Evans Plumbing Inc is here to give you helpful tips for maintaining your plumbing system. This week, we go over some facts you may not know about a system that uses the second-most amount of energy of all your appliances: your water heater.
Water Heating Accounts for 18% of Home Energy Usage
According to the US Department of Energy, about 18% of your home’s total energy use goes to heating the water. There are, however, steps you can take to keep energy and fuel usage manageable.
- Turn down the temperature. You may be able to lower the settings from 140°F to 120°F.
- Use less hot water. You can do your laundry on the cold setting and install low-flow fixtures to reduce hot water use and overall water use.
- Upgrade your water heater. When your water heater is about 10-15 years old, it’s no longer as efficient as it could be. Upgrade to a high-efficiency water heater or a tankless unit.
Built-in Rust and Corrosion Prevention Still Requires Maintenance
Your water heater is designed to prevent the tank from rusting and corroding through, which would end the life of your system. There is a glass lining in the tank to prevent the metal from coming into contact with water—since rust occurs when iron, water, and oxygen react.
Then, there is the anode rod. The anode rod is made of magnesium or aluminum, which is more corrosive than the steel tank. Anodes wear away as the rod corrodes, preventing the tank from corroding should the glass lining crack. But you will need to replace the anode rod every few years or so, as it eventually wears away to nearly nothing.
Your Water Heater May Not Last as Long as You Think
Tank water heaters only have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. After this point, your water heater may start to rust, and the risk of a leak becomes higher and higher. Proper maintenance can extend its lifespan, but we strongly recommend replacing your water heater before it experiences any major issues.
Tankless water heaters last a bit longer—around 18-20 years. However, the upfront cost is higher. They do save money over time, and the overall savings can offset that initial cost.
Evans Plumbing Inc is your source for plumbing tips and water heater service in Ketchum, ID. Call our friendly professionals today!
