Choosing a new water heater for your home is a very important decision. The water heating system you choose for your home will not only affect your comfort but also your monthly energy bills. If you’re having trouble deciding which model is best for your needs, your Jacksonville water heater installation professional can help you sort through your options. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a new water heater.

Fuel Type
When selecting a new water heater, it’s important to consider what fuel type you will use. The fuel type will not only affect the annual operation costs but also the water heater’s size and energy efficiency. Electric and natural gas/propane water heaters are the most widely available in the United States. Solar and geothermal energy are also used to fuel water heaters. Talk with your plumber or water heater replacement provider for more information about the different fuel types available.

Energy Efficiency
Heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home’s energy use. To maximize your energy savings, research high-efficiency water heaters and find out what factors are used to measure energy efficiency. Water-heating efficiency is measures by an Energy Factor (EF) rating—the higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater. Compare the performance and operating costs of different water heater models using the EnergyGuide label to estimate your annual operating costs and savings.

Storage Capacity
The capacity of a water heater is an important consideration when investing in a new water heater. For tankless water heaters, you need to determine the flow rate and the temperature rise you’ll need for its application in your home (whole house or a remote application, for example). For storage water heaters, look at the water heater’s first hour rating and choose a model with a rating that matches your peak hour demand. Your Jacksonville water heater installation professional can help you estimate your required storage capacity.

When it comes to water heater technology, tankless is the way to go. Tankless water heaters supply unlimited amounts of hot water, all while achieving some of the highest energy-efficiency ratings of all water heaters. So, how do tankless water heaters work? Watch this video to hear from a professional plumber about the technology inside tankless water heaters and how these components come together to provide instantaneous hot water.

If you’re ready to enjoy virtually unlimited hot water in your home, contact your Jacksonville plumber and learn if a tankless water heater is right for you. Professional tankless water heater installation is required to fully realize all the benefits of going tankless.

If you want to save money, one of the best places to start is at home. By making your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. Not only do energy-efficient products help you save money, but they also preserve our environment and make the world a better place for future generations. In terms of plumbing , there are a lot of ways that you can “go green.” Here are some of the best ways to make your plumbing more eco-friendly.

Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

The average American household uses 400 gallons of water every day . Faucets account for more than 15 percent of all indoor water usage. Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures, such as faucet aerators and adjustable-stream showerheads, to save water (and money) every month. Low-flow showerheads, for example, use up to 40 percent less water than traditional showerheads. Your Jacksonville plumber can recommend other water-efficient fixtures for your home.

Reduce Water Consumption

The toilet is one of the biggest water wasters in your home. Traditional models use 3.5 gallons of water on average per flush. Eco-friendly toilets use 60 percent less water than traditional models. Pressure-assisted low-flow toilets utilize compressed air to push water from tank to bowl. Ask your Jacksonville plumber how much you could save by replacing all the toilets in your home.

Fix Leaks

Leaks, even small ones, can waste hundreds of gallons of water per day. Over time, all that wasted water leads to high utility bills and extensive water damage. If you notice leaking pipes around your home, or notice signs of a hidden plumbing leak, contact a plumbing repair company in your area to fix the leak, saving you loads of money and lots of time and headache in the long run. Signs of a hidden leak include musty odors, mold, and unusually high water bills.

When you are planning a new water heater installation for your home, you will have the choice of either a conventional or tankless unit. When you choose a tankless unit for your water heater replacement, you will be provided with exceptional efficiency and limitless hot water on demand. These exceptional water heaters are a terrific choice for many households. A company offering water heater installations in Jacksonville will be able to answer your questions about tankless water heaters. If you are considering a tankless water heater installation, read on for answers to some questions that you may have about these types of water heaters.

What Are the Main Differences Between Tankless and Standard Water Heaters?

There are several main differences between tankless and standard water heaters. One of the primary differences between these types of units is the way that hot water is created and stored. Tankless water heaters have no storage area, and instead create hot water on demand. By contrast, a standard water heater requires a large storage tank in order to provide enough hot water for a home.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

Tankless water heaters feature a remarkably efficient and streamlined design. When you turn on your hot water tap, water begins flowing through the tankless heater. As is travels through the unit, a heating element instantaneously heats up the water as it flows. Once the water leaves the tankless heater and reaches your faucet, it will have been heated to the perfect temperature.

What Are the Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters offer many advantages to the homeowners. These types of water heaters are more efficient and energy-saving than their conventional counterparts. In addition, tankless water heaters can help you save space in your home. If you are shopping for a high quality water heater for your house, you may want to install a tankless system.

Hot water is an important element for many of life’s daily tasks. From doing your dishes to taking a shower, chances are that you rely on hot water throughout your day. If your current water heater is no longer meeting your needs, it may be time for a new water heater installation. With a new water heater , you can achieve better performance from your plumbing system, while also conserving energy. A company offering water heater installations in Jacksonville can help you select the best unit for your household. To help you prepare for your water heater installation, here is a guide to choosing a new water heater.

Consider Fuel Sources

When you are shopping for a new water heater , you will first need to consider what fuel source will be right for your unit. Water heaters can be connected to a range of fuel sources, including natural gas, electricity, and propane. The right water heater will rely on the type of fuel source that is used by other appliances in your home.

Examine Styles

Today’s water heaters are available in two different styles. When you are shopping for a new water heater, you will have your choice of a tankless or a conventional unit. Conventional water heaters store hot water in a large tank. By contrast, a tankless unit creates hot water on the spot. If you are in search of an efficient water heater option, tankless may be the right choice for you.

