Some useful inFORMATION
Some things we picked up over the years that may be helpful
Anode Rode
You may be asking what is this and where does it go?
This is an anode rod, and it is inside the water heater. An anode rod is a "sacrificial" metal rod inside a water heater tank that protects the tank from corrosion by attracting corrosive elements like minerals and bacteria to itself. Made of magnesium, aluminum, or zinc, the rod is designed to corrode and break down instead of the steel tank lining. This process, known as galvanic corrosion, prevents rust and extends the water heater's lifespan.
This rod is from my 5-year-old water heater, I recently changed the rod and flushed the water heater. It was overdue.
As I'm finding out many people don't know about this along with some plumbing companies offer water heater service plans. Just something you may want to consider, as you can see its pretty disgusting looking and what came out of the tank didn't look much better.
We don't provide this service, and I recommend calling a licensed plumber.
And for all the Do it yourselfers, I couldn't break this by hand, the water heater was turning while we tried, and it was full. I had to purchase an impact wrench and if I remember correctly a 1-1/16th socket and extension.
Furnace filter replacement
We've been asked frequently about when the right time is to replace the furnace filter.
I just finished some HVAC training and the instructor recommended checking the filter every 30 days, which is what I usually recommend. What I found interesting is that he also explained the filter's main purpose is to keep the equipment clean and the air not so much. For cleaner air he recommends the use of a Hepa filter/air purifier. I had one in my closet which I started to use after he mentioned it. As I'm writing this, I just checked the filters, and it is working. Also, the inside air quality seems to be noticeably better.