When Will My Water Heater Need to be Exchanged?
You likely don’t think about your water heater much until it stops heating. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. home with hot water around the clock, and, unsurprisingly, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some clues that yours is wearing out. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you use and how frequently it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously heats water, so it’s always at the right temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers as a result of their cheaper cost, but they don’t often work as long as other kinds.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to last:
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- Gas water heater: 10 years
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- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail because of a lot of troubles, but a corroded tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part referred to as an anode rod that draws corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and particles will build up at the foundation of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can last as many as 20 years.
In addition to running longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of keeping huge amounts of water that’s warmed all the time, a tankless model heats water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly gas and electrical bills.
You might not be aware, but heating water takes up a big portion of your energy bills. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a standard 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 retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show hints that it’s dying. Here’s what to look for and when to contact a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may see warm water getting used up faster, or that you need extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water pooling by the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you might just need to have connections tightened or a piece replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is broken.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you live 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 examined by a professional to stop damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to make some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a symptom you should get specialized help. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume extra energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your home. There’s also the annoyance of lacking hot water. If your water heater is outdated 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 discuss all the options so you can make the right decision for your house.