When selecting a new water heater for installation in your Fort Worth or Arlington home, consider choosing one that will provide adequate hot water for your household needs, and one that will do so energy efficiently. The selection of a water heater includes the consideration of the different types of water heaters, as well as determining the size and energy source that is right for your home. In today’s post, we will discuss what remains the most commonly purchased water heater, the conventional water heater. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumbers in Fort Worth, TX can assist you, and provide a professional water heater installation.

How Conventional Water Heaters Work

A single-family water heater offers a storage tank with a capacity between 20 to 80 gallons of hot water. It operates by releasing hot water when a hot water tap is turned on. The exiting water is replaced by cold water entering the tank for heating.

The conventional water heater is typically fueled by natural gas, propane, or electricity. You will need to select the energy source before purchasing a new or replacement water heater. Most homeowner’s stay with the current energy source when replacing a water heater. However, you can change the energy source if desired. Ben Franklin plumbers in Fort Worth, TX can provide the installation you need, including changing the energy source. Our plumbers in Fort Worth, TX are licensed plumbers certified to install and provide gas line repair.

Since a conventional water heater consistently heats water, energy is wasted even when you are not using the hot water. The process that results in energy loss is called standby heat loss. Tank style water heaters purchased today are insulated, helping to save energy. However, if conserving substantial energy on hot water production costs is a goal, a tankless water heater may be the solution for your household. A tankless only uses energy when hot water is in use, and can save you up to 34% on the cost of producing hot water by avoiding standby heat losses.

Conventional water heaters with a thermal resistances of R-12 to R-25 are the models you should consider if you are interested in reducing operational costs and are purchasing a conventional water heater.

Selecting a Conventional Water Heater

Selecting the lowest-priced water heater may end up being the most expensive to operate and maintain over its lifetime. Before purchasing a new conventional water heater, consider the following three factors:

  • Size and First Hour Rating
  • Fuel Type and Availability
  • Energy Efficiency and Cost to Operate

Installation and Maintenance

A properly installed water heater and routine maintenance will optimize its energy efficiency and extend its lifespan.

Proper installation depends on several factors. These factors include climate, fuel type, local building code requirements, and safety issues regarding installation. In regards to safety, the best solution is to have a qualified, licensed professional plumber provide the installation. Ben Franklin offers plumbers in Fort Worth, TX with the expertise to meet and/or exceed the industry standards for service you can rely on.

Over time, water heaters age and break down. It is not unusual for them to leak once age, wear and corrosion occur. For this reason, we recommend routine inspection of the water heater, the floor beneath it, and the walls surrounding it for signs of a leak. Serious damage can occur to your home and its foundation when unknown leaks occur. Annual maintenance on your water heater will assist in identifying problems early on. Contact our dedicated plumbers in Fort Worth, TX to schedule water heater maintenance.

Routine maintenance is essential in maintaining the best performance and energy efficiency of the water heater, and also extends the lifespan. You should read the owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations, but the hardness of your water is also a consideration. Hard water contains a high amount of minerals. Over time it collects in the bottom of a tank style water heater and can cause poor performance and corrosion. Flushing the water heater is a task many homeowner’s can provide, but if you are uncomfortable with the task, or just want a professional flush, our plumbers in Fort Worth, TX can provide water heater maintenance for you.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Once the conventional water heater is properly installed and receives routine maintenance, the following tips will assist you in the goal of proper performance and receiving the maximum possible lifespan.

Leak Repair

Leaks cost you money on the water bill, but when a hot water leak is involved, it also costs you in energy use. In addition, a hot water leak increases the rate of wear and tear on your water heater. This results in an increased need of repair.

Low Flow and Water Efficient Appliances

Federal regulations mandate new shower head flow rates to not exceed more than 2.5 gallons per minute. New faucet flow rates are capped at 2.5 gallons per minute. Ben Franklin plumbers in Fort Worth, TX can provide the fixture installation you require.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Energy efficient appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines can reduce energy costs, especially when you select Energy Star approved appliances.

About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing if you have questions about conventional water heaters or other types of water heaters. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumbers in Fort Worth, TX strive to provide the best service and experience for all our clients. Our dedicated licensed plumbers help us to maintain a consistent A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas.