Got a Question? Let Us Know!
At Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our plumbers live and breathe water heaters. With so much experience, there’s not much we don’t know about them. However, we also know that the average homeowner only has limited knowledge of how water heaters work. With this in mind, we’ve reviewed five of some of our most commonly asked questions about water heaters. Want to know if you can install your water heater outside? Are you curious about whether a tankless water heater is worth the investment? Just keep reading to find out!
FAQ #1: Can I Install My Water Heater Outside?
We get it; space is at a premium in your home. If your water heater is installed in your garage, laundry room, or basement, you may be wondering if you can move it outside and reclaim some of that space. However, generally speaking, if you have a conventional water heater with a tank, you do not want to install it outside unless you build an enclosure around it to protect it from the elements. The same can be said for tankless water heaters, though some models are designed to go outside and have special covers to protect them from bad weather.
FAQ #2: Are Tankless Water Heaters Worth the Investment?
The answer to this question will depend on your personal goals and needs. If you are looking to free up some space in your home and/or are regularly running out of hot water, a tankless water heater likely will help you resolve both issues. Additionally, tankless water heaters may help you reduce your energy costs if you switch from a gas-powered tank model, though this is usually a nominal saving. Where you really save money with tankless water heaters is in replacement costs. Tankless models tend to have significantly longer lifespans than conventional water heaters, so you will not have to replace your water heater nearly as often.
To find out if a tankless water heater makes sense for you, we recommend that you discuss your options with one of our plumbers at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Our goal is always customer satisfaction, and we will provide you with our honest advice.
FAQ #3: Are Water Heater Thermostats Universal?
No, water heater thermostats are not universal. While some thermostats are interchangeable, the type of thermostat your water heater needs will depend on the kind of water heater you have, its make, and its model. If your water heater isn’t heating correctly, you risk several health and safety hazards, including bacteria growth and scalding. Therefore, if you are having trouble with your water heater’s thermostat, you should speak with an experienced plumber about repairing it. You should not attempt to repair or replace a water heater thermostat on your own.
FAQ #4: Will My Water Heater Work if I Don’t Have Power?
This depends on how your water heater is powered. If it is a gas water heater, it should continue to work during a power outage. However, if your water heater is electric, it will not. This often means that many conventional water heaters with a tank will continue working, while electric, tankless models will not. Even if your water heater with a tank runs on electricity, you likely will still be able to get hot water for as long as there is hot water in the tank. When that runs out, you will have to wait for power to be restored and your water heater to reheat the water.
FAQ #5: Can I Install My Own Water Heater?
Technically, you can replace your own water heater, but we never recommend it. Water heaters must be installed correctly, and failure to do so can be a safety hazard. It can also damage the water heater, costing you more money. Additionally, water heater tanks are very heavy and ungainly. Unless you are a professional plumber, installing a water heater on your own is a very difficult task. By working with an experienced, licensed plumber, you can rest assured that your water heater is installed safely, correctly, and up to code. If you need a water heater replacement, reach out to our plumbers. We can get your new water heater installed in no time.
Have more questions about water heater installation, repair, or replacement? Send us a message online!