When you buy a water heater, you are making an investment in your family’s home that can last for years. Standard water heaters last for 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last for even longer.
While a well-maintained water heater can last for years, many people forget that their water heater exists until there’s a problem. Through routine water heater maintenance, you can get regular maintenance services and repairs. Ideally, you should have your water heater serviced at least once a year.
Even with the best care, you may eventually need a replacement. With the best water heater services in Portland, you can quickly find a new water heater and get it installed in your home.
Through our highly recommended plumbing services for water heater issues, Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help you take care of your home’s plumbing. Read on to learn more about taking care of your water heater.
Portland’s Water Heater Requirements
To understand the water heater replacement options in Portland, you first have to understand the unique energy makeup of the area. In Oregon, 41% of homes use natural gas as their main source of heat. While electricity costs more in Portland than it does in the rest of the state, Portland’s energy costs are still lower than the national average.
Thanks to the lower cost of energy, you can choose to use a traditional water heater or a tankless water heater. While the tankless water heater can reduce the amount you spend on energy, electricity costs are low enough that you can also use a traditional water heater without it becoming cost-prohibitive.
Because water heating makes up 20% of a home’s energy usage, it is important to find an energy-efficient option. Energy Trust of Oregon connects homeowners to energy-efficiency grants for water heaters. Through these grants, you can decrease the cost of your Portland water heater installation.
Water Heaters For Portland’s Climate
When considering the type of water heater replacement Portland homeowners can get, you should think about the area’s climate. While tankless water heaters are excellent for warm climates, Portland experiences cold, overcast winters. This means tankless water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and solar water heaters are less ideal for the climate.
Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump water heaters can potentially work well in a cold climate, but you need to choose the right one. For a heat pump water heater to work effectively, it must have a built-in heating element. Additionally, you may want to consider an indoor placement for the best efficacy.
Split Heat Pump Water Heater
For chilly climates, a split heat pump water heater works extremely well. These water heaters consist of an outdoor compressor and an indoor storage tank. This allows them to function well in a cold climate while still reducing your home’s energy consumption.
Tankless Water Heater
If you do use a tankless water heater, there are a few things you can do to make sure it works better during the winter. Outdoor installations are generally not recommended because the tankless water heater may freeze when the weather turns cold. However, some tankless water heaters are equipped with anti-freeze measures. As long as you use the right precautions and pick an appropriate water heater, you may be able to use an outdoor installation. To keep tankless water heaters protected from Portland’s winters, you should insulate any pipes that are connected to it
Gas Tankless Water Heater
In addition, natural gas and propane are often better choices for powering tankless water heaters in cold climates. This is because gas tankless water heaters tend to heat water faster and possess a higher flow rate.
Electric Tankless Water Heater
However, electric tankless water heaters can still perform well in chilly areas. This is particularly true if the heater uses a water temperature that is within the range specified in the unit’s user guide. You also need to choose the right machine size if you want to ensure the best level of performance.
How to Identify & Fix Common Water Heater Issues
With the water heater repair service, you can diagnose and fix common water heater issues. While a typical water heater lasts for about a decade, you may need to perform routine maintenance tasks and repairs every few years. Our experienced plumbers at Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help you do routine maintenance tasks, such as flushing your traditional or tankless water heater.
Through hot water heater repairs, you can make your water heater last for as long as possible. In general, we recommend getting your water heater serviced each year. During this maintenance appointment, a professional plumber will inspect your water heater for potential problems and repair them.
There are many common indications that your water heater needs to be repaired or replaced. If you don’t repair it timely, these issues can become significantly worse. Eventually, you may have to replace your water heater completely. Our services are designed to help you save money by making sure your water heater is repaired and ready to last as long as possible.
Common Water Heater Problems in Portland
To keep your water heater in working order, it’s important to diagnose and repair common water problems quickly. While there are variations between different units, there are a few common issues that you are likely to encounter. Once you spot one of these issues, you should reach out to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for the hot water heater repair Portland residents need.
