.png)
What to do if your water heater has stopped working? Practical guide + how to choose the right one ✅
Has your water heater stopped working? Act quickly and safely. This appliance is essential for having hot water in your home, and a malfunction can be due to simple causes or require replacement. In this guide, we explain the steps to follow and how to choose a new gas water heater , considering energy efficiency, regulations, and safety.
1: 🧰 Diagnosis: Why isn't your water heater working?
Before you think about replacing it, check these common causes that could be affecting its performance:
Lack of gas : Check that the gas supply is active.
Faulty ignition : This may be due to dead batteries (in models with battery-powered electronic ignition), thermocouple failures, or a problem with the spark system.
Obstruction in the exhaust duct : Water heaters must be properly vented. An obstruction can activate safety mechanisms that automatically shut it off.
Low water pressure : If the hot water pressure is too low, the water heater will not activate.
Electrical problems (if it is digital or electric) : Check connections or thermal protections.
👉 Important : Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the water heater without technical knowledge. Always contact an authorized technician.
2: 🛠️ Repair or replace the water heater?
It will depend on the age, type of failure, and efficiency of the equipment. Some signs that you should consider replacing it:
It has been in use for over 10 years .
Gas consumption is high.
Repairs are frequent or expensive.
It no longer complies with current safety and ventilation regulations .
In Chile, the Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels (SEC) requires that all water heaters be certified . You can check if your model is still valid or approved on the official website: 🔗 https://www.sec.cl
3: ✅ How to choose the ideal water heater (and not fail in the attempt)
Choosing the right water heater will depend on several factors:
🏠 Home size and use
For 1 bathroom: water heater of 5 to 8 liters/minute
For 2 bathrooms: water heater of 10 to 13 liters/minute
More than 2 bathrooms: water heaters of 14 liters/minute or more
Note: This will depend on the incoming water temperature; the colder the water, the less it will reach.
🔌 Gas or electric?
Liquefied or natural gas : These are the most common and economical to operate.
Electric : Ideal for areas without a gas network or where a more compact and quieter unit is desired. Unfortunately, electric units don't work well in Chile due to regulations and operating costs.
💧 Automatic ignition
Avoid models with spark or match ignition. The safest and most efficient are:
Electronic ignition (battery or mains powered)
Hydraulic ignition
⚠️ Safety and regulations
Make sure it has SEC (Chile) certification .
Check that it has overheat sensors, automatic shutdown due to lack of oxygen, and forced evacuation systems if it is a forced draft type.
♻️ Energy efficiency
Look for water heaters with an Energy Efficiency Label A or B , which indicates lower gas consumption and less environmental impact.
At Termic we have alternatives that may be useful:
4. 🚨 Professional installation and maintenance
Water heater installation must be carried out by a certified installer to ensure safety and legal compliance. In Chile, you can find certified technicians on the SEC website: 🔗 https://tramites.sec.cl/instaladores
In addition, it is recommended to perform preventative maintenance once a year , which includes:
Duct cleaning
Burner inspection
Replacement of filters or gaskets
Leak check
If your water heater has stopped working, don't ignore it. Detecting the problem early can prevent risks such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you need to replace it, choose a modern, efficient water heater certified by government agencies.
Comments