As a resident of San Antonio, you rely on the appliances in your home to keep you comfortable. From the AC that is so essential on those hot Texas days and nights to the washer and dryer that keeps your clothes smelling fresh and clean, you trust that your home appliances will continue to do their job, month after month and year after year. What you may not realize is that the water heater is perhaps the most essential appliance in your home. Without a good water heater, your showers will be cold, your dishes may never get clean and you may be unable to pay your electric bill. Here are some of the classic warning signs of a failing water heater.
A Sudden Spike in Your Electricity Costs
If your previously low electric bill has suddenly risen to stratospheric heights, a failing water heater could be to blame. The production of hot water for your household is one of the biggest factors in the size of your monthly electric bill, and the looming failure of your water heater will cause the efficiency of the appliance to plummet.
If you suspect your water heater may be on its last legs, just keep an eye on your electric bill for a few months. A sudden spike in usage, in the absence of any other factors, could be your first indication of a failing water heater. You will, of course, need to compare apples to apples – comparing your spring electric bill to the one you received in the grips of a San Antonio residents summer heat wave may not provide the information you need.
Cold Showers
If the hot water disappears before your daily shower is over, your water heater is probably to blame. If your heater is starting to fail, it may not be able to keep up with your demand for hot water.
A lack of hot water is often the first thing San Antonio residents notice, and it is not something they should ignore. If you are tired of taking cold showers, you need to have your heater checked – and replaced if necessary
Problems with Your Dishwasher
You may be tempted to blame your dishwasher for dishes that never seem to get clean, but the problem could be a lack of hot water. The dishwasher relies on a steady stream of hot water to scrub your pots, pans, plates and silverware clean, and without that hot water, your dishes may come out just as dirty as they went in.
Before you blame your dishwasher and go shopping for an expensive new appliance, do yourself a favor and have your heater tested. You could save yourself a ton of money – and avoid an unnecessary replacement.
