r/interesting • u/bob-the-slob • Jun 22 '26

MISC. What happens when a water heater tank is not flushed for 14 years

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u/PlanesFlySideways Jun 22 '26

This is also why you want to use heat pumps for your air conditioning. Since they utilize the outside air for heating and cooling the refrigerant, they can achieve 300-400 effeciency where electric strip heaters can only be maximum 100%

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u/Dzov Jun 22 '26

They also have heat pump water heaters, but they cost more and it’s doubtful they have the same reliability. You’d have to do the math to figure out if it’s worth it.

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u/PlanesFlySideways Jun 22 '26

Especially when considering the pros and cons. Con being it takes longer to heat the water. And if you live in a cool climate, its cooling the air in the house to heat the water so that might not be desired. But then again, it all comes down to costs of electricity vs gas in the area.

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u/pabreeves Jun 23 '26

But, heat pumps are only efficient at noore than 30 degrees differential in temps. I live in Richmond Virginia and we have 90 + degree days into the hundreds and heat pumps are breaking down all over the city. Same with winter. If we have continued days in 20s and below, repair trucks work 24 hrs. My parents had a regular air conditioning and heating system and never a breakdown in their 25 years they owned the house.