When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged?
You likely don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops working. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to offer your Windsor family with hot water around the clock, and, as expected, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some early signs that yours is wearing out. Ultimately, how long your water heater will last depends on what model you rely on and how much it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continually makes water warm, so it’s always at the right temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular due to their cheaper cost, but they don’t often work as long as other kinds.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can stop working due to many troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that clears corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and grit will increase at the bottom of your water heater, eating through the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could run as many as 20 years.
In addition to working longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. In lieu of storing huge amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy bills.
You might not know this, but warming water is a large chunk of your utility costs. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in a regular residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that holds on to water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will start showing clues that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to look for and when to call a plumbing pro like Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered clues that your water heater needs to be replaced. You might see hot water getting used up more rapidly, or that it requires extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water pooling around the base of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections checked or a part replaced, but it may also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, you should have your water heater examined by a pro to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to make some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a sign you should call for specialized support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume added energy in the process.
Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Waiting too long for water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. Also, there’s the annoyance of being without hot water. If your water heater is outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 226-773-3357 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the right decision for your residence.