heaters Archives - B&L Plumbing and Heating

The Smart Homeowner's Guide to Tankless Water Heaters

Why Install a Tankless Water Heater?

Upgrading to a tankless system is one of the most effective ways to modernize a home’s plumbing and improve daily convenience. Unlike older methods that keep dozens of gallons of water simmering all day in a large container, these systems offer a more streamlined, contemporary approach to home comfort. By choosing to install a tankless water heater, a household moves toward a more sophisticated and responsive way of managing essential utilities.

Homeowners often switch to enjoy a more reliable, consistent hot water supply that doesn't run out during peak morning hours. Simultaneously, this transition helps in reducing the bulk and clutter of traditional utility closets, replacing a massive, heavy cylinder with a sleek, wall-mounted unit. This change creates extra room for storage or other household needs while ensuring the home remains efficient and well-equipped.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater and How Does It Work?

A tankless water heater is a compact device that heats water only when a faucet is turned on. The primary difference between this and a storage-tank water heater is the absence of a large hot-water tank. While a storage water heater keeps 40 to 60 gallons of water hot 24/7, a tankless unit stays idle until it is needed, earning it the nickname "on-demand" heater.

The process is simple but clever: when a hot water tap is opened, cold water flows into the unit. A sensor detects the flow and activates a heating element, either a gas burner or an electric coil. This element instantly heats the water to the desired temperature. Because there is no water heater tank to empty, the system can provide a continuous stream of hot water as long as the tap stays open.

Benefits of Installing a Tankless Water Heater

Choosing a tankless water heater installation comes with several long-term perks that go beyond just a warm shower. The most significant advantage is superior energy efficiency. Since the unit isn't constantly reheating a large hot water tank, it uses significantly less fuel or electricity, which usually translates to lower monthly utility bills. Homeowners also enjoy the luxury of endless hot water; because it heats on the fly, there is no more waiting for a tank to refill and recover.

Beyond performance, these units offer a space-saving design. They are roughly the size of a small suitcase and are typically mounted on a wall, freeing up valuable floor space that a massive water heater tank would otherwise occupy. Finally, these systems offer an extended lifespan. A well-maintained tankless system can last up to 20 years, nearly double the life expectancy of a traditional tank model.

Signs It's Time to Replace an Existing Water Heater

Recognizing when to invest in a water heater replacement can prevent a flooded basement and high emergency repair costs. Homeowners should keep an eye out for visible leaks, as any pooling water around the base of the unit is a clear sign of structural failure. Corrosion and rust are also major red flags; if the water looks rusty or if there is visible "pitting" on the tank, the metal is likely breaking down from the inside out.

Advanced age is another critical factor to consider, as most traditional heaters start to fail after 10 to 12 years. If a unit is in its double digits, it is likely running inefficiently and nearing the end of its functional life. Additionally, frequent breakdowns are a sign of trouble. If a plumber is visiting more than once a year to fix the same unit, the cost of repairs will quickly outweigh the cost of a new system. When these signs appear, it is the perfect time to install a tankless water heater to provide a more reliable, cost-effective solution for the household.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating is a family-owned and operated company that has proudly served Colorado Springs since 1999. We provide trusted plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services with quality products, trusted technicians, and dependable 24/7 emergency support. Call them for tankless water heater service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Warning Signs of Faulty Heaters and the Dangers of Ignoring Them

Identifying Heater Hazards

With local weather conditions, heaters are essential for keeping the home safe and warm during the winter. Reliable heating equipment promotes comfort in the home and helps people weather the winter, which can bring life-threatening colds.

Heaters work hard to keep the home warm during the winter, which can wear down the unit, causing it to fail. When heaters fail, they not only lose their ability to supply heat, but they can also present unique hazards that homeowners must be aware of.

Here are a few signs of faulty heaters and the hazards they carry so homeowners can react accordingly.

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Carbon monoxide is a product of the combustion of fossil fuels, especially in furnaces. The biggest concern in the home is the release of carbon monoxide from natural gas or propane appliances.

When appliances age or experience problems, they can cause incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, promoting carbon monoxide release. Since carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, it is impossible to perceive. When it leaks into a home, it can cause life-threatening complications.

Maintaining heaters and installing carbon monoxide detectors can help eliminate the threat of carbon monoxide. During heater maintenance, technicians will perform checks and tests to ensure fuels are completely burnt, and the resulting gas is expelled from the home.

