What To Do When My Water Heater Takes Forever To Heat Up
Sometimes the problem with water heaters isn’t that you’re not getting warmth, but that it’s not happening fast enough. What many Carrollton homeowners don’t know is that the heating time of water heaters isn’t always the same — your unit’s recovery time is directly related to which type you choose to buy.
In other words, with the right knowledge, you can speed up your home’s water heating by a great deal.
Jim’s Plumbing Now has worked with water heaters the world over, so we understand that no two units are alike. Knowing the qualities of your water heater can help you boost the heating process, ensuring your home gets all the hot water it needs.
How Does My Water Heater Work?
All the hot water in your home relies on your water heater, making it an integral part of living here in Texas. Yet a surprising amount of homeowners don’t know much about how their water heater provides for them.
Tanked water heaters store a predetermined amount of hot water in an insulated tank, typically ranging from 20 to 80 gallons. These heaters use either electric heating elements or a gas burner (fueled by natural gas or propane) to heat the water stored in the tank.
Some homeowners instead use tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters. They heat water directly as it passes through the unit without the need for a storage tank. These heaters utilize either electric coils or a gas burner to heat water on demand, providing a continuous supply of hot water.
How Long Does It Take My Water To Heat Back Up?
Considering how much you rely on hot water at home, generating it isn’t always straightforward for your water heater. In fact, the process heavily relies on the type of water heater you own and its fuel source.
Electric Storage Water Heaters
Electric storage water heaters typically take longer to heat up compared to their gas counterparts. On average, it can take anywhere from 60 to 80 minutes — if not longer — for an electric heater to heat a full tank of water to the desired temperature.
Gas Storage Water Heaters
Gas storage units heat water more quickly than electric models due to the higher heat output of gas burners. Depending on the size of the tank and the efficiency of the unit, it may take around 30 to 60 minutes for a gas storage water heater to heat a full tank.
Propane Water Heaters
Propane water heaters operate similarly to natural gas models but utilize propane as the fuel source. The heating time for propane water heaters is comparable to natural gas models, typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes for storage water heaters.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for storage tanks. While tankless water heaters offer virtually unlimited hot water, the time it takes for water to heat up depends on the unit’s flow rate and power output.
In general, tankless water heaters can deliver hot water within seconds of turning on the tap. But be careful of using too much hot water at once around your home, as this can reduce the tankless unit’s strength and efficiency.
What Affects My Water Heater’s Recovery Time
The time it takes for your water heater to do its job isn’t set in stone the moment you buy the unit. Several factors can influence how long it takes for a water heater to heat up, including:
- The size of the tank, how much needs to be filled
- Temperature settings for your heater
- Fuel type
- Insulation of your tank, which prevents heat loss
- Sediment buildup in the tank
Several of these factors can be eliminated with the use of a tankless water heater. If you decide to go with a tankless unit, call Jim’s Plumbing Now and our certified technicians will provide all the setup necessary.
Turn Up The Heat With Jim’s Plumbing Now
No matter what kind of water heater you have, Jim’s Plumbing Now is here to help. As your local plumbing experts, we offer comprehensive water heater services, including installation, repair and maintenance.
Keeping warm water in your home never has to be a hassle again. Reach out to us today!
