Water heaters have changed tremendously throughout the past several decades. Advancements in technology are making today’s models much safer and more convenient than they used to be. There have also been improvements in energy efficiency that you can take advantage of to save money on your monthly utility costs. Keep reading to learn more.
Scald-Prevention Technology
Taking a hot, relaxing shower is supposed to be an enjoyable experience. You shouldn’t have to worry about the water suddenly getting too hot and burning your skin. Fortunately, many of today’s newer water heaters have scald-prevention technology, like thermostatic mixing valves. With this type of setup, the hot and cold water get mixed before it reaches your faucets and showerheads, which helps maintain a safer water temperature.
Vacation Modes
Used to, when you went on vacation, your water heater would consume energy the whole time you were away to keep the stored water hot. This not only cost you money but also put unnecessary wear on the unit’s components. With vacation mode, an advanced feature found on many newer water heaters, you can reduce how much energy the system uses to maintain the stored water while you’re away. Just switch vacation mode back to the normal setting once you get home, and the water heater will return to its regular operating temperature.
Leak Notifications
One of the worst problems that can happen with a water heater is a leak whether it be from a cracked tank or a loose plumbing connection. When this happens, it can quickly damage the water heater itself and cause serious harm to the surrounding area, including the drywall and flooring. Years ago, the only way to know your water heater had a leak was to physically check the equipment. Today, you can have leak sensors added to the unit to give you around-the-clock monitoring and instant alerts for detected moisture or water accumulation. Some models even come with automatic shutoff valves. These systems will turn off the water supply to help limit damage when they detect a leak, which is especially beneficial if the problem occurs while you’re not at home.
Built-In Diagnostic Systems
Trying to figure out what’s wrong with a water heater used to require a considerable amount of troubleshooting and guesswork. A plumber would often replace one component and then another until the actual problem got resolved. On many of today’s models, there’s a digital screen that provides error codes when something goes wrong. This gives the plumber an efficient way to choose targeted repairs that are necessary to restore the unit’s performance.
Here’s how built-in diagnostics improve the repair process:
- Showing when a heating element has stopped working
- Alerting you when the burner won’t ignite
- Detecting when the water is getting too hot
- Warning about improper airflow through the system
- Flagging problems with exhaust or venting
If you’re shopping for a new water heater, it helps to understand how this essential appliance has changed throughout the years. You’ll want to consider your convenience, comfort, safety, and energy goals to select a setup that aligns with your preferences. If you live in Delray Beach, FL or a surrounding area and need water heater services, make your first call to Assurance Power Systems.
