What are Propane Tankless Water Heaters

Propane tankless water heaters have been around for sometime now despite being a relatively new product in the US soil. It first became popular in Asia and Europe in the ‘70s but it has gained tremendous appeal among US consumers in line with the rising costs of gas prices plus the awareness on environmental protection.

Compared to traditional propane water heaters which stores hot water on a storage tank, tankless propane heaters do not hold any water. The water is only heated when the person turns on a faucet, with the water flowing through various pipes and going into the tankless heater. Hot water flows from the tap in 5-20 seconds.

The good thing about them is that they can save a lot of energy. It is estimated that using a propane tankless water heater can save up to 30% in energy consumption compared to using a traditional water heater. Thus it is not surprising that many budget-conscious households are opting to use tankless heaters in their residences.

But there are also some disadvantages of using a tankless propane heater. The first and perhaps foremost downside is the price of a typical tankless heater, which is at least 3 times more expensive than a traditional water heater. A tankless propane heater can also produce about five gallons of water for every minute, so there’s a good chance that hot water produced will not be enough especially if there are multiple appliances operating all at the same time. Thus users may have to schedule their laundry at a time when no one is using the shower.

However, with the continued rise of energy costs, it is expected that propane tankless water heaters will soon outnumber traditional water heaters. Most new models have also been manufactured to last longer, giving households and businesses a more practical solution to water heating.

A Look at Portable Propane Water Heaters

Portable propane water heaters serve a variety of purposes. They provides hot water while outdoors specifically during out-of-town trips. They can also provide hot water while cleaning the car, washing pets, doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and pool heating. They can also be used indoors and in the patio especially when grilling. Since these are portable water heaters, they take little storage space. And because they only provide hot water when needed, portable propane heaters can give a lot of savings to its users.

There are many advantages of using a propane water heater than an electric water heater. First, it is a more inexpensive option than an electric water heater. It is also compact enough to be moved from one place to another. It is also more environment friendly since propane gas burns clearly and emits no odor or toxins when burned. Propane gas is also refillable, so there is no need to worry about running out of energy. It also costs less compared to other gas forms. Water temperature can be raised up to an average of 25 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the size and unit of the water heater.

However there are also some downsides to using portable propane water heaters. For one, it is susceptible to gas leaks. It is ideal to have an effective ventilation system when using a portable propane heater because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of propane heating. This is an odorless and tasteless gas that when inhaled can cause headache and nausea. It can also cause cardiovascular ailments and even death during prolonged exposure. Thus, having a carbon dioxide detector is needed when using portable propane water heaters.

There are numerous portable propane water heaters available in the market today. Some of these are made by reputable manufacturers like Coleman, Ecco, and LPG L5.

Propane Water Heaters -- The Most Economical Heating System

Propane water heaters are undoubtedly versatile and efficient house utilities. With their help, daily tasks such as cleaning, bathing, and cooking can be done with ease and convenience. These heaters use propane gas to elevate the temperature of water. As the price of electricity continues to rise, more and more homeowners are switching to propane-powered water heaters. Replacing inefficient electrical heaters with a more efficient alternative will greatly help to cut down energy costs. Technically, the lifespan of water heaters is around 12 to 15 years but replacing them regularly is highly advised due to the constantly changing heating technology that considerably enhances the efficiency of newer models.

Economically speaking, a propane heater is certainly the best choice. Though costs of propane gas vary widely from one place to another, propane water heating systems still have much lower costs as compared to their electric counterparts. This is especially true to people living in the rural areas, where electricity cost is often very expensive. In fact, propane cost $20.47 per million BTUs of produced heat, whereas electricity cost $31.21 for the exact same amount of heat produced. This data was based on the survey conducted by the Department of Energy in 2007. Since then, prices of both electricity and propane have gone way up. However, the savings that propane gas offered remained the relatively same.

If you are looking for a green and efficient water heating unit, then the tankless propane water heaters would really be an interesting option. Using one is another great way to save money and energy. Tankless heaters may cost more upfront but you are guaranteed to enjoy bigger savings in the long run. This is because they are designed to only be used on an on-demand basis. It simply means that they won’t be constantly running to keep hot water in the tank. Instead, they will only heat the water when needed. However, like other systems, they also have their downsides. Tankless propane heaters would require more extensive venting, and they might struggle to deliver hot water when 2 or more sources need it. That being said, they are best suited for a single-person household, or for homeowners who are very much willing to stagger the use of hot water. The best thing about them is that they have a longer operating life that can last around 20 years (with proper care and maintenance, of course).

Therefore, if you are thinking of replacing your old, inefficient, and worn-out electric heaters, then the reliable and efficient propane water heaters are indeed the best way to go!

Essential Information About Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are practically sold in two general types – the hard and soft variety. Both types come in an array of sizes, ranging from as small as ¼ inches up to as big as 2 inches. The size of the pipe that you need to acquire will immensely depend on their application. For instance, if you will use them for tub and shower supply lines, ½ inches copper pipes are the most suitable choice. But if they will be used for kitchen and bathroom taps, 3/8 inches pipes are highly recommended. Meanwhile, ¼ inches pipes are ideal for toilet supply lines. Remember that pipes with larges sizes are typically used for water supply connections.  

