(NC)—They sit in basements and corners across the world, silently churning out hot water for our daily needs. The only time many of us think about our water heater is when the taps suddenly run cold. Below are a few tips on energy efficiency, lifespan and maintenance for your water heater.
Energy Efficiency. Homeowners can take the following measure to add to the efficiency of their hot water tank. Wrap the water pipes leading away from the tank; do not wrap the tank itself if it is gas-powered; turn down the temperature when on vacation or away for extended periods of time; keep temperature at manufacturer suggested level and keep the area around the tank clutter-free for optimum air flow.
Maintenance. Beyond ensuring you have the right tank for your consumption needs and water quality, water heaters don't typically require regular maintenance routines like a furnace or air conditioner unit would. Homeowners should keep the area around the water heater free of clutter, and easily accessible, should it ever require a service visit.
Lifespan. The average lifespan of a hot water heater is sixteen years. Although the lifespan of a water heater depends on a number of factors including, how it is used (i.e. residential, commercial), water temperature, and water quality (i.e. water hardness) on the premises, the efficiency of the unit will remain fairly consistent for many years.
- News Canada