I don't know if this got mentioned yet or not, but the heat pump hot water heaters have a dehumidifying effect which makes the garage more comfortable in the warmer months (which is almost always).

Also the downside of the recirculating pumps is that if you go to get some nice refreshing cold water, it won't be as cold as you had hoped, and now you have to wait for the cold water instead of waiting for the hot...

When we do that someone usually ends up with a sprain and the house smells like Bengay for 2 weeks.

Most water heaters last an average of 10 years -- it is time to replace your water heater.

Don't forget, you also use hot water for the dishwasher, and washing machine as well as for showers. 40 gallons should be just about right for two people.

I wonder if 10 years is the point when water heaters start to fail or if 10 years is just a "standard" time for replacing a hot water heater. Will they not last 15 years or do they not get a chance to last 15 years because they are typically replaced at 10?

Not that I want to wait to see mine fail, just curious.

Cold water in Florida? We joke about how nice the cold water feels when we go back north.

Another downside of the pumps is additional electrical costs. First, there is a pump that runs frequently to send hot water to the far end of the house. Then, there is the cost of heating the cold(er) water that is pushed back into the tank when the pump runs. The instant hot water might be worth it but there is going to be a cost.

If it were me I would not downsize.

Hold on for dear life will solve that problem.

Our experience is 15 years or more.

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If mine was leaking between 10 and 15 years, I would replace it. Otherwise, I will wait until it is 15 years old to replace. Being in the garage reduces the chance to have major damage when it leaks. Also, I have a battery-operated water alarm in the drain pan, which actually warned me of a pinhole leak in my expansion tank a few months ago. No damage.

That's Navy water hours.

Why in the world would an insurance company give a flying flip about the age of your appliances? I have never in my life had an insurance company ask me how old my washing machine or water heater is.

Welcome to Florida and villages. Water leaks can cause thousands dollars in damage and mole problems which could lead to drywall replacement or condemned house. When I had to get new insurance they took pictures of roof, water heater, and air handler. All are possible liability issues for insurance.

Not really too much in road :22yikes: