How does a heat pump water heater work?
Q. How important is it to insulate my water heater?
A. It depends mainly on the location and age of the water heater.
If the water heater is in an unheated area, more heat will be lost from
the tank, making additional insulation more important. Newer water
heaters have more built-in insulation than older ones, so you will save
less by adding additional insulation. In most cases, you can easily
save enough to offset the cost of the insulation, so unless your
water heater has a label or sticker telling you not to add insulation,
it is usually a good idea. Don't forget to insulate any exposed hot
water pipes as well.
Note: insulation blankets are NOT recommended on oil-fired water heaters.
Q. What is the best temperature setting for my water heater?
A. The lower the temperature setting, the lower your water heating costs
will be. In most cases, 120o should be sufficient. If you have
a large family and a relatively small water heater, or if you have a
dishwasher without a booster heater, you may need to set it somewhat
higher, but no higher than 140
o.
Q. How do I change the temperature setting on my water heater?
A. With a gas water heater, the thermostat control is a simple dial on
the outside near the bottom. With an electric water heater, the thermostat
controls are behind the access panels on the side of the water heater
(there are usually two - one for each heating element). Be sure to
turn off the power to the water heater before removing the access panels.
Q. What size water heater should I have?
A. It depends on family size and lifestyle, but for the average
family of four, a 40 gallon tank should be sufficient.
Q. Aside from adjusting the temperature, are there
other easy ways I can save on water heating?
A. The simplest way to save is to use less hot water. Use low flow
showerheads, wash clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot, and only
run full loads in your clothes washer and dishwasher.
Q. What is an "instantaneous" or "on demand" water heater?
A. An instantaneous or on-demand water heater is a small heating unit
located close to the point of use, which heats the water just before
it is used. These units have no storage capability, and are usually
not well suited for "whole house" use, as multiple units are typically needed.
Q. What is the purpose of the pressure relief valve
on a water heater?
A. The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature. It
prevents a potentially dangerous pressure buildup in the water heater
in the event that the thermostat malfunctions and fails to turn off
the elements or burners. These valves should never be wired shut or
otherwise tampered with.
Q. Should I drain my water heater, and if so, how often?
A. It is a good idea to drain water heaters once a year. Be sure to
shut off the power or gas supply, as well as the incoming water to the
tank, and let the water cool down before draining it. Always attach a
hose and run it outside - do not attempt to drain the tank a small amount
at a time, as sediment at the bottom of the tank may clog the drain valve,
making it impossible to close until the tank has been fully drained and
flushed. Once the tank is empty, turn the water supply back on and
flush the tank until the water runs clear. Then refill the tank
completely before turning the power or gas back on.
Q. Will a timer on my electric water heater help
reduce my bills?
A. If you are on a "day/night" or "time of use" electric rate, and
you set the timer so the water heater only operates at night or
during "off peak" hours, you should save money. You can do the
same thing with an "on/off" switch, but the timer will do it automatically
and never forget. If you are on a flat rate, the timer should still
help some by minimizing heat loss through the tank, but may not save enough
to pay for itself.
Q. Should I shut off my water heater if I plan to be
away from home?
A. If you go away for more than a day or two, it is a good idea to turn
off the water heater. If the water heater is electric, you can shut off
the circuit breaker. With a gas water heater, you can simply turn the
thermostat all the way down or to the "Vacation" setting if the water
heater has one (this shuts off everything but the pilot light).
Q. I've heard that there is a system which uses a
water heater to provide space heating - how does this work?
A. This type of system, typically called an integrated heating and water
heating system, circulates hot water from the water heater tank through a
coil of piping, and a fan blows air across the heated pipes and circulates
the air through ducts. This type of system is most appropriate for apartments,
condominiums or small homes, where the heating demand is minimal.
Q. How does a heat pump water heater work?
A. A heat pump water heater works much like a space heating heat pump - it
absorbs heat from the surrounding air and uses it to heat water in the tank.
Because it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, it should be located in a
basement or other unheated area. During the summer, it can also help cool
and dehumidify the basement.
