When Will I Have to Get a New Water Heater?
You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it gives up working. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to give your Hillsborough household with heated water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will probably last and some clues that yours is nearing the end of its life. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you use and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Many people have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly heats water, so it’s always at the right setting when you want it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their cheaper price tag, but they don’t usually work as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to work:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail because of a lot of troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that removes corrosive grit from the water. Eventually, the rod will rust, and fragments will accumulate at the foundation of your water heater, rusting out the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life expectancy than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can run up to 20 years.
Besides running for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. As opposed to keeping large amounts of water that’s warmed constantly, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not know this, but heating water is a large chunk of your energy costs. In fact, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in a standard residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they offer lasting energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Signs Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will begin showing indications that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Fras-Air/General Service Experts.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater needs to be replaced. You could see heated water getting used up more rapidly, or that you need additional time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water pooling by the base of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections checked or a part 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 unexpectedly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, you should have your water heater inspected by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a sign you should get specialized help. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could consume extra energy in the process.
Fras-Air/General Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Putting off water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your house. Not to mention, the inconvenience of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 908-448-2154 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 house.