Limescale Is Building Up
If your home or business uses hard water, your pipes and appliances will eventually develop limescale buildup. Basically, hard water contains minerals that coat the inside of your plumbing equipment. Eventually, these minerals build up to form a thick layer that slows down any water that runs through your pipes.
You’ll be able to tell that you have limescale buildup when your heating element fails or your pipes produce rust-colored water. Limescale can also cause crackling or banging sounds. The biggest risk is that limescale will damage your heating element, so it’s important to diagnose and fix this problem early.
Leaky Water Heater
A leaky water heater can quickly become a nightmare if you don’t notice the leak right away. Depending on the size of your house, your water heater may hold 20 to 60 gallons of water. If this water ends up on your floors, it can cause mold damage and warped floorboards.
There are many potential causes of a leaky water heater, so you need an expert to figure out the underlying cause. For example, the leak may be caused by:
- Sediment buildup
- A loose drain valve
- Pressure valve failure
- Loose inlet or outlet connections
- Old anode rods
- Missing thermal expansion tanks.
The Pilot Light Is Out
Fortunately, this issue is easy to fix. If the pilot light goes out on your water heater, you’ll quickly find out because the water will get cold. Once the pilot light is lit again, it only takes a little while for the water heater to warm up.
There Isn’t Enough Hot Water
This is a fairly common difficulty among large families. If your home has just two people in it, you might only need a 20-gallon or 30-gallon tank. As you add more people to your household, your tank size naturally needs to go up. To get more hot water for your showers, you may want to get a larger tank or switch to a tankless water heater.
If you haven’t changed your household size, a lack of hot water could be caused by a different problem. For example, your thermometer may be set too low. You can also check the pilot light, which should be burning blue if it’s working correctly. If it is broken, you should call a professional to repair your water heater.
The Water Smells Bad
Another sign you may need the water heater repaired is the smell of your water. If there is a foul odor coming from your pipes, it may mean that the water has been sitting in the water heater for too long. You can tell if the water heater is causing the scent by running the cold water to see if it smells the same as your hot water.
When water is stagnant in a hot water heater for too long, it can sometimes allow bacteria to grow. If the foul odor smells like sulfur, it may be caused by your anode rod. The anode rod can react with water and make a bad scent, but you can easily fix this issue by switching the type of material your anode rod is made of.
Fortunately, these foul odors are fairly easy to fix by getting your water heater flushed. A heater should be flushed once per year to prevent sediment, bacteria, and minerals from developing. When you get your hot water heater flushed, it helps to get rid of any bacteria that have been growing in your tank. As a result, it can eliminate any foul odors. Tankless water heaters also benefit from getting flushed because it helps with descaling.
You See Red or Brown Water
If you see brown or red water, it may mean that your tank, anode rods, or pipes are corroded. Anode rods are fairly easy to repair and replace. If the cause is a corroded tank, you may need to hire water heater installation services. It’s important to replace corroded tanks because a badly corroded tank will eventually start leaking and lead to major damage.
The Water Heats Slowly
Over time, you may notice that water takes longer to heat after you have used up all of the hot water. If you have a gas unit, this may be due to a dirty burner, a clogged vent flue, or insufficient gas flow. Meanwhile, an electric unit may stop heating water quickly if it has a faulty heating element or thermostat.
No matter what the problem is, we can help. Through the top water heater repair in Portland, you can quickly fix and diagnose common issues.
Signs You Need to Repair or Replace Your Water Heater
Unless you are a licensed plumber, it can be difficult to know when you need to repair or replace your water heater. The best way to prevent major repair costs is by scheduling routine maintenance inspections for your unit. In addition, pay attention to how the unit sounds, looks, and smells. The following signs are indications that you need to reach out to the water heater service provider.
- There are weird noises.
- The unit is 15+ years old.
- There are rust stains.
- It keeps needing repairs.
- It only makes cold water.
- Your tank is leaking.
- The water pressure has dropped.
- Your shower temperature keeps changing.
