From Hard Water to High Heat, Here’s What You Need to Know to Protect Your Appliances and HVAC Systems
Living in the Greater Phoenix area means sunshine nearly year-round but that same heat, paired with our region’s notoriously hard water, can take a toll on your home’s appliances and systems. If you’ve ever wondered why your water heater didn’t last as long as expected or why your AC seems to run nonstop, you’re not alone. At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, we help Valley homeowners get ahead of these issues. Here’s what’s wearing out your appliances faster than you’d like and what you can do to stop it.
Need help now? Schedule a plumbing or HVAC inspection today!
Hard Water: The Silent Appliance Killer
Greater Phoenix is known for some of the hardest water in the country. High levels of calcium and magnesium in our water can create scale buildup inside your plumbing system and appliances. Over time, this buildup reduces efficiency and can lead to early failure in:
- Water heaters: Hard water causes mineral buildup on heating elements, making your water heater work harder and wear out faster.
- Dishwashers and washing machines: These appliances can become clogged with mineral deposits, affecting performance and reducing lifespan.
- Faucets and showerheads: You might notice white, crusty residue—this is scale buildup, which can lead to reduced water flow and eventual fixture failure.
What You Can Do:
- Install a water softener: This system removes excess minerals from your water supply, extending the life of your appliances and improving water quality throughout your home. At Hansen Family Plumbing & Air, we offer a variety of water softeners, giving our customers the best options that fit their individual needs.
- Flush your water heater annually: A professional flush removes sediment buildup and helps maintain efficiency. This is crucial for the longevity of your unit. Call Hansen Family today to learn if your water heater is eligible for a water heater flush. Also, ask about our water heater maintenance program!
- Use appliance-specific cleaners: Regular maintenance with descaling agents can help preserve internal components.
How to Know If Hard Water Is Damaging Your Plumbing and Appliances
Phoenix’s hard water doesn’t just affect taste or leave spots on your dishes, it can quietly cause long-term damage throughout your home. Here are some warning signs that hard water is starting to wear down your plumbing system and appliances:
Signs of Hard Water Damage:
- White, chalky buildup on faucets, showerheads, or around valves (calcium and magnesium deposits)
- Low water pressure caused by scale buildup in your pipes
- Cloudy glassware or dishes straight from the dishwasher
- Soap that won’t lather properly, leaving a “film” on your skin and hair
- Frequent appliance breakdowns or decreased performance, especially in water heaters, dishwashers, and laundry machines
- Rattling or popping noises from your water heater (a sign of sediment buildup)
- Shortened lifespan of plumbing fixtures and appliances due to scale clogging components
When to Call for Repair or Replacement:
If you notice one or more of these issues, it’s time to take action:
- Call for an inspection when your water pressure drops without explanation, this could be buildup in your pipes or fixtures.
- If your water heater is making noise or running out of hot water quickly, schedule a flush or service appointment.
- If you’re replacing appliances more often than expected, consider adding a whole-home water softener system to stop the damage at the source.
- Stubborn buildup on fixtures or in appliances is a sign it’s time to descale or replace affected parts before bigger problems arise.
The Heat Factor: Overworked AC Units
Phoenix-area summers regularly hit triple digits. Your AC system works overtime just to maintain a livable indoor temperature, which accelerates wear and tear. Overuse, paired with dust and debris common in the desert climate, leads to:
- Clogged filters and coils: Reduced airflow and system inefficiency
- Compressor strain: Constant cycling puts pressure on one of your AC’s most expensive components
- Higher energy bills: A struggling unit uses more power to produce less effective cooling
What You Can Do:
- Schedule annual AC tune-ups: Regular maintenance ensures your system is clean, efficient, and ready for the summer surge. Homeowners often don’t realize how crucial annual maintenance is for your AC system. Missed appointments can lead to costly issues you may not be prepared for. Let our team catch issues before they happen to save you time and money!
- Change filters monthly: Especially during the peak cooling season, clean filters keep airflow strong and reduce internal strain. Also, consider upgrading your filters to a more robust system like AprilAire filters. Ask your Hansen Family AC tech about this upgrade that not only creates a healthier home but can also help in the longevity of your system.
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency system: If your system is 10+ years old, a new energy-efficient unit could save you on repairs and energy costs.
Bonus Tip: High Water Pressure Wreaks Havoc Too
Another Phoenix-specific concern? Excessively high water pressure. While it might feel great in the shower, anything over 65 PSI can damage plumbing, fixtures, and appliances like water heaters and washing machines.
What You Can Do:
- Have a plumber test your PSI: Hansen Family Plumbing & Air checks water pressure on every visit.
- Install or replace your pressure-reducing valve (PRV): A PRV regulates pressure and protects your home’s plumbing system.
Why Choose Hansen Family Plumbing & Air?
As a family and veteran-owned business serving the Greater Phoenix area, we understand the unique conditions your home faces. Our licensed technicians are trained to identify and prevent the most common wear-and-tear issues. Whether you need help with a clogged water heater, an aging AC system, or a whole-home plumbing inspection, we’re here to help, always with fair pricing and honest recommendations.
