Denver Water Heaters are an integral part of a home and provide hot water for laundry, dishes, showers, bathing, and cleaning. They can be powered by gas, electricity, or a combination of both.
This budget electric model features two 4,500-watt elements that are adjustable with thermostat dials. It uses non-CFC polyurethane insulation and factory-installed heat trap nipples to reduce energy usage.
A water heater is one of the most important appliances in a home or commercial building. Its job is to provide a steady supply of heated water for fixtures and appliances like showers, washers and sinks. The different types of water heaters perform this function differently, though, and each type has a particular set of benefits.
Traditional tank water heaters are the most common type of hot water heater. They consist of insulated tanks that hold anywhere from 30 to 100 gallons of water. The water is heated by electric elements or natural gas, depending on the model, and the warm water is delivered to a fixture through piping connected to the heater. These models live in the garage or basement of a home and should be drained and flushed twice a year to prevent sediment from building up inside the tank, which could reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of the unit.
Energy efficiency is a key factor in the selection of a new water heater, and many companies specialize in making highly efficient models. When selecting a brand, consider the gallons-per-minute (GPM) rating of each model. The higher the GPM, the more hot water the unit can deliver at a time. A family of five, for example, will need a model with a high GPM rating to accommodate their washing machine, dishwasher and showers.
Another way to increase the efficiency of a water heater is by choosing a model that uses heat pump technology. These models capture the ambient heat around them to heat the water in the storage tank, resulting in greater energy efficiency than standard electric-only units. However, they must be placed in a space with suitable air temperatures and can be more expensive to purchase than standard storage models.
When selecting a water heater, look for brands that are certified ENERGY STAR®. These models meet strict energy efficiency standards and may be eligible for rebates from local utilities. Some manufacturers also offer digital displays that can provide information like operating temperature, vacation mode and water pressure readings.
Installation
Whether you are replacing an existing water heater or installing a new one, the first step is to empty the old appliance by shutting off the water supply. If you are replacing an electric water heater, turn off the electricity to it at its breaker; if it is a gas model, close the gas valve. Make sure you have a drain, bucket or hose ready to catch the drainage fluid as it exits the bottom of the tank. Also, it is a good idea to install a pressure and temperature relief valve (known as a T&P valve in plumbers’ shorthand) on the new water heater to prevent overheating and exploding. The International Residential Code stipulates that this valve discharges water into a pipe when the water pressure gets dangerously high.
You should also disconnect the old gas or electric water heater’s power and incoming cold water lines. If the new water heater is being installed in the same location as the old one, it will probably be easy to connect the plumbing and electrical wires, assuming that the models are identical and the existing installation follows the code. Usually, you will need to remove the electrical covering plate, then connect like colored wires to each other using wire connectors and lead the ground wire from the incoming power to the green ground screw below the cover plate.
If you are installing a new water heater in a different location, you will need to solder copper tubing and fittings to connect it to the home’s plumbing. You will also need to install a manual shutoff valve on the new water heater’s cold-water line and a new vent pipe for the gas model.
You will need to be skilled at soldering to install a new water heater, or at least have access to a hand-held soldering tool. If you are not, consider hiring a professional installer to ensure that the installation meets local plumbing and electrical codes. Especially for a natural gas or propane tank water heater, you may need to have the installation inspected and approved by your local building inspector.
Energy Efficiency
Energy is one of the largest expenses for most families, and water heating accounts for almost 20 percent of that cost. You can lower your household energy consumption by reducing water waste and installing a more efficient hot water heater.
Traditional storage tank water heaters use gas, oil or electricity to heat your home’s water. The type of fuel used affects energy efficiency and operating costs. New and improved gas storage tank models are available with better insulation to reduce heat loss, resulting in lower utility bills. Electric tankless water heaters are also more energy-efficient than gas units, and their smaller size makes them ideal for small homes.
Both gas and electrical units can operate with a natural or liquefied propane (LP) fuel source. LP units require venting for operation, but they use less energy than conventional gas models. Propane is also a cleaner fuel than other types of gas and produces fewer harmful emissions.
A water heater’s efficiency is indicated by its energy factor, or EF rating. An EF of 0.9 or higher indicates a high-efficiency model. An EF of 0.65 or lower indicates a low-efficiency unit.
Tankless water heaters and solar units are gaining popularity, thanks to advances in technology and the availability of government incentives. A tankless water heater works by heating water on demand, using the hot water from your piping system to do so. These units offer greater energy efficiency than conventional gas and electric tankless models, and you may be able to reduce your energy use even further with water conservation measures like low-flow showerheads or faucet aerators.
If you live in an area with sunny weather, a solar water heater can greatly reduce your energy costs. The solar unit uses panels mounted on the roof to absorb the sun’s rays, which helps reduce your power bill. Some solar water heaters use a thermal store to increase energy efficiency and allow the system to function in low-sun conditions.
Electric water heaters are more reliable than gas-powered models, as they do not have the potential for leaks that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, they do not need gas lines or on-site fuel tanks, and they can be easily connected to the electrical grid in your home.
Safety
Water heaters are a major investment and should be kept as safe as possible. A water heater that is leaking or malfunctioning can cause significant damage to your home. Fortunately, there are some simple safety measures you can take to prevent such problems.
Checking the Pressure Valve: Water heaters have a valve that is designed to release if the temperature or pressure gets too high. This valve should be checked on a yearly basis to make sure it is working properly. To test the valve, lift it up and down a few times. You should hear a gurgling sound as water is released. If you do not hear this sound, the valve may be faulty and should be replaced.
Flammable Materials: Make sure that combustible items such as oily rags, paint cans, or gasoline are not stored near your water heater. In the event of a leak, these flammable items can react with the gas fumes and create a fire or explosion. This is especially important if your water heater is located in a garage where vehicles like cars or lawnmowers are also stored.
Keeping the Area Clear: A clutter-free environment around your water heater is important for proper ventilation. It is also essential for allowing the water heater to be easily accessed by a technician in case of an emergency. It is recommended that you do not insulate a gas water heater as this can interfere with proper ventilation.
Periodically Flushing The Unit: Sediment tends to build up at the bottom of your tank over time. It is important to flush out your water heater at least once a year in order to remove this sediment and keep your tank working efficiently.
Carbon Monoxide: In the event of a leak or malfunction, a gas water heater will produce deadly carbon monoxide. Installing carbon monoxide detectors near your water heater can alert you to dangerous levels of this poisonous gas and allow you to act before it is too late.
It is also recommended to stay up to date on any recalls that your water heater may be subject to. These can be issued by the manufacturer or the government and should be taken seriously.