heater Archives - Annapolis Plumbing Contractor

Benefits of Commercial Water Heater Maintenance

Why Schedule Water Heater Maintenance?

Water heaters are often essential appliances in businesses and commercial properties. They are used to heat water for all sorts of tasks. But when a commercial water heater malfunctions, it can make things more difficult and inconvenient. To avoid issues with the water heater and ensure it continues working properly, they must receive regular maintenance. Here are some of the most significant benefits of routine commercial water heater maintenance.

Leads to Better Efficiency and Lower Costs

Routine water heater maintenance can save business owners money. Over time, minerals and sediment can build up in water heaters, negatively impacting temperatures and efficiency. This causes the water heater to use more energy to function properly, raising utility bills. The sediment buildup can also speed up corrosion in the water heater.

Some tasks that are part of water heater maintenance include draining and flushing the tank to remove sediment and replacing the anode rod, which attracts sediment and minerals, to prevent corrosion. These maintenance tasks help keep the water heater working efficiently, which will help property and business owners save on water heating costs.

More Reliable and Less Likely to Need Repairs

Neglecting regular maintenance on commercial water heaters can lead to unexpected breakdowns, system damage, and costly repairs. Without maintenance, sediment accumulation in the tank, corrosion, and inefficiency in the system’s operation can occur, which can cause additional problems. For example, corrosion in the water heater due to a lack of maintenance can lead to leaks.

On the contrary, a well-maintained water heater is less likely to suffer from these issues. Regular maintenance allows for the early identification and prevention of potential problems. This proactive approach not only helps avoid problems and breakdowns but also contributes to savings by dodging repair bills. So, investing in routine maintenance ensures more reliable performance with a lower risk of damage.

Leads to a Longer Lifespan

A commercial water heater is an investment, and business and property owners should treat it as such. Keeping up with water heater maintenance also helps extend the lifespan of the water heater, leading to more savings by delaying the need for replacement. During maintenance, a plumber can perform tasks that help the water heater last longer and find and fix potential problems that could cause additional damage that requires replacing it.

Additionally, routine water heater maintenance often helps keep warranties active. If a system has a warranty, one requirement may be yearly tune-ups. Ultimately, commercial water heater maintenance has many benefits and can save money in the long run through efficiency and fewer repairs and replacements.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has been serving Annapolis and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat rates, live assistance, and unparalleled customer service. Call them for commercial plumbing and water heater services in Annapolis, MD.

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Common Signs It’s Time for Water Heater Replacement

How to Tell When a Water Heater Needs to Be Replaced

Water heaters are such a staple of everyday life that it’s easy to take them for granted – until they stop working, that is. When the water heater goes on the fritz, homeowners are quickly reminded of how frequently they use their water heater and how essential it is for good hygiene, sanitation, comfort, and cleanliness.

So if the water heater goes out unexpectedly, waiting for it to be replaced can feel like an eternity – especially in the middle of a frigid Maryland winter. So, to avoid getting stuck without hot water, homeowners can learn how to spot the warning signs of a water heater on its last leg. Here are some easy ways for homeowners to know when it’s time for water heater replacement.

Corroded Water Heater

The first way to tell that the water heater needs replacing is if the water heater is rusted and corroded. Common signs of corrosion in the water heater are hot water that is rust-colored, murky, or cloudy, or it has a metallic smell. These issues typically indicate that the water heater tank is corroded. Conventional storage water heaters have devices called anode rods inside the tank that attract corrosive substances to prevent them from corroding the tank. However, the anode rod must be replaced periodically to provide continuous protection against corrosion.

Similarly, if sediment and minerals are allowed to build up inside the tank, it can cause temperature issues and damage the tank’s glass inner liner, exposing the tank to corrosion. This is why regular water heater maintenance is so vital for the health and longevity of the unit. Unfortunately, water heater corrosion is generally regarded as the kiss of death – a corroded hot water tank is corrupted and will lead to leaks if not replaced.

A Lack of Hot Water

One sign of a faulty water heater that will come as no surprise to anyone is a loss of hot water. Whether the shower never gets hot, water comes out cold or lukewarm when the hot water tap is open, or the hot water doesn’t last as long as it used to, a lack of hot water is a sure sign there’s something wrong with the water heater, and it may need to be replaced.

There are several possible causes of hot water loss in storage and tankless water heaters. These include dirty gas burners, malfunctioning heating elements, sediment buildup in the tank, a broken heat exchanger, a faulty thermocouple, and faulty wiring – to name a few. In some cases, homeowners may simply need water heater repair or maintenance to get things back to normal. However, depending on the issue, its severity, and the age of the unit, replacing the water heater may be necessary.

