Category: Water Heater

Homeowners in Boise, Idaho need efficient water heaters to provide a continuous supply of hot water for showers, dishwashers, and washing machines in their homes. If you’re in need of a water heater replacement, one of your first questions may be about how long the installation process will take. Setting clear expectations is an important part of this process. You’ll want to ask your installation technician for more details on your situation. The timelines vary slightly for tankless versus tank-based water heaters. Factors like existing plumbing infrastructure can also impact how long the installation will take. Generally speaking, if there are no issues or complications, a professional plumber will install a tank-based water heater in two to four hours. A tankless water system can take quite a bit longer. If you already have an existing tankless water system, then you may not need new plumbing work, which will save your plumber a lot of time. This kind of installation may take around three hours. If you are switching from a tank-based water heater to a tankless system, it may require more time. You’ll need to discuss the finer details of your installation with your professional plumber, who will be able

Water heaters are designed to last for at least 10-20 years before needing to be replaced. However, improvements to efficiency are being made regularly. When a water heater is more efficient, it uses less energy to create heat. By using less energy, your monthly energy bills shouldn’t be as high. More efficient units also tend to last longer. While you can wait until your water heater needs to be replaced, upgrading to a more efficient one helps you save money in the long run. If you’re currently searching for a new unit, you may be wondering how efficient your water heater should be. The answer depends on several factors, which include the size of your home and how much you’re willing to spend. Measuring Water Heater Efficiency The energy efficiency of a hot water heater is determined by a uniform energy factor (UEF) rating. This rating is based on the amount of energy that the water heater needs to use to power the unit and heat the water. Higher UEF ratings indicate that the system is more efficient. A water heater’s energy efficiency rating is displayed alongside the annual operating costs on the Energy Guide label. You’re able to compare

When it comes to water heater maintenance and repair, many homeowners are unaware of the importance of having a water heater expansion tank. But what exactly is a water heater expansion tank, and do you need one? Let’s break down the basics so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to install an expansion tank on your own water heater. What Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank? A water heater expansion tank is a small container that holds pressurized air in order to prevent hot water from expanding when heated up. This tank is usually made of steel or aluminum and connected to the cold-water supply line near the top of the water heater. It’s also connected to the hot water outlet pipe on the side of the unit. The primary purpose of an expansion tank is to maintain pressure in your plumbing system so that your pipes don’t burst or become damaged as a result of excessive pressure buildup when hot water expands during operation. Expansion tanks are also used to reduce noise from thermal expansion, which can be quite loud if left unchecked. How Does It Work? When hot water expands, it needs somewhere

Combination boilers are widely used in many homes, so you may want to consider investing in a combination boiler for your home. As the name suggests, the boiler can function in two ways. These boilers can act as a heating system and boil hot water for your home, making them extremely efficient and effectively lowering your utility costs. Keep reading to learn the advantages of combination boilers. What Is a Combi Boiler? A Combi Boiler is a boiler that combines two separate heating systems into one. The main difference between conventional and combination boilers is that combi boilers join a home’s central heating system and water heating to help owners that have limited space. A conventional boiler works in two different ways; the central heating system works independently from the water heating system. A combi boiler draws water from the main water supply and warms it as needed. The combi starts burning gas in a combustion chamber when it senses a need for hot water. Hot gases rise and move through a series of pipes into the heat exchanger. This process is done automatically in a typical boiler system, with the water being kept in a separate cylinder until it