When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged?
You probably don’t think about your water heater much until it quits heating. And you’re facing cold showers. It works hard to offer your the U.S. family with warm water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some clues that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what model you have and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually makes water warm, so it’s always at the right setting when you need it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their lower price tag, but they don’t typically last as long as other models.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to work:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can quit working as the result of numerous problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and fragments will build up at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters can run up to 20 years.
In addition to working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. In lieu of retaining big amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model warms water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not be aware, but heating water is a big chunk of your heating and cooling expenses. In fact, it’s the second largest source of energy consumption in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that holds on to water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will begin showing clues that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to get in touch with a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common symptoms that your water heater is wearing out. You could see warm water running out faster, or that it’s taking additional time for water to warm up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water gathering near the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it can also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically used to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, you should have your water heater inspected by a pro to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s common for your water heater to create some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you should call for specialized help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use additional energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your house. Also, there’s the irritation of not having hot water. If your water heater is old or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 866-397-3787 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your house.
