Quote:
Originally Posted by whirnot
Between sediment buildup in the tank, and the difference in efficiency, a newer water heater will save a lot.
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Sediment buildup varies depending on water supply. Hardness, sandy wells, lots of factors. If some one actually maintains their WH, flushing, cleaning burner trays, comb chambers, etc, it can last well over ten years. Tbey have not really come up with significant improvements to storage vessel type WHs that so greatly improve efficiency to warrant replacement, out of hand, if a unit is sound and safe. That said, I have seen far more neglected units than properly maintained ones. Most people don't give their WH any thought till it acts up. Oh, I've seen some doozys.
A gas WH should not be taken for granted. They like to be paid attention to. They don't just keep working forever. And, they are fuel users. 500 gallons in two months would give me an apoplexy. I would find out WTH, quick. That's big dough these days. Lot of fuel. If a leak were involved, it's a good sized one. Barring that, things are overfiring. The furnace is the first suspect. She's the one with the biggest appetite. Even modern high efficiency jobs like their fuel. Couple having the stat cranked with a WH set to high and it makes a carniverous combination. Yep, with fuel usage like this, I'd be checking on some things.
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