Water Heater Maintenance in Portland
Customers in Portland, The Dalles, and Gresham depend on Sky Heating, A/C, and Plumbing to install their water heaters and keep them running. Regular maintenance can prevent many issues by allowing our trained technicians to spot developing trouble and make small repairs. It’s important to monitor your water heater because it can wear out and sediment and hard water minerals can build up in the tank. Fortunately, Sky’s plumbing experts can service your water heater to improve its performance and increase safety.
24/7 Service in the Portland Area
While we recommend maintenance and testing at least annually, you can also call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Any water heater can develop problems. When this happens, it can impact your comfort; ability to do normal chores such as cook, wash dishes, and shower; and your safety. A poorly maintained water heater can fail suddenly or impact water quality. It can also release fumes or carbon monoxide, which can put your family in danger. Whether the issue is big or small, or requires replacing your water heater, we provide prompt, effective service.
How a Water Heater Works
Different homes have different needs. There are several types of water heaters, so choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use it. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, but here’s a look at the main types of water heaters:
Storage Tank Water Heater
Heats and stores water in a tank. A standard capacity is about 55 gallons, but water heater tanks come in many sizes depending on the size of your household. The system generally maintains a water temperature of about 120℉, which can be moderated by a temperature control valve. A pressure release valve keeps the pressure in check, especially when it reaches around 150 psi, for the appliance to run safely.
Tank-based water heaters require regular maintenance to clean out the tank. Without it, the typical 12-year lifespan of a conventional water heater may be significantly reduced.
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heater
Heats water that fills super-heated coils as you need it. Choosing a unit that’s the right size means you can have enough hot water for the entire family. Too small a system won’t keep up with your hot water needs. Tankless water heaters in Portland may run on gas or electricity depending on the size of the system. They are more efficient, take up less space, last longer, save on energy costs, and are more environmentally friendly.
On-demand water heaters also require annual cleaning to remove mineral scale and reduce the risk of corrosion. A tankless system can last eight to 10 years.
Hybrid Water Heater
A heat pump water heater doesn’t generate heat directly. Instead, it draws heat from the air or ground; all the electricity used by the system is for moving heat rather than producing it. Compared to traditional water heaters, a hybrid model can use as much as 60% less electricity. The pump sits atop the water heater so greater vertical clearance is needed to house the appliance.
Hybrid systems require maintenance and cleaning like conventional storage tank water heaters.
Solar Powered Water Heater
Since it works on power generated from sunlight, this is the most efficient type of hot water heater. The heater draws energy from rooftop solar panels, which is then transferred to a closed loop system, in which a heat conductor raises the temperature of the water in the tank. It works less efficiently on cloudy days. Nonetheless, a gas or electrical connection can allow the water heater to continue running.
Solar powered water heaters require regular tank cleaning, and you need to factor in solar panel maintenance.
Condensing Water Heater
In homes with a natural gas connection, this system takes unused gas fumes and funnels them through coils at the bottom of the water tank. Since the gas has already been burned, this process involves little energy consumption. The size of tank selected should reflect the needs of your family.
In addition to cleaning the tank, maintenance of a condensing water heater requires yearly cleanings of the gas import valves.
Benefits of Water Heater Maintenance
Like with heat pump maintenance, water heater maintenance can:
- Boost Efficiency: Removing calcium buildup and addressing minor component issues allows the system to provide hot water while using less energy.
- Add Longevity: Water heaters that are regularly maintained are less likely to fail prematurely, avoiding the need to spend on a replacement.
- Eliminate Surprises: A sudden water heater failure can result in an abrupt loss of hot water, possibly resulting in a cold shower, or a flood.
- Increase Tank Capacity: Minerals and sediment can reduce tank volume so it can’t hold and heat as much water; a routine tune-up gives you full use of the tank.
- Save Money: The cost of annual or bi-annual maintenance is far lower than having to fix your water heater more often, spend more in energy bills, and replace the system prematurely.
Schedule Water Heater Maintenance Today
Specializing in gas and electric water heaters, we can provide maintenance inspections and tune-ups to keep your system running more efficiently. Sky Heating, A/C, and Plumbing also provides 24/7 emergency services and electric heat pump installation in the Portland area. We also provide heating and cooling, electrical, and air quality services as well as heat pump replacement in Oregon City and surrounding areas. To request service or learn about our special offers, maintenance plans, and financing, call (888) 900-2109 today!