A water heaterβs efficiency directly impacts your homeβs comfort and utility bills. Factors like leakages, sediment buildup, and maintenance history can influence its efficiency. An evaluation by an expert can determine your water heaterβs effectiveness. Hereβs how plumbers assess water heaters for efficiency:
Professional Plumbers Will Inspect for Leaks
During the inspection,Β plumbersΒ pay attention to water puddles near the unitβs bottom and look for visible leaks at the top or bottom of the water heater tank. Any minor or profound leakage will affect your water heaterβs efficiency. The most common causes of leaking water heaters include a cracked tank, loose fittings, and improperly installed components. Professional plumbers inspect the appliance to determine the root cause.
Before the inspection, plumbing technicians turn off the power supply for gas, propane, or electric heaters. They also turn off the water supply to prevent further damage from leaking water. The next step involves establishing the source of the leak. Plumbers inspect the tank, pipes, and fittings for any irregularities. After identifying the cause, they will repair or replace the leaking part.
Monitor Utility Bills
An inefficient water heater can significantly increase your utility bills. A professional plumber conducts a performance analysis to evaluate your heaterβs energy consumption. Theyβll compare its hot water output and energy consumption to understand its efficiency. Plumbers may use theΒ Uniform Energy Factor (UEF)Β or Energy Factor (EF) when monitoring energy consumption.
The UEF rating is the newest metric for determining a water heaterβs energy efficiency. Most traditional water heaters use the EF metric to assess efficiency. The higher the UEF or EF, the more efficient your water heater is. Checking your heaterβs efficiency using any of these metrics can be difficult, so you want to leave this job to experienced plumbers. If your heater is inefficient, the plumber may replace it with a high-efficiency model.
Check Maintenance History
A water heaterβs maintenance history determines its efficiency. One of the most effective ways of keeping your heater highly efficient is conducting preventive maintenance. This task involves creating a maintenance checklist to be used monthly, semi-annually, and annually. Homeowners who stick to their maintenance schedules keep their water heaters operating efficiently over the years. When plumbers come to assess your heater for efficiency, they may want to check the maintenance history.
Besides checking the water heaterβs maintenance history, your plumber may want to know its age. Regardless of regular maintenance, a heaterβs efficiency reduces with age. Old water heaters are prone to problems like leaks, low water pressure, and corrosion. These issues will likely affect the applianceβs performance, decreasing its efficiency. Plumbing technicians will use the age or maintenance history factor to determine if your heater requires a repair or replacement.
Inspect for Sediment Buildup
When examining tank-style water heaters, plumbers check the bottom of the tank for sediment buildup. Sediment accumulates due to hard water, debris, and corrosion of the tank. An improperly maintained water heater is more likely to have a sediment buildup. This accumulation diminishes your heaterβs efficiency, leading to increased energy bills and a shorter lifespan.
Plumbing technicians can test the water hardness to see if there are traces of calcium and magnesium minerals. Homes withΒ hard waterΒ cause sediment buildup in water heaters to occur faster. To mitigate this issue, your plumber can install a water softener to treat hard water. Theyβll also flush the tank to remove the buildup. A tank replacement may be needed if the problem results from a corroded tank.
Examine the Pressure Relief Valve
A water heater pressure valve (T&P valve) safeguards the appliance from excessive pressure buildup. It relieves pressure in the tank to prevent it from bursting and flooding your home. The T&P valve greatly influences your water heaterβs efficiency. A failing T&P valve affects the heaterβs performance, reducing its efficiency.
During inspection, plumbers examine the valve to see if itβs functioning optimally. They will test the valve and replace it if itβs defective. Based on the assessment, they may recommend ways to keep the new valve in good shape, like regular testing and maintenance.
Enhance Your Water Heater Efficiency
Water heaters are reliable plumbing fixtures, but their efficiency can decrease over time. If improperly maintained, theyβre prone to leaks, sediment accumulation, and corrosion. When youβre worried about your heaterβs efficiency, a professional assessment can help identify and fix underlying problems. Contact experienced plumbers today to assess your water heater for efficiency and enhance your daily comfort.
