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The Benefits of Choosing to Install a Tankless Water Heater

Why Get a Tankless Water Heater Installation?

If it’s time for a new water heater installation or replacement, a tankless water heating system is an excellent option to consider. Tankless water heaters provide some substantial benefits compared to conventional storage tank models, ranging from superior energy efficiency to a longer lifespan. This post will explore some significant advantages of a tankless water heater installation.

Energy Efficiency

save moneyTankless water heaters boast better energy efficiency than traditional water heaters that use a large storage tank. A standard storage water heater must constantly keep the water in its tank heated to ensure immediate availability. This process results in standby heat loss even when no hot water is being used, using more energy and leading to higher monthly utility costs.

However, a tankless water heating system activates only when a demand for hot water occurs. By eliminating the continuous energy waste of standby heat loss, tankless units are far more energy efficient. This increased efficiency directly translates into reduced water-heating expenses, generating monthly savings for homeowners.

Endless Hot Water Supply and Space Savings

showerOne of the most beneficial features of tankless water heating technology is its ability to provide a continuous flow of hot water. Traditional storage tank water heaters hold a set volume of hot water in their tank. Once this supply is exhausted, people can face the unwelcome reality of cold showers or a lengthy wait while the tank refills and reheats.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, heat water passing through the unit. Because they operate without a storage tank and only heat water when it’s needed, they won’t run out of hot water, which provides households with the comfort of knowing that hot water will be available whenever they need it.

Furthermore, the absence of a bulky hot water tank is a major advantage for space utilization. Tankless water heaters are compact, often mounted directly on the wall, occupying considerably less room than the large storage tanks of conventional units. This design allows homeowners to reclaim valuable storage or utility space.

Longer Life Expectancy

Opting for a tankless water heater is also beneficial due to its extended service life. While homeowners can expect a conventional storage water heater to last approximately 10 to 15 years before a water heater replacement is necessary, tankless models can last for more than 20 years with routine water heater maintenance.

This longer life expectancy means a tankless water heater delays the substantial cost and inconvenience of purchasing and installing a replacement unit, further adding to the long-term value and savings achieved by switching to a tankless water heater system.

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing has been providing reliable plumbing services to the Huntsville community since 2014. They offer same-day service, straightforward pricing, and trusted technicians. Call them for tankless water heater installation in Huntsville, AL. 

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Vertical water heater with copper plumbing connections and pressure gauge, from Scott Plumbing's renovation services.

Commercial Water Heater Maintenance and Its Benefits

Why Schedule Commercial Water Heater Maintenance? 

Many businesses and properties rely on water heaters to provide hot water, so they must work well to prevent problems in their operation and avoid leaving them with no hot water. The best way to ensure commercial water heaters work well and efficiently is the same as residential water heaters, with routine maintenance. This post will discuss the advantages of commercial water heater maintenance. 

Lower Utility Bills 

save money Most property and business owners are acutely aware of their expenses. One way to reduce water heating costs is to schedule routine maintenance on commercial water heaters. Maintenance will help the water heater’s energy efficiency, which leads to saving money. 

Maintenance visits include several tasks that can improve a water heater’s efficiency, including removing sediments from the water heater by draining and flushing it. When maintenance is neglected, sediment builds up in the tank, causing the water heater to work harder and use more energy to heat water. 

Fewer Repairs 

water heater When maintenance is neglected, commercial water heaters can incur additional costs besides higher utility bills. Water heaters that are poorly maintained are more likely to experience problems and damage, requiring more water heater repairs and repair costs. 

By scheduling routine maintenance on commercial water heaters, they will be more reliable and experience fewer issues since many things are done during routine maintenance visits to prevent problems and damage, including replacing anode rods when needed and flushing the tank of sediment. Both these tasks help prevent tank corrosion and damage that can lead to leaks.  

Extended Lifespan 

Another benefit of routine commercial water heater maintenance is that it helps water heaters last longer, which can also save property and business owners money on early water heater replacement. During maintenance, many tasks prevent issues that can shorten a water heater’s lifespan. 

However, allowing plumbers to inspect the water heating system during routine maintenance can also help catch problems early so they can be fixed before the issue worsens and causes damage that can shorten a unit’s lifespan and require an early commercial water heater replacement. So, by extending a water heater’s lifespan, business and property owners won’t have to replace it as often, saving money in the long run. 

About Scott Plumbing

Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated residential and commercial plumbing company serving Huntsville and the surrounding areas. They provide straightforward pricing, on-time arrival, and same-day service. Call them for commercial plumbing and water heater services in Huntsville, AL. 

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Signs That the Water Heater Needs Replacing

Three Signs That It May Be Time for Water Heater Replacement 

Nothing lasts forever––and that also goes for water heaters. Standard storage water heaters only last around 10 to 15 years. But how can homeowners know when it may be time for a replacement? Here are some common signs that water heater replacement is needed. 