There’s a Weird Noise
While this sign can indicate a few different problems, weird noises are often an indication of sediment buildup. When this occurs, you can hear a hissing, sizzling, or crackling noise. This problem can be prevented by performing annual maintenance activities, such as draining and flushing the tank.
The Unit Is at Least 15 Years Old
A normal unit lasts for 8 to 12 years, although certain types of units can last for up to 20 years. While your unit may still work past this point, it will quickly start to lose efficiency as it gets older. In addition, repair costs will gradually increase over time, so you should start thinking about getting a new water heater after you have had your current one for a decade.
There Are Rust Stains
Rust stains are frequently caused by rusty water heater tanks. When rust appears, it is a sign that the water tank or the pipe is corroded. You can figure out what the corrosion source is by testing the cold water and hot water. If only the hot water has rust, it means that the source is likely the water heater.
It Keeps Needing Repairs
As the water heater starts to fail, it will need more frequent repairs. If your water heater keeps breaking down, it may be time to replace it. Parts naturally wear down over time, so it may eventually be cheaper to simply replace the entire unit.
The Water Heater Only Produces Cold Water
You may need water heater service options if your hot water stops working. Unfortunately, a variety of problems can cause this issue. The heating element may have broken, or there may be something else wrong.
Your Tank Is Leaking
There should never be any water on the ground near your tank. If you notice a puddle forming, it is an indication that you have a faulty connection or valve. It may also be caused by a corroded pipe. Whatever the cause, the water can lead to mold and mildew if the water heater isn’t fixed right away.
The Water Pressure Has Dropped
If you used to have good water pressure, you should be worried if the water pressure suddenly declines. This is particularly true if the water pressure only drops when you use hot water. Over time, sediment can build up in your tanks and pipes, which can lead to poor pressure. While this symptom may be a sign that you need to get your water heater replaced, it may also be an indication that you need to schedule water heater service.
Your Shower Temperature Keeps Changing
Once you set your shower temperature, it should essentially remain at that temperature. If it changes from hot to cold, it could be an indication that you need to fix your thermostat or heating elements. While the thermostat is a relatively easy fix, repairing heating elements can be more complicated.
When to Call a Water Heater Professional
If your water temperature fluctuates or there isn’t any hot water, you need to reach out to a water heater installation company near you. Any signs of water heater failure, like puddling or rusty water, are indications that you need professional help.
Repairing and replacing a water heater can be incredibly complicated. Water heaters use an energy source to heat the water, which means there may be an electrocution risk. Because of this, you should always use a professional for your repair jobs.
In addition to calling a water heater service company for repairs and replacements, you should also reach out for routine maintenance tasks. Sediment buildup, bacteria, and other problems can be prevented by flushing the water heater on a regular basis. Ideally, you should have someone inspect your water heater and provide routine maintenance at least once a year.
You should always call a plumber if you’re dealing with the following circumstances.
- Your water pressure drops.
- There’s rusty water leaving your tank.
- You aren’t getting any hot water from the tank.
- Your water has a metallic taste.
- It’s been more than a year since you’ve had your water heater serviced.
- The water heater is leaking.
How to Keep Your Water Heater in Tip-Top Shape
While the best water heater replacement services in Portland offer quick and reasonably priced options, it’s always more affordable to take care of your existing unit so that you don’t have to replace it. Through the right water heater service in your area, you can repair common issues and make your water heater last as long as possible.
Regular Water Heater Flushing: Regularly flushing your traditional water heater or tankless water heater is one of the most important things you can do to keep it in good working order. Additionally, you can reach out to our plumbers at Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We have experience providing water heater maintenance and system installation. Our team can also help you save money on your power bill by performing a home energy audit.
Check Your Thermostat: To make sure your water heater is functioning efficiently, you should also check your thermostat regularly. If you live in a house with multiple people, it’s fairly easy for someone else to adjust the thermostat. This can lead to excessively hot water and a high power bill, so it’s important to check your thermostat periodically. In general, we recommend setting your thermostat to 120°F.
