Posted By The Eco Plumbers 5 Aug. 2015
Waking up to a cold shower before school or work isn’t very fun. If you’re getting the kids back into their fall school routines in anticipation of the 2015-2016 academic year, you might want to put a water heater inspection on your to-do list.
What the School Year Does to a Water Heater
You may not have given it much thought, but the school year can put a lot of pressure on your old water heater. Running the dishwasher, showering, shaving, and washing clothes all increase when the school year starts back up. The additional use adds significant extra wear and tear on your water heater, and someone may end up with the cold end of the stick.
Even if your water heater is only a few years old, that’s enough time for sediment to build up and corrosion to impact the pipes and internal components. Getting an inspection is an easy way to make sure your water heater can handle the additional use and approaching colder weather.
When to Replace Your Water Heater
If your water heater is 10-13 years old, it’s at the end of its expected life cycle. You may understandably want to get as much use out of your old standby as possible, but doing so may leave you with a less efficient system and more bouts of cold or lukewarm water. Whether you want to wait until Old Faithful finally gives out or you’re ready to look into an upgrade now, there’s one alternative you should definitely evaluate: tankless water heaters.
Considerations for Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters conserve space and energy and are available in both gas and electric forms. they’re up to 20-30% more efficient than traditional water heaters and they offer a continuous supply of hot water. While they do tend to come at a slightly higher price, they also have a life expectancy of up to 20 years – twice the life expectancy of most traditional water heater models. They also have easily replaceable parts that can extend the lifespan longer than 20 years. Add together the lifespan, efficiency and space-saving benefits of a tankless water heater, and it becomes a very competitive alternative to traditional heaters.
For the school year specifically, a tankless water heater would also mean mom, dad, brother and sister could all get a shower in the morning without fighting over who gets the hot water.
How Often to Get an Inspection
The more a water heater gets used, the more often it needs to be maintained. If you have a large family and anticipate a high-use school year, go ahead and schedule or perform a basic inspection. Households with 1-2 individuals should check the water heater every 6 months. Families of 3 to 5 or more should check it every 4 months and drain it every 8 months or sooner. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend the life expectancy of your current heater and ensure that it’s running as efficiently as possible for those morning showers.
To have your hot water heater checked or discuss tankless water heater options, contact The Eco Plumbers today.
Categories: Seasonal Tips, Tankless Water Heaters, Water Heater
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