Final answer:
A 27-year-old water heater is usually beyond its expected lifespan of 10-15 years and should be reported as such, although immediate replacement might require a professional's assessment. Proper maintenance can extend its life but efficiency and reliability typically decrease over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the expected lifespan of a water heater and what action should be taken given its age of 27 years. While some appliances may indeed be extremely well built, a water heater that is 27 years old is commonly considered beyond its expected lifespan, which is typically around 10 to 15 years. Thus, it should be reported as being beyond its expected lifespan (Option C). However, without clear evidence of malfunction or decreased efficiency, immediate replacement (Option B) could be seen as premature without a professional assessment. Regular maintenance, such as draining and flushing (Option D), can extend the life of a water heater, but it does not negate the fact that after 27 years, the appliance is likely to be less efficient and more prone to failures. Efficient use of a water heater can be understood by context, such as knowing a heater rated at 40,000 Btu/hr is anticipated to use 242 Therms per year, thus giving insight into the expected daily operation based on those numbers.