A water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home. It keeps your family clean, warm and well hydrated. But like all appliances, water heaters also need to be replaced from time to time. And if you live in a home with children or pets, you need to replace it sooner rather than later. Even if its working properly, the average water heater won’t last more than 10 years before it needs to be replaced. So if your water heater isn’t currently leaking or otherwise in need of repair, there are a few things you can do to extend its lifespan and reduce the number of times you need to replace it. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of your water heater for years to come –
Like all appliances, water heaters are most efficient when they’re used as often as possible. The more you use your water, the more water you’ll use and the sooner you’ll need to replace your water heater. So, if you’re thinking about replacing your water heater, now is the time to make some changes to your water usage habits. Turn off the faucets in the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms when you’re not using them. This will reduce the amount of water you’re using and make the most of your water heater. Another simple change is to run your cold water faucets more often. This will help keep the water in your pipes from getting too warm, which can help them last longer.
While it might not seem like it’s something you can change, the temperature of your water actually has a significant impact on your water heater’s lifespan. The most common advice is to set the temperature to 120 degrees. However, this might not be the most efficient setting for every home. If you live in a two-story home with a lot of people and a few pets, a higher temperature setting might be better. Likewise, if you have an older home with copper pipes in the kitchen or laundry room, you might want to keep the water temperature lower. For example, in a home with copper pipes in the kitchen, you might want to keep the temperature between 110 and 120 degrees. In a home with PEX pipes, you can set the temperature as high as 140 degrees.
If you’re in the process of replacing your water heater, you might want to consider changing the source of your water. If you’re currently relying on well water, you might want to consider changing to a city-provided water source. This will reduce the amount of time your water heater has to run and, in some cases, can even save you money each month. If you are currently using city water, you can also install a water softener. This will help prevent the buildup of minerals in your pipes and, in some cases, can even extend the lifespan of your water heater by up to 10 years.
Lastly, if you are in the process of replacing your water heater, you can also consider changing the type of water tank you’re using. The most common types of water heaters are cast iron, plastic and stainless steel. Cast iron water heaters are typically the most expensive and the least common. However, they also have the highest efficiency and can last up to 20 years. If you have the budget, the best way to go is a stainless steel tank. These water heaters have an average lifespan of about 10 years and can be found for as little as $250.
As with all appliances, the life of your water heater can be extended by using it regularly and changing its water source. If you’re in the process of replacing your water heater, you can also consider changing the type of water tank you’re using. The most common types of water heaters are cast iron, plastic and stainless steel. These will help you get the most out of your water heater for years to come.