Explore Sizes

When you are choosing a new water heater, you will also need to explore the unit sizes that are available to you. A properly sized unit will ensure that you are never left without hot water in your household. For assistance with your water heater purchase, be sure to work with a highly qualified company that offers water heater sales in your area.

A hidden plumbing leak can cause serious damage to your home if it is left untreated. Water damage is one of your home’s worst enemies. For example, a small water leak behind your wall may result in the need for costly drywall repair. Some common plumbing repair issues that could result in a hidden leak include leaky toilets, dripping faucets, or a broken water main. If you notice mold or excessive moisture in your home, these symptoms could be a sign of a hidden leak. With plumbing repairs from an experience plumber, you can ensure that your home is protected against the dangers of a hidden leak. A company offering plumbing repair in Jacksonville can provide you with a full range of top quality services, including water heater repairs and much more. To take a closer look at the importance of home plumbing services, watch this video from Angie’s List.

A functional water heater is an essential part of any modern home. Whether you’re building a new house or looking to replace your old water heater, you should take some time to determine what kind of new water heater will best serve your home. Water heater technology has likely come a long way since the last time you bought a unit. Below are a few tips to consider when it’s time to buy a new water heater. Once you make your choice, have a Jacksonville plumber install your new water heater.

Consider the Size of Your Household

Correctly sizing your water heater is important for ensuring its longevity and effectiveness. If you purchase a water heater that’s too small, you will run out of hot water quickly and your unit will likely fail in a few years. When choosing a water heater, be sure to factor in the size of your household. Generally speaking, a 60-gallon tank unit should suffice for a family of four.

Determine Which Fuel Type to Use

It’s also important to determine which fuel type will power your water heater. If you’re replacing an old water heater, it’s probably easiest to get a new unit that uses the same type of fuel. If you’re installing a unit in a new construction home, you’ll need to research which fuel types are available in your area. Natural gas and propane are efficient and effective fuel sources, and they’re both widely available.

Save Money with an Energy-Efficient Water Heater

Consider buying the most energy-efficient water heater you can afford. You’ll find that the extra cost will be offset by years of energy savings, and you’ll be helping the environment, too. Look for the blue Energy Star label on new water heaters, and consider getting a tankless model. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand as opposed to traditional tank models, which constantly use energy to keep water hot.

New water heater installation is almost always an ordeal. In addition to spending several hundred dollars, you have to decide exactly which kind of replacement water heater to buy. As you narrow down your options, you should learn about some of the differences between traditional tank and new tankless water heaters.

In this video, a plumbing expert discusses tank and tankless water heaters. A tank water heater heats and stores water inside a tank, then distributes the water when it’s called for. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, heats water as it enters the home and sends it straight to the appropriate fixture. Tank water heaters have an average efficiency rating of 62%, while tankless water heaters have an amazing 92-95% efficiency rating. To save money on energy, you might consider installing a tankless water heater in your Jacksonville home.

If you live in or around Jacksonville, your home is likely connected to a municipal sewer. Every day, your sewer line empties the wastewater from your drain lines into the municipal sewer system, through which the waste travels to a water treatment plant. For wastewater to be effectively drained from your property, you need to be sure that your sewer line is functioning properly. Here are a few signs that you may need sewer line repair from a Jacksonville plumber .

Foul Odor

If there’s a clog in your sewer line, the water in your system will likely start to back up. Over time, you may detect a foul smell coming from your drains. This means that wastewater is backing up and getting closer to your drains; you should call a sewer repair professional to clean your line as soon as possible.

Pooling Water

A total blockage isn’t the most common sewer line problem. In fact, it’s more common for sewer lines to be partially blocked up. One way you can tell that your sewer line is partially blocked is if water takes a long time to drain. If water pools around just one drain, it may be an isolated problem; if water pools around all your drains, there’s a problem with the sewer line.

Gurgling Sound

A gurgling sound is another huge cause for concern. If there’s a problem with your sewer line, you may hear a gurgling sound coming from your drains when you turn on the washing machine or dishwasher. For the sake of your safety and comfort, consider hiring a plumber to clear your sewer line if you hear any strange noises.

Sewage Backup

If your sewer line issue goes unaddressed, raw sewage will eventually back up through your drains and into your home. It’s important that you watch and listen closely for the other signs of a sewer line problem so it doesn’t progress to this point. If sewage starts backing up into your home, turn off your main water shutoff valve and call a Jacksonville plumber as soon as possible.

Your water heater provides hot water for all of your daily household activities, including dishwashing, showers, and more. If your water heater breaks down, your household could be left without hot water until your plumber is able to visit your home. To reduce your chances of being caught without hot water at home, it is a great idea to schedule water heater repairs at regular intervals. With routine water heater repair in Jacksonville , you will ensure that your appliance is in peak working condition. To help you determine when its time to call the plumber, here is a look at some of the top signs that it you need to schedule a water heater repair service.

No Hot Water

One of the top signs that your water heater needs repairs is a lack of hot water in your home. If your water heater is failing to heat water altogether, this is a sign of a serious problem with your appliance. Your water heater may have an electrical issue, or could be in need of a total replacement.

Dirty Water

If the water coming from your hot water tap is dirty or discolored, this is an indication that you are in need of water heater repairs. When your water heater is failing, the tank may deposit minerals or dirt into your hot water. At the first indication of dirty hot water, you should be sure to contact your plumber right away.

Strange Sounds

When your water heater is about to break, you may hear some strange sounds coming from the appliance. While some sounds are part of your water heater’s normal operation, other loud or abrasive noises could indicate a maintenance issue. If you hear loud cracks, bangs, or pops coming from your water heater, do not hesitate to contact your local plumbing company to set up a water heater repair appointment.