Is Your Water Heater Doing Its Best?

A little TLC and some water heater service from Koppy’s can help.

water heater Hazleton, PA Many of us only think about how important hot water is when it suddenly goes away. Maybe you’re in a shower that goes from steamy warm to freezing cool, or perhaps you open up a hot water tap and find no water.

Bathing, washing hands, cleaning clothes and dishes — we depend on water heaters for a lot of crucial daily functions. We also use a lot of energy heating water. The U.S. Department of Energy has found that the average American home expends approximately 20% of its annual energy generating hot water.

If your water heater isn’t working at its best, you might be spending more money than you need to. You could also be running the risk of a sudden water heater failure. In this article, the Koppy’s Propane team can explain some signs that your water heater is running inefficiently.

Signs Your Water Heater is Struggling

Here are five warning signs that your water heater may need a repair, maintenance or even replacement.

Irregular water temperatures — If your showers are suddenly turning cold and you’re waiting a long time for a faucet to heat up, your water heater’s efficiency may be an issue.
Strange noises — A well-maintained water heater should run relatively quietly. Rumbling, rattling, popping and other noises from your tank could indicate a buildup of sediment.
Leaks — Your water heater’s tank should not leak. If you’re noticing water around the base of the tank, there could be internal corrosion. Your unit might be on its last legs.
Brown water from your taps — Corrosion and sediment in your water heater’s tank can cause your hot water to be discolored or have odd smells.
Your water heater’s age — Most traditional storage tank water heaters have a lifespan of around eight to 12 years. If your unit is over 10 years old, you should start thinking about a replacement.

Don’t ignore these warning signs. A water heater failure can cause significant damage to your home. It will also leave you without working showers, fixtures and hot water appliances while we arrange replacement equipment.

Improving Your Water Heater Efficiency

There are several proactive steps you can take right now to keep your water heater running at its best possible efficiency.

Flush it each year — You can do this simple upkeep yourself to clear out sediment from the system and slow down internal corrosion. Essentially, you shut off the burner, close off the cold water intake and drain the tank using a hose. Your water heater’s manual will provide specific steps for your model.
Be smart with your temperature settings — For every 10 degrees you lower the temperature of your water heater, you can save 3-5% on your energy bill. You’ll also slow wear and tear on it. Try lowering your water heater from its factory default. We don’t think you’ll notice a problem with your water temperatures. And if you’re going out of town for a few days, set your water heater to Vacation mode to minimize its fuel consumption.
Arrange regular water heater maintenance — Bring in the pros from Koppy’s Propane, and we can perform all necessary service or repairs.

If your water heater isn’t doing the job for you anymore, the Koppy’s team is here to recommend and install a new, more efficient water heater. We even offer propane tankless water heaters that produce virtually unlimited hot water on demand and operate with up to 34% better efficiency.

In Hazleton and across Central or Southeastern Pennsylvania, Koppy’s Propane is the most trusted home comfort provider. Reach out to us today for water heater service.