Annual maintenance procedures can be undertaken by either yourself or a professional service person. Additional procedures may also be required.
What is an Anode rod?
An anode rod is a component of a water heater that is designed to slow chemical corrosion that can affect the body of your water heater. The anode rods are made of aluminum, zinc or magnesium or a combination of the above. They work by attracting the corrosive elements found in water. As a result, they will degrade in place of your water heater. It is recommended that you change them when necessary.
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