Replace Your Anode Rod: This is an important way to protect your tank. The anode rod’s job is to draw corrosion out of the system. As a result, it typically needs to be replaced every five years. However, you should inspect it every year to ensure it doesn’t need to be changed early because the anode rod is so important to the health and longevity of your tank.
Choose the Right Type of Insulation: The next time you have your system serviced, you can also talk about what type of insulation will work best. During a chilly Portland winter, your water heater can lose radiant heat to the cool air. By using the right type of insulation around the water heater, you can lower the amount of heat that gets lost.
DIY Water Heater Tasks You Can Do Yourself
If you are mechanically inclined, there are a few things you can do to make sure your water heater stays in tip-top shape.
However, it’s important to remember that there is always a risk associated with doing mechanical tasks on your own. Water heaters use electricity or natural gas to heat water, so there are potential dangers involved. If you’re not confident about your ability to handle these tasks on your own, you can reach out to Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for repair and installation help.
- Flush your tank.
- Add insulation.
- Test the temperature relief valve.
- Inspect your anode rod.
- Turn down the water temperature.
1. Flush Your Tank
You should flush your water heater regularly, like you flush your traditional water heater. Tankless water heaters need to be regularly flushed to descale the unit.
You should flush your tank at least once per year to get the sediment and minerals out. Ideally, the tank should be flushed in the spring and fall.
To flush your water heater’s tank, start by connecting a hose to the drain valve. This is located near the bottom of the tank. Then, put the other end of the hose outside your home or in a drain.
Turn off the water supply to the tank. Next, turn off the power to the water heater. For propane water heaters, the thermostat should be turned to “pilot.”
Now, you must open up the drain valve and let the tank drain completely. Once it is empty, you should turn on the water for just a few seconds so that the sediment moves around. Then, let the dirty water drain from the tank.
If the water is running clear, you are done flushing your water heater. Now, you just need to close the drain valve and turn everything back on.
2. Add Insulation
While water heaters are installed with insulation, you can still add insulation to the outside of the tank after it is put in your home. This can help to minimize energy loss and increase the tank’s efficiency. For the best results, you should insulate the water heater as well as your pipes.
When you wrap the water heater blanket around the tank, you need to make sure the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve and drain valve are left exposed. If you need to, you can cut a hole in the insulation for these valves. Once the insulation has been installed, it will decrease the strain on your tank and increase the tank’s lifespan.
3. Test the TPR Valve
In general, you should test your TPR valve once or twice a year. This valve’s job is to release water from the tank if the pressure gets too high. Ideally, this valve should never be necessary. If there is an issue, the TPR valve can prevent damage to your tank and the inside of your home.
To test the TPR valve, you should first locate it on your water heater. Normally, it contains a toggle and a piece of pipe that runs to the ground.
Then, you should put your bucket underneath the TPR valve’s discharge pipe. Because the water will be scalding, you should wrap up your hand and avoid touching the water. Once you are prepared, pull on the toggle to open the valve.
Let the water flow into the bucket for several seconds before releasing it so that it closes. If there is a problem with it, you may notice water dripping after it is closed. It may also be faulty if you can’t open the valve. When there is an issue with the TPR valve, call Central Air’s plumbers to get it replaced.
4. Inspect Your Anode Rod
Calcium, magnesium, and other minerals cause corrosion in your tank, and the anode rod is used to prevent the tank from corroding. Because it attracts the minerals more easily than the rest of the heater, the anode rod has to be replaced every five years or so. If the anode rod needs to be replaced and isn’t, the corrosion can end up harming your water heater instead.
To see if your anode rod needs a replacement, you should start by locating it. Often, it is placed near the top of the tank, but you may need to unscrew some caps to see where it is. It may be located underneath some insulation as well.
After you have found the anode rod, there are a few simple steps you can take to see if it is corroded. To start with, you must shut off the tank’s fuel source and cold water supply. Then, put a bucket underneath the drain valve. Allow 5 to 10 gallons of water to drain out. You can pour this bucket of water down your sink.
