If your tank water heater is 8 years or older, it may be time to check your budget for a replacement. Letting that old water heater die of a natural death is not only inconvenient and sometimes messy, it could very well be a health issue. If your water heater is old enough to fail, other components may be in jeopardy as well, such as the water heater mount, size or type of venting system, water heater drain and supply pipes, and especially the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. Taking a good look at the systems of your home is a great preventive measure. People usually don’t pay any attention to water heaters until there is trouble. While it's true that some rare water heaters last in excess of 20 years - is it safe? is it efficient? is it healthy?
Potential hazards, issues with older water heaters ~
Carbon Monoxide: Natural gas and propane fired hot water heaters pose a substantial risk of emitting high, potentially dangerous, levels of carbon monoxide gas into the living space of any home or building in which they are located. The primary cause is typically inefficient combustion, or improper venting of the exhaust gas such as misaligned or separated sections of the flue.
Mold: Any material that remains wet or moist for 24 to 48 hours can be a home for mold. Examples of moisture sources for mold growth include non-vented burning appliances such as water heaters.
Leaks: There are several reasons that your water heater could start leaking. Water damage is expensive to repair and the deductable on your insurance may be higher than the cost of replacing your water heater before disaster strikes. Corrosion on the top of the water heater, where the copper pipes meet your plumbing is a potential leak hazard, and since the tank is under pressure that water will spray all over the walls and ceiling first. If the T&P value starts leaking it's a sign that the water heater is over heating and/or there is a pressure problem. If the T&P value has been capped it could lead to an explosion.
Strapping: In earthquake areas, seismic strapping is needed to prevent the water tank from moving away or breaking away from the gas line. Some homes even without gas lines use strapping to prevent the water heater from tipping over and spilling 40 gallons of water. In some areas strapping is required by building code.
Efficiency: Tank water heaters loose efficiency with age. Sediments at the bottom of the tank take longer to heat, so the element has to work harder and longer to get the temperature to the set level. Older tanks, unless they have a wrap, loose the heat rapidly. New water heaters are much more energy efficient than older models with the newer models have foam insulation between the tank and its outer shell, resulting in higher heat retention.
ACEEE: After heating and cooling, water heating is typically the largest energy user in the home because it is necessary for so many domestic activities. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out, inadequate, or obsolete water heater or looking for the best model for a new house you’re building, it pays to choose carefully.
If the home is large or maybe the master bath is too far away from the standard water heater, consider adding an On-Demand water heater for convenience and energy savings.
If you have an energy assessment done on your home, be sure to have the complete water heater system checked for both health and safety reasons, as well as energy efficiency. As always, Snugg Home recommends to be sure you use a local, licensed contractor who is aware of all current building codes.
Be sure to check energy ratings as well as the warranty when shopping for a new heater. Warranties can range anywhere from 3 to 12 years.
Energy Star Comparison of Water Heaters
About Sandy Michaels
Sandy has regularly contributed to our blog and knowledge base with how to articles. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Snugg Pro platform.