tulsa tankless - water heater services

tulsa tankless - water heaters

The tankless water heater represents the most major advance in residential water heating since the first storage-tank model was invented in 1899. A tankless model generates hot water entirely on-demand. This eliminates many of the limitations of the traditional storage tank heater and improves energy-efficiency. As the typical American household spends about $500 annually on water heating, any cost savings can make a difference in the family budget. Here are some ways a tankless water heater improves both convenience and economy in your home.

• No standby heat loss. A typical conventional water heater utilizes a tank to store about 50 gallons of hot water. As time passes, water in the tank gradually cools, and the burner must activate to maintain proper water temperature. Due to this standby heat loss, energy is wasted reheating water in the tank multiple times until the water is finally used. Instead of storing water, a tankless unit heats only when hot water is needed.

• Unlimited hot water. When someone opens a hot water tap in the house, a tankless unit senses the requirement and instantly begins heating the continuous flow of water for as long as required. You never run out of hot water like you do with a storage-tank unit when demand is high. Nobody ends up shivering in a cold shower.

• Longer service life. The tank is a weak link in a storage-tank water heater. After an average service life of about 12 years, standard water-heater tanks are subject to internal corrosion, mineral accumulation, and leakage that require replacement of the entire unit. Tankless units eliminate these downsides and, with proper maintenance, will usually last more than 20 years.

• Improved energy efficiency and lower costs. In a home that uses up to 40 gallons of hot water daily, tankless heaters are about 30% more energy-efficient than a conventional tank model. According to the EPA, a tankless heater with Energy Star certification can reduce hot water costs by $100 per year in the typical household.

More Benefits Of tulsa Tankless Water Heaters

Not only will a tankless heater save you money on your energy bills, it will also save space within your home since these systems do not require large holding tanks like their traditional counterparts do. This can free up some space in your basement for extra storage, or a kid’s play area.

Another feature that makes these new, more modern heaters very popular is the fact that it is virtually impossible to run out of hot water. It only takes a few consecutive showers to deplete a traditional heater’s tank. Afterwards, it is necessary to wait until the tank’s contents are heated once again before you can access hot water. With a tankless system, the supply is continuous and plentiful.

Tankless Water Heater Installation

The proper installation of a tankless water heater is very important for it to run efficiently and perform as it is designed to do. There are many aspects to properly installing a tankless water heater and you should hire Air Assurance’s professional plumbers to complete the installation.

To properly install a tankless water heater, Air Assurance will first check the gas line. A tankless water heater will typically require a gas line with a larger diameter. There is a little electrical wiring involved as well, and once the old water heater is removed and disconnected, we can begin setup of the new water heater. Tankless water heaters are mounted to the wall, not left on the floor like a conventional water heater.

For more about the efficiency and performance benefits of a tankless water heater, contact Air Assurance.

Tulsa Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

TULSA WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES

If your water heater doesn’t seem to be delivering as much hot water in the winter, it may not have anything to do with cold temperatures. Fresh water does cool off in the winter, but if your water heating appliance is fully functional, the incoming temperature shouldn’t matter .Most problems with heating water occur when the heater:

Needs flushing.

The most common cause of high water heating bills and premature tank failure are the hard water deposits that collect at the bottom of the tank. A few won’t interfere with water heating, but if there are too many, the heating process will slow, especially in gas water heaters. A gas water heater heats from the bottom only, and when that surface is covered with hard water deposits, there won’t be as much hot water.Most electric units have two heating elements. One sits close to the bottom of the tank and the other near the top. If the bottom is covered with solids, the water won’t heat as well. One of the heating elements may also not be working and needs replacing.

Has a broken dip tube.

The dip tube is made from plastic that can become brittle and break over time. This tube connects to the cold water inlet and sends the water to the bottom of the tank where it heats up. If it’s broken, the cold water stays at the top of the tank and the water you get won’t feel as hot.

Needs insulation to combat cold temperatures.

If the tank feels hot to the touch, consider wrapping an insulation blanket around it to keep the heat inside longer.

Is too small.

If your family size has changed, someone’s taking longer showers, or you’re washing more clothes in hot water might force you to install a bigger water heater.Some of these water heater maintenance tasks might be better done by a pro. If you’d like assistance, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC and plumbing services for Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Water Heater Maintenance Can Affect Your HVAC

If you have a forced-air central HVAC system and a gas water heater like many area homes, and you're looking for ways to save energy, you need to understand that there's a maintenance correlation between the two. What this means is when you're taking steps to boost the efficiency of your HVAC, you'll waste potential savings if you ignore water heater maintenance.

Why Water Heater Maintenance is Important

When it comes to home comfort, your HVAC system and water heater are two necessities you rely on daily. They're also the two biggest energy users in most households. Just as twice-yearly maintenance is vital to keep your HVAC operating efficiently, it's essential for your water heater too.Having your water heater serviced regularly by an experienced professional not only helps with efficiency, but it also keeps the appliance running reliably and can prolong its lifespan too. Here are some key maintenance tasks that a pro will tackle:

• Testing the T&P valve. This valve needs to be fully functional so excess pressure/hot water can exit the tank. If it's seized up, it should be replaced to prevent a dangerous rupture or explosion.

• Checking/replacing the anode rod. This metal rod is in place to attract corrosion so it doesn't eat away at the tank material. Eventually, the rod will disintegrate, so it should be checked routinely and replaced as needed.

