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Remember to Check on Your Water Heater!
posted Tuesday, October 14th, 2024
When it comes to home maintenance, one of the most important things to keep an eye on is your water heater. A leaking water heater can cause significant damage to the structure of your home, leading to costly repairs and potential safety hazards. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it before it starts leaking.
Water heaters are often tucked away in basements, closets, or utility rooms, making them easy to overlook. However, paying attention to the age and condition of your water heater is crucial for preventing potential disasters. Over time, the internal components of a water heater can deteriorate, leading to corrosion and eventually leaks. Regular maintenance and timely replacement can help avoid these issues.
If your water heater is approaching or has exceeded the 10-year mark, it's essential to keep a close eye on its performance and consider the benefits of replacement. While a leaking water heater is an obvious sign of trouble, there are other indicators that it may be reaching the end of its lifespan. These include rusty water, rumbling or banging noises, and inefficiency in heating water. If you notice any of these warning signs, it's best to consult with a professional to assess the condition of your water heater.
Replacing a water heater before it starts leaking can save you from a potential disaster and the associated costs of water damage and structural repairs. Additionally, newer models of water heaters are often more energy-efficient, which can lead to cost savings on your utility bills. When considering a replacement, it's important to explore the various types of water heaters available, such as traditional tank water heaters, tankless water heaters, and heat pump water heaters, to determine which option best suits your needs and budget.
In addition to age, factors such as water quality and usage patterns can impact the lifespan of a water heater. Hard water, for example, can contribute to mineral buildup and corrosion, shortening the lifespan of the unit. Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank and checking the anode rod, can help extend the life of your water heater. However, if your water heater is showing signs of deterioration, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid potential water damage and disruption to your daily routine.
In conclusion, keeping an eye on the age and condition of your water heater is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of your home. If your water heater is over 10 years old, it's wise to consider replacing it before it starts leaking to avoid potential damage and costly repairs. By staying proactive and addressing any warning signs, you can ensure that your home's water heating system continues to operate efficiently and safely.
Why CAn water heater replacements/Installations be so expensive?
Why CAn water heater replacements/Installations be so expensive?
posted Monday October 13th, 2024
Installing a water heater is a large investment due to the cost of materials and labor, as well as the complexity of the work needed.
The size of the water heater is crucial in determining the overall cost of installation; larger water heaters require more labor and material. Newer, more energy-efficient water heaters often require additional insulation and heat pumps, which can significantly increase the overall cost of installation. These advanced features not only make the water heater more expensive, but they also add complexity to the installation process. Fortunately there are rebates available that can help subsidize the cost.
Where the water heater will be installed also plays a role in determining the cost as it may add to the project's overall complexity. For instance, installing a water heater in an attic or basement may require more labor and specialized skills compared to installing it in a utility room. Access to the installation site and the possible need for additional safety measures can also impact the overall cost.
It's important to hire licensed professionals for a successful water heater installation. They are required to adhere to plumbing codes, reroute pipes if necessary, vent the unit properly, and ensure adequate electrical or gas connections. The expertise and experience of the professionals involved in the installation process can affect the overall cost.
The cost of parts and materials is another significant component of the overall expense. A variety of materials are required for a successful installation, including discharge pipes, fittings, pressure release valves, and other components. The quality and specific requirements of these materials can impact the total cost of the installation.
Labor is a considerable cost of the overall cost of having a water heater installed. This is due to the uniqueness/difference in complexity of every installation (each case is different), and the experience of the plumbing professional(s) involved. Additionally, the cost of having permits/licenses may also be a factor. Obtaining the necessary permits for the installation can add to the overall expense. Fortunately there are rebates offered, but note that the plumbing professional must be licensed and have the proper permits in order to get these potential rebates.
Other factors that can affect the cost of installing a water heater include the length of the warranty, the amount of work required to bring plumbing connections up to code, and whether the water heater is gas or electric. These additional factors can contribute to the overall cost and should be considered when budgeting for a water heater installation.
Gas Water Heater and Furnaces Ban
posted Wednesday, October 15th, 2024
2023 | The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to ban the sale of new gas furnaces/water heaters beginning in 2030.
Click and view the following links to learn more:
Why is California Banning Natural Gas Heaters? provided by Efficiency First CA. (Efficiency First California (EFCA) is a non-profit trade organization that that has represented and promoted clean energy contractors in California for over 20 years).
"Buildings account for about 5% of the state's nitrogen-oxide pollution, better known as a key ingredient in California's notorious smog. CARB says nearly 90% of those emissions are from space and water heaters. The rest comes from things like cooking and drying clothes." - NPR.ORG Article, California plans to phase out new gas heaters by 2030.
How to Prepare for Gas Bans When Planning Your Home Upgrades. provided by Clean Energy Connection (CEC), developed by Efficiency First California (EFCA). This article covers topics such as:
What Does California’s Proposed Natural Gas Ban Mean for You?
Electric Alternatives to Gas Home Appliances
Rebates and Incentives (ex. TECH Clean California)
2030 | New gas water heaters and furnaces will be banned from sale.
2029–2057 | Gas-fired water heaters in existing buildings will be banned once they reach a certain age.
Rebates
posted Wednesday, October 15th, 2024
SoCalGas For a Limited Time Get 50% More On Eligible Residential & Multifamily Rebates! (Oct 1-Nov 30, 2024)
If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after Jan. 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made through 2032. The maximum credit you can claim each year is:
$1,200 for energy property costs and certain energy efficient home improvements, with limits on doors ($250 per door and $500 total), windows ($600) and home energy audits ($150)
$2,000 per year for qualified heat pumps, biomass stoves or biomass boilers
The credit has no lifetime dollar limit. You can claim the maximum annual credit every year that you make eligible improvements until 2033.
SMUD Heat Pump Water Heaters Rebate
Heat pump water heater requirements:
Unit must meet NEEA Tier III or IV requirements for climate zone 12, with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 2.87 or higher.
Installation must include a thermostatic mixing valve. A mixing valve is a physical component installed on your water heater that blends hot water with cold water to ensure a constant, safe water faucet outlet temperature.
Project must be permitted and meet all city/county ordinances, building codes and permit requirements, including inspections.
Home must be individually metered by SMUD. Multi-unit dwellings (up to 4 units) must be individually metered.
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