Upgrading Your Water Heater

Water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. This means that they should be replaced when the time comes close to the end of the lifespan, and before a huge problem arises. When a water heater goes bad, it can go really bad. Here are a few things to look out for to determine if you should replace yours now.
Leaking
If you see any signs of leaking, it is time to replace your water heater. Leaks around the base of the tank can signify that the inside is rusting out and you are about to have a massive problem on your hands. It is best to replace the water heater before you find out it is too late. A water heater can leak a lot of water, causing a lot of damage. Most of the time it cannot be repaired and just signals that you need to replace the whole unit.
Utility Bill
You water heater can account for up to 20% of your utility bill. If you have an older model, chances are that there is a more efficient model on the market today. You could be saving yourself money on your utility bill just by upgrading to a newer model. Check out energy efficient models, and alternate forms of energy when picking out your new model. Also consider heat on demand tanks and tanks with a capacity that works for your home.
Size And Capacity
When choosing a heater for your home, it is best to consider what the needs of your house are at the time of installation. If you know you will be adding another family member to your household in the near future, that is also something to consider. Each water heater comes with a FHR rating (First Hour Rating) stamped on the label. This tells you how many gallons of hot water a heater can produce during an hour of high usage. So factor in everyone taking a shower, all the loads run in the dishwasher, and all the loads of laundry being done when considering how big of a capacity you should be looking at for your home.
If you need to replace your water heater, call Cardigan Kitchens. Our team of experts can help you pick the right heater for your home, and make sure that you will be saving money on your utility bill. A water heater is an important piece of equipment in your home, so make sure it is working properly!