Nothing beats a warm shower after a long day—especially during the winter season here in Saskatoon. Warm showers are known to relax tense muscles, as well as provide a variety of other health benefits. This is why homeowners should make sure that their hot water tanks or water heaters are always in prime condition. Replacing water heaters in Saskatoon
Unfortunately, even well-maintained water heaters will eventually succumb to everyday wear and tear. Although repairing a broken water heater is a viable option, there are also issues that may necessitate replacing your water heater with a brand-new one.
Issues That Require a New Water Heater
- Age of the heater
Water heaters usually have a service life of 8 to 12 years, depending on the brand and how well the unit was maintained. If your water heater is older than 12 years, you may want to have it replaced with today’s energy-efficient models.
- Sediment or rust in the water
The presence of particles that look like sediment or rust in your water is a troubling sign. Sediment from hard water sinks to the bottom of your heating tank. Over time, these sediments will harden and begin corroding the steel every time you heat up water. If sediment is already making its way to the water coming from your faucets, the build-up may already be pretty bad.
- Banging noises from the heater
This is another issue that sediment build-up may cause. You will normally hear banging sounds when you try to heat water as the sediment build-up forces your heater to work harder to meet your specified temperature. Eventually, this can lead to holes in the tank.
What to Look for in a New Water Heater
If your plumber has determined that you need a new water heater, know that there are many models to choose from. To get the most value out of your new purchase, however, keep the following tips in mind when replacing water heaters:
- Energy Star® Sticker
For the best in energy efficiency, you’ll want to look for water heaters with an Energy Star® sticker from Natural Resources Canada. Try to purchase the most efficient one you can afford. These water heaters can lead to massive savings on your utility bills.
- Heating Capacity
Take note of how many people there are in your home during the busiest time of the week. This should give you a decent estimate of how much water your household consumes. From there, check the first-hour rating (FHR) of the water heaters you are considering. The FHR will tell you how much hot water the heater is capable of delivering over an hour before it needs to refill and reheat a new batch.
Sources:
4 Signs Your Water Heater is About to Fail, angieslist.com
ENERGY STAR for products, nrcan.gc.ca
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