subject: What Everyone Should Know About Your Atlanta Water Heater [print this page] One of the joys of modern life is being able to take a hot shower with the turn of a knob. We depend on a constant supply of heated water for dish washing, laundry and cleaning our hands from germs. If suddenly your hot water supply turns cold and it does not return, you may need to replace your Atlanta water heater.
Most water heaters in use today use a tank to store water that has been heated to the desired temperature. Tanks are insulated to conserve energy. The water heater may use a flame that is fueled by natural gas or propane to keep the water hot or it may use electrical heating elements. Water heaters have a thermostat to turn off the heat source once the water reaches temperature and a safety valve that opens if too much pressure builds up in the tank.
Tank style water heaters are designed to keep enough water hot that the owner does not run out when he needs hot or warm water. If you use the entire thirty to fifty gallons however, you will suddenly find cold water being pumped through the lines. It can take half an hour or longer for the water to reheat, so you may be in for a cold rinse cycle in the shower.
Tankless water heaters only heat the water when it is needed. Hot water is not stored, but the cold water is heated as it flows through the pipes. Tankless systems can use any of the same systems used by standard heaters. These systems are much more energy efficient and provide a constant stream of hot water.
If you have a remote bathroom in the home a small tankless heater is ideal. The bathroom will have a constant supply of hot water without waiting several minutes for the water to reach the tap. These devices can provide heated water for one to two taps at most.
Whole house tankless water heaters are also available. These devices provide enough water to supply several taps at the same time. They never run out of hot water and will provide all the water needed continuously for four to six taps.
If your Atlanta water heater is not working, consider installing a tankless system. You will pay more initially for the system, however you should recoup the costs in a couple of years with lower costing utility bills.
