Starting your day with an involuntary cold shower can be frustrating. Trying to wash dishes or a load of whites without hot water might prove ineffective — or even compromise your attempts to keep your home clean and sanitary.
When it’s time to buy a new water heater, seek advice from a professional team like Blue Planet Plumbing. Buying a new water heater isn’t just a one-choice deal anymore. With so many options out on the market, advances in technology and clean energy ideas now available, you need up-to-date information and some guidance to make the best decision.
Signs It’s Time for a New Water Heater
Sometimes, the signs your water heater has died or is dying happen suddenly. In these cases, you have no question about what’s going on. That puddle on the floor, for example, is a dead giveaway. Other times, water heater issues develop more slowly. It may be time for an assessment if you notice any of the following and aren’t sure about the age of your water heater:
- No hot water or inadequate hot water for your peak time usage
- Leaks or flooding due to cracks or ruptures in the pipes or tank
- Rust-colored or bad-smelling water or a change in the taste of your tap water
- Rumbling, popping noises or a high-pitched whine coming from your water heater
Types of New Water Heaters
You have options when choosing your new water heater. A qualified plumber — who’s conscious of the consequences to the earth and the ramifications to your own wallet — helps you determine which model is your best choice. Options include:
- Tankless or on-demand water heaters
- Solar water heating systems
- Storage and heat pump, with a tank
Your Blue Planet Plumbing specialist takes into account how many are in your home, the number of bathrooms, your appliances and the peak time usage. This information helps determine the needed capacity of your new water heater. While most people usually replace with the same size, you can go up or down about 10 gallons, depending on your needs. Other factors to consider include:
- What’s the fuel type (electric, fuel oil, geothermal, natural gas, propane or solar), availability and cost in your area?
- What size do you need?
- How energy efficient is your new water heater?
- What are the annual operating costs?
- Are you interested in installing a Drain Water Heat Recovery System to recoup some of the lost energy from hot water going down the drain?
Reduce Your Use of Hot Water
Because hot water is the second largest energy expense in your home, knowing how to conserve that energy lowers your energy bills. Looking into options like the Drain Water Heat Recovery System might be a good option for you. These systems cost between $300 and $500 and you usually recoup your costs in two-and-a-half to five years, depending on your usage. Other ways to conserve energy include:
- Fixing all leaky faucets
- Installing low-flow fixtures, especially in showers
- Using energy efficient dishwashers and clothes washers
Your Blue Planet Plumbing specialist helps you discover the best option to complement your individual family’s needs when purchasing and installing a new water heater. Starting or ending your day with that warm shower or clean dishes and clothes makes all the difference in your quality of life.
The Asheville plumbers from Blue Planet Plumbing offer knowledgeable advice so you can make an informed decision. They recommend the most up-to-date, cost-effective and environmentally conscious plumbing available. Call Blue Planet Plumbing at 828-423-6289 for all your plumbing needs.
