A water heater is an appliance used to keep water at a set temperature in your home. They are most commonly used in households that have limited access to running water, such as apartments and dormitories, or in households that rely on a reverse osmosis system for drinking water.A regular water heater has three main functions – they keep water at a usable temperature, they provide hot water when you need it, and they make sure water lasts as long as it should in the pipes before it gets too cold. If your home does not have any of these features, installing a water heater may seem unnecessary; however, with some careful planning and consideration, you can save yourself time, money, and effort in the long term by installing one right away. Read on to learn more about the benefits of installing a water heater and see if it’s the right move for you.

Keeps Water at a Useable Temperature

A water heater is designed to keep water at a constant, usable temperature of around, or just below, 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important because bacteria and mold can grow in water that is too cold, while drinking water that is too hot can cause scalding. If you don’t have a water heater, you have to rely on a cold-water faucet and the hot-water faucet in your kitchen to provide the right temperature for you. This can be inconvenient if you are constantly washing dishes with hot water, or need to take a bath. A water heater also allows you to install a hot-water faucet in your bathroom, which is important for those who need to shave or take a shower with hot water on a regular basis.

Boils Water Easily

If you are regularly providing hot water through a water dispenser, a water heater will allow you to keep the water at the right temperature.A water dispenser that relies on the hot water temperature in the pipes to provide water may not be hot enough for guests or when you need to clean your hair, teeth, or skin. A water heater can be set to provide water at a higher temperature, allowing you to easily provide hot water for guests, washing your hair, or shaving.

Allows You to Install a Cold-Water Faucet

If you’re in a house with an older water system, you may not have enough pressure in the water supply to allow a water dispenser or faucet to be installed in the kitchen or bathroom. A water heater can be installed to provide water at a higher pressure, allowing you to install a cold-water faucet in the kitchen. This may be important for those who live in areas with high water bills and have limited access to running water. A water heater can also be installed in an apartment building with a central water supply, allowing you to use the same faucets in the kitchen and bathroom of each unit.

Cost-Effective and Long-Term Solution

A water heater will run for 20-30 years before it fails to keep water at the desired temperature. This is much longer than most appliances that you may purchase, such as a washing machine or a fridge, which typically have a lifespan of 7-10 years.A water heater is also one of the most cost-effective appliances to purchase and maintain. If you are relying on a reverse osmosis system or a water filter, you may have to purchase new filters every 6-12 months. A water heater, on the other hand, can be set to provide hot water at a set temperature, and only requires a simple cleaning once a year.

Conclusion

A water heater is an important appliance for any household that has limited access to running water, or that relies on water from the kitchen sink to provide water. As long as you are aware of the benefits of installing a water heater and the cost of purchasing one, you can make an informed decision that will save you time, money, and effort in the long term. If you are in the process of building a new home, or moving into a new apartment, installing a water heater at the same time can save you time and money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Question

While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.