The Best Ways To Keep Your Hot Water Hot!

Home ownership can be a challenge! Leaky faucets, broken appliances, foggy windows- the list just goes on of things to keep up with for homeowners. In most instances, the best ways to keep a handle on items around your home are to know the ins and outs of your systems as well as how best to regularly maintain them. 

In the case of a water heater - when it’s functioning we don’t really give it a second thought. However, when all of a sudden you are taking cold showers and washing dishes with chilly water, you are left in a panic! With the help of the team at RS Andrews, you can stay on top of your water heater and any future issues by learning a little bit about it before you are caught off guard with a repair.  

How to Maintain Water Heaters

Regular maintenance on water heaters can make all the difference to the health and lifespan of your water heater system.

• Experts recommend having your tank water heater flushed about once a year.
• For those with hard water conditions, it may need to be flushed more often. 

As water heaters collect and distribute water, sediment can build up at the bottom of the hot water tank. A yearly flush will help get rid of any sediment build-up, preventing blockages and other issues to your system down the road. Studies have shown that regular flushing will help your water heater operate more efficiently and effectively, extending the life of the system as well. 

Tankless water heaters also need to be serviced regularly. Though they do not have a large tank to collect sediment, it can still build up elsewhere in the system. We suggest that these systems receive yearly maintenance as well to prevent problems down the line. 

How Long They Should Last

Standard tank gas or electric water heaters will typically last between 8 - 12 years. This is, of course, as long as they are well maintained during that time. Tankless units typically last between 15 - 20 years, but can last even longer with good service! 

How Much Efficiency Matters  

Did you know that your tank water heater can be the second largest source of energy usage in your home? For this reason, when you are in the market for a new water heater, it’s important to keep energy usage at the top of your requirement list! 

• Energy efficient water heaters can use as much as 50% less energy than those that are not.
• While these units are typically a little more expensive upfront, studies have shown that the energy they save can pay for the difference in price in only two years. 

Tankless water heaters are also extremely energy efficient compared to standard tank heaters. Also known as point-of-use or on-demand water heaters, tankless units save energy by not holding water in a tank and constantly heating it. On average, tankless units use about 30% less energy than conventional tank water heaters. 

How to Tell When It's Time to Replace

There are a few things that may indicate it is time to replace, rather than repair, your water heater. These signs can include:

• If you need an expensive repair and your system is over 10 years old.  
• If your hot water has rust in it, most likely the tank has rusted from within and cannot be repaired. 
• If you have flushed your tank but are still seeing sediment in your water, or have been hearing clunking noises coming from your system, it may mean that a large amount of sediment has hardened at the bottom, preventing water from being transferred. 

How Much a New Water Heater Should Cost

A new standard tank water heater will generally cost between $500 - $1,200 for the unit and installation. Tankless water heaters are a larger upfront cost, running between $2,500 - $4,500 for the unit and installation. 

Because tankless units last about twice as long as standard water heaters and are generally more energy efficient, the lifetime costs of each type of system come out about the same.

RS Andrews For Your Water Heater Solutions

Are you interested in getting a quote to replace your water heater or need another plumber service? The pros at RS Andrews are here to help!

Contact us today to set up a consultation. And don’t forget to check out our specials and discounts on water heaters too!