The science of plumbing dates as far back as the most ancient civilizations, but it may come as a surprise for you to learn that the art was fairly stagnant before huge advancements were made in our Modern Age. There are so many things that we take for granted when it comes to modern plumbing that it’s easy to forget that up until the 1700s and 1800s sewage was just left to run down the streets, causing major health problems.
With this in mind, you can’t help but feel appreciative of the modern-day toilet and sewage networks within our cities. But we're by no means reached the pinnacle of what we as a society can achieve, and there are always ways to find improvements to the science of plumbing that not only make our lives easier but also aim to reduce energy costs and negative impacts on our environment.
Visit our homepage for more info on how The Super Plumber - Plumbing and Drain Services is keeping up with the latest in plumbing technology in order to help you run a more energy-efficient home and save money on energy costs.
Hot Water Goes a Long Way
Something else a lot of us might take for granted is the ability to turn a tap and get access to hot water. There’s nothing like the feeling of a hot shower or bath, and it’s something a lot of us couldn’t imagine living without. (Speaking of baths, have you heard of our essential 5-day bathroom renovation? Give us a call and ask us about our bathroom renovation special offer if you are considering a renovation.)
Our accessibility to hot water is in large part because of water heaters. The first storage tank water heater was invented around 1889 and today there are a number of different options of water heaters for your home.
Your water heater is usually hiding away in your basement or tucked into a corner somewhere, so it can be easy to forget about it. And with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, it’s often the case that you won’t even really concern yourself with your water heater until it’s too late and repairs or replacement becomes necessary.
If you’re looking for an emergency plumber in Victoria, we are your plumber in Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, Ladysmith and Sooke, and Nanaimo, who provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services no matter the issue. Being without hot water can be a huge hassle, especially in the colder months when hot water is essential for making sure your pipes don’t freeze. So don’t hesitate and be sure to straight away if you come across any water heater troubles.
Alternatively, instead of waiting until it’s too late, why not get us to install a new water heater for you? To learn about the latest water heaters and our installation services, or visit our website for more info. You can also continue reading to get an idea of the types of different water heaters there are out there, and get the sense of which one will work for you and your home.
Types of Water Heaters
It’s amazing how far we’ve come with water heater technology, and it can be interesting to examine the engineering that goes into them. Read the list below to get a sense of what is out there currently, but don’t forget that we at The Super Plumber - Plumbing and Drain Services are just a call away and ready to offer you our expert advice about any question you might have.
Conventional Storage Water Heaters
Storage water heaters are the most commonly used type of water heating system for the home. A single-family storage water heater’s tank can hold from 20 to 80 gallons of hot water. Hot water is released when the tap is turned on and then replenishes the water to refill the tank. Conventionally, the water is then heated by fuel sources such as natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity.
Since the water constantly needs to remain heated in the tank, energy can be wasted even when a hot water tap isn't running, causing standby heat loss.
Tankless or On-Demand Water Heaters
Tankless hot water heaters, or on-demand water heaters, are compact, high-efficiency water heating systems that are ideal for small homes and for people who want to save money. Instead of constantly maintaining a reservoir of hot water in a tank, on-demand water heaters apply instant heat to your water flow, saving you energy and preventing standby heat loss.
Another advantage of switching to tankless water heaters are the rebates offered by the government, as well as our own special offers for when we supply and install your new water heater.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat the water in your home. There are two types of solar water heating systems: direct circulation systems, which work well in warmer climates, and indirect circulation systems, which will still work in freezing climates.
Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heaters
A tankless coil water heater is part of what's called integrated or combination water and space heating systems because they use a home's space heating system to heat water. A heating coil or heat exchanger installed in a main furnace or boiler heats the water as it passes through. These types of heaters are more suitable to colder climates where homeowners will heat their home more frequently.
Things to Consider
When choosing a new water heater for your home, consider factors such as fuel type (its availability and cost), the size of the heater, its energy efficiency (is it ENERGY STAR® rated?), and its overall operating costs.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch with us today to talk to one of our specialists and get more insights into options for water heaters for your home.