Older water heaters may not allow you to set them to a specific temperature.
If you’re like most people, you haven’t thought much about your hot water heater in your lifetime. You certainly don’t spend time thinking about it when it’s working perfectly. Most people only really think about their hot water heater when it leaks or fails to heat enough water. Let’s say you spend more time than the average person thinking about the appliance that ensures cozy showers and clean dishes and clothes. In that case, you may have found yourself contemplating some of these common water heater questions.
How Hot Should My Water Be?
For most people, 120 degrees is hot enough for most home needs. Older water heaters may not allow you to set them to a specific temperature. That said, a medium setting is usually good for whatever you need.
Why Do I Run Out Of Hot Water?
If you are consistently running out of hot water, this is a sign that you need to have your water heater inspected. There could be many reasons that the water isn’t heating up as quickly as it used to; a professional will need to assess the water heater to figure it out.
How Can I Conserve Hot Water?
The best way to conserve water is to do a periodic check for leaks. In addition to that, you can take shorter showers, and you should consider changing out your fixtures for low-flow showerheads and faucets and for water-conserving toilets and appliances.
Why Does My Hot Water Smell Bad?
Sometimes the chemicals present in your water can interact with the metals inside the tank and cause a smell. This odor is often the result of hydrogen, sulfur, and magnesium (from your magnesium anode rod in your water heater) reacting to create that sulfuric “rotten egg” smell. The smell should be very faint – if there is an overwhelmingly foul odor in your hot water, you should call in a professional to check it out ASAP.
What Should I Consider When Replacing My Water Heater?
Choosing a new water heater involves some intelligent decision-making. First off, you should consider if the size is appropriate. If you kept running out of hot water, it might need to be bigger! You should also think about the possibility of switching to tankless heaters. While regular heaters come in sizes from 30 to 100 gallons, future buyers may prefer the energy efficiency of a tankless unit instead. Keep your future plans in mind before you buy!
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