There’s Corrosion 

old water heaterOnce there’s corrosion of the water heater, the entire unit generally needs replacing. That’s because: 

  • A rusted tank compromises the entire unit’s integrity: With a corroded water heater, homeowners could find themselves dealing with chronic leaks, low water pressure, and high energy bills. 
  • It can lead to water damage: As noted, a rusted storage tank can cause leaks. This does more than wastewater. It can also damage homeowners’ property, including flooring and sideboards. 
  • Rust can lead to safety hazards: Rust can damage the tank’s integrity, causing the system to leak or burst and flood the home. This does more than damage property. If the water comes into contact with electricity, there could also be an electrical hazard, making the home unsafe. 

 

It Doesn’t Heat Water as Well 

cold showerThere’s no use in having a hot water heater if it doesn’t do its job properly. While some reasons for cold, lukewarm water, or hot water that runs out quicker are fixable, some issues causing them may warrant replacing the entire system. A plumber can determine the best solution for the water heater. Some possible causes of water heating issues include: 

  • There’s an issue with the heating element: While this component could be replaced, if the system itself is more than 10 years old, it’s more cost-effective to just replace it. Water heater life expectancy plays a critical role in when it’s time to replace it. 
  • There’s a problem with the pilot light: The pilot light turns on the heating element and heats the water inside the tank. If there’s something wrong with the pilot light, chances are, there are other components that need replacing. 
  • There are gas supply problems: Many water heaters rely on gas to operate. If there’s a gas leak, not only does this make a home unsafe, but it can affect how the appliances that use them operate. 

It’s Old or Constantly Needs Repairs 

It’s not uncommon for a water heater to need repairs now and then. Yet, if it always seems like a plumber is needed to fix a problem with it, this could warrant replacing the system. It can save money since older water heaters are less energy efficient, and the repair and energy costs add up.

Additionally, if a traditional storage water heater is past the 10-year mark or a tankless water heater is nearing the 20-year mark, it should be replaced. This can be beneficial as a new energy-efficient water heater will cost less to operate, and homeowners won’t have to deal with the problems of an aging water heater or a loss of hot water. 

About Scott Plumbing 

Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned business serving Huntsville and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and always on-time service. Call them today for water heater installation and repair services in Huntsville, AL. 

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Is it Finally Time to Dump That Old Water Heater?

3 Signs it Could Be Time for Water Heater Replacement

Valentine’s Day is about showing love and appreciation for a significant other, celebrating and nurturing the relationship they’ve shared - whether it’s been for a few months, a few decades, or anywhere in between. But, of course, not all relationships work out that way - such as the relationship between homeowners and their old rust bucket of a water heater.

Maybe they’ve had plenty of good times together, and the old appliance has been of excellent service for many years. But when an aging water heater starts acting up and causing trouble, it may be time to say a bittersweet goodbye and move on to a new and improved model. Homeowners can read on to learn three signs a water heater may need replacing.

Corrosion in the Hot Water Tank

corrosion One sure sign it’s time to break things off with the water heater is if the corrosion has taken hold in the hot water tank. Corrosion occurs when oxygen and minerals in the water interact with the metal of the tank wall, causing it to rust and deteriorate. Water heaters contain an anode rod inside the tank which attracts corrosive materials, keeping them from corroding the tank wall. However, this rod will eventually deplete, and if it’s not replaced in time, it cannot protect the tank from corrosion. Routine water heater maintenance helps prevent corrosion because the plumber will replace the anode rod if necessary and flush the minerals and sediment from the tank. 

Signs of a corroded tank include visible rust on the tank, discolored water, and water leaking from it because corrosion weakens the material and can cause leaks. Unfortunately, corroded hot water tanks typically cannot be repaired, so if the tank is rusting, it’s best to replace the entire unit. 

Hot Water Runs Out Faster Than Normal

A more obvious sign of a failing water heater is if there’s not as much hot water as there used to be, the water isn’t as hot, or there’s no hot water at all. This could be caused by various issues like a thermostat malfunction or a broken heating element. So if homeowners notice a lack of hot water or inconsistent temperatures, a water heater repair technician should be called to solve the problem.

However, if the unit is getting along in years (8+ years old), the cost of getting the right parts and replacing them may make water heater replacement a more economical option than repair in the long run. Another consideration is that the hot water may run out faster due to increased demand, a fairly common issue with growing families. In this case, the tank of the unit may be too small for the household, and replacing it with a larger model or a tankless water heater may make more sense.

Higher Energy Bills

If the energy bill is going up for no obvious reason, it may indicate that the water heater’s efficiency is diminishing. The water heater is responsible for around 20% of a home’s overall energy usage, so a loss in efficiency can significantly impact utility bills. Water heaters lose efficiency as they age due to normal wear and tear. However, aggressive spikes in energy usage may indicate serious malfunctions - especially if the higher bills coincide with any of the abovementioned issues.

If homeowners spot any of these signs, the best course of action is to call a reputable local plumber to inspect the water heater. Once they’ve diagnosed the issue, they can recommend solutions that best fit the budget and individual needs of the household. And if homeowners do decide to replace the water heater with a new, more energy-efficient model, it could be the start of a beautiful new relationship, saving them money on energy bills.

About Scott Plumbing

The award-winning Scott Plumbing is a local family-owned and operated business serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, honest pricing, and a no-mess promise. Call them today for water heater services in Huntsville, AL. 

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