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Four Reasons to Install a Tankless Water Heater

Who Are Tankless Water Heaters Right For?

Tankless water heaters are a relatively new technology. And like any new technology, it's common for people to be initially unsure about them. Especially since they cost more than their storage tank counterparts, this slightly higher upfront cost shouldn't discourage homeowners from learning about tankless water heaters. For most households, the benefits of tankless water heater installation far outweigh the drawbacks. Read on to learn four reasons to install a tankless water heater.

Less Energy and More Savings

The concept behind tankless water heaters is increased efficiency all around. There's no storage tank, whether the unit heats with gas or electricity. Tankless water heaters heat water quickly as it's needed. This means there's no need for the water heater to heat water even when unnecessary. This is how storage tank water heaters work, after all. They continue heating the water in the tank even if it won't be used for hours — or days. That's a lot of wasted energy.

Seeing how much saving this means for the average homeowner is amazing. While numbers will vary depending on the household's water usage, the average energy savings for a household using 41 gallons of hot water daily is as much as 34%! That translates to significant savings over the life of the tankless water heater.

Endless Hot Water and No Tank

Tankless water heaters are often called on-demand water heaters. This is a good indication of how they operate. Unlike a storage-tank water heater, there's no running out of hot water with a tankless heater. However, tankless water heaters can only heat so much water at a time. So it's possible to max out the hot water generated. This can happen when people or appliances use hot water at multiple faucets. This is why those homes with high simultaneous hot water usage often install more than one tankless heater.

When thinking about storage tank water heaters, finding a place to install a second one would be difficult, even if there was a reason for it. But this isn't the case with tankless heaters. These are much smaller than their old-fashioned counterparts. They can fit easily in smaller spaces, such as storage closets. This makes them ideal for use in space-challenged homes. It also makes multiple installations in bigger homes a simple matter.

Tankless Heaters Last Longer

In the head-to-head comparison of storage tank water heaters to tankless water heaters, the tankless option comes out on top regarding efficiency, hot water supply, and size. But what about longevity? Well, it's not much of a contest there, either.

The average storage tank water heater will last between ten and fifteen years. On the other hand, the average tankless water heater has an average life expectancy of twenty years. This is because there's no tank for the water to eat through after so many years. Sure, tankless water heaters still need regular maintenance. But with that maintenance, they will generally last much longer than their counterparts. This is why they're an excellent choice for anyone looking to replace their water heater — or to install a new one altogether.

About A&A Plumbing

A&A Plumbing has been proud to serve San Antonio, TX, since 2007. They perform a comprehensive assessment before ever starting to work, ensuring they're providing the personalized attention each customer needs. They also take pride in keeping each customer's property clean. Contact them today for tankless water heater installation in San Antonio, TX.

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Why Get Professional Water Heater Maintenance?

Avoid Getting Stuck Without Hot Water This Fall!

Hot water is such a ubiquitous part of everyday life in most American homes that it's easy to take it for granted. After all, it's used for everything from handwashing and bathing to doing laundry and washing dishes. So when the water heater goes on the fritz, everyone in the house feels the pain – especially as colder weather approaches.

Aside from old age, the leading cause of water heater failure is a lack of proper maintenance. And with the water heater tucked away in a garage, basement, or utility closet, it's easy to overlook or put off maintenance until it's too late. To ensure homeowners don't get stranded without hot water just as the chilly weather rolls in, this article will explain why routine water heater maintenance is so important, what it entails, and how to tell when the hot water heater is on the verge of a breakdown!

Benefits of Regular Water Heater Maintenance

Every homeowner should be aware of several water heater maintenance benefits. Firstly, it helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and other issues by addressing minor problems as early as possible. Along these lines, maintenance also helps prolong the unit's life by mitigating the effects of normal wear and tear.

A well-maintained water heater will also perform better and with greater energy efficiency, which can lead to lower energy bills. By improving the unit's efficiency and reducing or prolonging the need for water heater repair or replacement, routine maintenance can save homeowners loads of money in the long run!

What Is Included In Water Heater Maintenance?

During a water heater tune-up, a professional plumber will perform various tasks, which vary depending on the type of water heater.

When servicing a conventional water heater, the plumber will flush the hot water tank to remove sediment buildup, inspect the anode rod (a device that attracts corrosive substances to protect the tank shell) and replace it if necessary, and test the T&P (temperature & pressure) relief valve. They will also check electrical connections, safety devices, and burners, replacing, tightening, or cleaning anything that needs it.

Tankless water heater maintenance involves most of the same tasks, although there's no water tank to flush and no anode rod to replace. However, tankless water heaters must be flushed periodically since mineral scales can accumulate inside the unit, interfering with the heat exchanger's ability to heat the water.

