Electric Heating Systems

Gas hot water heaters have been heating the water for many businesses and households for many years. In fact when people turn on their hot water faucet to shave, shower, wash dishes, wash clothes or wash their hands, it is safe to say that not many individuals think of their gas hot water heater.

However, if that flow of hot water stopped it would be a different story. This is because having hot water is a convenience that not many people think about until it is no longer available.

Therefore, it may prove beneficial to have a little knowledge regarding a gas hot water heater. Specifically, how a gas hot water heater works and what are some things that could go wrong to make this type of heater inoperable.

How A Gas Hot Water Heater Works

A gas hot water heater is a modern day appliance that quietly functions in some remote place within the building. Specifically, the holding tank for the water comes in different sizes. Some of those different sizes could include a 10, 20, 30 or 40 gallon hot water tank. The tank is connected to two water lines. The one line leads into the tank and allows the flow of water. The other pipe leads away from the tank and carries the hot water throughout the facility.

In addition, this type of tank utilizes natural gas as the main energy source to heat up the water in the tank. The temperature of the hot water is controlled by a thermostat. When the water in the tank falls below the setting of the thermostat, the thermostat sends a signal to the gas burner to engage. This process then heats up the water in the tank until that temperature setting is reached. Once the temperature setting is reached the thermostat then sends another electrical signal to deactivate the gas burner.

When there is a demand for hot water within the facility the water then flows from the outgoing pipe to where the hot water is required. Once there is an outflow of hot water from the tank there's a corresponding flow of new water into the tank which then repeats the thermostat process of heating up the water to the required temperature.

Things That Could Go Wrong

As with any modern day convenience, there are a number of things that can go wrong with the natural gas water heater. One of the primary things that can cause a disruption in the hot water service is for the thermostat to malfunction.

Another item that could go wrong, but is less costly concerns the pilot light. The pilot light is that particular part of the natural gas water heater that constantly is aflame. Once the thermostat signals to the heating unit that the water needs to be heated the gas then begins to flow and the flame ignites the gas that flows throughout the burner system. Therefore, one of the less costlier things that can happen to stop the flow of hot water is for the pilot light to go out.

In light of the new, exponential, fuel price increases savings of your utility dollars have become more than an eco-friendly choice, they have become a necessity in many households. Here are some steps that can help to lower those bills that have far outstripped your budget without any increase in your use. Some require small purchases of an additional insulation jacket, a electric water heater timer, additional insulation, or purchase of a tankless or small electric water heater.

Steps

Turn down the thermostat. A tank style water heater can and does keep your water hot all day and all night, regardless if you need it at those times or not. So if you turn down the thermostat is expends less energy every hour of the day and night.
Insulate your hot water heater tank. You can get an additional insulation jacket that is the correct size for your hot water heater and it will jacket your heater and reduce the heat loss. This is a good idea as the older water heaters had less insulation.
Buy and electric water heater timer. An electric water heater timer is exactly what it sounds like. It is a timer that tells your water heater when to turn off and when to turn back on. This way instead of running all day and all night, you could shut it off for the night and have it come on an hour before you get up. Have it shut down during the day while you are gone to work and heat back up when you are on your way home. The electric water heater timer can also shut off the system while you are traveling to save you money.
Add insulation to the room in which the water heater is located. This helps the water heater to loose less heat.
You can add an on-demand tankless or small electric water heater to your system to cut down on costs, as they heat water only when its in use, not when its just being stored.

Unfortunately, there are small or larger costs involved in these long term cost savings. The electric water heater timer is about $50.00. The insulation jacket is about $30.00 to $50.00. Regular insulation could cost you aroung $300.00 to $1,000.00. An on-demand tankless or small electric water heater can cost anywhere from $300.00 to $2,500.00.

Modifying the water heater temperature can actually be used in order to save energy. Water heaters are known to be the most energy-consuming appliances in your home, and you can be spending up to $400 in electric fees annually just through the use of water heaters alone!

There are several ways for you to save up on energy, and consequently lessen the amount on your utility bills. Among these is purchasing a water heater timer or insulating materials. If you are not ready to dip into your pockets, there is also an easy way to minimize your water heater energy consumption. Just change the water heater temperature.

How does this work?

By simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater, you can save critical amounts of energy. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit reduction in water temperature, you can save up to 5% of energy.

Did you know?

Some manufacturers calibrate water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit even when the average household only requires a water heater temperature setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you lower your temperature setting by 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can be saving up to 10% of energy. Using 140 degrees Fahrenheit as your temperature setting can also pose some serious risks and hazards, such as scalding.

Lowering your water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can also delay the process of corrosion and mineral buildup in your water heater and pipes. This contributes in making your water heater last longer and function at its optimal efficiency.

How do I operate the thermostat?

You can refer to the instructions found in your water heater manuals as to how the thermostat is operated. Usually, the thermostat dial for a gas storage water heater is located near the bottom of the tank of the gas valve. For electric water heaters though, thermostats can be found behind screw-on panels or plates. Remember that before opening the panels, make sure to shut off the electricity to the water heater. This is to prevent you from getting electrocuted. An electric water heater may also have two thermostats - one for the upper and lower heating elements.

After locating the thermostat and adjusting it to a lower water temperature, take note of the beginning temperature and the adjusted temperature displayed on the thermostat dial. This will serve as your future reference. Afterwards, proceed to checking the water temperature at the tap farthest from the water heater if the temperature has indeed dropped according to your specifications. Most thermostat dials are inaccurate so you might need to perform several adjustments before you finally get the right temperature.

Miscellaneous Tips on Using your Water Heater

If you plan to be away from home for several days, turn the thermostat down to its lowest setting or completely turn off your water heater. You can switch it off by turning off the circuit breaker to it.

For dishwashers without a booster heater, use water temperature with the range of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum cleaning.

As a whole, if you want to cut back on electricity costs, but you're not ready to invest in water heater timers and insulating materials, you can do so by simply lowering down the water heater temperature setting.

Find the best offers on water heater timer. Compare water heater prices online.
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