Tag Archives: water heater brands

Thermostat Repair Ashburn VA

3 Benefits of Upgrading to a Tankless Water Heater

Homeowners nationwide can now implement energy-efficient practices and appliances in their houses. For instance, tankless water heaters offer anywhere from 24% to 34% more energy efficiency than conventional models. They also require less maintenance and less space as well as increase home value. So, hire a qualified water heater installation company to install your tankless model and start reaping the benefits today.

R.A. Dobson’s team can provide regular water heater maintenance, repairs, replacements, and installations for Ashburn, VA, homeowners. We’re a second-generation family business, ensuring that every part of your home functions properly, no matter the project. We honor all manufacturer warranties and offer the latest energy-efficient heating and A/C technology. For a free estimate on your water heater installation, call (703) 481-3700.

Below, we explain what tankless water heaters are and highlight 3 benefits of switching to one:

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters provide hot water in a maintenance- and energy-efficient manner. When a water faucet in a tankless-supplied home turns to hot, cold water flows through the heater’s in-unit exchanger while a natural gas burner or an electric element heats the water. This process causes no standby energy losses associated with standard storage water heaters, and you need not wait around for the water to warm.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

  1. Space-Saving: Clunky, traditional water heater systems hog a lot of space. Technicians usually install them in basements, utility closets, or other mechanical rooms so they don’t impede other activities. 

Yet tankless heaters have much less bulk, allowing them to fit in any room inside your home. Therefore, they can be directly adjacent to a water fixture, eliminating any wait for hot water.

  1. Low Maintenance: Traditional water heaters require replacement at the first sign of failure. Tankless heaters, however, rarely require replacements. If repairs are necessary, it’s most likely for an individual part instead of the whole system.

Indeed, their most critical component—the heat exchanger—requires flushing every 1-5 years, depending upon the level of hardness in your home’s water. Discuss your home’s water hardness with a reliable water heater installation professional if you have any questions.

  1. Valuable: If you decide to sell your home one day, a tankless heating system would be a significant selling point. Installing a new system can be a long-term investment and end up paying for itself.

Energy-efficient upgrades are among the top amenities buyers are searching for today. Since tankless water heaters can operate efficiently for 20+ years, you can leverage that as a value point.

Tankless Water Heater Installation Experts in Ashburn, VA

R.A. Dobson has the tankless water heater installation team you can rely on to upgrade your system. Ashburn, VA, homeowners have trusted in R.A. Dobson’s high-quality, reliable water heater installation and repair services for over four decades. To discuss water heater installation costs and receive a free estimate on your next project, call (703) 481-3700 or visit our website.

Water Heater Repair Ashburn VA

6 Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

If you find yourself in need of constant water heater repairs, or you want to upgrade your machine, check out the benefits of tankless water heaters. These appliances have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Compared to conventional tank-style heaters, tankless models offer increased energy efficiency, a longer life span, unlimited hot water, and far less maintenance.

For all your water heater repair and installation needs, turn to R.A. Dobson. We have provided heating, cooling, plumbing, and more services to Ashburn, VA, homeowners since 1975. Customers rely on our technicians’ expertise and excellent service options. Moreover, we offer a 1-year warranty on our services and honor all manufacturer warranties to keep folks comfortable in their homes. So, call us today at (703) 481-3700 and schedule your service!

Below, we discuss 6 advantages of tankless water heaters over conventional models:

  1. Energy Efficiency
    First, tankless water heaters use much less energy than traditional tank-style heaters. Indeed, in comparison to conventional models, tankless heaters use 24–34% less energy. The reason behind this lies in the fact that tankless models heat water on demand rather than constantly, as tank-style models do.
  2. Lower Energy Bills
    Also, given that they use less energy than conventional models, tankless water heaters come with lower energy costs. Water heaters are the second-highest source of energy usage in homes, and with more people working from home, energy bills will increase. The average household can save hundreds of dollars annually by switching to a tankless water heater.
  3. Longer Life Span
    Furthermore, tankless water heaters are more durable than traditional heaters. Research indicates that the former lasts up to 5–10 years longer than the latter. With routine maintenance, your tankless heater may last up to 20 years. All homeowners can benefit from less frequent water heater replacement.
  4. Unlimited Hot Water
    Additionally, tankless models can resolve your worries about running out of hot water. Since tankless water heaters warm up water on demand, they deliver hot water when necessary for the length of time you need it. Conventional heaters, on the other hand, warm a certain amount of water that a building’s occupants can use up.
  5. Increased Space
    Moreover, a tankless heater can help you conserve space in your home. They take up significantly less room than a tank-style heater, which needs space for a 40–60 gallon tank of water. Tankless water heaters include no tank and are often hung on a wall.
  6. Low Maintenance
    Finally, a tankless heater can help you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also curtail your need for maintenance. Depending on your water supply’s quality, most tankless water heaters require no maintenance for 4–5 years.

Water Heater Repairs & Installations Available in Ashburn, VA

Water Heater Repair Ashburn VA

R.A. Dobson’s expert team provides residents throughout Ashburn, VA, with comprehensive HVAC, plumbing, and water heater repair and installations. We are a trusted service provider throughout the Northern Virginia region—just read our customer reviews! If you believe your tankless water heater needs professional maintenance or repair, allow us to take a look and see how we can help. For more savings, check out our online coupons. Call (703) 481-3700 today or fill out our online form to receive a free water heater service estimate.

Running hot water from a quality water heater installation in Sterling, VA

3 Signs Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

Among the many features of our home’s water system is its capability to heat water to a higher temperature. Hot water isn’t a luxury but an essential for proper hygiene and cleanliness. Thus, keeping tabs on the condition of your water heater is vital to avoiding a disruption in your home’s everyday living conditions.

At R.A. Dobson, we are dedicated to maintaining and sustaining the integrity of our clients’ HVAC and plumbing systems through our expertise and thorough work ethic. Our team is highly-trained in each of our many services to provide a high-quality experience. Our services include essential plumbing maintenance, heating and cooling repairs, efficient water heater installation, and more. For over 40 years, we have helped thousands of residents throughout Sterling and Northern Virginia keep their homes warm, cool, and comfy. 

Here are 3 signs that indicate your water heater needs a replacement: 

Decade(s) Since Manufacturing Date

Find out the date of when your current water heater was first manufactured. The date is usually somewhere on a tank, typically on a label sticking to the side. However, even if you do find the label, it can be difficult to read, but there are water heater information resources available that can help you get a grasp on how to read them.

Even with the water heater’s manufacturing date in hand, how long after does it need to be replaced? 

Well, that depends on the type of water heater you have. Commonly, most homes have electric water heaters, which will last around 10 to 15 years, while some tankless water heaters will last for 20 or more.

In any case, we suggest that you consider getting a replacement after your current water heater exceeds its average life span, or at least have it checked and maintained by a professional to ensure that your home continues to have safe and running hot water.  

Water Leaking From The Tank

A sure sign of disrepair in your water heater is water leaking from the tank. The first thing to do is to check if any fittings, connections, or the temperature/pressure overflow pipe is leaking. If so, that means you’ll just need a professional to replace a component and not the entire tank.

However, if you notice that there’s moisture or even puddles of water around the bottom of the tank, and you’ve found that all other components are dry, that may mean your tank has sprung a leak. It will need to be replaced for it to work properly again.   

Rusty or Cloudy Running Water

When you turn on your faucet and see that the water pouring out is rust-colored or cloudy, there is a big chance that there’s something wrong with your water heater. There are one of two possible problems occurring within it: 

  • The sacrificial anode is used to attract particles of metal and sediment within the tank and to oxidize in place of the tank itself. Rust-colored or metallic-smelling water can mean that the anode has rusted over and needs to be replaced.
  • The inner lining of the tank itself has been corroded with rust, making it totally unusable and must be replaced immediately. 

