Water heaters require proper care and maintenance. Many people being busy in the daily rut of life don't find time maintaining their water heaters. As a result, they end up facing a myriad of water heater problems. For such people, technology has brought a self-cleaning water heater that doesn’t require much effort on the part of the user. They function effectively, save time and money, and conserve valuable energy resources. 

How Self-Cleaning Water Heaters Work? 

Powered by electricity or gas, every self-cleaning water heater is designed and built to function in the same manner. As you know with the passage of time, water-sediment builds up at the bottom of the tank. This sediment even accumulates in the heating element thus causing a problem in the functioning of the water heater. 

The self-cleaning water heater automatically circulates the water to reduce the sediment build-up. It is equipped with a fitting on a curved dip tube that swirls the water at the bottom of the tank. This stirs the sediments in the water that come out through a hot water outlet whenever you use hot water. 

Here are some components of self-cleaning water heaters that ensure its effective functioning. 

• Self-cleaning system 

• Drain Valve 

• Anode Rod 

• Heat Trap Nipples 

Why Self-Cleaning water heaters worth the money spent? 

Before buying a self-cleaning water heater model, you need to consider whether it is worth your money spent. If yes, then how? 

Energy-Efficient 

Though the self-cleaning water heaters are valued at a hefty price tag as compared to standard water heaters, however, this cost is worth the benefits it offers. Such water heaters are highly energy-efficient and lead to greater energy savings. In addition to this, you don’t need to indulge in flushing the water heater as you used to do in standard models. 

Effectiveness 

Earlier, you have to clean the water heater after 6 months-1 year approximately. Once you invest in a self-cleaning water heater, you might not have to indulge in the cleaning process as these water heaters automatically circulate the water to reduce the sediment build-up. In the extreme case, the cleaning requires to be done after 3 years. 

Some arguments against self-cleaning water heaters 

• Self-cleaning water heaters are pricier than the standard water heaters. Therefore, they are not meant to cater to the needs of a budget-friendly person. 

• Though these water heaters automatically reduce the sediment, still you can’t sit back and enjoy peace of mind. The cleaning is required once in 3 months. 

• Sediments which are mostly calcium carbonate will be flushed out through the hot water tap thus making the water harsher on your skin.

Bottom Line 

Before investing your hard-earned money in the self-cleaning water heaters, it would be excellent to take into account numerable factors such as cost, the water holding capacity, energy efficiency, type of model type, warranty, and additional features. Though, these water heaters reduce the sediment build-up and require less maintenance, however they come with a high price tag. But, you can expect a notable cut-off in your energy bills.