A water heater is an essential appliance that is commonly overlooked in many homes. Typically they will provide years of service, and you may never realize that it is either terribly inefficient or even faulty. Here are some tips to help you determine whether your current water heater should be replaced and how to find a brand new one.
First and foremost, it is important to consider energy efficiency. Propane water heaters can be more efficient than electric, but the rising cost of propane is leaving many to consider making the switch to electric. However, electric water heaters, especially older models, can be an incredible drain on your energy.
If your water heater is more than ten years old, chances are it is not as efficient as today’s models. The new Energy Star guidelines have made quite a change in the industry and water heaters that are built today can typically be run all year round for around $20 to $40. Compare that with older models that cost in excess of $60 a year, and you can easily pay for a new water heater in less than two years.
Another common complaint with water heaters is scalding. Whether it’s from someone else in the house flushing a toilet, or running a sink, scalds are very common. This can be very dangerous with young children in the house and no one really appreciates getting scalded with hot water, or frozen with cold.
If your water heater does not have a safety setting that will prevent scalds, it is definitely time to consider replacing it. Today’s models have built in features that can reduce the risk for scalding, and they are much more child friendly. If replacement is not an option, you may want to consider turning the thermostat on your water heater down to reduce the overall temperature of the water in your home. This is an easy fix that can prevent terrible burns.
Another common complaint with older water heaters is capacity, or overall efficiency when it comes to producing hot water on a regular basis. For example, if you have four people in the home, chances are if your water heater is cold, one or more of them will be taking a cold shower if you all go in a row.
Look for a water heater with a bigger capacity in this situation. Forty to fifty gallons is usually appropriate for a bigger family, but depending on water usage and the length of showers, you may need to go bigger. It’s really almost impossible to have a water heater that is too big, unless you are the only person in the home.
Last but not least, there is a tip that many people do not know about. During the summer months, the water in your home’s well or water supply is naturally warmer. Reduce the risks of scalds by turning down your water heater’s thermometer during the summer months. This can also help you save money on energy costs during the summer months.
Related Articles:
A Guide on Water Heater Replacement Having an installed water heater in your home allows you to live comfortably and conveniently. During cold, rainy, or snowy days, you have the privilege to shower or take a bath using hot water. Some of your expensive clothes require hot water for washing and with the help of water heaters you could launder those [...]...
Tank-Less Bosch Water Heater It is important for every home to have an installed water heater for their convenience. Instant water heaters are the often the most preferred choice by consumers. And considering the climatic conditions such as the cold winter seasons in the United States of America, finding the right type and brand of instant heaters is really [...]...
Water Heater – Tips to Help You Maintain Your Heater If you have a water heater at home, you must take steps to maintain your heaters. Here are a few tips that will help you clean and maintain your heater. Read the Original Article Here: Water Heater – Tips to Help You Maintain Your Heater...
Rudd Water Heater Waking up early on a cold winter morning and waiting for the heater to heat the water- really not happening! We need a heater which heats the water as soon as we reach the bathroom and take off our clothes. Also the gruesome task of making sure that all other taps are not in use, [...]...
Enclosed Water Heater – Take Steps To Reduce Risk Of Accidents During Installation If you are planning to install the water heater in an enclosed space, you will have to consider the possibility of excessive damage in the event of malfunction. Even a tank less water heater will cause a lot of damage if it explodes due to excessive pressure. If the heater is placed in a very [...]...
Water Heater Maintenance – Special Heaters Require Special Maintenace The change in our lifestyle is obviously going to lead to changes in our habits. For example, having a water heater concealed behind a shelf or under the sink is obviously going to lead to changes in the way we maintain the same. Now, maintaining the water heater is something that we never bother about. [...]...
Why Electric Tankless Hot Water Heater is Chosen Over Its Counterparts More and more people are choosing an electric tankless hot water heater over its gas and propane counterparts. The reasons are actually varied from household to household. However, not all people are supporting this case. Read the Original Article Here: Why Electric Tankless Hot Water Heater is Chosen Over Its Counterparts...
Where To Place The Water Heater In Your Room? Some Useful Tips And Hints What factors should you take into consideration when determining the placement or position of the water heater in your house? The first and the most obvious factor is the accessibility to the water source. This is a reason why the water heaters are fitted in the bathrooms. Read the Original Article Here: Where To Place [...]...
Advantages Of Using A Water Heater In The Sink – Some Obvious Reasons People often confuse tank less water heater with under sink heaters used for keeping the water warm. The function of the latter is merely to provide water to the person operating the sink. There are innumerable instances where warm water is required when washing utensils or otherwise cooking food. Read the Original Article Here: Advantages [...]...