Now, use a socket wrench to remove the anode rod from the tank. You will be able to visually see if the anode rod is corroded or not. If it is, you should buy a new one. As long as it still looks good, you can screw the anode rod back in.
Then, replace any cap covers and screws. Finally, you can turn on the cold water supply valve and the tank’s fuel source. You should inspect your anode rod every year to be sure it is in working order.
5. Turn Down the Water Temperature
If your water heater is operating at a high temperature, it has to run more frequently. This can lead it to break down sooner. By reducing the water temperature to a comfortable 120°F, you can minimize the wear and tear on your water heater.
To decrease the temperature, you need a flathead screwdriver. Locate the temperature dial. This is normally on the side of the tank. Then, unscrew the temperature dial’s cover.
Once you have opened the temperature dial, you can use the screwdriver to adjust the temperature. As a general rule, each 10°F decrease in temperature will lower your energy costs by up to 5%. Because of this, you may want to reduce your water heater thermostat to its lowest setting if you are going to go on vacation.
Seasonal Water Heater Maintenance Checklist
Whether you are looking for the best tankless water heater or a traditional water heater for a business, there are a few things you can do to help your water heater last longer. With a seasonal checklist, you can make sure your water heater stays in working order.
Spring
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Summer
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Fall
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Winter
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Depending on the season, you will need to perform some of the following maintenance activities.
- Annual Inspection: Each year, you should call one of our plumbers and schedule a routine maintenance check. During this inspection, we can troubleshoot problems, flush the water heater, and perform other maintenance activities.
- Anode Rod: You should inspect your anode rod at least once every three to five years.
- Insulation: Before winter sets in, you should insulate the pipes and water heater for better energy efficiency.
- Thermometer: If you live with multiple people, you should check to make sure the temperature is set properly every quarter. You should also look at the temperature if you’ve noticed that the water is hotter than normal.
- TPR Valve: The TPR valve’s job is to prevent pressure from getting too high in your tank, so it is important to check it at least once a year to make sure that it is working properly.
- Water Heater Flush: At the very least, you should flush your water heater once a year to remove sediment and minerals. Ideally, you should flush your heater once every six months.
- Visual Inspections: Visual inspections should be done every three quarters or as needed.
Through the most experienced hot water heater repair in Portland, you can get help inspecting and maintaining your water heater. Proper maintenance can help your water last for years longer, so these repairs and inspections can save you money in the long run.
Water Heater System Lifespan: How Long Should My Water Heater Unit Last?
Once you invest in a water heater installation in Portland, you can generally expect your water heater to function for around a decade. On average, water heaters last for 8 to 12 years. However, this figure represents the historic lifespan of water heaters. Because modern water heaters are better designed and more efficient, they may be able to last for even longer than this estimate.
The type of heater can impact how long it lasts. Assuming that you regularly inspect, drain, flush, and maintain your water heater, a gas water heater can last for 8 to 12 years. Meanwhile, an electric water heater can last for 10 to 15 years.
In comparison, a tankless water heater can last for up to 20 years. Typically, the reason why people have to replace their water heaters is because the tank fails. Because tankless water heaters don’t have tanks, you don’t have to worry about them failing.
While these are the general lifespans for water heaters, the lifespan range can vary significantly. The longevity of your water heater depends on the following factors.
Brand
Some water heater brands last longer than others. While a more expensive brand doesn’t always mean that it will last longer, the brand can often make a difference in longevity.
Maintenance
If you want your water heater to last for years, you have to take care of it properly. For example, the anode rod needs to be changed every five years or so. This rod is designed to reduce corrosion in your tank, so forgetting to replace it can cause your entire water heater to break down. To prevent problems, you should check the anode rod every year.
Temperature
A higher temperature will add wear and tear to your water heater. As a result, your water heater will fail sooner and need more repairs.
Flushing
As a part of your routine maintenance, you need to flush your tank once or twice a year. This removes minerals and sediments from your tank, so it can help extend the life of your water heater.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Instead of Trying DIY Fixes
With the professional water heater service near you, you can get an added level of expertise. Our plumbers have worked with many types of water heaters, so they know how to diagnose common problems and find quick solutions. In addition, they know how to safely perform water heater repair and maintenance tasks.
Other than their experience, you may need to use a professional plumber because of their knowledge. If you have never had to flush your tank before, it can be a daunting process. Our plumbers do these types of activities every day, so they are capable of helping you with all of your water repair needs.
Because plumbers do these activities all the time, they are less likely to forget routine maintenance tasks. They carefully work their way through an inspection checklist so your system gets a complete review and tune-up.
Finally, a professional plumber can also save you time. Instead of investing in a plumbing book or watching YouTube videos to maintain your tank, you can simply call a plumber and get an immediate inspection.
How to Choose the Right Water Heating System For Your Home
At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer the best water heater replacement services for Portland residents. Our team can help you figure out the right tank size and type for your home or business. Before you buy a new water heater, consider some of the following factors.
- Efficiency: Energy efficiency is one of the most important factors when it comes to picking your Portland water heater installation options. An energy-efficient heater uses less electricity, natural gas, or propane. Even if it costs a little more upfront, it can potentially save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over the next decade.
- Capacity: Your tank size should match the size of your household. If you only have a couple of people in your household, you may only need a 20-gallon or 30-gallon tank. When your household includes six or more people, you may need a tank that can hold 60 gallons or more.
- Tankless: Through the most efficient tankless water heaters, you can save a significant amount on your energy bill. A tankless water heater heats water as you use it, which means that it doesn’t waste electricity when it’s not in use. You can contact us today to find out which tankless water heater brands we recommend.
- Fuel Type: Fuel type is an incredibly important aspect of choosing a water heater. Often, people select a water heater that uses the same fuel type as their current water heater. While this can help you avoid the cost of transitioning to a new heat source, you should also consider each fuel source’s annual operating costs.
- Cost: Before you buy a new water heater, you should figure out what its annual cost will be. A more energy-efficient model may help you save money in the long run. You should compare the long-term costs and upfront price of each water heater to determine if it is the right choice for you or not.
Types of Water Heaters
When you schedule your water heater services with us, you can learn about many different types and brands of water heaters. While there are numerous brands and models, they are all classified within a handful of categories.
Conventional Water Heaters
A conventional water heater is normally what people think about when they are shopping for a water heater. This traditional option involves a storage tank that holds hot water. They are designed to have enough water in reserve for the household’s everyday use. However, you may still run out of water if you have guests over or use extra water each day.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
With a heat pump water heater, heat is transferred instead of created. For instance, solar water heaters are able to warm water through the sun. Because Portland drops below 40ºF, this generally isn’t a good option for homes and businesses in the city.
Tankless Water Heaters
By getting the best tankless water heater Portland companies offer, you can save a significant amount of money on your power bill. Tankless heaters don’t heat a large reservoir of water, so they don’t need a tank. Instead, they heat water when you need it. This means you don’t have to run out of hot water ever, and you don’t have to pay to keep a tank of water warm all the time.
Indirect Water Heaters
An indirect water heater is often connected to a boiler system to warm the water. While it generally requires less maintenance, this system isn’t good if you have hard water. If your hard water isn’t mitigated, it can cause your indirect water heater to break down earlier. As long as you maintain your system properly, hard water shouldn’t be an issue.
Which Water Heater Suits Your Needs Best?
In a typical home, the water heater consumes 18% of the household budget. Because of this, it is important to consider a range of factors when picking a new water heater.
A water heater is a large investment, so the best option is to keep your current system in working order. By reaching out to one of our plumbers, you can get help with your water heater service, repairs, and annual maintenance. We can also give you advice about how to take care of your water heater over the long run.
If your water heater is completely broken, there are a few options you can use to replace it. In general, you want to use whatever energy source your house is already set up for.
Once you have figured out the type of water heater and the fuel source, you should consider the price range you need. This will help narrow down the list of water heaters you can get. It’s important to remember that the water installation will also include labor costs, so you should budget appropriately.
