A contractor adjusts the temperature on a water heater.
Trade Talk

How to improve water heater efficiency with a tank booster

A smart way to grow your professional plumbing business is to provide your customers with money-saving solutions. One relatively simple and effective way to do this for customers is by offering to install a tank booster or tempering valve on their existing tank water heater.

Whether gas or electric, a water heater booster helps improve overall water heater efficiency in addition to providing a variety of other benefits. Depending on the manufacturer, tank boosters can even increase the tank capacity by over 150%. Learn all the ways that installing a tank booster will help your customers and boost your plumbing business.

What is a water heater booster?

A tank booster is connected to residential or commercial water heaters to improve water heater efficiency. Your customers get the temperature they desire more consistently and with less of a wait.

Benefits of installing a tank booster

A hot water booster offers your customers several advantages above and beyond improving water heater efficiency to save on utilities. Explore how water heater tank boosters can help protect skin and health, too.

1. Water heater boosters allow less hot water to be used.

Water heater tank boosters work by mixing cold water from the input valve with the heated water that comes out of the hot water valve. This allows the water heater to store water at a higher temperature. With a tank booster, the water heater temperature can be set to 140°F but will come out at 120°F, meaning less hot water is coming out of the tank and increases storage capacity.

2. Hot water boosters help prevent scalding.

Without a tank booster, you can still set a water heater to store water at 140°F. Water at this temperature, however, can quickly scald skin that comes in contact with it and cause a third-degree burn in seconds. Installing a tank booster will help you protect the safety of your customers.

3. Tank boosters can make the water healthier.

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause a respiratory illness known as Legionellosis and a rare but more severe lung infection known as Legionnaires’ disease. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends domestic water heaters maintain at least 122°F to help lower risk of Legionella. Installing a tank booster will help prevent the growth of legionella since water can be stored at a safer 140°F.

4. Tank boosters are relatively simple to install.

When compared to the effort it takes to replace a water heater in its entirety, installing a tank boost requires considerably less effort. This is a value add for professional plumbers since you’ll be able to help increase your customer’s water heater efficiency in a shorter amount of time.

Ferguson can help with water heater boosters

Ferguson is the professional’s source for quality plumbing products. We have the water heaters and water heater parts you need to help you provide your customers with improved water heater efficiency and more.

Visit your local Ferguson to talk with our knowledgeable associates about expert supplies and solutions to run your plumbing business more smoothly.