Friday, January 12, 2018

Water Heater

https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/hot-water-heater-buyers-guide/

https://blog.constellation.com/2016/09/26/gas-vs-electric-water-heaters/

https://cleverdude.com/content/8-benefits-of-electric-water-heaters-over-gas-water-heaters/
  1. Safety: Your chances of an explosion from a gas leak are much greater than electrocution from faulty wiring to your tank. Plus, the damage to your home after an explosion far exceeds most damage that an electric tank could do.
  2. Ability to install a timer on an electric tank: When we moved into our home, one of the first items we installed was a timer unit that cuts off power to the entire tank at times we determined. It costs between $40-$55 and can be installed by the average handy homeowner (turn off the fuse/breaker before working with electricity though). We have our timer come on at 5am and turn off at 8am. My wife has enough hot water for her morning shower and evening routine, and we only use 3 hours of electricity max, versus 24. Also, since we’re on time-metered billing, we limit our power consumption to off-peak times.
  1. No pilot light: Along the lines of safety, electric water heaters do not use a pilot light, so you don’t need to worry about relighting the flame if it accidentally burns out. However, many new gas heaters use electric ignitions, not pilot lights, which leads us to…
With anything in life, proper installation and maintenance makes a huge difference. Sloppy with the wiring, and you could electrocute yourself on an electric. Sloppy with the gas supply or venting, and you could either blow yourself up, or kill yourself from the fumes. CO detectors are a good idea anywhere there are burners. There are gas detectors, too, available. I've grown up with gas appliances, and don't know of anyone that has been hurt by one. Not to say that it can't happen. The current requirements for gas WH burners make it almost impossible to ignite vapors, or substances near them.

There are several water heater options available, depending on your hot water needs. Electric water heaters are more expensive than natural gas water heaters, but they often are superior in design, installation, maintenance, and service life compared to gas water heaters. Gas water heaters, however, are reliable and may recuperate as much as 40% faster than electric water heaters. Because gas water heaters have higher efficiency ratings, it may be possible to meet your hot water needs with a gas unit that has a smaller storage tank than with an electric water heater of the same rating. Tankless water heaters are another option, and they are gaining popularity because of their longer lifespan and on-demand hot water capabilities. Finally, solar water heaters are able to provide nearly 80% of a home’s hot water needs using energy provided by the sun.
https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/hot-water-heater-buyers-guide/
Brass valves: Tanks have a valve at the base that allow for easy draining during routine maintenance (which you should do at least once per year). A durable brass valve will last longer than plastic.
Glass-lined tank: It’s a heavy-duty porcelain glass layer inside the water tank that combats the corroding effects of water storage.
Digital displays: They add function by allowing users to easily monitor water heating and set custom settings. The data you collect can help modify hot water usage behavior to trim energy costs.
Long warranties: Warranties span three to 12 years. Tank water heaters with longer warranties tend to be better quality. They also have a bigger heating element that combats mineral scale buildup at the bottom of the tank. Buildup can shorten a tank’s lifespan.
tankless 

https://www.consumersearch.com/water-heaters

http://www.bryantelectricservice.com/electrical-hazards-the-hot-water-heater/
Because most water heaters reside in closets, basements and garages, and are for the most part hidden from our daily lives, many aren’t as aware as they should be of the maintenance and precautions which are necessary for safety. Many homeowners don’t know, for instance, that they should drain and flush a hot water heater every six months, to prevent sediment buildup. Others are unaware that hydrogen gas can build up inside electrically heated hot water systems when they remain inactive for two weeks or more. Hydrogen buildup requires carefully performed procedures to safely remove this flammable gas from hot water pipes. Many don’t know how and why water softening systems shorten the lives of water heaters, or that every electric hot water heater should be properly grounded with the correct gauge of copper wire.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Plumbing-Water-Heaters/N-5yc1vZbqly


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