If, for some reason, carbon monoxide forms even after inspections and heater maintenance, carbon monoxide detectors can alert the homeowner to the threat so they can call the appropriate contractor for repairs.

Mold Growth in the Home

HVAC systems are responsible for moving air around the home and cleaning it up simultaneously. Air filters are in place to keep dust out of the moving parts of the furnace and the ductwork to clean up the air.

If furnaces and heat pumps are not properly maintained, mold can grow within the air ducts and cause negative health outcomes for homeowners. This process usually starts when the air filters remain unchanged or the air conditioner does not properly dehumidify the air.

During the winter, the process worsens as warm air flows through the ducts and spurs mold growth. Having mold in ductwork in the winter can cause problems like:

Frequent respiratory infections
Foul odors
Allergies
Sinus problems
Reduced lung immunity

To protect air ducts against mold growth, routine HVAC maintenance should be performed twice yearly, and professional air duct cleaning should be scheduled every few years.

Overheating

Mold growth and carbon monoxide poisoning are problems that can take a while before they negatively affect the health of those in the home. When the furnace overheats, the problem is immediate and must be dealt with quickly to avoid problematic fires or faster carbon monoxide poisoning. Look for signs like:

Burnt odors
Frequently tripping safety devices
Soot marks near the heater
Red-hot metal
Humming noises

To prevent furnace overheating, change air filters regularly and remember annual heater maintenance from qualified professionals.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has 25 years of experience with heater maintenance and heater repairs. Their skilled teams offer maintenance packages to reduce bills and prevent heating equipment downtime. Call today for heating service in Colorado Springs, CO.

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Water Heaters 101

Learning About the Different Types of Water Heaters

It's the time of year when summer plans wind down and kids start thinking of going back to school. As a homeowner, there's no excuse to stop learning. As the kids head back to the classroom, take every opportunity to learn that is available. In this article, plumbing contractors want to help homeowners out with quick knowledge about their water heaters.

Taking the time to learn about options and maintenance of water heaters can save homeowners headaches and lots of dollars by allowing them to make informed decisions. Here's a quick guide to help homeowners brush up on their water heater knowledge.

How Many Types of Water Heaters Are There?

The utility type is the first thing a homeowner should look at when shopping for a water heater. These appliances come in two types with different benefits for each one:

Gas: Gas water heaters are generally cheaper due to low natural gas prices but not all homes are outfitted for propane or natural gas service. Advances in technology have allowed gas water heaters to be very efficient.
Electric: Electric water heaters are reliable and cheaper to purchase than gas water heaters. Easy installation means that these are usually cheaper upfront.

In the end, likely the best choice will be whatever utility is already present in the home. Installing gas or electric service to accommodate a new style is usually very expensive.

Apart from choosing the utility that powers a water heater, two main types of water heaters are generally installed:

Conventional Hot Water Tanks: These units are usually cheap to install because they are likely to replace existing water tanks. These units heat a tank full of water where it waits to be distributed around the home.
Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront, but they increase energy efficiency by providing instant and endless hot water on demand.

Maintenance Tips for Any Water Heater

Water heaters are expensive appliances that one should take care of if they are expected to last long. Regardless of the style of the water heater, there are a few maintenance practices that can help homeowners get the most out of their water heaters:

Drain the tanks annually
Flush sediment from the empty tank
Inspect heating elements of electric tanks
Clean burners in gas units

Most of these steps can be done by the homeowners, but local plumbers offer tune-up packages to take the hassle out of the job for homeowners who don't want to mess with it.

Signs a Water Heater Needs Repairs

Homeowners may not be shopping for a new water heater yet, but still, everyone should pay attention to these signs that indicate they may need water heater repairs:

Insufficient hot water
Water isn't hot enough
No hot water at all
Discolored water
Thumping or hissing noises
Tripped breakers

If any of these problems are present, water heater repairs will be necessary. In most cases, one can quickly make repairs, but eventually, a water heater replacement will be the most cost-efficient option.

About B&L Plumbing and Heating

B&L Plumbing and Heating has been solving plumbing problems in Colorado Springs, CO since 1999. Their technicians always take the time to educate their customers and design custom solutions to their problems. With B&L Plumbing and Heating, their emergency service won't break the bank because they never charge extra for overtime hours. Call now for water heater services.