Regardless of the time of year, you want to be sure that you have sufficient hot water in order to meet your household’s needs. There are a variety of water heaters currently on the market, and depending on the type you have, it may be time to replace it with a newer model.
Have you been running out of hot water? While the reasons for this will vary, chances are that your water heater may need to be repaired or replaced. It’s also possible that the type of water heater you have isn’t accommodating your household’s needs.
If you’ve recently had a new water heater installation, it may work more efficiently and have a longer lifespan if you decrease its temperature. Energy.gov states that even though some manufacturers may set the thermostats to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, that 120 degrees Fahrenheit is usually sufficient for most households.
There are other benefits to lowering the thermostat, according to Energy.gov. These include slowing down mineral build-up and corrosion in both the water heater as well as the pipes. Furthermore, since water heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit can cause scalding, reducing the temperature can assist with preventing this from occurring should your water heater leak or burst.
Most homeowners are interested in conserving energy and saving on their monthly utility bills. Energy.gov recommends that homeowners insulate their water heaters or have an on-demand water heater installed. While the former can save both energy and money, the latter can assist homeowners with saving even more.
It’s important to have your water heater and other plumbing inspected on a regular basis. In this way, you can avoid being without hot water or dealing with leaks and other plumbing issues. When you contact a plumber to inspect your water heater or address other plumbing issues, they will be able to let you know if it is in optimal working order. In some instances, you may not be aware that repairs are needed, which is yet another reason why scheduling regular inspections and maintenance is essential.
If you need to replace your existing water heater, then your plumber will be able to tell you about Energy Star approved models. In addition to assisting you with conserving energy, these newer models can also lower your energy bills. What’s more is that Energy Star approved water heaters make a more positive environmental impact.