Every day, many homeowners and renters take their hot water heaters for granted. In fact, we often forget about them until we run out of hot water (especially if it’s during a shower).
1. Energy Usage
About 1/4 of the energy usage in your home comes from using your water heater to heat water for laundry, showers, washing dishes, and more. On average, an American household uses between 80 and 120 gallons of hot water every day.
2. The First Model
The idea of a water heater first emerged in London in 1868, when a painter figured out how to heat cold water by placing gas burners at the bottom of the water pipes. This inspired a Norwegian mechanical engineer, Edwin Ruud, to create the first tank-type water heater and bring the idea to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3. Exploding Water Heaters
The myth of the exploding hot water heater is rare, but true. While it’s possible for a water heater to explode, there are simple ways to prevent it. These include regulating the temperature and psi as well as checking for rust and smells of leaking gas.
4. Water Heater Lifespan
A typical tank water heater will last anywhere from 10-13 years, while a tankless water heater will last around 18-20 years.
5. Water Usage
On average, a person taking a shower will use 6-8 gallons of water, a person taking a bath will 15-20 gallons of water, a person doing a load of laundry will use 20-30 gallons of water, a person doing the dishes will use around 2 gallons of water per minute, and a dishwasher will use around 6-10 gallons per load.
