Why Commercial Water Heater Maintenance Makes A Difference
Commercial water heaters can support up to 1,000,000 British Thermal Units to keep restaurants and salons in business. Even buildings that do not require a significant amount of hot water will still rely on heaters for sanitary purposes. Without maintenance, damage to the water heater can impact multiple businesses at once.
Energy Efficiency = Energy Savings
When a hot water heater stops working, it can cause a sudden and dramatic increase in monthly utility bills. Just because hot water is available does not mean the water heater is cost-effective.
Energy Star-certified water heaters use approximately 15% less energy than traditional units. They are known to save money consistently by targeting the efficiency of each heat exchanger. Even though many of these heaters are tankless, they still need regular maintenance to work year-round.
Industrial water heaters need to be inspected every six months. Since they must work harder than residential units, these inspections are necessary regardless of the business. Depending on the heater's condition, a professional plumber may make repairs during the same visit.
Reliable Hot Water
Without routine maintenance, water heaters will eventually shut down. There are several reasons for a complete shutdown, but the most common is when hard water deposits damage the inside of the heater.
Sediment buildup is normal for traditional water heaters but must be eliminated regularly. Once the buildup begins to layer, it can cause the unit to overheat. Replacing heater elements is often expensive and may take time, depending on the make and model.
Certain issues are simple to fix but difficult to spot. Due to their location, problems with the pressure relief valve may go unnoticed for months. Replacement valves can usually be installed in under two hours to avoid overheating.
Maintenance prevents existing issues from becoming worse. This is especially true when it comes to leakage. Leaks are extremely common but must be fixed as soon as possible. Even small leaks can cause costly water damage. An experienced plumber will examine not just the water tank but also the pipes, fittings, and valves.
Improving Lifespan
A traditional water heater's average lifespan is 8-12 years. This is true for commercial water tanks as well as residential ones. A licensed plumber can extend its lifespan by four years with twice-yearly maintenance. Businesses that require excess water, such as hair salons and restaurants, may need to replace the water heater more often.
Commercial tankless water heaters last much longer. This is partly due to their on-demand heating technology for energy-efficient water heaters. Maintenance is especially important with tankless heaters because scale and corrosion can still build inside the system. With annual maintenance, a tankless water heater can last over 20 years.
Avoiding upfront maintenance costs may seem like a way to save money, but these issues will only compound in the long run. Commercial real estate owners can save hundreds of dollars by examining the unit and repairing minor damage.
About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
With over 30 years of experience, Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning takes pride in serving the Danbury, CT, area. For financing options on water heater replacement and repair services, call Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.