Mineral scale and sediment buildup can crack heat exchangers, clog pipes, and damage storage tanks, so flushing a water heater is one of the most important parts of maintenance. Generally, it's best to do this once yearly for conventional units and every 1-2 years for tankless units.

Signs that the Water Heater Needs To Be Serviced

Suppose it's been more than one year since the water heater was last serviced. In that case, homeowners should consider scheduling water heater maintenance to ensure the unit is in good shape and operating smoothly. But there are a few other signs it might be time for water heater repair or maintenance:

The hot water runs out faster than usual
The water doesn't get as hot as usual, doesn't get hot at all, or comes out too hot
The water temperature fluctuates frequently
Low hot water pressure (particularly if the cold water seems to have normal pressure)
The hot water is discolored or smelly
Water is leaking from the water heater itself
The water heater is making strange sounds (popping, rumbling, hissing, whining, etc.)

If homeowners notice any of these signs, there's likely a problem with their water heater. A simple maintenance visit may resolve the issue, but in some cases, water heater repair may be necessary. But if the unit is very old (10+ years) or the storage tank is leaking, a water heater replacement may be more cost-effective. To properly diagnose and resolve the issue, homeowners should consult a qualified and reputable plumber!

About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling

Since opening its doors in 2007, A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling has become one of the most trusted and highly-rated plumbing companies in San Antonio. As an award-winning, family-owned local business, they are proud to offer up-front pricing, personalized solutions, and emergency plumbing service. They also offer a money-saving maintenance plan and guarantee 100% satisfaction on every job – so homeowners know they can count on A&A for water heater maintenance in San Antonio, TX!

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Unleash Your Eco-Warrior Spirit with a Tankless Water Heater

Say Goodbye to Bulky Tanks and Hello to Efficiency

Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternative to traditional storage tank water heaters. These devices heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a large tank to heat and store it constantly. Tankless water heaters can save homeowners money on utility bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and save space. In this blog, look at the numerous environmental advantages of tankless water heaters and why they’re a good choice for a greener home.

How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to That Old Water Heater

As essential household appliances, water heaters require regular maintenance and replacement to ensure they function correctly. If a homeowner is unsure whether their water heater needs to be replaced, look for rust or corrosion on the tank, metallic-tasting or smelling water, unusual noises, leaks, and a lack of hot water. The age of the water heater is also an essential factor to consider, as units older than ten years may be nearing the end of their useful life. By recognizing these warning signs early on, homeowners can avoid more serious issues and ensure their water heater operates efficiently and safely.

Discovering the Magic of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular for homeowners looking for a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional storage tank water heaters. Unlike conventional units, tankless water heaters heat water on demand, continuously heating and storing water in a large tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows through a pipe into the unit, where a gas or electric heating element warms it. The hot water then flows from the unit to the required faucet or appliance.

Because there is no storage tank, there is no standby heat loss, and hot water is available immediately, making it more convenient for users. Furthermore, tankless water heaters only heat water when required, so they can be more energy-efficient, lowering water and energy bills. Homeowners can decide which type of water heater is best for their needs if they understand how tankless water heaters work.

Efficient and Eco-Friendly: Exploring the Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters

Compared to traditional storage tank water heaters, tankless water heaters have several advantages. Because they only heat water when needed, these units can be more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters. This feature has the potential to save money on both water and energy bills. Tankless water heaters are also smaller, making them ideal for homes with limited space. They have a lifespan of up to 20 years, often longer than that of storage tank water heaters.

Furthermore, tankless water heaters are a more environmentally friendly option because they generate less waste and use less energy. Tankless water heaters also provide a continuous supply of hot water, which is especially beneficial for larger households or homes with high hot water demands. Homeowners can enjoy these benefits and the many advantages of this innovative technology by upgrading to a tankless water heater.

About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling

A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is committed to providing superior solutions to its customers in the surrounding areas. When working with them, one can expect nothing less than exceptional service from beginning to end. Since 2007, their expert team has been solving problems, and they understand customers’ needs throughout the area. Call A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling for all San Antonio, TX tankless water heater services.

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It's Time To Replace That Old Water Heater

3 Reasons It's Time To Replace the Old Water Heater

It is hard to understand when a water heater is past its prime. However, there are three simple rules to follow: age, leaks, and overall effectiveness. When a water heater no longer works, it can increase monthly bills and water damage. It is best to perform preventative maintenance through a water heater service to avoid this.

1. The Water Heater Is Too Old

Homeowners need to remember and keep their paperwork with them regarding their old water heaters. Most of the time, when these large and older models start to age, they break down and crack.

