Maximizing Your Water Heater's Efficiency and Lifespan: Expert Advice from Cellino PlumbingPublished: December 15, 2023

Whether you realize it or not, your water heater is one of the items in your home you rely on most often. Any time you take a nice hot shower, clean a sink full of dishes, or wash your clothes, you’re relying on your water heater to provide hot water so you can get the job done. So, chances are you want to do anything possible to keep this valuable plumbing fixture in the best condition possible. Continue reading to learn our top tips to promote efficiency and longevity for your water heater.

Why is efficiency important?

When your water heater heats water, it uses energy, which directly contributes to your utility bills. The more energy it takes, the higher your bill will end up. Some people assume there isn’t much they can do to impact this process and save themselves money but that simply isn’t true. 

Tips for better efficiency

Overall, better efficiency equals lower costs for you. Let’s see what changes can save you money!

Insulate your water pipes
One simple way to keep your water heater from working harder than it needs to is to insulate your hot water pipes. This can help prevent heat loss.

You can also look into water heater insulation. Newer water heaters often come with built-in insulation but if you have an older unit, a simple insulation blanket kit can prevent heat loss from the water heater itself. 

Invest in a tankless water heater
Tankless water heater installation is becoming a more popular choice for good reason. It allows you to get rid of the bulky water tank in favor of a series of high-efficiency heating elements that provide an endless supply of hot water.

Some of the main benefits aside from these include a need for fewer repairs since it’s an overall more simple system, saving space—a benefit for smaller homes, and less energy usage. When deciding between a water heater vs tankless water heater, if efficiency is what’s most important to you, a tankless unit is the better option.

Get your water treated
Getting your water treated is important for your general health and the health of any appliances in your home but it’s also crucial for keeping your water heater in good shape. Over time, sediment can build up inside your water heater, slowing it down and not allowing it to perform its best.

One thing that will help is water heater cleaning. But the best course of action is water treatment. This will benefit all areas of your home and give you peace of mind that your family is safe. Here’s a quick list of signs to look for that show you should schedule a water test ASAP.

• Hard water (white scale buildup)
• Water odor
• Water stains
• Sediment
• Dry skin
• Water discoloration
• Poor tasting water
  

The Buffalo, NY area has high levels of water hardness, which is known to cause water heater tanks to be less efficient. This is one area to pay special attention to!

How long can a water heater last before it’s best to upgrade?

There are many different variables that can impact how long your water heater will last you. Generally, the water heater age range of 10-15 years is the longest you want to keep one for. At that point, it’s best to invest in a water heater upgrade because it’s actually the more cost-effective decision. 

Tips for achieving longevity

15 years is still a long time for a water heater to last and continue performing well, though. Here are some tips to help your water heater last as long as possible, even if there are some bumps in the road.

Address water heater issues immediately
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to experience problems with their water heaters. Common problems we see include, the water heater will not stay lit, the water heater is leaking, there’s low water pressure, or the water heater is making odd noises. 

If these issues, or any others occur, it’s best to call an expert right away. Waiting can make the problem worse, cause further breakdown of the unit, and ultimately lead to a much bigger water heater repair than was originally necessary. Problems with these units won’t go away on their own, so there’s no sense in waiting. Always take action sooner rather than later.

Create a regular maintenance plan
While addressing problems when they arise is wise, it’s even better to be alerted of potential problems before they disrupt your day-to-day life. Regular water heater maintenance can give you peace of mind and help you plan for the future. 

Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling maintenance plans provide the added benefit of 10% off any standard pricing, so if you do need a repair, you’ll save money on it.

Plus, the maintenance plan also includes an annual heating and A/C tune-up, so the peace of mind you experience will carry over to other areas of your home as well!

Work with a trusted water heater company
When you take your car into a new garage to get worked on, chances are you do thorough research beforehand. Taking it to just anyone isn’t an option because you want to ensure it gets taken care of properly. Allowing just anyone to work on it simply isn’t an option.

It should be the same way when you’re choosing which company to call to come work on your water heater. You’re inviting them to come into your home and work on an important plumbing fixture that impacts many areas of your house!

Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been a trusted fixture in the community for decades. We pride ourselves on upfront pricing, quality work that encourages referrals, and honesty in all situations. Whether you’re calling us for the first time because it’s an emergency and you need us ASAP or we’ve been in your home countless times and know you by name, you can expect the same level of service and commitment from us.

Your water heater can stand the test of time

You don’t realize how much you rely on hot water until you’re forced to go without it for a period of time. Thankfully, if you implement the tips found here, your water heater should be in tip top shape, providing you with hot water for many years to come. If you do have any questions, problems with your water heater, or you’re ready for an upgrade, please feel free to reach out to us for help!

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