The hot water tank in your Long Island home is a part of your plumbing system that you take for granted – until it stops working. A significant component to keeping your household running smoothly, your hot water tank is responsible for keeping hot water flowing through your home. When it breaks down or stops working all together, you have two choices - learn to like cold showers, or invest in professional water heater repair. The average life of a water heater can be anywhere from eight to 12 years. Routine maintenance can prolong the life of your system far beyond those averages.
As the cold weather quickly arrives to Long Island, now is the time to address any issues that you may be experiencing with your hot water heater. Dole Fuel Oil understands that convenience and affordability often affect your ability to keep up with your hot water heater and oil burner maintenance. In the long run, however, fixing your water heater issues sooner rather than later will save you time, money, and frustration. Here are three important reasons why it’s best to have your hot water tank repaired before fall.
Avoid Property Damage
Water heater maintenance allows us to catch any water heater leaks, corrosion, or anything that is prohibiting your system from working at 100%. It only takes a hairline crack in the tank to expel enough water to cause considerable property damage. Carpets, hard-wood floors, sheet-rock, moldings and furniture can all be negatively impacted by a hot water heater leak.
Water heaters are usually located in basements and garages, leading to potential mold issues as well. A hot water tank leak gives mold the moisture it needs to grow and spread. The longer the leak remains unattended to, the more damage will occur. If you notice puddles surrounding your hot water heater or any other kinds of unexplained moisture, it is vital that you have the leak repaired as soon as possible.
Lower Your Energy Bills
When your water tank is working overtime to keep up with your household’s hot water demands, it is using more energy than normal. This increased usage leads to an increase in your utility bills. There are a few different issues that can cause your system to run poorly.
Sediment buildup is very common in water heaters, and is often a contributing factor to your system being less efficient. Loose minerals in the water settle onto the bottom of the water heater, making it more difficult to produce hot water. This can also cause damage to other parts of the water heater. Any banging or knocking noises coming from your water heater could be signs that you need to have your water heater flushed. Ideally, your water heater should be flushed at least once a year. Keeping up with this maintenance will likely save you money on your hot water bills and ensures that your system is running in top shape.
The older your hot water tank is, the more likely it is that the unit is wasting energy. Today’s water heating systems are designed to be energy efficient, using up to 40% less power than older units. If you have been investing money into your hot water heater each year to keep it functioning, you may want to consider replacing it with a new system. Our service technicians can help you choose the proper unit for your home.
Dodge Any Unwelcome Surprises
Owning a Long Island home means being prepared for the unexpected. There is never a good time for an appliance to break down, your roof to spring a leak or your hot water heater to die. That’s why it is so important to stay on top of your hot water heater’s yearly maintenance. A simple tune-up can save you from the headaches and frustrations of a system breakdown.
Scheduling an appointment with Dole Fuel is fast and simple. Our team of highly trained customer service and maintenance technicians is available to answer all of your questions. Contact us today at (631) 673-6182 to schedule your yearly hot water heater maintenance.
