When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged?
You usually don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops heating. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to offer your the U.S. home with heated water 24/7, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you have and how much it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Many households have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continually warms water, so it’s always at the proper setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular because of their more economical purchase price, but they don’t typically run as long as other models.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to last:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can stop working because of a lot of problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part called an anode rod that clears corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and grit will accumulate at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could run as many as 20 years.
Besides lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. In lieu of storing big amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This eliminates standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not be aware, but heating up water is a sizeable portion of your heating and cooling costs. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have lasting energy savings. They are usually 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Signs Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show clues that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to contact a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common signs that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might see heated water getting used up faster, or that you need additional time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water gathering by the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is broken.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, you should have your water heater checked by a plumber to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to make some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a symptom you should get pro assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use more energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Putting off water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the irritation of being without warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 866-397-3787 to request a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the right decision for your residence.
