Since your water heater is responsible for providing the heat for your showers, laundry, dishwashing, and cooking its by far one of the most essential appliances in your home. But when was the last time you had any maintenance done to it? Is it even working properly? Many people are getting mediocre function out of their water heater without even realizing it.
Is it time for a new water heater?
If you answer yes to any of the following questions its time for you to get a new water heater:
Is your water at least 12 years old?
Is there rusty colored water coming out of your taps or rusty buildup on top of your tank?
Does it take forever for your water to warm up or does it not even get hot at all?
Do you run out of hot water before everyone has used what they need?
Is your tank leaking
Does your heater make cracking or popping noises sounds?
What you need to know before updating your water heater
Your water heater uses up a lot of energy which can end up costing you a lot each month. Fortunately, todays models are much more cost effective and energy-efficient than ever before! Here are some tips to consider when shopping for a new one:
Cost effectiveness: If you are worried about price, buying the cheapest water heater is not necessarily going to save you the most $$$. This is because many of the cheaper heaters will cost more to operate. Today, water heaters come with Energy Guide labels to help you find the cost-effectiveness of each appliance. Look over these labels carefully and ask for guidance from a qualified individual if you need more help.
Energy efficiency: Every water heater has a certain Energy Factor (EF). This is the standard by which energy-efficiency is measured. The higher the number is, the more energy-efficient the heater. Note: water heaters with a thick layer of foam insulation will be more energy efficient.
Capacity: Make sure you get a water heater that is the right size. If you buy one bigger than you need you will end up wasting money. Ask a technician for help finding the right size