The lifespan of a water heater depends on several factors, including equipment quality, whether it was installed correctly, if it is regularly maintained, and the chemical composition of your water.
Regular maintenance can improve the efficiency of your water heater and extend its lifespan, but it won’t make it last a lifetime. Eventually, like all appliances within your home, it will be time to replace your water heating system.
At Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc., we know that there are many deciding factors to consider when choosing the best new water heater for your home or business. If your water heater is on its last legs or damaged beyond repair, replacing the system may make more financial sense instead of repairing it. From our professionals, here are some things to consider when selecting a new water heater.
The Capacity
Consider your household’s or establishment’s hot water usage when estimating the necessary storage capacity. If you live alone or have a small family, consider a small water heater of 30-40 gallons. Individuals or families with a two or three-bedroom house should look for a bigger (50-80 gallon) water heater.
Some other factors that can affect usage are the weather conditions and whether the water heater will be used for the kitchen and bathroom.
Before buying a water heater, consider its first-hour rating (FHR) and recovery rate. A water heater’s FHR and recovery rate determine how quickly it can heat and replenish the water in the tank. A higher FHR means you are less likely to run out of hot water during peak usage times.
The Quality of the Heating Element
If your location near Rohnert Park receives hard water, pay special attention to the heating element material of the water heater you are considering. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium that can settle at the bottom and form scaly deposits around the heating element. Mineral deposits can affect the efficiency of the heating element and may even lead to premature failure. To ensure reliable, efficient, and long-lasting performance, look for a water heater resistant to corrosion.
The Energy Efficiency
Water heating accounts for around 18% of the utility bill in the average household. An energy-efficient water heater can help you reduce your energy bill by 8-34%. Look for a water heater with a reasonable recovery rate and a built-in mechanism to reduce standby and cycling losses.
The Safety Features
Look for a water heater with a vacuum and pressure relief valve. Find out if it can resist thermal expansion. The vacuum relief valve protects the system from damage and helps prevent accidents by maintaining the correct pressure in the piping system. When the pressure in the system increases, the pressure relief valve opens and discharges fluid until the pressure drops to acceptable levels, helping reduce the risk of mishaps.
Regardless of the water heater problem you are grappling with, Small Jobs Plumbing, Inc. can help. Our ability to develop cost-effective and customized plumbing solutions to fit our customers’ needs sets us apart. To schedule a water heater replacement near you in Rohnert Park, speak with one of our professionals by calling 707-908-8003.
