WHY MODERN WATER HEATERS DON’T HAVE PILOT LIGHTS

If you just upgraded your water heater, you might have been shocked to see that the new device doesn't require a conventional standing pilot light. Similar to furnaces, the majority of modern gas water heaters use an electrical igniter rather than pilot lights to start. Here's a brief look at the reasons behind the abandonment of pilot lights as well as the alternative kind of ignition.

• Energy Consumption
• Reliability Problems
• Modern Alternatives to Pilot Light

(1): Energy Consumption

To increase energy efficiency, the majority of water heater manufacturers have shifted away from using standing pilot lights. A standing pilot light wastes a significant amount of energy since it must continuously burn a tiny amount of gas to keep lighted.

A water heater's pilot light will normally use five to ten therms of natural gas each month, depending on the model. You will ultimately have to pay an additional $5 to $10 per month for a pilot light at the national average rate of approximately $0.95 per therm.

(2): Reliability Problems

​Pilot lights aren't very dependable anymore, which is the other major reason they're not used as often. You will need to manually relight the pilot light if it is ever blown out or your gas supply is stopped before your water heater can function once more. Contemporary water heaters do away with this problem by employing an automated electronic igniter.

(3): Modern Alternatives to Pilot Light

​A pilot light is still used in many modern water heaters. They do, however, use an intermittent or automated pilot in place of the conventional pilot light, which is always on. The gas burners are still ignited by a flame in this instance, but the pilot is automatically lit when the device needs to heat up and extinguished when it shuts off.

​Additionally, water heaters with direct-spark or hot-surface ignition are available. Direct-spark igniters function by igniting the gas burners immediately by producing an electrical arc or spark. There are similarities between a hot-surface igniter and a lightbulb filament. A tiny probe receives electricity flow, and the probe quickly heats up enough to light the burners.

You can rely on the staff at AC Repair Burke Plumbing if you require any water heater service in the Virginia region. Both tankless and conventional water heaters are installed and maintained by us. In addition, we are experts in gas line services, water line replacement, sewer repairs and replacement, leak detection, drain cleaning, and a wide range of other plumbing installations and repairs. Make an appointment for servicing or ask any questions you may have by calling AC Repair Burke Plumbing right now.

Why Modern Water Heater Don't Have Pilot Light

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