The Aging Hot Water on Demand Appliance
Everything requires repair sooner or later and your hot water heater on demand is no exception. Though manufactured to high standards with advanced technology it is a machine, and therefore will require repairs eventually. According to the U. S. Department of Energy hot water on demand appliances can save you 24%-35% energy compared to tank style hot water heaters.
Tank style hot water heaters repeatedly reheat water to keep it hot wasting energy. Furthermore, some homeowners prefer the tankless system as it uses less space than tank style water heaters, though the hot water on demand gas model appliances do require gas lines, electricity for controls and ventilation to be installed if not already present from a previous gas water heater.
Electric tankless appliances are available but are far less efficient than gas models requiring enormous amounts of electricity to heat water quickly. They do not heat water as fast as gas models can do. In addition, the water heated by electric style tankless models does not achieve the higher temperature of the gas model. Most experts agree, if you are going to choose a hot water on demand appliance choose the gas model for the best overall performance and energy savings.
Furthermore, only the gas version qualifies for Energy Star certification as the electric model simply uses too much electricity. The gas hot water heater on demand appliance requires a high pressure gas supply to fuel the hot water demand that it provides. Less than this can result in insufficient hot water for even as little as two sources running at the same time such as when two persons shower in separate showers at the same time.
Though manufactured to high standards with advanced technology some materials can rust. The hot water on demand appliance is manufactured with 'sacrificial rods' that will in time, rust. This becomes visible when you see rusty water exiting your appliance during use. When this occurs it is time to have it inspected and serviced with the rods replaced. Most experts agree though, that a yearly inspection and service will prolong the life and maintain the efficiency of your hot water appliance.
In addition, if you live in an area with hard water higher than 11 grains per gallon it is recommended that you install a water softener to prolong your appliances life. Otherwise, failure to do so in hard water areas may void your appliances warranty as well as shorten its service life. Mineral deposits from hard water can restrict water flow or even damage your hot water on demand appliance.
There are various on demand appliances models available. The point of service model is for one supply, the flow controlled model can provide hot water for two closely connected supplies, or the whole house supply model that most people are familiar with can provide for your home. Increasingly, people are choosing the hot water on demand appliance for other applications than their home.
Pool houses, outdoor kitchens, remote bathrooms, guest houses, to assist solar hot water heaters, additions, workshops and an outdoor Jacuzzi are examples. Your needs are best determined by a trained professional to ensure you receive the appliance best suited for your particular application as location, model, expected demand and installation will affect its efficiency.
Tank style hot water heaters repeatedly reheat water to keep it hot wasting energy. Furthermore, some homeowners prefer the tankless system as it uses less space than tank style water heaters, though the hot water on demand gas model appliances do require gas lines, electricity for controls and ventilation to be installed if not already present from a previous gas water heater.
Electric tankless appliances are available but are far less efficient than gas models requiring enormous amounts of electricity to heat water quickly. They do not heat water as fast as gas models can do. In addition, the water heated by electric style tankless models does not achieve the higher temperature of the gas model. Most experts agree, if you are going to choose a hot water on demand appliance choose the gas model for the best overall performance and energy savings.
Furthermore, only the gas version qualifies for Energy Star certification as the electric model simply uses too much electricity. The gas hot water heater on demand appliance requires a high pressure gas supply to fuel the hot water demand that it provides. Less than this can result in insufficient hot water for even as little as two sources running at the same time such as when two persons shower in separate showers at the same time.
Though manufactured to high standards with advanced technology some materials can rust. The hot water on demand appliance is manufactured with 'sacrificial rods' that will in time, rust. This becomes visible when you see rusty water exiting your appliance during use. When this occurs it is time to have it inspected and serviced with the rods replaced. Most experts agree though, that a yearly inspection and service will prolong the life and maintain the efficiency of your hot water appliance.
In addition, if you live in an area with hard water higher than 11 grains per gallon it is recommended that you install a water softener to prolong your appliances life. Otherwise, failure to do so in hard water areas may void your appliances warranty as well as shorten its service life. Mineral deposits from hard water can restrict water flow or even damage your hot water on demand appliance.
There are various on demand appliances models available. The point of service model is for one supply, the flow controlled model can provide hot water for two closely connected supplies, or the whole house supply model that most people are familiar with can provide for your home. Increasingly, people are choosing the hot water on demand appliance for other applications than their home.
Pool houses, outdoor kitchens, remote bathrooms, guest houses, to assist solar hot water heaters, additions, workshops and an outdoor Jacuzzi are examples. Your needs are best determined by a trained professional to ensure you receive the appliance best suited for your particular application as location, model, expected demand and installation will affect its efficiency.
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