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Never Worry About Hot Water Again

Your water heater is the second largest energy user in your home. That means it's the second largest contributor to your utility bill, and you still feel like you don't have enough hot water. Don't worry, home energy experts from the National Propane Gas Association offer these tips on purchasing a water heater and making it last longer.

There are several factors to take into consideration when buying a water heater. The first is deciding between gas or electic. The 1991 figures from the Department of Energy (DOE) show that you can save up to $262 in one year just by switching from electic to propane gas. That's a savings of up to 50%.

Secondly, you should check the Energy Guide Label. This bright yellow sticker tells you how much it will cost to run the water heater for one year. It will also tell you how much insulation is on the tank. The insulation prevents heat from escaping the tank. Look for a rating of at least R-16.

Double check the warranty. Water heaters typically offer either a five or ten-year warranty. Usually, the only difference between the two is a secoond anode rod located inside the tank. An anode rod works to protect the water tank from rusting. In short, the anode rod attracts the rust-forming deposits and rusts first. Adding a second anode rod to a water heater with a five-year warranty costs about $18, typically much cheaper that the water heater with a ten-year warranty.

Finally, ask the salesperson if the dip tube is curved. This tube carries the cold water to the bottom of the tank. If it's curved, the water is released in a swirling motion, therefore flushing out the ruse-causing sediments that collect at the bottoom more effectively than a straight tube does. A greatly extended tank life is the result.

Once your new water heater is installed, there are still more things you can do to extend the water heater's life and make it more efficient.

• Add insulation to the outside of your water heater and hot water pipes. It's recommended you have a professional install the insulation to guarantee adequate ventilation (if your water heater has an R-16 insulation rating, then you don't need any more insulation.) It can save from 5 to 10 percent of the energy you've been using, and even more if your water heater is located in an unheated area of the house.
• Every six months, you should flush the tank by attaching a hose to the drain and letting the water run out for three to five minutes. This helps to prevent sediment build up. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the proper flushing procedure and the location of the drain.
• If a "pinging" noise develops in the tank, collected sediment is the likely cause. Call in a professional to vacuum it out.
• Check your anode rods every two or three years. By simply changing the rods when they've eroded, you can double the tank's life.
• Finally, you should schedule your water heater for a tune-up. Just like a car, your appliances need regular chek-ups to keep them running efficiently. For a propane water heater, ask your propane dealer to conduct a GAS Check® (short for Gas Appliance System Check.) As part of your GAS Check®, the certified service technician examines the water heater and advises you on methods for safe and efficient operation.

By following these simple tips, you should keep hot water costs down. Unless, of course, you have teenage kids, then you're on your own.

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