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Are Hot Water Heater Boosters Worth It?

Water heater booster installation

How Long Does it Take for a Hot Water Booster to Work?

Let’s get started on a conversation about what hot water heater boosters do and whether or not they are worth it. To begin with, let’s discuss how long it takes for water heater boosters to take effect after installation. Once your water heater booster is properly installed, it should take about one hour for it to take effect and produce increased hot water. Moreover, it’s essential to keep the booster unit on, and not to manually switch it off. Leaving the booster switch on does not hurt the system whatsoever and is actually recommended. 

What Does a Booster Heater Do?

A water heater booster, which is also known as a tank booster, is an electronic device that attaches to your existing electric or gas hot water heater. Believe it or not, these hot water boosters are similar to tankless water heaters in that they heat the water quickly, or “on demand.” Hot water booster heaters are a supplement to an existing unit and do not require the water heater itself to be replaced. It’s essentially an augmentation. Depending on the model, water heater boosters can extend your hot water capacity up to seventy-one percent. Moreover, these devices can speed up hot water recovery time. That’s why booster water heaters are a consideration for large families and for commercial facilities. Lots of use means lots of demand!

Do Water Heater Boosters Work?

Are you wondering whether or not water heater boosters work? Because the answer is absolutely! One of the very best advantages of having a water heater booster is that they use less hot water. This is because tank boosters can increase usable hot water by up to fifty percent, which in turn prevents the home from running out of hot water. With increased access to hot showers and steaming hot baths, family members are bound to reap all the benefits of a water heater booster installation.

How Do I Increase My Hot Water Capacity?

While it is true that water heater boosters have the ability to help you maximize your hot water capacity, there are other options available. To begin with, a proper water heater inspection will help reveal any maintenance issues or repairs that need to be addressed. Secondly, you may consider a water heater replacement if your existing water heater is no longer under warranty or if it is over a decade old. A brand-new water heater will have an increased ability to dispense hot water across multiple applications, including dishes, laundry, and hygiene stations. The best course of action, in any case, will be to receive a personalized water heater consultation from your local water heater repairman.

Why Does My Water Heater Run Out of Hot Water So Quickly?

If your water heater runs out of water very quickly, the problem may lie in several different directions. For instance, the problem could be sediment build-up, a faulty heating element or a broken dip tube. If you are considering tackling the problem yourself, you are urged to consult with a water heater repair company first. This is because, though well-intentioned, you could cause irreparable damage to your water heater unit unless you are both careful and experienced.

Can You Shower Without a Water Heater?

While it is true that you can shower without a water heater, you should certainly get used to achingly cold showers and/or baths. Water heaters heat up your water for you, and increase the sanitary nature of hygiene. A stream of hot water will be more effective at cleaning than a stream of cold water. Add soap to the mix, and you’ve got a pleasant bath or shower in the future.

Water Heater Booster Valve

One of the important accessories to a water heater booster is the valve. If your water heater booster valve is faulty for some reason, the best course of action is to call your local water heater repair company. Once they arrive at the appointment, be sure to mention the age of your unit, what kind of problems you may be having, and whether you think the problem lies with the valve itself.

Water Heater Booster vs Mixing Valve

Online forums have been speculating on the difference between water heater boosters versus mixing valve installations. Mixing valves have been mentioned due to the fact that they have a potentially lower cost of installation. However, the best course of action would be to consult with a water heater repairman first. That’s because you don’t want to invest in a water heater solution that doesn’t work, especially with the family’s water needs in mind. 

If you have decided on a water heater booster in Lafayette, LA, you can count on us to decipher the best course of action. Give us a call at 337-321-7264 to learn more. 

Is Natural Gas or Propane Water Heater Better?

Is it Cheaper to Heat with Propane or Natural Gas?

With so many different water heaters available on the market, it can feel cumbersome to differentiate the various energy types that drive the industry. For instance, do you know what the differences are between propane and natural gas? Perhaps the most important consideration is the fact that propane produces twice the energy of natural gas. However, natural gas is generally cheaper, costing less per gallon compared to propane. However, many proponents of propane will state that you will use more natural gas to fuel the same appliances than propane. If you receive twice the amount of heat from propane then you will use less fuel, lowering the overall cost. The most recent numbers (as of the writing of this blog) calculate that natural gas costs $9.66 as compared to $56.43 for the same amount. As these numbers fluctuate, be sure to remember that propane drives more energy to less fuel, which may make it more effective for your property needs.

Gas water heater repair

Is it Worth Switching from an Electric to Gas Water Heater?

If cost is important to you, as it is to many homeowners, you may think about switching to gas from electric, if it is feasible for your household. This is because many people find the greatest savings from daily operating costs in gas versus electric water heaters. Gas costs less to operate than electricity. Some water heater experts suggest that water consumption needs may change the overall operating expenses, but this is notwithstanding that gas is still cheaper than electricity.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Gas Water Heater?

Let’s dive into some of the pros and cons of a gas water heater because there are many considerations to consider.

  • Electric water heaters: these water heaters are more expensive to operate and can’t be used during an energy outage. Furthermore, they are slower to heat water and there aren’t high-efficiency models available. Yet, these can be less expensive at the time of purchase and require minimal maintenance.
  • Gas water heaters: These water heaters are less expensive to run, and heat water faster. They can be used during a power outage and there are lots of sizes available. In contrast to electric water heaters, they can be more expensive at the time of purchase and will require more maintenance. There are also more safety concerns. 