• Flushing sediment from the tank. Some minerals present in water form into sediment particles during the heating process, then settle to the tank bottom. Draining, flushing and refilling the tank every year is necessary to clear out sediment so it doesn't affect the unit's energy efficiency, or cause it to fail prematurely.

• Inspecting the tank for corrosion. If your plumber finds considerable rust development along the tank's seams and at various connections, it can be a sign that your water heater might start leaking or even rupture unexpectedly. If the appliance is badly rusted, having a new water heater installed will probably be recommended.

To schedule HVAC system or water heater maintenance in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Drain Safety: Make Sure These Things Never Go Down a Drain

The drains in your home are an essential part of providing quality home comfort for you and your loved ones. If you want your plumbing problems to remain at a minimum, then drain safety is an absolute must. A big part of that is ensuring that none of these things ever go down one of them:

Paper Towels and Similar Products

Many people seem to think that paper towels are no different from tissue paper and other flushable products. This is absolutely not true. If you want to clog up your toilet, flushing paper towels, cotton balls, baby wipes, and similar items is definitely the way to do it.

Feminine Products

This is similar to the list above, but it is so common for these things to be flushed, it deserves its own point. Please do not flush feminine products down the toilet. These should be placed in the trash every single time.

Kitty Litter

Despite popular belief, kitty litter does not belong in the drain. What happens is that a bit of this sand-like product often stays behind and settles in the drain. It won't take long before it's fully clogged, which means you'll be making a call to your local plumber before you know it.

Drain Cleaners

It's almost second nature these days to reach for a drain cleaner at the store for a quick DIY job. The problem is that these cleaners are corrosive and cause damage to your pipes. A HVAC professional can clear your pipes without hurting them.

Grease and Oil

Sorry, bacon lovers! Pouring grease down the drain is a great way to plug it up. Instead, collect the grease in a container, and once it's full, throw it away in the garbage.

Pasta

You know how pasta expands in size when you cook it in water? The same thing happens when you shove it down your drain, which can cause a clog quite quickly.

For more expert advice on drain safety or other home comfort issues, please contact the experts at Air Assurance. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about drain safety and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Brett_Hondow/Pixabay”

Pros/Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming a popular alternative to water heaters with conventional hot water storage tanks. Their unique design and ability to provide near-instantaneous hot water makes them a compelling option for homeowners looking to replace their existing water heater. As with any other type of appliance, a tankless water heater has its share of benefits and drawbacks to consider.

The Pros

It’s no secret that tankless water heaters offer several advantages over their conventional counterparts. For starters, these water heaters can be up to 34 percent more energy efficient than a traditional water heater if your home uses 41 gallons of hot water or less on a daily basis. A typical tankless water heater also offers a longer lifespan than its traditional counterpart. Whereas a typical conventional water heater offers a lifespan of up to 15 years, you can get up to 20 years out of a tankless variant with proper care and maintenance.There are plenty of other advantages to consider:

• Tankless water heaters provide near-instant hot water for ordinary washing, bathing and other household activities.

• The tankless design of demand-type water heaters takes up significantly less space than a conventional water heater. As a result, these units can be placed in areas where conventional water heaters can’t go.

• Tankless water heaters consume up to 50 percent less energy than their conventional counterparts.

• Unlike with a conventional water heater, you won’t have to deal with sediment issues.

The Cons

Although tankless water heaters offer a broad range of benefits, there are a few downsides associated with these appliances:

• Tankless water heaters usually carry a higher purchase price than their conventional counterparts. This can be a sticking point for homeowners on a tight budget.

• Demand-type water heaters that still utilize a standing pilot light may consume more energy than those with electronic ignition.

• In some cases, tankless water heaters may not be able to offer the consistent flow rate of a large conventional water heater.

Still interested in having a tankless water heater installed in your Broken Arrow home? Then contact the seasoned experts at Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about tankless water heaters and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “typographyimages/Pixabay”

Water Heater Sizing, Installation, Maintenance and Operation Tips

Are you looking at buying a new water heater? Make sure it’s the right size first. Then, become familiar with tips for installing, maintaining and operating your water heater for long-term savings.

Water Heater Sizing

Even if your last tank seemed to do its job well, don’t assume it was the ideal capacity. To size a new water heater, add up how much hot water your household consumes during the busiest hour of an average day. This is your peak-hour demand. Find a water heater with a comparable first-hour rating (FHR) printed on the yellow Energy Guide label.

Different fuel sources deliver different FHRs in relation to the tank size. As a general rule of thumb, one- to two-person households need about a 40-gallon electric or gas water heater while a four-person household may need a 50-gallon gas water heater or up to an 80-gallon electric water heater.

Installation

To maximize efficiency, install the following items along with your new investment:

• Aerating, low-flow showerheads and faucets

• Water heater and piping insulation

• Drain-water waste recovery system to preheat cold water entering the water heater

Maintenance

Neglect your water heater and it may last less than a decade. Take good care of it and it could last 20 years or more. Follow these maintenance tips to lengthen the life of your investment:

• Flush the tank twice a year.

• Inspect the pressure relief valve and have it replaced if you spot corrosion or rust.

• Remove and inspect the anode rod and replace it if six inches or more of the core wire is exposed.

• Inspect the combustion chamber and flue vent on gas- and oil-fired units.

• Remove and check the heating elements on electric units.

Operation Tips

Save energy and money with these tips:

• Set the water heater to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.

• Repair leaky faucets promptly.

• Take shorter showers.

• Only run the dishwasher and clothes washing machine with full loads.

• Set the water heater to vacation mode when you leave town.

For help on water heater sizing for your Broken Arrow home, please contact Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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