It eventually becomes easier to replace the water heater, especially after 10 years. However, different models have different guarantees. For example, some homeowners have found that electric water heaters have a shorter lifespan than traditional water heaters. These can live up to 8 years.

Electric water heaters risk damaging electrical outlets and appliances as they start to wear down. This is likely why they begin to show their age at eight years old. It is best to check the manufacturing date and any warranties if applicable.

2. The Water Heater Is Leaking

Is there water in places that water should not be? If this is true, it is likely because of a water heater leak. There are many simple reasons that a water heater starts to leak! However, homeowners should immediately call in for a water heater replacement if they notice a water heater leak.

The most common reason is a crack inside or outside the water heater. These large cracks can easily let water seep out and start to leak. Homeowners can find the area by looking for condensation and water drops on their water heater.

Another common reason the water heater is leaking is because of a buildup of calcium and minerals inside the heater. Sometimes, a large buildup damages the inside and forces pressure to try and release.

3. The Water Heater Refuses To Work

Sometimes water heaters are not leaking water, but they do not work efficiently anymore! The cause depends on the severity of the water heater's condition and age. If a homeowner's water heater is still young and under warranty, they should call a water heater installer. However, it depends on the type of heating system. There are also gas water heater services.

Usually, if these systems stop working, though, a broken heating element or improperly sized tank can affect the water heater's ability to work efficiently.

About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling

A&A plumbing is a locally and family-owned business that has been in operation since 2007. With over a decade of experience serving their community, they offer fair pricing and excellent customer service. Homeowners should give them a call today for water heater service!

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Is It a Ghost - Or Just a Water Heater In Need of Repairs?

How To Decipher the Spooky Sounds of a Broken Water Heater

As fall settles in and the nights grow longer and chillier, things can get a little creepy around the house - especially during the Halloween season, when the imagery of ghoulish creatures and spooky specters is almost impossible to avoid. The imagination can’t help but run wild with frightening possibilities at the slightest sound.

So the last thing any homeowner wants is to hear a whole symphony of creepy noises coming from the basement or garage. But it may not be necessary to call the Ghostbusters after all - the culprit may be a water heater on the fritz! Read on to uncover the mystery behind a few of the most common (and creepy) water heater sounds.

Hissing or Screeching

The occasional hissing sound coming from a water heater may not be anything to worry too much about. It may simply be condensation on the tank dripping down onto a burner or other hot surface after the tank has just been filled with cold water. But it can also indicate a leak, as water escapes and sizzles as it drips onto that same hot surface. Overly high temperature or overpressurization may also cause a hissing sound as the T&P (temperature and pressure) relief valve continually opens to vent pressure.

A screeching sound (not to be mistaken for ghostly singing) usually indicates that water is being forced through a small opening. This most often occurs when a valve won’t open all the way or has been accidentally closed partway. It may also occur when mineral deposits have accumulated inside the pipes, making the waterways more narrow.

Rumbling, Crackling, and Popping Sounds

If the water heater rumbles, crackles, or pops, it’s a clear sign that there’s sediment in the water tank. The sediment will gradually accumulate and settle at the bottom of the tank, trapping pockets of water beneath each new layer of sediment. The popping and crackling sounds are caused by the trapped water forcing its way up through the sediment as it gets heated.

The rumbling noise results from larger chunks of sediment breaking off and getting jostled around the tank. Sediment can lead to erosion or even cracks in the tank, which will cause it to leak. When a water heater tank springs a leak, one cannot repair it, and the entire unit will need to be replaced - so it’s best to get the tank flushed as soon as possible if these sounds are occurring.

Ticking or Humming

A ticking sound coming from the water heater typically comes from either the heat traps or check valves. These devices are installed at the inlet and outlet pipes to prevent hot or cold water from flowing incorrectly. Inside most heat traps and check valves is a small metal ball, piston, or plunger that stops the flow of water in one direction. This little apparatus can move back and forth as pressure and temperature fluctuate, producing a ticking sound - but if it occurs incessantly, it may indicate that these devices are malfunctioning.

Humming is usually the result of a loose heating element. As water flows around the loose element, it causes a steady vibration, creating a humming sound. While this is less serious than some of the above issues, it’s still best to have the element tightened before the issue becomes worse.

Fortunately, catching these issues as early as possible and having the water heater repaired by a professional will help homeowners avoid a premature replacement or breakdown. But the best way to avoid these problems - and the haunting sounds they create - is to schedule regular water heater maintenance with their trusted plumber!

About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling

A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling has been serving the San Antonio, TX community with pride since 2007. As a family-owned and operated local business, they prioritize safety, clear communication, unbeatable workmanship, and customer satisfaction above all else. They offer financing, tailored solutions, and a rewarding membership plan. Call them for water heater service!