Aside from the fact that they come in varying sizes, copper pipes are also available in 3 different thickness. Each of which is designed to satisfy a particular plumbing purpose. They are normally marked by letters so they can be easily differentiated from one another. On that note, the three types of copper pipes according to thickness include following:

 

• Type M – These copper pipes are the most common type sold in the market today. Although they are relatively thin-walled, you are assured that they still meet standard building codes. In fact, they are widely used for creating water lines or connections for residential use. Type M copper pipes are marked with a red M lettering for easy identification.

 

• Type K –  This is perhaps the thickest type of copper pipe available. They are mainly used for running pipes from main water lines to a meter or underground water pipes . They are usually marked with an orange K lettering.

 

• Type L – These are thicker walled copper pipes that are marked with a blue L lettering. They are normally utilized when making water connections in exposed areas.

 

Overall, copper pipes can certainly be used in almost all types of plumbing applications. But since they are available in different thickness and sizes, it is critical to determine your exact requirements.

4 Reasons Why You Should Use Brass Plumbing Fittings

Brass fittings are a popular choice among many due to their numerous advantages. They are commonly used in many plumbing applications, whether for home or industrial use. With an impressive track record, they have already proven to be one of the most efficient types of metal fittings available today. 

Brass is basically an alloy produced from copper and zinc. It has been widely used as a primary material in making pipe fittings. But like other types, they come in varying sizes and quality. That being said, careful consideration is necessary to find the most suitable option. Remember that choosing the right brass fitting will not only allow you to improve the overall efficiency of your water delivery system but this can also help to increase your home’s value.  

To enlighten you as to why you should consider the use of brass fittings, here are 4 benefits that you’ll get to enjoy with their integration: 

• Ability to withstand high temperatures – Of all the possible options, brass fittings are the perfect choice to ensure efficient hot water distribution in your home. They offer superb conductivity, thereby, promoting an efficient hot water distribution system. Moreover, they have the remarkable ability to brace extremely high temperatures, hence, making them fire-resistant.

 

• Versatility – Brass fitting can seamlessly blend with almost all types of plumbing applications, which gives them the edge over other types of metal fittings. Since they come in all shapes, widths, finishes, nd sizes, you will surely find one that will fit your exact specifications.

 

• Ductility – As compared to iron and steel, brass fittings are much easier to shape, bend and mold. Hence, it will be much easier for you to integrate them inside your home. Additionally, their maintenance work is more manageable due to their unmatched flexibility.

 

• Durability – Brass is undoubtedly a very sturdy material, which makes it perfect for all kinds of plumbing works. Pipe fittings made from brass are capable of providing years of quality service since they do not easily crack or disintegrate.

 

With the above mentioned advantages, by now, you should already be convinced that brass fittings is an excellent addition to your home.

Choosing a Shower Base That Works

When designing or overhauling a bathroom, there are some things to consider in terms of what will be an enhancement. Unfortunately, after picking out a basin or tile flooring, even a medicine cabinet, a shower base tends to be ignored. Showers take daily abuse and even with a variety of materials to consider, many find it easier to choose the old standbys, acrylic or stone resin. Ceramic, copper, stainless steel, glass and even wood are valid options for a shower base. There are also a variety of shapes to consider and if space is an issue, it is best to maximize what is available. Maintenance is one other issue, especially if one is not inclined to scrub the shower every day.

Acrylic shower bases are durable, adjustable and inexpensive compared to other materials and easier to install. Stone resin is even more durable and when purchased in chic, traditional styles, may be a better choice dollar-wise in the long run. Stainless steel bases are an excellent for someone who is disabled and takes a shower while using a wheelchair. For materials such as wood, they are a bit more specific in style and may be best utilized in a particular decorative scheme. They also require a bit more care and cleaning, requiring an occasional rubbing with oils or some other coating for proper upkeep.

Shower base shapes can influence a purchase. In a smaller area, the pentangle shape, which has a corner missing is great for tight fits. Other popular choices are rectangular, square and even quadrant bases. Customized shapes are more expensive, but worth it if finances allow.

Take care in keeping in mind how the shower is to be used, how much daily care is needed, and how large or small the bathroom space is before making a decision. Bathroom style and decor are also big influences. Choose the shower base that works in each circumstance and all is well.

The Basics of Sewage Pumps

I found a nice article that I wanted to share with the readers of this blog who might be interested in learning a little bit about how plumbers overcome gravity to move waste products. The article is called Sewage Pump Guide, and it is available on another major plumbing website that I've come to like. I would encourage you all to go check it out if you get a chance. That site also has information on several specific types of sewage pumps as well: grinder pumps, agitator pumps, ejector pumps, etc. It gives some nice background on each and if you are trying to decide which pump would be right for your particular situation I would encourage you to go ahead and read a few of those guides. If you are in the market to buy a sewage pump then I would highly recommend that you shop around and use some of the comparison sites that are available to consumers online. This can save you big money in the long run. OK short post today, I'm off to install my new pair of feng shui water fountains, I need some good karma!