Is Your Water Heater Ready for Higher Winter Demand?
Don’t let a cold shower catch you off guard this winter! If your water heater is on the older side, colder weather could trigger an issue. While the weather is still mild here in Charlottesville, you’ll want to consider water heater maintenance before temperatures drop and it becomes an emergency.
Why Do Water Heaters Fail More in the Colder Months?
Winter brings more hot water demand. As groundwater temperatures drop, your water heater has to work harder to get your water to a higher output temperature. Units that just get by in the summer often fail in the winter.
Signs Your Water Heater is Struggling
It takes a while for the water to heat up
The temperature fluctuates during your showers
You hear rumbling or popping sounds coming from the unit
You notice rusty/discolored water
Another consideration is the age of your unit. The average lifespan of a water heater is about 10 years. Once your unit reaches the end of its life, you need to weigh the benefits of maintenance versus replacement.
Maintenance vs. Replacement
Several routine maintenance tasks can keep your water heater running smoothly. Many of our customers opt into water heater maintenance when they sign up for our Service Partner Plan.
To help extend the life of a customer’s water heater, our plumbing technicians:
Flush the unit: Draining a water heater tank helps remove sediment buildup and improve efficiency.
Inspect the anode rod: A worn anode rod means that a tank will corrode faster.
Check the pressure relief valve: This is a key safety component.
Check for leaks: Water could be leaking from the connections or tank body.
Check water temperature: The optimal temperature for safety is 120°F.
Note: Tankless units require maintenance too! Our techs descale and flush the heat exchanger to prevent mineral buildup.
Replacement
It’s probably time to replace your water heater if you’ve had repeat issues and your unit is nearing its 10-year lifespan. A new unit will guarantee hot showers and cozy warm baths for the colder months. Plus, you’ll avoid the hassle of making an emergency call when you have no hot water. Those kinds of calls are not ideal, especially when guests are in town for the holidays!
Choosing a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters like those made by Rinnai and Navien are often a good option for households with higher demand. Compared to traditional water heaters, tankless heaters last longer, reduce flooding risk, save space, and can be more energy efficient for some homes (depending on your water usage).
It’s Time for a Tune-up
If your water heater is on the older side, the fall is a great time to schedule a tune-up! You’ll catch any major issues before the demand for repairs and replacements spikes in the winter.
If you’re in the Charlottesville, VA area, give us a call here at W.E. Brown! We provide water heater replacement and repair, and energy-efficient upgrades to homes in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties. We are a certified installer for AO Smith, Rinnai, and Navien.
