Hot Water Heater Questions Answered by HomeLife Warranty Protection

There is a lot about home maintenance we non-technically minded people don’t understand. Thankfully, there are companies like HomeLife Warranty Protection to provide information about home repairs and upkeep and offer peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

Today, we talk with HomeLife Warranty Protection about one of the most overlooked system in the home, the hot water heater.

Q: Hello and thank you for joining us today. As you know, we would like to talk about hot water heater maintenance.

HomeLife Warranty Protection: We’d love to. It’s an important piece of equipment that often goes untouched until it breaks.

Q: Why is that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Mostly because it doesn’t require intervention to operate…the dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances have to be touched daily.

Q: We don’t even see the hot water heater every day!

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Exactly. But these appliances work around-the-clock, and even have a number of features that few people know about.

Q: Do tell…

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Have you ever heard of a sacrificial anode?

Q: No, what’s that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Water heaters have what’s called an anode rod inside the tank that acts as a decoy; they are usually made of magnesium, aluminum, or zinc. The anode rod provides an alternative source of electrons, instead of taking them from the steel water tank.

Q: So it essentially sacrifices itself so the tank doesn’t corrode?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes and without this rod, the hot water heater might only last half as long.

Q: How long are these rods supposed to last?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Most manufacturers suggest they be replaced every two years.

Q: Why is that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: This is about the length of time it takes for degradation of the anode rod before it starts eating at the water tank itself.

Q:  What happens if it’s not replaced on time…or at all?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Not performing this replacement causes premature corrosion of the tank and water leaks occur that could cause property damage and cut in half the useful life of the water heater.  Proper anode rod replacement every 2 years should double the life of the water heater.

Q: Is there only one type of anode rod?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: No, actually. Homeowners in soft water areas might want to consider a powered anode, which connects to an outlet and emits a low electrical current into the water.

Q: Do anode rods serve any other purpose?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Odor is a problem in some soft water areas and the powered rods can help with that as well.

Q: Are there any other parts that should be replaced regularly?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Not usually but many homeowners do not know that the tank is supposed to be drained at least once a year.

Q: Oh really?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, and even more often in areas of hard water.

Q: What do you mean when you mention hard and soft water?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That refers to the amount of dissolved minerals in the water. More minerals equals harder water.

Q: How does hard water affect a hot water heater?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Hard water has calcium and magnesium dispersed throughout it and these minerals can settle at the bottom of the tank, causing reduced water temperatures and increased energy consumption.

Q: Got it. So, change the rods and drain the tank for best performance?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That’s pretty much all it takes! A little care and a few minutes of maintenance every year really does go a long way.

Morgan Exteriors Is Tampa’s Premier Replacement Window Installer

Morgan Exteriors

Morgan Exteriors is a leading Tampa Bay contractor and one of the area’s most trusted replacement window installers. Read on for more information about ENERGY STAR-rated replacement windows available at Morgan Exteriors.

Windows are one of the most important features of a home, according to the experts at Morgan Exteriors. Not only do they let us see the world outside, they allow natural light to brighten our spirits and warm our hearts and homes. Windows have an important job to do, especially in coastal areas where wind, rain, and hail can be most fierce. However, given time, even the most dependable windows will give in to the elements.

Fortunately, when that happens, there is Morgan Exteriors. As expert window installers, the professionals at Morgan Exteriors can replace cracked frames, shattered panes, or dated wooden windows.

Windows by Morgan Exteriors are more energy efficient than ever before. Replacement windows can improve a home’s appearance, drastically decrease energy consumption, and keep intruders at bay. A full line of ENERGY STAR windows are available.

Why ENERGY STAR?

The ENERGY STAR rating system was developed by the EPA in conjunction with building and efficiency experts across the country. Morgan Exteriors explains that ENERGY STAR-certified windows work day and night to save homeowners 12% or more in utility costs. And, lowering energy consumption shrinks a home’s carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, note the experts at Morgan Exteriors. Homeowners can rest assure that when they see the ENERGY STAR sticker on their replacement windows, they are getting a high quality product that’s not only good for the budget, but good for the environment, as well.

Exclusive values

Every window installed by Morgan Exteriors is backed by a lifetime warranty on labor and material. Additionally, Morgan Exteriors provides at no extra cost gas insulated glass, UV protection, premium extruded vinyl, fusion welded and insulated frames and sashes, Denny clip pivots, triple glazed glass, and streamlined airlocks. These bundled values mean homeowners need not worry about their investment, it’s protected. Customer service agents are always available at Morgan Exteriors and are fully authorized to handle any homeowner concerns.

Big jobs, unusual windows no match for Morgan Exteriors

Throughout the last five generations, the expert craftsman at Morgan Exteriors have seen it all. Whether it’s triple or double hung windows, picture windows or custom basement windows, Morgan Exteriors has the right window for every home. Virtually unlimited color and style combinations ensure Morgan Exteriors has the perfect window for each project, big or small.

Clean and safe guarantee

As a family-owned company, Morgan Exteriors has built its reputation on safety, quality, and respect. Each window installation crew is carefully trained to maintain a safe and clean workspace, guaranteed.

Morgan Exteriors pledges to provide homeowners with clear, concise, and straightforward answers to all of their home remodeling needs. From windows to exterior house painting to bathroom makeovers, Morgan Exteriors can’t be beat. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit MorganExteriorsInc.com or call the Tampa office at 813.931.4663