The True Facts About Electric and Gas Water Heaters

Posted on June 25, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes time to buy a new water heater, whether for a new construction home or an older one you’ve been living in for a while, you will be faced with the decision to remain with the power source your property is equipped with, or swap out for something different. There are various make and model hot water heaters to choose from, including tankless, instantaneous, solar-powered, and more. But, the top two most common and popular choices are gas water heaters and electric water heaters.

Continue reading to learn the difference between gas and electric water heaters, and how to determine which one is right for your property’s needs.

Indianapolis Water Heating Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Gas Water Heaters

A gas water heater is powered by, you guessed it, gas. It burns gas to heat the water. The most common make and model gas water heaters include Rheem and Bradford White. These are among the top-performing water heater appliances on the market, and economically-priced. When it comes to gas water heaters, they are usually a good choice. However, see our blog, “The Dangers of FVIR Gas Water Heaters” to learn why you should not consider a Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant water heater.

Electric Water Heaters

An electric water heater uses a property’s energy and electricity supply to heat water. It works by using electric resistant coils to heat the water and distribute it throughout a building or home. They come in two primary models, tankless and tank-style. When choosing an electric water heater, the most important feature to look for are heavy-duty stainless steel heating elements. These will last a long time, while others will burnout and require replacement. Non-recommended water heater brands with low review scores include A.O. Smith, Whirlpool Energy Smart, Sears, and State Select water heaters. See our blog, “Electric Water Heaters: Need to Know Info” to learn more about these brands.

Comparison of the Two

According to personal reviews, statistics, and industry testing, gas water heaters are said to heat up water faster than electric units. They will even continue to supply hot water if the power goes out! They are perfect choices for larger families and properties with many people. An electric water heater has trouble keeping up with a steady hot water demand. This makes them perfect for homes with one or two people, such as single-family homes and apartments.

When it comes to cost-efficiency, gas water heaters are a more lucrative buying option over a long period of time. This is because they use gas rather than electricity, saving money on monthly utility and energy bills. Electric water heaters are still a popular choice because many people do not want an open flame constantly lit beneath the unit. Also, electric water heaters are perceived as more energy-efficient, and can last longer with less maintenance than gas units.

How to Determine Which One is Right For You

In most cases, if a property is already set up for gas usage, then a gas water heater would be the most convenient and cost-effective choice. On the other hand, if your property is set up for electricity usage, then an electric water heater would be a great choice. In order to choose the right gas or electric water heater for your property, you must consider these important factors:

☑ The number of occupants within the property.
☑ The square-footage of your property.
☑ Your property’s monthly water usage.
☑ Your future water heating needs.
☑ The amount of time you plan on living or occupying your property.

With the answers to all these questions, you can gauge which size, capacity, and power-source of water heater is best for your budgeting and your plans. Talk to a licensed Indianapolis plumber to get professional water heater procurement advice you can trust.

Where to Get Trusted Hot Water Heater Installation and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional advice, installation, and repair for all make and model water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber who employs a team of licensed and insured plumbing contractors with decades of experience. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water heater installation and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water heater installation, today.

Are Tankless Water Heaters Eco-Efficient?

Posted on September 25, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Tankless water heaters go by many other names; such as instant-on, instantaneous, on-demand, inline, flash, continuous flow, and so much more. This model water heater varies from standard designs in several ways, but their most defining attribute is that they only heat up water when it’s needed, making them Eco-friendly in many ways. This is in contrast to standard units that maintain a storage of heated ready-to-use water, which has both its advantages and disadvantages.

Continue reading to learn more about tankless water heaters, how they work, and some Eco-friendly benefits to owning one in your home or office.

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How They Work

Tankless water heaters do not come with a tank, a hollowed cylindrical appliance used in standard units to store heated water; hence their name. They do not come with a tank because they do not store heated water, keeping it ready for whenever it’s called upon. Instead, tankless units only heat the water at the moment water is called upon.

When this happens, water then travels through the flow sensors, which activate the heater to turn on. A negative feedback loop works to heat the water to the temperature requested. As water circulates around a copper heat exchanger, it heated by means of gas or electricity. Because there is no tank, the supply of water is essentially infinite. It should not run out, even if multiple people are using it.

Tankless Water Heater Energy Efficiency

Tankless model water heaters are very energy efficient. Because extra energy is not wasted heating water all day long, monthly heating costs can decrease anywhere from 20 to 30 percent. Also, because a storage of standing water is not necessary, the likelihood of bacterial growth like Legionella is eliminated. Tankless units only store a small amount of water in the heat exchanger coil, so not enough to cause bacterial issues or growth.

This attribute makes going tankless a safer option in the water heater world! And because tankless units use less energy to operate, the long-term energy savings is abundant. Not only do energy conservation efforts save property owners money, it is better for the environment. This is just another wonderful Eco-friendly benefit to on-demand water heating appliances.

Still not sure if a tankless water heater meets your home’s needs? See our blog, “Should I Buy a Tankless Water Heater?” to learn whether or not one is right for you. Or just ask a professional for trusted advice.

Indianapolis Water Heater Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumber for Indianapolis water heater service and repair at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Facts About Instantaneous Water Heaters

Posted on May 29, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Instantaneous water heaters, or better known as, “tankless” water heaters, do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether. In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters. Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested.

Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

On demand hot water heaters are known for their energy efficiency since they do not waste energy to heat water on the standby like most traditional models do. This not only reduces overall energy consumption, it can save money on monthly utility bills as well. Tankless units heat water in a direct way, as soon as it is requested; whether by faucet, washing machine, dishwasher, or other household appliance.

How It Works:

Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit. Then, a heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

It’s that simple!

Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

If you have questions about tankless water heaters, including sales and installation, call a licensed master plumber for accurate and reliable answers, as well as, trusted service. They retain the proper tools, training, experience, and knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

Who Can You Trust for Water Heater Service?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding hot water heaters, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

Could You Benefit From a Tankless Water Heater?

Posted on May 3, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

There are three primary questions to ask yourself in order to determine if a tankless water heater is right for you. Continue reading to learn what you need to consider about tankless water heaters, and who you need to be ask for professional recommendations you can trust.

Indianapolis Water Heater Service 317-784-1870

Tankless water heaters are a wonderful addition to various types of homes so long as they are properly installed and maintained. In terms of operation, they work very similar to standard hot water heaters, except that they do not store heated water in a tank; they lack a tank entirely. Instead of storing heated water in a tank, they heat water when hot water is “demanded” by a person or appliance in the home. This is why they are also known as “demand-type” or “instantaneous” water heaters.

Energy Efficiency Savings

They are popular among homeowners because of their energy efficiency benefits, which also help to reduce monthly gas, electric, and water bills. In fact, according to www.Energy.gov, homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water per day, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than traditional tank-style hot water heaters.

Is Tankless Right For Your Home?

When it comes to making a decision on water heater replacement, choosing a tankless version is not always the best option. Ask yourself these three questions to determine whether or not a demand water heater is a good match for your home and hot water needs:

❶ Do I Have a Large Family or Multiple Occupants in My Home?

Homes with 5 or more occupants use a lot of water on a daily basis. Water consumption is increased even more when you add in all the various water-consuming appliances within a home, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and more.

❷ Does My Home Ever Risk Running Out of Hot Water?

Think about how much hot water your family uses on a daily basis, including a consideration for the frequency of overnight guests. If there is a higher chance of running out of hot water, a tankless style water heater may be a good choice.

❸ Am I Away From Home for Extended Periods of Time?

Think about your schedule, and how much time you actually spend at home. For those who live alone and work full-time, or travel often for work, may not use as much hot water as the next home.

Conclusion:

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, a tankless water heater could be a good fit for your home. Talk to a trusted Indianapolis plumber about your hot water needs, and they can guide you in the right buying direction.

Additional Factors to Consider For a Demand Water Heater:

☑ Size
☑ Fuel type and availability
☑ Energy efficiency (energy factor)
☑ Costs

Expert Water Heater Advice and Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis water heater service you can trust. We have been in business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or advice, today.

How Do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Tankless Water Heater Repair 317-784-1870

Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.” Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by not heating stored water, but rather, heating water up at the time of demand.

Tankless hot water heaters are available in gas, electric, point-of-use, and whole-house models. If a property is not already set up for gas fuel, then an electric unit would be the more cost-effective choice. The initial price of purchasing and installing a tankless water heater is typically high, but the long-term savings outweigh the upfront investment. And they can last for up to 20 years or more; a much longer life-span than traditional units. Tankless versions are a good fit for those who have very little space, environmentally-conscience, and looking to save money on future water and energy costs.

Tankless Water Heating

Tankless water heaters are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Whether gas or electric, they use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a powerful heating device called a heat exchanger is activated. The heat exchanger uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up. Heat exchangers are common devices used to transfer heat from one place to another. They are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, furnace systems, and even car radiators.

Once the water is heated to the demanded temperature, it is sent to the source, which can include faucets, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. Although it takes a minute for the water to reach the desired temperature, it saves a generous amount of water and energy. This efficiency is usually evident on energy, gas, and water bills.

If you are thinking about purchasing a tankless water heater, it is strongly suggested to consult a licensed plumbing technician for accurate recommendations and professional advice first. You might be better suited for a traditional style water heater instead. Get to know your hot water needs with the help of a skilled professional before making any final decisions about water heaters.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional water heater installation, service, sales, and more! Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about hot water heaters any time. We offer a wide range of water heater services, including water heater repair, installation, replacement, and even sales! And as a family owned and operated company, we maintain the most competitive prices in town. Call 317-784-1870 when you need water heater service in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas.

Three Signs a Tankless Water Heater is Right For You

Posted on August 12, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

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If you are in the market for a new water heater, and you can’t quite decide which make and model is the right choice, it is time to take a self-evaluation of your hot water habits. There are so many types of water heaters, including solar, gas, electric, portable, and more. For this reason, it can be a little overwhelming for first-time appliance shoppers. Many people are making the switch to more energy efficient versions of water heating, like solar or tankless water heaters.

Since solar power is not quite efficient enough to be cost-effective for the average homeowner, tankless versions are worth consideration. There are three tell-tale signs that may suggest a tankless hot water heater is right for you. Continue reading to learn these three signs, and discover if an eco-friendly tankless water heater is the best option for you and your home.

Learn Your Hot Water Habits

In order to decide whether or not a tankless water heater is right for you, you must first take a closer look at your hot water habits. This means paying attention to your showers, baths, dish-washing, laundry, and gardening for the nest week. Take note of how much water you are using, and how much of that water is hot. Think about when you use hot water the most, and how long it takes to reach the desired temperature. Also, think about your home; the size, square footage, number of bathrooms, available space, number of occupants, and even your budget. Now you are ready to ask yourself the three questions that will tell you whether a tankless hot water heater is a wise choice!

Do You Need to Save Space?

Many people benefit from tankless versions because they live in small apartments, mobile homes, efficiencies, and similar dwellings. If you need all the space you can get, tankless water heaters are a good choice because they do not come with a large, secondary tank that stores hot water like traditional systems do.

Do You Use A Lot of Hot Water?

If “yes” is your answer, then a tank-free water heater could be a good choice. Since tankless water heaters provide instantaneous hot water, they can keep up with your hot water demand.

Do You Use Little Hot Water?

If you are not a big hot water consumer, a tankless version can also be of good use. Since they only heat water on demand, they are not wasting energy sustaining a hot water reserve, which successively saves you money on energy and water each month.

If you have questions about hot water heaters, consult a licensed master plumber for expert advice you can trust.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for questions about water heaters in Indianapolis. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and our licensed team of plumbing contractors, are happy to answer your questions about choosing a water heater that’s a right match for your home. We offer water heater repair and installation, replacement, maintenance, service, and sales for both residential and commercial properties. Call 317-783-1870 for water heater service, repair, and sales in Indianapolis, IN today.

How Do Instantaneous Water Heaters Work?

Posted on August 5, 2015 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Instantaneous water heaters are more commonly referred to as “tankless” water heaters, as they do not use a storage tank like most standard units. They are meant to deliver hot water on demand, or as needed, thus eliminating the need for a storage tank altogether. In fact, they are also called “on demand” or “demand” water heaters.

Tankless water heaters have a lot to offer residential and commercial property owners, and operate in a unique way to allow instantaneous hot water whenever requested. They come in various make and models to fit any property’s hot water needs. Continue reading to learn how instantaneous water heaters work and who to call for installation and price-point information in your town.

On Demand Hot Water Heaters

How It Works:

1. Cold water travels through a plumbing pipe and enters the unit.

2. A heating element (gas or electric) heats the water to the indicated temperature. Gas-powered units use a gas burner to heat water, while electric units use an electrical element to heat water.

3. It’s that simple!

With tankless water heaters, there is no waiting for a tank to fill with water, or running out of hot water. On demand water heaters provide a constant supply of hot water without wasting energy. However, the output does limit the units flow rate. Instantaneous hot water heaters generally provide hot water at a rate of 2 to 5 gallons per minute, but gas-powered units have a higher flow rate than electrical ones. Either way, a tankless unit might limit a property’s ability to use multiple hot water appliances simultaneously. This means there might not be enough hot water to wash a load of whites while taking a shower upstairs. A common quick fix for this is to install two or more tankless water heaters in larger homes and homes with multiple occupants.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for hot water heater repair, service, and installation in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing repair services, including water heaters and water softeners. We also offer additional plumbing repair services at the most competitive prices in town! Call 317-784-1870 when you need prompt and professional Indianapolis water heater repair services you can trust.