A lot of people overlook the importance of maintenance agreements, especially when it comes to home appliances such as a water heater, only to regret it after they have to deal with costly repairs. If you believe that you don’t need a maintenance agreement for your water heater, think otherwise.
Home appliances are always prone to breakdown or damage, meaning that you need to be prepared. Small issues such as the malfunctioning of a pressure relief valve or an anode rod may not pose much trouble, but other repair issues, especially related to electric thermostats, heating elements, and gas control valves, among others, may make a big dent in your bank account. Let’s check out a few reasons why need a maintenance agreement for your water heater.
Quality of water in your area
One of the most important factors to consider when considering maintenance agreement options for your water heater is the lifespan of your water heater. Usually, a water heater can last around 10 to 15 years—even more if properly cared for. Water quality plays an important role in determining the lifespan of your water heater. Water with a low pH can damage your water heater in a matter of 3 to 5 years. Therefore, if the water quality in your area is low, you must definitely get a maintenance agreement for your heater. In this case, maintenance agreements will serve as a hedging tool, protecting your financial interests against a foreseeable repair expense.
Maintenance of your water heater
As we mentioned earlier, the lifespan of your water heater plays a pivotal role in determining the duration and type of maintenance agreement you might need. There are different factors—aside from water quality—that affect the lifespan of water heaters. For instance, the buildup of calcium and lime can reduce the ability of your heater to transfer heat properly and shorten its lifespan. Similarly, other minerals found in hard water can also damage anode rods in the water heaters. Therefore, you may need routine maintenance which will include neutralizing the acid water with water treatment and using water softeners to reduce mineral buildup in the tank to protect your water heater. If you believe that you’re not up to the task and fail to properly take care of your water heater, it’s crucial that you have a maintenance agreement in place so you’re covered if the water heater starts malfunctioning.
Size of your water heater
The size of your water heater plays a much greater role in its functionality than you might expect. A tank that’s too large leads to wastage of energy and increases your electricity bills. Conversely, a tank that’s too small won’t be able to deliver enough hot water, resulting in premature failure. Moreover, installation can also have a great impact on the functionality of your water heater. If you’ve chosen a wrong-sized water heater for your home or business, or if there’s been a problem in the installation process, having a maintenance agreement at your disposal can help you minimize the damage.