There have been numerous advancements in technology that make it worth considering whether a new water heater is a good investment for your home and energy goals. This guide walks you through the most important features to look for.
Wi-Fi Connectivity and Smart App Integration
You might not initially think that having a water heater with Wi-Fi connectivity and smart app integration will make much of a difference in your daily routine. Especially since it’s for an appliance that stays tucked away in the basement or utility closet, but you’d be surprised at just how often you might actually use it. Units that include these features make it easy to change the water temperature to an exact degree with just a few taps on your smartphone or mobile device. Many versions even monitor energy usage and let you activate the vacation mode remotely.
Sensors That Monitor for Leaks
Any type of water heater (standard tank style and tankless versions) can leak. If you buy a setup that includes built-in water leak sensors, you’ll have extra peace of mind in knowing you’ll receive an alert as soon as a leak starts to develop. Some models even come with automatic shutoff sensors that turn the water supply off when they detect a leak, which not only saves water but also helps protect the area around the appliance, including the drywall and flooring, from water damage.
Condensing Technology
If you’re doing a water heater replacement project and it involves buying a new gas-fired unit, you’ll definitely want to take time to understand condensing technology. Not all gas-fired units have this, but it’s often worth the investment even though it typically increases the purchase price. On a regular water heater, some of the heat produced during the combustion process goes through a vent that exhausts it outside of the home. With condensing technology, that heat gets captured and reused to heat the water.
Self-Diagnostic Controls
When your water heater fails to provide hot water like it normally does, it can be incredibly frustrating trying to figure out what’s wrong and whether you need to spend money on booking an appointment with a plumber. A unit with self-diagnostic controls is particularly helpful in this type of scenario because it displays error codes when something goes wrong. If a light or error code flashes that indicates the air filter simply needs cleaning, you may be able to safely do this yourself. But if a code shows an ignition or gas valve problem, you’ll know to call a plumber.
With so many different features to choose from, you don’t need to let choosing a new water heater be an overwhelming experience. Talking with a licensed plumber is the best way to assess your home’s hot water needs and choose a model that perfectly matches your comfort, convenience, safety, and energy goals. When you need water heater services in Denver, CO, contact Absolute Electrical Heating & Air.