Water heaters in Portland, ME, are a crucial component of modern living. They’re also a significant factor in household expenses. The Department of Energy estimates water heating accounts for 18% of the average household’s energy usage. This is one reason customers are contacting us at Dog House to switch to tankless water heaters. On-demand systems can lower water-heater-related energy consumption by over 30%.
Our Home Services in Portland, ME Include:
Traditional tank water heaters remain the most popular solution. You can choose an electric unit or a system that burns fuel, such as natural gas, liquid propane, or fuel oil. The tank size for the typical household is 40 – 50 gallons. There are 10 – 20-gallon tanks for smaller households and 75 – 120-gallon tanks for larger households.
A condensing water heater is a type of high-efficiency fuel-burning water heater. An even more efficient approach is the heat pump water heater. These have a tank but use a heat pump as opposed to a traditional heat exchanger. There are also hybrid heat pump systems. Those use the heat pump to heat the water most of the time. They switch to a traditional heat exchanger during periods of high demand.
Tankless water heaters are between traditional and heat pump systems in terms of efficiency. There are both condensing and non-condensing systems. The big advantage here is that these systems don’t store water. They heat it on demand. That means that if you size them accurately, you’ll enjoy a practically unlimited supply of hot water.
All water heaters require routine maintenance, typically once a year. For storage-based systems, we recommend flushing the tank. Doing so removes sediment and limescale to improve efficiency and extend the life of the system. Our plumber will also check the sacrificial anode rod and replace it as needed.
Tankless water heaters require descaling. Limescale can build up on valves, on the heat exchanger, and in tubes and pipes. If you have hard water, you may need to descale the system twice a year. As an alternative, you could have us install an anti-scale device.
Dog House is a locally owned and operated plumbing contractor that has served Portland homeowners for over a decade. Our plumbers install and service all tank and tankless water heater brands and models. We’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs. For installations, we offer free estimates and provide financing on approved credit. We also stand behind our work by guaranteeing your 100% satisfaction.
Dog House is the number one choice for water heaters in Portland. Call us today to schedule an appointment for water heater maintenance or an installation consultation.
Blog: 3 Warning Signs That You Need a Professional Plumbing Repair
