Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning is a dealer for Bradford
White water heaters, providing installation and service since 1972
When it's
time for a new water heater, calling a professional may be the smartest thing
you could ever do. Here, then, are 30 reasons why we believe every consumer
should hire a professional to install a new water heater.
1. WE
BELIEVE IN THE BEST FOR YOU
We're Bradford White, one of America's largest and oldest water heater
manufacturers. We believe we know water heaters and their potential as well as
anyone. We know how well water heaters can work and how safe they can be when
properly installed. We also know the downfall and dangers of bad
installations. That's why we believe water heaters should be installed only by
professionals.
2. THE
RULES HAVE CHANGED
As of July 1, 2003 all conventional 30, 40 and 50 gallon residential gas-fired
water heaters must comply with new, stringent standards regarding Flammable
Vapor Ignition Resistance. Bradford White has created the Defender Safety
System™, a cutting edge technology that fully complies with the new standard.
Your professional installer knows that he can count on Bradford White to meet
these requirements now and in the future.
3. A
GROWING FAMILY NEEDS MORE HOT WATER
When your family grows or when you add a large tub, a shower or even an entire
bathroom, your demand for hot water increases. A professional can help you
with access to models specifically built for these types of changes.
4.
THE SAFEST WATER HEATERS ARE INSTALLED BY PROFESSIONALS
The Bradford White Defender Safety System is only available to professional
installers – people whose knowledge, skill and experience ensure that the
right water heater, and one designed to be very safe when installed correctly.
The peace of mind you realize by having a plumber install your water heater is
a priceless commodity you can get at a reasonable price.
5. A
PROFESSIONAL STANDS BEHIND HIS WORK
When you hire a professional to do the installation, he's there to back up his
work and to shoulder the responsibility that comes with the job.
6.
TROUBLESHOOTING IS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
If you're not familiar with what causes that rattling noise, that sulfur smell
or that sudden reduction in available hot water, it's best to do the right
thing first. Call a professional.
7. ONE
CALL DOES IT ALL
When you call a professional to install your new water heater, you'll get a
complete and efficient job well done. The professional will answer all your
questions and use all the right materials.
8. A
PROFESSIONAL DOES A FULL SERVICE JOB
When you hire a professional, you'll get delivery and careful handling of your
new water heater, proper installation and removal of the old water heater from
your home.
9. YOUR
CHOICES AND OPTIONS ARE VARIED
A professional can show you water heaters with improved features and higher
operating efficiencies and tell you how they may negate
the need for a large capacity model.
10. AVOID INSTALLATION MISHAPS
Installing a water heater can be a challenge. An inexperienced installer could
inadvertently dry-fire the elements, damage delicate parts, cross thread gas
connections or forget to elevate the water heater or use earthquake strapping
where necessary.
11. A
PROFESSIONAL UNDERSTANDS PROPER SIZING
Part of the professional’s job is to properly size the water heater. That
includes calculating the demands from multiple bathrooms, dishwashers, clothes
washers and any other points-of-use.
12. A
PROFESSIONAL UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER VENTING
It is critical to vent the unit to the manufacturer's specifications. Improper
vent size, total length or configuration can lead to a dangerous build-up of
carbon monoxide inside the home.
13.
INSTALLING THE PROPER T&P VALVE
The temperature and pressure relief valve opens to relieve pressure. Improper
installation or the choice of an inadequate valve can cause damage to the
water heater or a hazardous pressure build-up.
14.
WORKING SAFELY WITH A GAS FUEL SOURCE
Oil and Gas-fired water heaters require knowledge of the gas or oil fuel
source and an understanding of gas connections supply lines and start up. A
professional has this experience and knowledge.
15. USING
THE CORRECT MATERIALS
The choice of material types and sizes for venting, water inlet and outlet
pipes and electric feed lines is best left to a professional.
16. THE
JOB IS DONE RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
When you have a professional install your new water heater, you get the most
for your money as well as the satisfaction of knowing the job was completed
with expertise and experience you can trust.
17. A
PROFESSIONAL WILL HELP YOU AVOID SCALDING
Water heaters are factory-set at a certain temperature for your safety. Your
professional will explain the settings and the dangers of improper use of the
water heater's thermostat.
18.
A SIMPLE WATER HEATER…ISN’T
With new industry-wide design changes like the Defender Safety System™,
today’s water heaters are more complicated than ever. Proper installation and
service require that water heater manufacturers provide training and
education. This valuable knowledge is only available to a professional
installer.
19.
PROPER DRAINAGE IS A MUST
After several years of good service, a water heater could leak or expel water
due to pressure build-up. This could cause damage to floor coverings and other
items. A professional will install a drain pan and pipe it properly to a
drain.
20.
GETTING THE RIGHT GAS WATER HEATER FOR YOUR HOME
Gas valves are designed to handle a specific type of fuel. Some gas-fired
water heaters are designed for certain types of homes. Making the wrong choice
can be a serious hazard.
21.
KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRICITY AND ITS USES
Installation of electric water heaters requires knowledge of the properly
rated wiring material as well as knowledge of the home's electrical capacity.
An adequate electrical service is a requirement.
22. A
PROFESSIONAL UNDERSTANDS THERMAL EXPANSION
Do you have an open or closed water system? Closed systems are subject to
thermal expansion and pressure build-up. Open systems can become closed when
check valves, water softeners or watermeters are added. A professional will add an expansion tank to avoid
problems.
23.
PRESSURE BUILD-UP IS A SERIOUS MATTER
Even if your water heater tank doesn't rupture from thermal expansion,
pressure inside the tank can cause a constriction of the flue tube. This, in
turn, can cause a back up of combustion gases and carbon monoxide inside the
home.
24.
MULTI-PURPOSE WATER HEATERS MAY BE THE ANSWER
Dual-purpose models can be used for space heating and snow melting when
properly connected to a hydronic piping system.
A professional knows where to
find these special models.
25.
MANY SPECIAL WATER HEATERS AREN’T SOLD TO CONSUMERS
As with Bradford White’s Defender Safety System™, some water heaters cannot be
purchased by the public. There are literally thousands of models with
important variations and safety features that you’ll never know about unless
you call a professional.
26. IT
MAY BE TIME FOR A TRADE-IN
Even if your water heater is functioning adequately, maybe you're not getting
as much hot water as you need. It may be time to upgrade. It's tough for a
retailer or non-professional to advise you. A professional can give you
guidance and explain your options.
27.
GETTING A PROPER DIAGNOSIS OF THE PROBLEM
If your water heater looks fine but it just won't make hot water, a
professional can diagnose what may be a simple problem.
You may just need an
inexpensive replacement part.
28. A
PROFESSIONAL HAS THE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE IT TAKES
A professional has taken years to hone his craft. Installing water heaters is
one of the things he does for a living. When a plumber comes into your home,
he knows exactly what to do.
29. A
PROFESSIONAL IS ON TOP OF NEW TECHNOLOGY
Because professionals often attend trade association meetings, events
sponsored by water heater manufacturers and also subscribe to trade magazines,
he or she is the first to know when more efficient models or technology
changes are available.
30. LAWS
GOVERNING INSTALLATION
In many parts of the country, state agencies and local municipalities have
laws and codes governing the installation of water heaters.
These laws state
that a water heater must be installed by a licensed professional.
Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning (303) 798-3880