The Water Heater Is Near the End of Its Life or Needs Repairs Often

Lastly, the age of the water heater may be reason enough to replace it – particularly if it acts up or needs to be repaired often. A typical storage water heater’s life expectancy is 10–15 years, while a tankless water heater’s life expectancy is around 20 years. If the unit is nearing those ages, it’s best to replace it before it breaks down and leaves the home without hot water. Newer water heaters are much more energy efficient than older models, so a water heater upgrade can help reduce water heating costs.

Another reason to replace a water heater is if it requires more frequent repairs and service visits to stay in good working order. Not only is it inconvenient to constantly have to deal with water heater issues, but shelling out for repairs over and over again can add up over time. If it gets to the point where homeowners have to call for water heater repair every year for an older unit, they’re better off investing in a new water heater. Homeowners can consult a plumber to see whether a water heater replacement is best.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving Annapolis and the surrounding areas. They offer dependable, flat rates, live assistance, and preventative maintenance agreements. Call them today for water heater installation or repair in Annapolis, MD.

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Get a Fresh Start This Valentine’s Day and Kick the Old Water Heater to the Curb

Signs a New Water Heater is Needed

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate the special people in life, but for some, it may be a time to take stock of the relationship and make a decision. Deciding whether to weather the storm or cut and run can be hard, but it takes careful analysis to make a good decision.

Deciding to stick with the current water heater in the home can be an equally difficult decision. Water heaters are expensive appliances, so they shouldn’t be replaced without good reason. On the other hand, water heaters are necessary, so if the current model fails to do its job, replacing it may be the best option. Making this decision can be difficult, but luckily, there are relationship advisers in the form of local plumbers. These experts offer advice to help make a wise decision in this difficult situation.

Corrosion

Corrosion is a natural reaction between oxygen and the base metals that make up a home’s water heater and piping. One of the biggest enemies of reliable plumbing over the centuries has been corrosion, and many creative methods have been used to deal with it. In modern water heaters, the tank is protected by a special rod of metal designed to be corrupted before the metal of the water tank. This rod is called an anode rod.

Over time, the anode rod will be corroded away, leaving the tank unprotected. When this happens, rusty spots may appear on the water tank, or corrosion can occur on copper pipes near the tank. Eventually, the tank will begin to leak and need to be replaced. If the water heater is showing signs of corrosion, then it is a good time to schedule a water heater replacement.

Inadequate Amount of Hot Water

A water heater has one job: to provide adequate hot water to a family for laundry, cleaning dishes, and performing comfortable hygiene rituals. As a water heater ages, it loses its ability to keep up with the demands placed upon it. Inefficiencies develop, and eventually, someone will be stuck in the middle of a shower with no hot water.

While a few water heater repairs may be made to restore lost efficiency, the water heater will most likely need to be replaced. Water heater replacement will allow homeowners to select a unit with a faster recovery time so that no one will get stuck taking a shower without hot water again.

High Energy Bills

A loss of efficiency in the water heater has consequences other than simply losing hot water. It can also drive up utility costs. Heating water is expensive and can account for more than 10% of monthly utility bills. Over the years, the cost will continue to climb as inefficiencies are more pronounced. Water heater replacement is a great place to start for homeowners looking for relief from high water heating bills.

A new water heater will inherently be more energy efficient than one more than five years old. In addition, homeowners can select models that are designed more effectively. All in all, installing a new water heater will restore lost efficiency and lower monthly energy bills.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has served the community of Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They offer flat rates, emergency assistance, and honest, quality service. Call them today for water heater repair and installation in Annapolis, MD.

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Put a New Water Heater At the Top of Your Holiday Wishlist!

A New Water Heater Is the Gift Every Homeowner Deserves This Holiday Season!

It’s not uncommon to wish for new appliances during the holidays. Usually, it’s something to beef up the kitchen like a handy breadmaker, a bigger toaster oven, or even a fancy new smart refrigerator. But for some homeowners, it’s a replacement for that old clunker of a water heater that keeps breaking down.

The water heater is the heart of the home’s plumbing system. Things can get pretty uncomfortable if it’s constantly malfunctioning or failing to provide enough hot water. It’s only a matter of time before the unit gives out completely and leaves the home without hot water. This article will explain how to tell when a water heater is on its last leg, what problems can be solved with repairs, and how a home can benefit from a water heater replacement.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

For the most part, it’s usually pretty easy to tell when the water heater isn’t working properly. Some common symptoms include:

The water won’t get hot enough
The hot water runs out quickly
The water temperature keeps fluctuating
The hot water is discolored or has a funky smell
The hot water pressure is weak compared to the cold
The water won’t get hot at all

Other signs can be observed not through the water but at the point of the water heater itself, such as evidence of leaks on or around the unit, unusual noises such as popping, rumbling, or hissing. Some units even have status indicator lights to alert the owner of an anomaly or problem.

