Category: Water Heaters

Ever wonder about what makes a water heater different from a boiler? A common misconception among people is that a boiler and water heater are the same things. And they’re right, to an extent. While both may have the same functionality, which is heating water, they do it in different ways and are used for different for purposes.Quail Services is here to teach you about the differences between boilers and water heaters.

What is a Boiler?

A boiler can do a lot more than just simply heating water. It boils the water and turns it into steam. After the water is done heating and turned into evaporation, it will come out of the boiler to be used in various ways.

A boiler can be used for:

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Central heating

Boilers are also extremely energy efficient because they have a feature known as a closed loop system. Here’s how the system works; after the heat is removed from the steam, the steam itself is turned back into warm water. The water then goes back into the pipeline and can be heated again. Furthermore, it will be a lot quicker to heat up as it will already be warm.

What is a Water Heater?

Even though the purpose of water heaters sound pretty simplistic, it’s actually a bit more complex than you might think. As the name implies, the purpose of a water heater is to heat your home’s water supply. Upon heating the water, the next function of the heater is to supply the home’s fixtures and appliances via the supply pipes.It’s important to keep in mind that despite there being multiple types of water heaters, they all work in similar ways.There are three types of water heaters:

• Conventional water heaters
• Tankless water heaters
• Hybrid water heaters

Each of these water heaters requires different sources of fuel, which include gas, electricity and even solar energy.

Boilers vs. Water Heaters

Now that you understand how both appliances work, here’s a quick rundown of what makes them different.

Boilers:

• Can heat up an entire complex
• Generates heat
• Turns water into steam
• Has rather complex controls
• Can run on sources like propane, natural gas, and heating oil

Water heaters:

• Stores heat
• Heats up water and supplies it to a household
• Has rather simple controls
• Can run on gas, electricity and solar energy

A broken down water heater could cause a lot of misery to your household, especially right now in the dead of winter. That’s why it’s important to be aware of signs that your water heater needs to be replaced soon or it may stop working properly.

The following are signs that indicate it’s time to start shopping for a replacement water heater and schedule an installation:

• Strange Noises

If your water heater is starting to make a rumbling, popping, or banging noises, it could be time to get a new one. If your water heater is making noises that it didn’t make before, you probably want to call a technician and have your unit looked it. Then, your technician can recommend whether or not it’s time to buy a replacement.

• Leaking or Malfunctioning Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve of a water heater is an important part of any unit. It is responsible for releasing the pressure that builds up as the temperature rises in the water heater. This pressure release helps to prevent explosions, so it’s very important. Over time, corrosion and mineral salt deposits can develop around the pressure relief valve and cause it to malfunction.

Because the pressure relief valve is so important to safe and proper water heater functioning, it’s important to pay attention to this part of the unit and make sure it’s not malfunctioning or leaking. If you’re not sure where your pressure relief valve is located, you can have your technician check it during periodic inspections.

• Leaks Are Coming From The Water Tank

If water starts to gather underneath your tank, it could be because corrosion has become so far developed that cracks have formed in your unit. Leaking water tanks means it’s definitely time to have your unit replaced. Leaks tend to get large over time and will definitely negatively impact the efficiency of your water heater. Use a flashlight from time to time to look around the back of your tank if it’s backed up to a wall.

• There’s Rusty Residue in the Water Produced from Your Tank

Over time, sediment and rust can build up in a hot water heater. Any such residue that’s present can discolor the water that is produced. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to adequately repair a badly rusted water heater that’s full of sediment.

Obviously, you don’t want to be bathing or showering in discolored water. It’s therefore good to completely replace your water heater when rusty colored water starts coming out when you turn on your hot water.

• Your Water Heater is Over a Decade Old

A water heater will naturally wear out as the years go by and need to be replaced. Generally, a water heater should not be expected to last much longer than ten years.

With an older water heater, it’s often best to just replace the unit rather than wait until it starts malfunctioning. This will save you of the inconvenience of living with a hot water heater that’s not working quite right. Tankless water heaters do last up to 20 years, it may be something to consider when it comes time to replace your decade-old water heater.

• Water is Dipping In and Out of Hot to Cold Constantly

One of the most common signs that a hot water heater is on its way out is it stops producing as much hot water as it was capable of producing previously. This can start to happen because of a variety of reasons. It could be a result of a thermostat that hasn’t been adjusted properly. It could also indicate that one of the heating elements is broken. A malfunctioning thermostat could easily be replaced, and a broken heating element can be repaired. However, it might be best to just replace the unit entirely if it is older than 10 years old.

Need a New Water Heater? Call Quail Services Today

You rely on your water heater to do a lot of things, such as wash dishes, take a shower, and do laundry. If your water heater breaks down or functions inefficiently, it can be very inconvenient. You need to contact our experienced Dudley plumbers at the first sign of a problem. At Quail Services, our water heater installation professionals can help you decide on the right type of water heater to fit your needs and budget. We’re available 24/7 for emergency services, so if your water heater fails, you won’t have to suffer through a freezing shower. 

Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth It?

Having hot water available is so common nowadays most people take it for granted. But when your hot water runs out, suddenly it’s a very big deal. If you have a standard water heater and you’re always running out of hot water, then it’s not getting the job done. A tankless water heater can give you on-demand hot water, without ever running out.

While tankless water heaters have been around since the 1990s, today’s technology has made them more efficient and more affordable. There are a lot of different types of tankless water heaters on the market, but they all share the same benefits. A few of those benefits include:

• Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient and save water. A traditional hot water heater needs a constant supply of heat to keep your water hot. This takes a lot of energy and costs you money. A tankless water heater, on the other hand, only heats up the water when you need it, using about 50% less energy. The average homeowner can expect to save around $100 annually by using a tankless water heater. Further, they run on propane or natural gas, which is much more cost effective than an electric unit. Using a tankless heater will also help save water because you don’t need to run the faucet or shower while waiting for the water to heat up. This can save you even more money on your water bill.
• Tankless water heaters take up less space, have a longer life, and come with better warranties.A tankless heater takes up less space than a traditional one. They can be installed in areas where a tank heater will not fit, making them perfect for smaller homes. Also, tankless water heaters last longer, with an average lifespan of about twenty years or more, compared to a standard water heater which will only last around ten years. If that’s not enough of a reason to go tankless, consider that tankless water heaters usually come with much longer warranties, some exceeding ten years. The average warranty for a traditional water heater is around six years.
• Tankless water heaters supply cleaner water. When your water sits in a tank it can collect sediment and rust buildup from inside the tank. This is the same water you’re using to cook, clean, and shower with. A tankless water heater avoids this problem because there is no tank for water to sit. The water only goes through the heater when needed, keeping it clean from sediment and other debris.

If you’re in Worcester County and are considering a tankless water heater for your home, then contact Quail Services today for a free consultation and estimate.