Finally, you should look at the unit’s energy efficiency. The actual cost of your water heater depends on the upfront cost as well as operating costs over the next decade. It may be worthwhile to spend a little more to get a more energy-efficient unit.
How Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost?
The cost of water heater installation can vary significantly based on where you live and who you decide to hire. In the United States, the average price of a water heater installation is between $1600 to $5400.
In reality, this price is impacted by a number of factors. The brand and type of water heater can play a huge role in determining how much you will end up paying for an installation. This price can also vary based on which plumber you hire and if there are any complications. In general, tankless units tend to be at the higher end of this price range.
Ways You Can Reduce Your Electricity Bill
A large portion of your electricity bill is due to your water heater. By picking the best conventional or tankless water heater, you can minimize the amount of energy your home uses. If you want to decrease your electricity consumption even more, you can try using some of the following tips.
Change Your Thermostat
To limit the amount you spend on electricity, set your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to a higher temperature in the summer and a lower temperature in the winter. Then, your home will require less energy to reach the temperature you want.
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home can help you keep warm and cool air in your home. Over time, improving your home’s insulation can save you a significant amount on your energy bill.
Use Cold Water to Wash Your Clothes
Heating water costs money. By using cold water when you do laundry, you can decrease the amount of electricity your water heater uses.
Schedule HVAC Services
Your HVAC and plumbing systems must be properly maintained in order for them to work properly. Scheduling routine maintenance can improve the efficiency of your home’s plumbing and HVAC systems. In addition to saving you money on electricity, routine maintenance can also decrease the amount you spend on replacement costs.
New Water Heater Technologies You Should Know
In the last few decades, there have been a number of water heater technologies that have improved the efficiency and functionality of water heaters. Heat pump water heaters, high-efficiency condensing water heaters, and tankless water heaters are just a few examples of new technology.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters: Heat pump water heaters are an excellent example of the latest changes in the plumbing industry. These systems involve transferring heat from air to water, so they don’t have to use as much electricity as a traditional water heater. They can still function in cold climates and are known for using significantly less energy.
- Smartphone Apps: Other than the actual water heaters, plumbing technology has changed because of apps and remote monitoring. If you need to adjust the settings or temperature, there are now apps that let you automatically make changes to your home’s water heater.
- Tankless Water Heater: A tankless water heater provides on-demand water, so it uses less energy and has a longer lifespan than traditional water heaters.
- High-Efficiency Condensing Water Heaters: This new form of water heater uses a secondary system to capture heat from exhaust gasses. By doing this, it can use heat that would otherwise go to waste. Depending on the variety, it may do this through precise controls and a secondary heat exchanger.
- Hybrid Water Heaters: A hybrid water heater combines features from different water heater types. This allows them to be more functional and versatile. For example, a hybrid water heater may use a heat pump as well as a tank to supply energy-efficient hot water.
- Smart Water Heaters: Thanks to smart technology and automation, smart water heaters are able to help with energy conservation. These systems can identify patterns in your home’s water usage. Then, they can conserve electricity by forecasting when you will need to use hot water. These water heaters are integrated into apps, so your smartphone can control it remotely.
- Solar Water Heaters: Recent developments have made solar water heaters incredibly efficient. They heat water using the sun, which helps to save money on your power bill. A panel is used to collect the heat, and then the heat is transferred to the water. Like a traditional water heater, the solar water heater uses a tank as a reservoir.
Discover the Best Water Heater for Your Needs
If you are searching for the best water heater repair Portland has available, you’ve come to the right place. Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing was originally founded in 2001. Since then, we have grown to provide the most affordable hot water heater repair services. Whether you are looking for water heater installation or water heater services, our team of professional plumbers can help.
Thanks to our reputation for excellent workmanship and trustworthy service, we have built a strong reputation for recommended water heater repair by our many satisfied customers with glowing reviews.
To learn more about our water heater repairs and replacements, reach out to one of our expert plumbers today.