When To Repair & When To Replace

In some cases, replacing the whole water heater may not be the best option. Water heaters aren’t exactly cheap, so if the problem can be solved with repairs, why shell out all that money unnecessarily? Simply cleaning the burners or replacing a faulty thermostat may resolve temperature issues. A partially closed valve could be responsible for low pressure. A loose pipe fitting or worn relief valve could cause a leak.

Of course, some issues are more serious and can lead to further damage if left unchecked. If the tank’s anode rod is depleted, for instance, the tank may begin to rust if a new rod isn’t installed immediately. Delayed ignition due to dirty burners can crack the heat exchanger – a very expensive fix. If sediment buildup in the tank isn’t flushed out in time, it could cause the tank to crack and leak, which cannot be repaired and will necessitate replacing the entire unit.

If the cost to repair the unit is half the cost of a replacement or more, it may make more sense to go for the latter. This is especially true if the unit is more than a few years old, as the average lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years (or closer to 20 for tankless units).

Key Benefits of Upgrading the Water Heater

Even if a full replacement isn’t strictly necessary, it does carry some major benefits. For one thing, homeowners can upgrade to a new and improved model that better serves their needs.

Many people find that their old water heater can no longer keep up with the household demand for hot water – particularly if the family has gotten bigger over the years. This may be the perfect opportunity to switch to a larger unit that can handle the load or even to a tankless water heater. These heat water only as needed, reducing standby energy consumption and making it possible to have an endless flow of hot water.

New water heaters, whether traditional or tankless, are also significantly more efficient than their older counterparts, thanks to continuous advancements in water heater technology. In this way, upgrading to a new water heater can end up saving homeowners money in the long run – truly, the gift that keeps giving!

About Heidler, Inc.

The family-owned and operated Heidler, Inc. has been the trusted local plumber in Annapolis, Maryland, since 1947. They offer up-front pricing, 24-hour emergency response, and a range of rewarding maintenance plans. With their award-winning customer service and tailor-made solutions, they are the clear choice for water heater installation in Annapolis, MD.

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Signs of Heater Malfunction Homeowners Should Never Ignore

Solve These Heater Issues Quickly

Winter is almost here, whether people like it or not. The days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are getting colder. Homeowners need to prepare themselves and their homes for the coming months. As the fall turns into winter, now is the best time to make sure everything is running as it should to keep the home comfortable throughout the winter.

The heater is one of the most significant components of the HVAC system and is used constantly during the winter. It’s critical to inspect the home’s heater to make sure it’s ready to take on the responsibility of keeping the house cozy indoors when the temperature drops below freezing. Homeowners should also keep a close eye out for the common signs of heater malfunction.

Heater Blowing Cold Air

The purpose of the heater is to produce and distribute warm air through the house. Therefore, if the heater can no longer do this and starts blowing cold air instead of warm air, this is a clear sign of heater malfunction. There are a few things homeowners should check when this happens.

Take a look at the thermostat. If it’s set too low, cold air will start blowing instead of warm air. Luckily, this is an easy one to fix.
See if the air filters need changing. If the air filters are too dirty, this could be preventing warm air from being distributed throughout the house.
Check the pilot light. If the pilot light is broken or has a yellow flame instead of a blue flame, this could be causing the cold air as well.

Odd Noises

When the heater is experiencing a problem, it’s great at communicating that problem to the homeowner. If it isn’t blowing cold air to tell the homeowner that something is wrong, it might start making loud, unusual noises instead.

Scraping and grinding noises typically signal that something is wrong with the blower wheel. Old age or wear and tear may be causing the component to malfunction, and it likely needs replacing.
For gas furnaces, banging noises are another typical sound of heater malfunction. When the gas burner is too dirty, it delays the ignition. All of that gas starts to build up over time, and when the burners finally ignite, it results in a loud bang.
Screeching noises can signal a problem with several heater components: the blower motor, the blower belt, or the shaft bearings. Poor maintenance and lack of oiling and lubrication are common causes for this type of breakdown.

Pilot Light Turns Yellow

In a normal heater, the pilot light burns blue. Blue is the natural color of a flame when it has adequate oxygen. But if this oxygen is restricted, the pilot light can turn from blue to yellow. As a result, the flame is not as hot and can go out frequently, causing the gas supply to shut off.

Additionally, since the yellow flame is weaker, it can’t eliminate all the carbon monoxide that the blue light can burn. This puts the health of homeowners and their families at risk as the poisonous can start leaking into the rest of the house.

The most common reason for this problem is the buildup of dirt on the air intake valve. This is why it’s so critical for homeowners to have their heater checked. A maintenance check could identify this buildup of dirt and resolve this problem before turning the heat on.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has been leading the way in plumbing and heating innovation since 1947. Their team of experts continuously keeps up to date on the plumbing and heating industry’s latest advancements. By staying educated on new trends and technologies, they can provide the quality heater repair services Annapolis homeowners deserve.