Lowest Cost Marin County Water Heater Repair & Installation

Comparing Types of Water Heaters in San Rafael, Novato and Mill Valley, CA

Recent changes in the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act have increased the energy efficiency standards for residential water heating with gas, oil or electricity—meaning new water heaters will produce hot water using fewer resources. In addition to improvements made to models with conventional water storage tanks, consumers also have solar-powered, tankless, and combination space heater/water heater models to consider.

Conventional Storage Tank Water Heaters

Conventional water heaters act as a holding tank for heated water. Cold water flows into the tank and is heated by the fuel source (usually gas or electric). The water sits in the tank where it is monitored by a thermostat and kept hot until there is a call for it from a connected tap.

Pros	Cons
Multiple fuel options Initial purchase is affordable Simple design is easy to repair or replace	Wasted energy due to standby heating Storage tank can be large/bulky Lifespan shorter than tankless heaters

Fuel Type and Energy Efficiency

Conventional water heaters are most often fueled by natural gas or electricity. Models that utilize natural gas are less expensive to operate. LP and oil-fueled models are also available. Conventional models must meet the new EF (Energy Factor) standard of .62 or above, depending on the tank size and fuel source.

On Demand/Tankless Water Heaters in Marin County

In a tankless unit, water is heated by electric coils or a gas burner as it moves through the heat exchanger.

Pros	Cons
Small size gives more installation options Can last up to twice as long as a conventional model Less wasted energy, only heating minimum amount of water necessary	Difficult to heat water for 3+ taps at once Initial investment is higher than conventional models

Fuel Type and Energy Efficiency

Tankless models, like their traditional counterpart, can be fueled by natural gas, LP gas, oil, or electric. These models have an EF standard of .82 or greater.

Solar Water Heater

Using the sun’s natural rays absorbed by roof mounted panels as a power source, solar water heaters in Marin County are the most environmentally friendly option available. Electricity from the power grid acts as a back-up so you never go without hot water.

Pros	Cons
Free to operate, weather permitting Gas or electric is used less often to heat water (backup only), resulting in lower bills	Most expensive upfront costs Repairs and maintenance for “extra” parts could be costly

Fuel Type and Energy Efficiency

The SEF (Solar Energy Factor) standard is equal to or greater than 1.2 for a natural gas backup unit, 1.8 for an electric backup unit.

Coil Space Heater/Water Heater Combinations

Combination units use the heat produced by the home’s space heating system and a heat exchanger to produce hot water. Hot water is stored in a tank until there is a call from the tap.

Pros	Cons
High efficiency units could lower monthly bills Multiple fuel options	Installation is lengthier/more complicated Retrofitting could be costly

Fuel Type and Energy Efficiency

Working in combination with your home’s heating space heating source, both units utilize the same fuel. The EF standards are similar to traditional tank units; however, because most combination heaters are high-efficiency they will likely exceed the rated EF standards.

How To Get the Best Water Heater Contractor in San Rafael, Novato and Mill Valley

When your home has no hot water, your instinct is to work with the contractor who can get to you the fastest. However, taking just a few minutes to find the pro who asks questions, listens to your answers and educates you on your options will save time, money and headaches.

• Proper Troubleshooting – Does the water have an odor, is it cloudy or discolored, does it simply not get hot enough? Experienced water heater companies in San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley and San Anselmo know the telltale signs to see if a cracked tank or corrosive rust is causing the problem. For less obvious problems, a pro will systematically check the recirculating system, connector, supply line, thermocouple, drain valve and burner assembly before completing diagnosis.
• Finding the Right Water Heater Company in Marin County – The best water heater contractor in Marin County is the one who knows how to quickly and accurately diagnose and repair your problem while sticking to the quoted price. Look for a contractor with a long history of positive reviews and check the company’s BBB rating. Make sure the installer is insured and holds a California license and that it's up to date.
• Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace – If the estimated cost of labor to repair your heater is greater than the value of it's remaining warranty, you will probably want to replace the unit. Also consider a replacement if your current model is outdated; newer tankless hot water heaters in San Rafael, Novato and Mill Valley are very energy efficient and can save you a significant amount of money on utility bills.
• Choosing Between Similar Water Heaters in Marin County – After narrowing down the type you need for household size and hot water usage and budget many models blend together. This is where selecting a brand becomes important and if it falls within your budget Aptera recommends Rheem, Bradford White and AO Smith water heaters for their solid build and rock solid warranties. Kenmore and Whirlpool also make great tankless heaters.

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Tips for Reducing Your Water Heating Costs

Monthly heating costs can vary greatly depending on the age and model of your water heater, the fuel source used and the amount of hot water you use each day. Reduce waste and your costs by following the guidelines below:

• Turn Down the Temperature – Set it no higher than 120 degrees to increase efficiency and lower the risk of scalding burns.
• Add Insulation – Insulating a water heater in Marin County is not difficult, but if you cover the wrong area it could be dangerous. Leave this job to a pro.
• Replace Faucets and Showerheads – Low flow fixtures can substantially reduce the amount of water you are using without cutting into your showering time.
• Use Your Dishwasher – A dishwasher uses less water than hand washing dishes, just be sure yours is an energy-efficient model.
• Wash the Load on Cold – Cold water cleans most laundry just as well as hot water.
• Upgrade to a New Model – New, energy-star certified water heaters in San Rafael, Novato and Mill Valley can greatly reduce your utility bills thanks to advancements in technology and efficiency standards.

For more details on energy efficiency requirements go to the US Department of Energy www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards or the PHCC.

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