Energy efficiency is a hot Colorado topic these days. A lot of consumers are looking at their wallets and hoping that energy-efficient home practices and appliances will save them money. A Colorado home energy audit can help families understand their energy usage and identify ways to save.
Some improvements are just that — improvements that will save Colorado families on their utility bills — but others are essential. It’s hard to get by without reliable hot water. More, a failing hot water heater can be dangerous. It’s understandable you wouldn’t want to face the expense of a new water heater or even a repair, but the Energy Resource Center and other organizations can provide financial assistance if you need to replace your water heater. Look for these warning signs yours might be failing and call for help if you discover them.
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Water leaking on floor
This is one of the most alarming and important signs to look out for when evaluating your water heater. A pool of water on the floor next to your water heater might mean leaking pipes, or a leak in the heater itself. It is important to fix this problem before the leak becomes a flood that can cause damage to your home.
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Hot water becomes cold quickly
If you jump into a warm shower only to find that the water becomes cold after a few minutes, it might be time to replace your water heater. One major sign that a heater has reached the end of its life is fluctuations in temperature. If your heater is not producing hot water or produces less hot water than it used to, chances are you need to get it repaired or replace it.
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Orange rust colored water
If you turn on the faucet to get a glass of water and experience a few seconds of rust-colored water, it could mean the sides of your water heater are degraded and it is time to replace it.
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Old age
Finally, check the date your water heater was manufactured. Older water heaters are typically less efficient and are more prone to failure. Water heater warranties can last up to 10 years. If your heater is failing and still under warranty, you might be able to get help from the manufacturer to repair or replace it. Knowing how old your water heater is will also help you decide how serious other symptoms of failure might be.
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More dangerous issues
If you are experiencing problems such as loud noises or a foul smell, talk to an expert about your water heater. In such cases, a new water heater may or may not be necessary.
The Energy Resource Center is an organization that helps families in Southern Colorado’s El Paso, Elbert, Douglas, Fremont and Teller counties make their homes more energy efficient.
The ERC can assist you with questions about obtaining an energy-efficient water heater, provide you with handy tips about improving your energy efficiency overall, tell you about the Colorado Utilities Assistance programs designed to help consumers and even talk to you about a full Colorado home energy audit. Contact us today and we can help you get started on the road to savings.