Hot water heaters are not only a necessary appliance but are also expensive to replace. For this reason, it’s important to properly maintain your water heater to extend its life and prevent costly repairs in the future. The average lifespan of a hot water tank is 10 to 15 years, but that can vary based on how often it is used and what it is used for. Here are some tips for extending the life of your water heater so that you don’t have to replace it any time soon.
Like every other part of your home, hot water tanks need to be changed on a regular basis to prevent harmful bacteria and other organisms from growing inside. The best way to do this is by changing your water filter regularly. You can usually find instructions on how to change your water filter at the bottom of the tank or on a label near the spigot. If you’re in doubt, contact your local utility company and they can help you determine the best filter size and schedule for your home.
Hot water heaters are not appliances that you want to be left on all the time. Instead, it is recommended that water heaters be turned off when not in use to avoid wasting energy and incurring unnecessary expenses on your electric bill. Hot water heaters can lose anywhere between 10% and 40% of their water through evaporation. This means that if you leave your water heater on all day, it is going to use more energy and cost you more money. Instead of having your water heater running all day long, it is recommended that you turn it off when you aren’t using water or using the hot water for long periods of time.
Hot water heaters should only be used to heat water when it is needed. It is recommended that you use cold water for washing dishes, bathing, and washing clothes. While it might be tempting to use hot water for these tasks, it is better for your appliances and the environment if you use cold water whenever possible. If you do not use hot water for these tasks, your water heater will not have to work as hard and will last longer.
Hot water heaters are designed to heat water to a certain temperature, which is usually around 80 degrees. If you fill your water heater too high, it can damage not just the tank but also the pipes inside your house. If the water in your tank is too hot, it can lead to scalding, which is a very serious injury. If the water in your tank is too cold, it can lead to frozen pipes, which can cause a lot of damage to your home. To avoid scalding or frozen pipes, it is recommended that you only fill your water heater to 80 degrees.
Hot water heaters are necessary appliances in every home. However, they can become damaged or inefficient over time. By following the tips above, you can extend the life of your water heater and prevent costly repairs in the future. With these simple tips, you can prevent a ton of money from going down the drain.