Does a Propane Water Heater Need Electricity?

One of the bright sides of using a propane water heater is the fact that they do not require electricity. Gas water heaters use gas to fuel the heat exchanger, light a burner, and heat a conductive element. This element transfers heat to the tank and the water. If the unit is operational, no electricity is necessary.

Propane Water Heater for Camper

Are you wondering whether a propane water heater is good to leave on in a camper? While opinions on leaving a propane water heater on in a camper can be divisive, neither is explicitly wrong. Just remember to turn off the propane while you are traveling in your camper, and you should be fine. If you do that, leaving your RV hot water heater on 24/7 should not pose a significant safety risk or degradation to your camper.

How Does a Propane Water Heater Work

The turn-on mechanism for propane water heaters is actually pretty straightforward. When an individual turns on a hot water faucet or an appliance, a flow sensor will activate a propane gas burner to heat the water. The propane will continue to flow until you turn off the faucet, which will turn off the gas burner.

Can a Gas Water Heater Explode?

When a water heater is not properly maintained, explosions can occur. Now, these are not common but can happen when the gas water heater is not properly installed or inspected over time. That is why it is imperative to only use water heater specialists to install or inspect or maintain these units. Things that can cause a water heater explosion include but are not limited to a poor anode rod or a lot of sediment buildup. With gas, you should also understand that a gas leak presents a tremendous risk to homeowners because it is a significant fire risk. That’s why maintenance and care are important for all of your appliances.

Convert Natural Gas Water Heater to Propane 

Now, before you make the move to change your natural gas water heater to propane, remember that not all tank-style water heaters are ready to be converted to propane fuel. The specific make and model of the water heater you own will determine whether it’s possible. Additionally, if you see any warning that indicates that the tank is for gas only, consider getting a new tank rather than converting your existing water heater.

If you are interested in a propane water heater in Lafayette, LA, we would be happy to help! Get in touch with us at 337-321-7264 today!

How Does an Electric Water Heater Work?

Are Electric Water Heaters Tankless?

Electric water heaters present vital appliances of the household for many working families in America. As such, it’s important to dive into some specifics about water heaters, including how they work and what their capacity is. Many homeowners who are considering a switch to electric water heaters may find themselves asking whether or not these water heaters are tankless. It’s important to note that tankless water heaters are available in both electric and gas-fired versions. It is important to note that a tankless model water heater will require an oversized electric service, which can be expensive to install from the outset.

Electric tankless water heater

Do Electric Water Heaters Need to Be Vented?

One of the most interesting aspects of electric water heaters is the fact that they do not need to be vented. This is in contrast to natural gas water heaters, which need venting. This is also true of both the tank and tankless versions of gas and propane water heaters. For homeowners, needing an extra venting area for the water heater can be a deciding factor in whether they choose gas or electric.

When to Replace Electric Water Heater

As a homeowner spends time and energy in their household, it’s important to maintain and replace appliances as necessary. If your electric tank water heater is more than a decade or two old, it’s important to sincerely consider a replacement. A brand-new electric water heater will provide increased efficiency and potentially lower monthly bills depending on the model. Another way to determine if your household would benefit from a new water heater is to check your water heater’s warranty. This warranty will help you determine the most accurate timelines.

Which Electric Water Heater

If you are wondering about which electric water heater to choose, it’s likely best to consult with an expert in the industry. There are many electric water heaters on the market. Popular water heater models include the following:

  • The Rheem Marathon Electric Heater
  • The Ecosmart ECO 27 Electric Tankless Water Heater
  • The Bradford White Hydrojet Electric Water Heater
  • The Stiebel Eltron Accelera E Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater

This sampling of water heater models presents just a fraction of the available water heaters on the market. A water heater repair specialist will have informed opinions on what will benefit your household due to years of experience and training.

When to Reset the Water Heater

If the temperature of the water heater becomes too high and could be dangerous for the users of the water heater, an emergency limit switch will be automatically tripped. This temperature limit is typically one hundred and eighty degrees. After the water heater has been tripped, it can be reset when it is ready for use once more. Now, somewhere on your electric water heater, you will find a reset button which can usually be determined because it is red and located near the thermostat. However, it may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit. Once the button is properly located, push and release it to reset your electric water heater.

What is Electric Immersion Heater?

An interesting electric heater variation is the electric immersion heater, which is usually inserted directly into a pipe, tank, or vessel to heat process liquids or gases. Because the heat is created by electricity, practically all of the energy is used by the product being heated. It works similarly to a kettle, in that is uses electric resistance heaters to heat the water around it. It will be connected to the electric mains by means of a cable.

Where is Electric Water Heater Thermostat

If you’re wondering where the electric water heater thermostat is, you may be surprised to find that there are two thermostats on electric tank heaters. One is at the top of the apparatus and the other is at the bottom of the tank. Most tankless electric water heaters will have a display that has a temperature readout and a set of controls that can adjust the temperature.

Electric Water Heater to Tankless

Depending on the benefits perceived by the change from the tank to tankless, the switch can be extremely beneficial for homeowners. Tankless water heaters are quickly becoming the standard for new home construction. This is due to the fact that tankless water heaters are so energy efficient! It’s important to also understand taht newer tank water heaters tend to have a UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) rating of .7 compared to a standard tankless water heater with a rating of .94. This is a significant difference in energy efficiency and should be considered when it comes to the long term use of these appliances. 

If you are interested in an electric water heater in Lafayette, LA, please get in touch! Schedule a consultation with us at 337-321-7264 now!