Did you know that right behind heating and cooling, water heating is the largest energy user in a home? Just think about all the everyday activities and duties that require you to use warm water — showering, cleaning, cooking, etc. That’s why choosing a water heater with the perfect capacity is so important. To help get you started on your decision making journey, here are some of the most commonly asked questions we received from our customers about water heating systems.
Q: What does the Energy Factor (EF) on my water heater mean?
A: The EF measures how efficient your water heater is working overall. This number is calculated based on the amount of water heated daily, as compared to the water heater’s total daily energy consumption. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater model is, and the less it will cost to operate.
Q: Where is the “anode rod” and what does it do?
A: The anode rod is usually attached to the hot water outlet of the water heater and is often referred to at the sacrificial rod. It’s main job it to act as a lightening rod for the corrosion process that is associated with the electrolysis, which occurs as a result of the water heating process. The anode rod helps draw electricity and corrosion away from the tank and focuses it on the rod — hence the term “sacrificial.”
Q: Why doesn’t my water heater heat as much water as it used to?
A: Over time sediment can build up within your water tank, causing a barrier between the burner and the water. This makes it increasingly difficult to heat, resulting in less hot water. In fact, for every inch of sediment buildup on the bottom of a gas fired water heater, it requires 70% more fuel to heat the water.
Q: If my water heater was in a flood, do I need to replace it?
A: In short, the answer is a resounding yes. The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recommends that any flood-damaged heating and cooling equipment be replaced, not repaired.
Do you still have questions about your water heater that we might have missed? Click here to see a full list of frequently asked questions, or give us a call at 203-378-4700 to speak with an expert.
Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC is a factory authorized Carrier® dealer with technicians trained to service all brands of HVAC equipment. Serving Fairfield County, New Haven County and the surrounding areas, we take particular pride in our technician’s cleanliness and respect for your home and are dedicated to providing the best heating and cooling solutions to meet your needs.
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