Which of the following should be inspected in a water heater?

The most important aspects to inspect in a water heater include age, capacity, and installation location.

The age of a water heater is crucial as it directly affects its performance and efficiency. Most water heaters have a typical lifespan of around 8 to 12 years, so knowing the age helps determine if the unit may soon need replacement or might be more prone to failure due to age-related wear.

The capacity is also a key factor because it affects the amount of hot water available for household use. An inspector should check that the water heater's capacity meets the needs of the home, as undersized units can lead to inadequate hot water supply during peak usage.

Lastly, the installation location can impact the safety and efficiency of the water heater. An inspector would need to ensure that the water heater is installed according to local building codes, which consider ventilation, clearance, and access for maintenance.

While aspects like color, brand, material, and price may be relevant in certain contexts, they do not provide critical information concerning the performance, safety, or compliance of a water heater within the residential setting. Therefore, focusing on age, capacity, and installation location delivers essential insights for both current operation and long-term home safety.