Water Heater Installation & Replacement in Mount Vernon

Tankless Water Heaters 

As the name implies, a tankless heater forgoes the storage tank entirely. Instead, it uses a powerful heat exchanger to heat water instantaneously as it flows through the unit to your faucet. This on-demand process is exceptionally energy-efficient, as it only consumes power when you are actively drawing hot water. While the initial investment is higher, tankless models can reduce energy bills, offer a continuous supply of hot water that never runs out, and typically last nearly twice as long as conventional heaters.

The Importance of Correct Water Heater Sizing

Choosing the right size water heater is essential for meeting your household's needs without wasting energy. For a conventional tank model, this involves looking at its first hour rating (FHR)—the number of gallons of hot water it can produce in a single hour of high usage. A unit with an FHR that is too low will leave your family waiting for the tank to recover, while an excessively large one will constantly heat unneeded water, increasing your utility costs.

Sizing a tankless water heater involves looking at two key factors: your household's water demand and our local climate. First, we consider the "flow rate" your home requires, or the total gallons per minute (GPM) you might use at once. This means thinking about peak use, like running a shower and a dishwasher simultaneously. A new unit must be able to keep up with that demand.

Second, we calculate the necessary "temperature rise." Our groundwater is quite cold here in the Pacific Northwest, especially in winter. The temperature rise is how much the heater must warm that cold water to reach your desired setting (usually 120°F). A correctly sized unit has the power to handle your home's maximum flow rate while also achieving this significant temperature increase, providing a steady and reliable stream of endless hot water.

Our Water Heater Installation & Replacement Process

Our approach to installing a new water heater is methodical and prioritizes safety and correct function. 

The process begins with a consultation to understand your household's hot water usage patterns, which helps confirm you have selected the best model for your needs. Our technicians safely shut off your old unit's water, gas, or electrical supply on installation day. They will then drain the tank completely before carefully disconnecting and removing it from your home.

With the area prepared, our team positions the new water heater and meticulously makes all the required connections. This includes securing water lines, properly connecting the gas or electrical supply, and ensuring the ventilation and safety components, like the temperature and pressure relief valve, are correctly installed. Once the unit is in place, we fill and test the system, verifying its combustion safety, checking for leak-free operation, and setting the water temperature safely and effectively.

For water heater installation and replacement in Mount Vernon, call (360) 300-4773 or contact us online.