R.A. Dobson: Expert Water Heater Installation in Sterling, VA

Looking out for these issues in your water heater provides you with a good benchmark for when you should have it replaced. However, you’ll need a professional to provide a fresh replacement, as well as an affordable water heater installation. At R.A. Dobson, our technicians are among the best and most-experienced in the Sterling, VA and Northern Virginia area. We offer numerous choices in high-quality HVAC units and plumbing appliances, as well as expert repair and maintenance services. Contact us today at (703) 481-3700 and talk to one of  our qualified technicians today. 

water heater installation Sterling VA

5 of the Best Water Heaters for Your Home

Installing a water heater is no easy feat. Water heating is a heat transfer process that uses an energy source to heat water above it’s natural temperature. Just as gas water heaters require a gas supply, a cold water supply, and a flue connection, electric water heaters have an extensive installation process to ensure smooth functioning. These projects are best left to a professionally licensed water heater installation company, such as R.A. Dobson. 

There’s a lot to consider before purchasing a water heater for your home. To help you decide which water heater works best for your family, here’s additional information below on five of the best water heaters that R.A. Dobson offers: 

Gas Water Heaters

AO Smith ProMax® Gas Water Heater

The ProMax® Gas Water Heater is a great option for someone looking for reliability and value. Some of the features it includes are:

  • The DynaClean dip tube, which reduces sediment buildup.
  • It’s C3 Technology protects your heater against ignition of any flammable vapors. 
  • A 6-year tank and parts warranty.
  • Green Choice gas burner that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 33%. 
  • A Piezo igniter for easy pilot ignition.

Learn more about ProMax® Gas Water Heaters.

AO Smith Conservationist® Standard Vent Gas Water Heaters

For those looking for a more energy-efficient gas water heater, look no further than the AO Smith Conservationist® Standard Vent Gas Water Heater. This model includes:

  • A 10-year tank and parts warranty.
  • Blue Diamond glass coating which delivers more than twice the corrosion resistance of industry-standard glass lining.
  • An environmentally- friendly Green Choice gas burner that reduces NOx emissions by 33% compared to standard burners.
  • An LED status indicator that monitors system operation and service diagnostics.
  • The DynaClean II system that protects your system against excess lime and sediment buildup. 

Learn more about the Conservationist®.

Bradford White ICON System™ Gas Water Heaters

The Bradford White ICON System™ is a top-notch gas water heater that offers innovative features to the water heater, including: 

  • An advanced temperature control system for accurate water temperatures.
  • Intelligent diagnostics assisting with troubleshooting.
  • A separate immersed Thermowell.
  • An integrated Piezo igniter. 
  • A Pilot-on indicator. 

Electric Water Heaters

AO Smith ProMax® Electric Water Heaters

If you are looking to install an electric water heater as opposed to a gas water heater, the AO Smith ProMax® Electric Water Heaters is extremely easy to use and offers features such as: 

  • Thick CFC-free foam insulation for higher efficiency.
  • Different model sizes–tall, short, lowboy– are available for your convenience.
  • DynaClean dip tube 
  • PermaGlas® glass coating.
  • A durable, tamper-resistant brass drain valve.

Learn more about AO Smith ProMax® Electric Water Heaters.

Bradford White Energy Saver Upright Electric Water Heaters

These energy-efficient electric water heaters from Bradford White can save you up to $300 annually in energy costs. The features that make the Bradford White Energy Saver Upright Electric Water Heater so efficient include: 

  • Fully automatic controls.
  • Factory-installed Hydrojet® Total Performance System which reduces sediment buildup.
  • Direct heat transfer with immersed screw-type elements.
  • A Vitraglas® enamel tank lining that gives your water heater a longer life.
  • A protective magnesium anode rod.

Learn more about Bradford White Energy Saver Upright Electric Water Heaters.

R.A. Dobson: Professional Water Heater Installation Services in Sterling, VA

Installing a gas or electric water heater is a job completed best by professionals, and it doesn’t get much more professional than your team at R.A. Dobson. Many of our water heating options are high efficiency so that our customers can enjoy greater savings on utilities. If you are in need of a water heater installation in Sterling, Virginia, you can expect the best from R.A. Dobson. 
Get the peace of mind you deserve! Contact us now at (703) 481-3700 for a free estimate on a water heater repair or installation today.