How to Extend the Useful Life of Your Water Heater

How to Extend The Lifespan of Your Water Heater?

Does your water heater seem to be on its way out? Maybe the hot water isn't as warm as it used to be, or perhaps you're not getting enough of it.

Most water heater problems arise from three main issues: corrosion, sediment buildup, and mineral deposits. Corrosion takes place inside the tank when iron or steel rusts through due to electrolysis - two dissimilar metals in contact with each other. Sediment is simply the dirt from the environment in your water when it goes through the tank.

Mineral deposits build up on the insides of a water heater after years of natural minerals dissolving out of hard water, caused by calcium and magnesium.

If you notice any of these signs, there are some steps you can take to prolong the life of your tank for another couple of years.

How long does a water heater typically last?

Standard water heaters have an average lifespan of eight to twelve years. Most of today's tanks are steel lined with porcelain or glass and can deteriorate and oxidize over time. Most tanks will leak eventually. It is a slow leak in some cases, and in others, it is a more significant leak. That is why you should locate the dedicated water shutoff valve before an emergency occurs.

It isn't too typical, but some water heaters will have a useful life of fifteen or even twenty years. It is imperative to remember that even when a water heater is still working, over time, the efficiency of most water heaters will decrease as sediment continues to accumulate inside its tank.

Compared to traditional tanks, tankless water heaters can last two or three times longer, assuming the tankless unit is adequately cared for by the homeowner.

Steps to Extend the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

The following are a few things you can do to extend the life of your water heater:

Lower the temperature.

Reduce the temperature of your water heater. It will reduce the rate at which minerals build up inside and decrease corrosion as less hot water goes through the tank. Keep in mind that if you lower your hot water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, you won't burn yourself quickly if hot water is suddenly released.

Remove the sediment from time to time.

You will have to do some research on your own as there are some sediment filters you can attach right on the output side of a water heater, and there are others that need to be installed by a professional plumber. In any case, it would be best to install a sediment filter if you are an average homeowner. You may remove the sediment by draining your water heater through the drain valve.

Install corrosion inhibitors.

The easiest way to avoid corrosion is to install a corrosion inhibitor on your water heater, which will prevent electrolysis from occurring in your tank's metal parts. Drain the unit every three months or so to remove any buildups of sediment or minerals.

Add a second anode rod.

You can significantly increase your water heater's life by installing a second anode rod. An anode is a sacrificial rod made out of aluminum or magnesium. Over time, it undergoes galvanic corrosion and sacrifices itself to prevent the tank from deteriorating.

Install an expansion tank.

You can potentially double your water heater's life if you have a closed system and install an expansion tank. When water heats from 50 degrees to 120 degrees, the tank expands by around 2%. (a 50-gallon tank produces one gallon of extra volume). If you have a closed system (meaning a valve prevents water from flowing into your water main), the water will have no place to go.

Since water is not a significantly compressible material, this will result in rapid decreases and increases in water pressure. These contractions and expansions will cause stress on your plumbing system and water heater, which may cause damage as well as premature failure.

Clean or flush out the water heater tank.

Flushing out an older tank once a year can help prevent sediment buildup and maintain a higher efficiency level for a more extended period. Many newer water heater models are self-cleaning. You need to connect a garden hose to the water heater and drain the water outdoors.

Install a pressure regulating valve (PRV).

If your water pressure is very high, over 90 PSI, it can damage appliances and cause premature failure of your water heater. Install a pressure regulating valve to reduce the system's pressure and reduce the wear and tear on appliances. Installing an expansion tank is also a good idea if you install a PRV.

Install water softeners.

The water in Alberta has high mineral content (often called hard water). Hard water causes scaling -- mineral precipitation that deposits onto appliance surfaces. Hard water can significantly reduce a water heater's lifespan. Installing a water softener can often help reduce the amount of wear and tear on your plumbing system caused by hard water.

Conclusion

Water heaters have a typical lifespan of 8-12 years. If you follow the principles outlined in this article, your water heater will likely last 3-5 more years before you need to replace it.

Having your water heater replaced is expensive, so it's best to do the little things that can prolong its life. One of these little things could save you hundreds of dollars in water heating bills and countless hours of hot water.

If you have further questions about how to extend the life of your water heater or need professional assistance, contact Furnace Repair Calgary for expert advice and helpful tips.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/how-to-extend-the-life-of-your-water-heater/

Most Energy Efficient Water Heater

What Are Water Heaters?

While it is not something most of us will think about every day, it is crucial and something most of us can't live without. We are talking about access to hot water directly from the taps. So, what is the most energy efficient water heater you should get?

If you have a water heater that is more than ten years old, there is a good chance that you need replacements. To make the best selection for your needs, you will need to consider the size of the water heater and the type of fuel it uses. In this article, we will discuss the efficiency of water heaters and what this means to a consumer like you.

The first thing we will have to do is cover some of the basics of water heaters, which will allow you to make the best decision for your needs.

Related: The hidden costs of hard water in Calgary

Water Heaters: What is the Efficiency Rating? 

When you examine possible water heaters options for your home, you will see a sticker or label on the side that says "Energy Guide." This sticker will give you the average annual costs for operating this unit compared to other options on the market.

If you are shopping for a new water heater online, you may find several options and make comparisons easily. Your research will give you a clearer idea of what type of water heater you will need for your home. If you find a water heater at the lower side of the scale, you may want to consider choosing a more energy-efficient option. Although it will be more expensive up front, it will get back your investment over time with lower energy bills.

