Welcome! The goal of our website is to provide the consumer with information on hot water heaters. Be sure to browse through our website to understand your options before you buy a new water heater.
Whether it’s having a nice hot shower or warm water to clean your dishes, hot water heaters do all sorts of things! Virtually every home in the United States has a water heater, but not all units are the same.
Many come in different sizes and operate in different ways. Made by dozens of companies, both the quality and the prices can vary greatly.
How do they work?
Traditional hot water heaters come with a metal holding tank where the water is heated. Most companies use steel because of its strength. When the water starts to warm up, the pressure inside the tank starts to rise. If the tank is not strong enough the water heater will bust open.
Most water heaters also have a glass liner on the inside of the tank to prevent rust from getting into the water.
How does the holding tank transfer hot water?
Two pipes are attached to the water heater. Cold water enters through the intake pipe, and, after the water gets hot, it leaves the heater though the exit pipe. Special valves on the pipes stop water from entering or leaving the tank when it’s not supposed to.
Where does the heat come from?
Hot water heaters are powered by electricity, propane, or natural gas. Electric water heaters use a rod inside the tank to heat up the water, while propane and natural gas heaters use gas to ignite a flame underneath the tank to heat up the water.
How does it know what temperature the water should be?
A thermostat inside the water heater shuts the heating source off when the water reaches a certain temperature. If, for some reason, the pressure inside the holding tank begins to get too high, a safety valve opens and allows the water to drain out prematurely through the exit pipe.
What about a solar water heater?
“Going green” is becoming more popular, and some companies are offering a more energy-efficient method of heating the water.
Using the power of the sun, solar collectors are able to heat up water before it even enters the holding tank – meaning that less fuel has to be used to heat the water once it’s inside the holding tank. Some solar water heaters harness the energy as electricity and use it to heat the tank.
Is there such a thing as a tankless water heater?
Yes!
Tankless water heaters are considered to be better for the environment, save you money, and work better than traditional hot water heaters.
Instead of heating the water up in a tank, these water heaters use gas to heat the water as it flows through a pipe. The water becomes hot almost instantly.
According to the Propane Education and Research Council, a tankless water heater can help families cut down their water use by up to 20% and can reduce energy bills by up to 40%!
What kind of water heater problems can occur?
Most water heater problems are a result of leaky valves:
– If the exit valve does not close completely, heat will escape the tank and the water will become less hot before it reaches the shower or sink.
– If the intake valve does not completely close, the safety valve will open, which can lead to a higher water bill and possibly a wet floor.
Other problems that can occur include broken thermostats, broken electrical parts, cracking, and rusty water coming out.
Is it true that hot water heaters can explode?
While it is rare, it is possible for a water heater to explode if it is not taken care of properly. YouTube has several videos taken of exploding water heaters that have caused catastrophic damage.
However, preventing this from happening to you doesn’t take much. Here’s what you can do to properly maintain your water heater:
– Check the thermostat to see how much pressure is being used. If the psi is near 300, lower the temperature.
– If any part of the hot water heater looks rusted – or if you smell gas – shut off the tank and call a professional to take a look.
Which companies make the best hot water heaters?
Dozens of name brand companies make and sell hot water heaters. These 3 companies have a long history of providing high quality hot water heaters:
- Whirlpool
A brand commonly stocked in retail stores like Lowes, Wal-Mart, and Home Depot, Whirlpool builds some of the highest quality household appliances including hot water heaters. Whirlpool separates itself from other companies by using higher-quality materials – including copper electrical parts and non-cfc polyurethane foam – which protect your water heater from temperature changes. Whirlpool Water heater prices start at around $250.
- Rheem
Since the 1930’s, Rheem has been making some of the best hot water heaters in the United States. Rheem also stands by its products offering lengthy warranties. With four different types of tankless water heaters, Rheem is on the cutting edge of technology. by providing energy saving units.
Like Whirlpool, Rheem is sold across the country. Their water heater prices start at around $250.
- General Electric
Available in multiple sizes, General Electric (G.E.) sells a vast array of hot water heaters – including both gas and electric models. Like Whirlpool and Rheem, G.E. now sells tankless water heaters and boasts that they have the most energy efficient model currently available. Prices start at around $200.
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