Who doesn’t love jumping into the cool swimming pool after a hot summer day? However, when you jump into the shower, you want the water to be hot. Did you know that the average life expectancy of a water heater is eight to twelve years? The following 5 tips will help to increase the efficiency and cleanliness of your water heater and make sure you get the highest performance during those years.
Tip # 1: Set the Temperature
Have you ever turned on the tap water and yanked your hands back out because it was way too hot? If this is the case at your house, check the temperature setting on the water heater. The default setting on most water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A much safer and more economical temperature is about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature will help to prevent scalding accidents, increase the efficiency of your water heater, and help lower your energy bills.
Tip # 2: Insulate
With proper insulation, the efficiency of your water heater can dramatically improve. Contact 1st Home and Commercial Services to speak with a technician about insulation options for your unit. The installation of proper insulation will save you money over the life span of the unit.
Tip # 3: Check the Anode Rod
The anode rod is the large metal pipe located at the top of the water heater. The anode rod’s job is to keep the unit clean. It is important to check this piece annually to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Tip # 4: Flush the System
It is important to flush the system every 1 to 3 years (timing depends on the type of water heater) to clean out any built up sediment. Sediment build up will cause the water heater to not work at peak performance. This process can be complicated, so if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact a professional.
Tip # 5: Check the Expiration Date
We all check the milk and other groceries for an expiration date, but when was the last time you checked the date on your water heater? If your water heater is at least 8 years old, it is time to start considering buying a new unit. If the unit is older than 12 years, it is time to replace to ensure you are getting the most energy efficient, healthy, and safe product for your home and family.
Using these 5 tips will help ensure that you get the best performance from your water heater and are also using and drinking healthy and clean water. Contact 1st Home and Commercial Services today to discuss how we can help you improve the performance of your water heater.