HOT WATER HEATER – SERVICE, REPAIR AND INSTALLATION

A storage tank hot water heater typically lasts 8 years – once your tank warranty runs out, you should check to make sure that your home insurance is still valid for a water tank leak. By inspecting your hot water tank regularly you can spot issues before the tank deteriorates and causes water damage to your home. Here are some tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your water heater:

• Water is pooling at the base of the heater
• Water temperature has dropped
• Pieces of white plastic in your showerhead or faucet aerators
• You are unable to release water through the heater’s drain valve
• Gas pilot will not stay lit
• There is little or no pressure on the hot side
• Hot or cold connections are rusty on top of the tank
• The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is rusty or letting water past

Hot water heaters come in two forms: the storage tank hot water heater that you’re probably familiar with, and tankless hot water heaters. When you’re choosing a model, the factors you’ll want to consider are:

• Energy efficiency
• Cost
• Space available for installation
• Amount of water you use each day

At their most basic, storage tank hot water heaters are insulated steel cylinders fed by a cold water inlet pipe. Water is heated using gas or electricity and stored inside the tank at a constant temperature. Gas heaters cost more than electric ones but, based on national-average fuel costs, a gas water heater will cost you about half as much to run as a comparable electric model.

These models can be suitcase-sized units in your utility room that service the entire house, or smaller units that only provide hot water to one fixture and that are usually located under a sink. The units heat water only when needed, providing hot water on demand. An electric coil or natural gas heats the water as it passes through a heat exchanger inside the unit. Since you’re not paying to constantly reheat water, your energy costs are lower. The purchase price of a tankless heater is significantly higher than a storage tank, but they can last for up to 20 years. At Acorn Service Group, we can help you choose the hot water heater that’s right for your needs and budget, and give you an upfront estimate of the total price of the installation, with no hidden costs. To learn more about tankless water heaters click here.

In order to keep your hot water heater operating efficiently, (and to comply with the terms of most warranties), you should have your hot water heater inspected annually to determine if any servicing is required – just like you schedule a tune-up for your car.

Our trained service technicians are familiar with all major makes and models of hot water heaters, and can repair or service your existing heater after providing you with a range of solutions and an upfront estimate of the cost to perform the work.

To save money, receive priority service, and ensure that your equipment is serviced regularly, consider joining our Acorn Service Plan!