How To Inspect A Water Heater Before Buying A Home

Hot Water Heaters

Hot water heater inspections, just like home inspections, are crucial to ensuring reliable home comfort and safety. At Action Furnace we strongly believe in the importance of hot water heater inspections so you can better understand how to evaluate your potential unit’s condition, efficiency, and any potential issues before you move in.

...

Posted by Ryan | August 16, 2024

The Alberta homebuyer’s market shows no signs of slowing down, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo the all mighty inspection just to give yourself a better shot at your dream home.

Two common types of Water heaters you might come across: traditional hot water heaters, and tankless.

The Different Types of Hot Water Heaters

When you step into your potential home, it’s important to be familiar with the types of water heaters you may find during your viewing.

Traditional Tank Hot Water Heaters

Traditional tanks are the predominant type of water heater in Alberta homes, usually powered by natural gas or electricity. These units feature an insulated tank that heats and stores water until it is used. Generally, traditional tanks are more cost-effective initially and are simpler to maintain and repair compared to tankless water heaters.

Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Tankless models are steadily gaining popularity here in Alberta due to their increased efficiency and smaller size. When you turn your hot water on, water travels through your pipes into the unit where it’s heated by a gas burner or an element, allowing for a consistent, on-demand supply of hot water.

Getting your Water Heater inspected is very important when considering buying a new home.

Inspecting Your Hot Water Heater

Thorough, visual inspections aren’t just an important part of annual maintenance, they’re also your first line of defense against damage. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip the hot water heater inspection as part of your new home viewing process.

Safety

Gas powered hot water heaters can be a source of carbon monoxide leaks if not properly maintained. Regular inspections can identify leaks and other safety concerns, before it’s too late.

Efficiency

In Alberta, we have an issue with hard water. And overtime, this hard water can result in sediment build up in the bottom of your hot water tank. This build up reduces the efficiency of your unit causing it to work harder, use more energy and increase your monthly utility bills. This increased workload also poses a risk for costly repairs.

Longevity

Regular inspections can increase the longevity of your hot water heater by detecting issues sooner. For example, components like anode rods, which help protect your unit from corrosion, can be checked and replaced if necessary before it breaks, saving you from a costly repair. Inspections also catch leaks before they lead to serious heater and property damage.

Warranty Requirements

Many hot water heater warranties require annual, professional inspections and maintenance to remain valid. Contact the friendly team at Action Furnace to learn more about our hot water heater inspection services.

During your inspection look for signs of external damage, any leaks or standing water, and check to see that the unit is properly vented and installed.

DIY Inspections During Viewings

When viewing your potential home, don’t be afraid to venture into the mechanical room and check out the hot water heater. Look for signs of external damage, any leaks or standing water, and check to see that the unit is properly vented and installed.

If the water heater isn’t easily accessible, try asking the realtor the following questions to get a better idea of the condition of the unit:

What fuel-type is the water heater?
How old is the water heater?
When was the last time it was serviced?
Is it still under warranty?
Is it energy efficient, is it an Energy Star model?
Has the water heater been appropriately sized for the number of people in the home?

This information will give you a more detailed picture of the condition of the water heater and can help prepare you for any potential repairs you might need to consider.

Trust The Pros When It Comes To Installation

If you’ve decided to add a new hot water heater along with your new home you can trust the professionals at Action Furnace.Our team follows a careful process to ensure your new hot water heater is installed correctly, including:

Running new gas or water lines (if applicable).
Connecting the hot water heater to your existing plumbing.
Ensuring the system is properly vented.
Testing the system once installation is complete.

We’re also proud to have built the only dedicated hot water heater customer experience support team in Alberta. We’re with you every step of the way , and are ready to answer any questions about your new hot water heater you may have.

And our dedication doesn’t stop once you’ve purchased your new unit, if you’re ever in need of maintenance or repair you can count on us for that too! Contact us today.

Year Round Maintenance With Action Furnace

The best way to maintain your new home’s hot water heater is by signing up for our Total Comfort Club Membership. For one low monthly price your annual maintenance will be prescheduled. You’ll receive an annual WOW! tune-up and font of the line, priority service. You’ll also receive 50% off diagnostics fees and 10% off future repairs. Contact us today to learn more!

Our team has been performing hot water heater installation, repair and maintenance services since 1975, so you can trust we have the experience to get the job done right. With thousands of 5-star reviews and comprehensive, up-front quotes, you can trust us to handle your hot water heater service professionally, and be transparent about the work involved.