Most Energy Efficient Water Heater: Old vs. New

A traditional water heater manufactured over 15 years ago will not use the same energy-efficient technology found in newer versions. A tank-style water heater will have a service life of between 10 and 15 years. You can expect that the unit's efficiency will drop over this time. As the water heater's efficiency lowers, your heating costs will rise. It would just be cheaper to buy a new water heater at some point.

One of the things that can significantly deteriorate the efficacy of your water heater is the presence of sediment building up in your water heater. Hard water is highly mineralized water. It can contain large quantities of calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals. This sediment tends to collect at the bottom of your tank and can eventually reduce the efficiency of your water heater over time. In the same way, the deposit in your water heater can become lodged in your water heater's mechanics, which will reduce functionality as well.

You may also be facing efficiency problems because the tank water heater is not providing enough water for the entire family. For example, a 40-gallon tank is not ideal for a family of six people, and the inefficiency reflects in the energy bill. If your tank is not big enough to support the needs of the people it serves, it is cost-effective to change it out for a new option.

Environmental Impact of Water Heaters 

The modern consumer is constantly concerned about the environment and consumer spending on the ecosystem. There are two important considerations here — greenhouse emissions and industrial waste.

The first thing to consider is that the traditional type of water heater will not last as long as a modern option. Most system will end up in the landfill within about a decade or maybe two. You can avoid increasing the waste that ends up in the landfill by opting for a modern variety that will last longer and be more efficient.

But then there are the CO2 emissions to consider. As you may imagine, the solar-powered type of water heater will produce the least amount of greenhouse gasses. But, these types of water heaters will often need an electrical backup. It is necessary for those cold and rainy days when you need a hot shower. However, there's not enough solar energy to heat the water well.

For the average homeowner, the best support for a solar water heater is the tankless water heater (gas or electric) that can provide heated water at the point of access.

Gas Water Heater vs. Electric Water Heater 

When choosing between these different types of water heaters, the first consideration is the source of fuel you will need. Most water heaters operating in residential locations use natural gas, propane gas or electricity, provided in cost, not efficiency.

Natural gas is the cheapest option, followed by propane and finally electricity. The design of a gas heater in conjunction with the laws of thermodynamics makes the average gas water heater a much cheaper option than the electric option.

Here is what you should consider:

• The average electric water heater consumes about $500 a year heating water for an average-sized home
• A gas water heater spends about $250 a year heating water for the same
• home.

So, if there is a critical takeaway from all of this, a gas water heater will be much more efficient than an electric option. If you already have a gas water heater system, you should probably stick to that. But there are some other options that you can consider, and we will get into that a little further in the reading.

Three Main Types of Water Heaters 

For simplification, there are three categories of water heaters that you should consider.

Standard Gas Tank

Most modern water heaters have an Efficiency Factor of .58 to .60. This tank uses roughly 58% to 60% of the energy to heat the water. Some manufacturers will reach an EF of about .62, which can save you about $8 in a year.

Energy Star Gas Tank

Energy star water heaters have an EF of .67, and you can find other manufacturers that offer as high as .70EF. As you may imagine, these energy-star-rated water heaters consist of special insulation, pilot lights, electrical igniters and damper control. The higher efficiency ratings will work to reduce your energy expenses and result in savings of between $25 and $30 each year.

Tankless

It is also called "on-demand" water heaters, these options have perfected the art of gas heating. While these have been on the markets in Asia and Europe for many years, they are relatively new in the United States. These impressive water heaters have unique advantages, including space-saving, energy efficiency, and longer life spans — the tankless water heater will last almost twice as long as a regular tank water heater.

Assuming your hot water consumption will continue as it is now, you have three options to consider:

Non-condensing tankless

The first generation uses a heat exchanger to heat water on demand. Most of these will achieve an EF of 82 – 85 or an average annual saving of between $75 and $80. Some downsides include a hot exhaust and lower efficiency in shorter water usage, like washing hands.

Condensing tankless

The second-generation water heater uses a second heat exchanger to take heat from the exhaust and heat the water. The additional heat exchanger results in a higher EF of 92 – 94, eventually resulting in annual savings of between $90 and $100. The benefit is that the exhaust is much cooler than with first-generation options. The biggest downside is a higher initial cost and lower efficiency.

Condensing hybrid tankless

The third-generation water heater is commonly dubbed tankless, but it contains a small 2-gallon water tank. This tank makes short draws more efficient by maintaining a small amount of heated water ready at all times. These impressive models can reach an EF of 92% to 96%, resulting in energy savings as high as $120 — the best option in the business.

The biggest problem you will face with a new tankless water heater is retrofitting, but this procedure's costs can be recouped within ten years while enjoying the reduced energy costs. The amount of space we save with a tankless water heater is another excellent benefit.

Energy Efficient Water Heater - Conclusion 

Understanding how energy efficiency works with water heaters is an essential first step in getting the best option for your home. It also tells you how much fuel your water heater will need to operate effectively.

Heating water with power from the mains involves a three-step process.

1. Generating electricity using fuel, typically coal or oil.
2. Sending that electricity by power lines to our homes.
3. Using electricity allows an element to heat our water—however, energy wastes at each process.

Using natural gas is a more straightforward process. The gas company delivers the fuel to your home so that the water heater can heat the water. From an environmental standpoint, cleaner-burning natural gas is not only better for the planet, but we also waste less energy in the delivery process.

https://furnace-repair-calgary.ca/most-energy-efficient-water-heater/