Water Heaters

East Bay Water Heaters

Running out of hot water is one of the worst surprises you can encounter, especially when you are getting ready for work and have a household of family members waiting to use the shower as well! If you have a faulty water heater or if your water heater simply isn’t large enough, that may be your reality far too often. At Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning, we can help! We offer East Bay water heater services including repairs, maintenance, new installations, and more. Whether your water heater needs to be repaired or you need a new, cutting-edge solution, turn to us for a job done right and the latest in water heating technology.

At Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand that your home is a connected system where many different components all depend and work with one another to keep you happy, healthy, and comfortable. Your water heater is one of the most important parts of this system, so we offer a wealth of different service options to support it. We can diagnose and repair fixable issues quickly to keep your heater running efficiently, and we even offer replacements when the time comes to swap yours out! Plus we stand by our work with great warranties to give you added peace of mind.

Schedule service with Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning by calling (510) 288-5563 today!

Types of Water Heaters Allowed in California

When you install a new water heater, a few things are guaranteed. First, you will need to get a permit to install your new water heater, though a skilled plumber can often assist you with this and even expedite the process. Second, you’ll need to choose what water heater you wish to install. This isn’t always so straightforward. Do you stick with what you know? Do you make the investment in your future with an energy-efficient upgrade? Water heaters are a big energy consumer, so investing now could save you considerable money in the future. One thing is for certain, however: you will want to install a water heater that is legal to use in the state of California. Fortunately, that isn’t too difficult.

In California, it is legal to install all of the following types of water heaters:

  • Tankless water heaters
  • Natural gas water heaters
  • Electric water heaters
  • Heat pump (hybrid) water heaters
  • Solar water heaters

Additionally, California allows you considerable freedom of choice when it comes to what water heating technology you choose. Traditional tank-style heaters are still pretty common, though many people are choosing to go with tankless water heaters for the number of benefits they offer. Still others choose to use hybrid water heaters that are extremely efficient and solar water heaters that use natural sunlight and solar energy to heat water in an extremely environmentally friendly manner.

California Water Heater Requirements

In the state of California, all new water heaters must be installed to certain code standards, and those standards can be more stringent than other states. Our unique landscape, environmental laws, and natural disasters mean it's important to take extra precautions, particularly with a feature as large and potentially dangerous as a water heater.

Water heaters in California must be outfitted with the following:

  • An expansion tank
  • A water pressure regulator
  • An emergency water shutoff
  • A drip pan
  • Earthquake straps
  • A pressure and temperature (P&T) valve

When your water heater is inspected after the installation is complete, as part of the permitting process, your inspector will look for all of these things and make sure they are up to standard. At Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning, we make sure every installation we complete is up to or exceeds these standards for your safety and peace of mind.

Why Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater?

The tank of a traditional water heater determines how much hot water you have, so the bigger the tank the more hot water. Traditional water heaters require more energy because they constantly heat the water in the tank. Once you run out of hot water, you must wait for the water to be heated again which may take up to 30 minutes. While traditional water heaters may have a lower upfront cost, they have a shorter lifespan than tankless water heaters. Traditional water heaters last about 10-15 years. The other big disadvantage of traditional water heaters is their propensity to leak and cause serious water damage.

Although tankless water heaters cost more as an initial investment, they also last much longer. A tankless water heater can last an average of 20-30 years. The biggest difference between traditional and tankless water heaters is the fact that tankless water heaters do not have a tank because they heat water as it's demanded. Since the water is being heated instantly (on demand), it may take longer for you to get hot water (anywhere from 15 seconds to a minute). With a tankless water heater, you not only use less energy but you have a constant supply of hot water.

Traditional Water Heaters vs. Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters use similar technology to your HVAC system to instead heat the water you use throughout your home. These systems use a refrigerant system to capture ambient heat from the air around the unit, compress it, and then use it to warm water in a water heater tank. While these systems are tank-based, they are significantly more efficient than your traditional gas or electric-powered water heating system, making them a fantastic upgrade for those who are looking for an eco-friendly, emissions-free alternative to traditional water heating.

Common Water Heater Problems

Water heaters, like any other appliance, can encounter many issues that might require the expertise of a professional plumber. If you own a home or business, you should should be aware of these common problems so they can reach out to a professional who can address them promptly and avoid more significant inconvenience (or even damage to your property). Recognizing the signs of these problems early can help ensure timely repairs and maintenance before they escalate.

Here are a few of the common issues we may be able to fix:

  • Leaking water heater: If you have unexplained puddles around your water heater or your water bills have inexplicably increased, your water heater might be leaking.
  • Insufficient hot water: If your shower or tap runs cold after only a few minutes, it may indicate an issue with your thermostat or a malfunctioning heating element.
  • Strange noises: Rumbling, popping, or banging noises often indicate sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which can lead to poor water temperature control or water heater damage.
  • Discolored water: Rusty or brownish water flowing from the hot water tap could be a sign of corrosion within the tank, suggesting the need for a replacement to avoid potential leaks.

While many of these issues can be fixed, a leaking tank is something that needs to be addressed immediately, and usually results in the need for a full replacement. Properly sealing a leak can involve irreparable damage to your water heater's insulation, which ruins its energy efficiency. Likewise, a single small leak is often an indicator of further developing leaks elsewhere within the tank, so it is typically a best option to replace your water heater entirely while you can.

Water Heater Maintenance

Did you know that both traditional tanked water heaters and tankless water heaters both require maintenance, just like your air conditioning and heating system? Traditional water heaters collect sediment and build-up on the bottom of the tank that needs to be flushed. Another important part of maintenance for a traditional water heater is checking and replacing the anode rod in your water heater. The anode rod is a metal rod that runs down the center of your tank. It is one of the most vital components of traditional water heaters as it attracts sediment and corrosive elements (like minerals in the water) so that they corrode the anode rod rather than the inside of your water heater's tank.

Tankless water heaters on the other hand do not have an anode rod, but still require maintenance. It's recommended that tankless water heaters are also flushed.

If your utility bills are increasing because your old water heater is working harder to keep your water hot, it's time to think about replacing it. Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning will help you find the best solution for your home, whether it be a traditional water heater or tankless.

Schedule a repair or replacement for your water heater with Hassler Heating and Air Conditioning today. Contact us or call (510) 288-5563 for an appointment.

The Hassler Difference

Hassler knows that getting the job done right today will lead to customers being our biggest advocates tomorrow.
  • Exceeding Expectations

    Our philosophy on customer service is to not only meet expectations but to exceed them. Whether it is your home heating and cooling, improving your indoor air quality, or scheduling a home energy assessment, we are committed to over-delivering throughout your entire journey with Hassler.

  • Leadership
    From our newest team member on up to our leadership and ownership, we are committed to producing the highest level of workmanship - all in an efficient manner. We accomplish this through better training, education, planning, and leadership across all the products and services we provide.
  • Accountability

    We are committed to holding ourselves and each other accountable to integrity, customer satisfaction, and peak performance. We are unwavering in our commitment to not only talk about the solution, but to be a part of it.

  • Lasting Relationships
    Developing long lasting relationships is at the core of our organization. When interacting with a customer or team member, we are committed to building mutual trust and respect. Our reputation is the foundation of the company, and at the end of the day, our word is all we have!
  • Growth

    Through a dedication to training, education and leadership, we will continue to grow to remain the leading HVAC and home performance company in Contra Costa, Alameda, and Marin counties. We are continually honing our craft and challenging ourselves to improve who we are as an organization for what we can become.

  • Go Green
    We care deeply about the changing climate here in California, and want to help other Californians reduce their impact on the environment. Hassler places an emphasis on embracing “Green” technologies and processes whenever possible, and reducing energy use.
    "Professional, efficient and responsive."
    “We highly recommend Hassler Heating and AC. Three years ago, we updated our system with a heat pump. The installers were professional, efficient and responsive.”
    - Diane M.
    "The company provided great service."
    “He quickly identified the problem, took time to explain it, answered my questions and got everything in working order under 2 hours that even included a trip back to El Cerrito to get the right part. He was very courteous and respectful.”
    - Veronica A.
    "He had us up and running very quickly."
    “He had us up and running very quickly and also was able to make some other recommendations for service and maintenance. He was great, and I will continue to use him and his team for maintenance and repairs.”
    - Scott L.
    "I am so thankful."
    “Hassler Heating went above and beyond customer service! My AC unit started smoking and I called to make an appointment and they were able to fit me into their schedule that day!”
    - Emily V.
    "I also want to commend your work crew."
    “They were very efficient as well as pleasant in their interaction with me. They did such a good job that my next-door neighbor, after watching them at work, told me that he has decided to hire your firm to install a new heating system for his house.”
    - Marilyn B.
    "Very knowledgable."
    “Chris just came out and inspected a furnace and ducting for me at a property that clients of mine are purchasing in El Cerrito. He was very knowledgable and was sure to take the time to answer all of my questions thoroughly.”
    - Jeffery S.
    "We have full confidence."
    “We have full confidence that we now have a first class heating system that will serve us well in the years to come. We know in the future we will need to replace our roof mounted air conditioner, and we will confidently call on Hassler to do the job.”
    - Tom R.
    "Always professional."
    “They squeezed a whole lot of equipment into a tiny attic without a single complaint. They also helped with all of the energy-saving rebates . The estimator, installers, and service guys have been great.”
    - Sean M.

Contact Us

Schedule a Service Today
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy