How to Keep Your Water Heater Running for a Very Long Time
Water heaters never get the attention they deserve. We love our furnaces and air conditioners—we always remember to schedule annual tune-ups to keep them running efficiently.
Not so much with our water heaters. Most of the time, we only think about them when there is no hot water. At that point, the ship has sailed, figuratively speaking.
And yet, water heaters play a vital role in our homes. It pays to keep them maintained.
Need a hand with your heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical? Midwest Air Pros can connect you with local experts who can get the job done right. Reach out to a nearby specialist ready to provide reliable home services, whether you’re in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska.
The Life of a Water Heater
Water heaters have it pretty easy. For the most part, they keep the water warm. That one job, however, consumes a lot of energy.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that heating water accounts for up to 18 percent of your utility bills. It is the second-largest expense in your home after heating and cooling.
The average tank water heater lasts 10 to 15 years. A tankless model can operate efficiently for up to 20 years. Scheduling annual maintenance inspections is a proven way to get the most value out of your water heater, along with the rest of your home comfort equipment.
Tank or Tankless?
Tank water heaters are your most popular option in the United States. They are affordable, reliable, and easy to install. On the flip side, they use a lot of energy to keep the water in the tank heated to a set temperature.
Insulating your tank helps reduce heat losses and lowers your operating costs, especially if you live in a colder climate.
Tankless water heaters offer a perfect solution if you don’t have a lot of extra space in your basement or utility room. They cost more up-front than a storage water heater but are much more efficient—mainly because they only produce hot water when you need it.
Larger households may want to consider two or more tankless heaters to accommodate simultaneous, multiple uses.
Not sure which model suits your home best in Springfield or Wichita? Find a pro at Midwest Air Pros and schedule a free consultation on which system works best for your family.
Common Water Heater Issues
Worried there might be an issue with your water heater? Here are a few telltale signs:
- The water is at the wrong temperature.
- Your water heater makes banging noises.
- Your water smells or looks funny.
It could be a faulty pilot light, sediment buildup, or rust in your tank. Whatever the problem, you can find a pro at Midwest Air Pros in Omaha or Des Moines to assess the situation and provide a practical solution.
Maintaining Your Water Heater
You maintain your vehicles because you understand they are costly investments that will run better with the help of tune-ups and inspections.
Apply that same strategy to your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC equipment. Scheduling annual maintenance services for your water heater can be a money saver down the road.
Those service visits allow your technician to uncover minor issues before they turn into costly repairs. Preventative maintenance keeps your equipment running at peak capacity. Your system enjoys a longer service life, and you’re rewarded with lower utility bills.
Here are a few of the maintenance tasks your technician will perform during a typical inspection:
- Check the pressure valve
- Check the anode rod
- Flush the tank
- Adjust the temperature if necessary
- Insulate the pipes and tank if necessary
Need Help With Your Water Heater? Find a Pro Near You
Schedule the service your home deserves—reach out to a nearby specialist today in Springfield, MO, Kansas City, MO, Des Moines, IA, Wichita, KS, and Omaha, NE. At Midwest Air Pros, we know how to make life a little easier.