Whether you are a new homeowner or have been in your house for years, chances are you don’t know much about your hot water heater. These appliances provide your household with warm showers and hot water for dishes, washing clothes, and cooking, so you should be sure to know a few of the ins and outs of their systems.

Why Is Efficiency Important?

Your hot water heater may account for as much as 15% of your energy utility costs. This can mean that your family spends up to $600 per year on heating your home’s water. When you install a high-efficiency hot water heater, you can cut down on these bills tremendously.

Your hot water heater has an efficiency rating based on how it runs under standard conditions on a typical day. These ratings are determined by the Department of Energy, who run test simulations. The higher your water heater’s rating, the less energy it uses.

Regular maintenance on your hot water heater will help to ensure that it runs at peak efficiency and will also increase its lifespan. You may have to replace anode rods and have the tank flushed during routine maintenance to ensure its effectiveness.

Do You Need a New Hot Water Heater?

As your hot water heater ages, it will start showing signs that it needs to be replaced. If it is more than seven years old, chances are it’s time for a new one. You must also keep an eye out for leaks, noisy operation, and having less hot water than you are used to.

If you need maintenance or repairs on your hot water heater, or if you think it may be time to replace it, reach out to Efficient Plumbing Services today. Our professional plumbers are ready to help with anything you need.