Sunday, August 25, 2013

Water Heater Replacement Guidelines

By Brian Winters


Your water heater is important in every household since it's responsible for generating hot water for taking showers, washing dishes and clothes. However, it is normal to neglect water heater maintenance since it is placed in a room where nobody usually enters in. When this happens, it'll only take a matter of time until it stops operating smoothly. Consider buying a replacement unit at this point to avoid costly repairs in the future. Ask help from a specialist if you need help in choosing a suitable water heater for your family.

It is best to buy a unit with the same heating source with your old tank. Doing this saves you more time and money as you're already used to operating that kind of water heater. If you want to change the heating source, do your research to be aware of the implications and costs of buying a new unit.

Inspect the new water heater thoroughly to avoid encountering issues in the long run. Always make sure the pipe fittings match the unit's opening. Making new connections are easy but these may affect the pipes that handle the correction. Attach a pipe or union connector to install the water source tube properly.

Do not forget to turn off the heating source of your water heater before carrying out any repairs. Wipe the water puddles, rust or dirt around the unit to avoid accidents. Wrap a Teflon tape around the threading to stop water from leaking. Take note that electric powered heaters and gas-fired units have different fittings used for their smooth operation.

To meet your hot-water demands, consider the size and heating efficiency of the new unit. It helps buying a larger tank if the members of your family use warm water often. If you live within an area where natural gas is cheaper than electricity, it's better to buy a gas-fired unit than an electric-powered heater.

It helps buying a heater with a higher Energy Factor rating to lower the cost of your energy bill. It is important to check this label to know how much energy the unit consumes and the costs it incurs. There are lots of energy-efficient water heaters in the market that have longer warranties and more durable than traditional heating systems.

Ask help from a specialist to install the water heater properly. Remember that water heaters can convert into dangerous appliances since they have the tendency to overheat or blow up. Doing this also avoids voiding the warranty and violating city codes at the same time. Attempting to install the unit on your own can put your life at risk, without you knowing it.

If you think it's expensive to buy a water heater rather than carrying out frequent repairs, think again. You'll be surprised how much energy you can save by buying a more efficient heating system. Costly repairs can be too much of an inconvenience, especially if you keep on having cold waters in the morning. Always inspect your water heater regularly to detect early signs of damage. Doing this protects the walls and floors of your house, preventing molds and mildew to develop. Ask assistance from a specialist to handle all your water heater concerns in no time.




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