Most manufacturers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend a water heater setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and save energy. If you want even hotter water for washing clothes and dishes, a setting of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit can be used, but an anti-scalding device for showers and tubs should be considered if you have children or elderly residents in your home.

Sediments and minerals can build up in the bottom of your water heater and cause problems if not flushed occasionally. This should be done at least once a year if you have an older model heater or use well water, but can be done at least once every two years if you’re connected to a public water system and have a newer model.

You should consider replacing a water heater if it is more than 10 years old, is discharging rusty water, is making banging or rumbling sounds, or has developed a fracture to the tank that results in leakage. If your water heater problem is due to a burned-out heating element or faulty thermostat, those parts can usually be replaced to temporarily extend the life of your water heater.

Traditional water heaters have a storage tank in which the water is heated and reheated until used. They are generally less expensive to purchase, but also less energy-efficient. A tankless water heater has no storage tank because fresh water is instantaneously heated on demand. The initial cost of a tankless water heater may be more than for a conventional heater, but that cost is usually recovered in a significant savings in electric or natural gas costs.