When Will My Water Heater Need [[Replacing|to be Exchanged|to be Replaced]10?
You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it stops running. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to give your Raleigh family with warm water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you have and how often it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Many homes have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continuously warms water, so it’s always at the correct setting when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their cheaper purchase price, but they don’t often run as long as other types.
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 quit working because of a lot of problems, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that clears corrosive grit from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and grit will accumulate at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters can work as long as 20 years.
In addition to working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. In lieu of storing large amounts of water that’s heated constantly, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy bills.
You might not realize it, but heating water takes up a sizeable chunk of your energy costs. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in a regular residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer long-term 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 Going Bad
Your hot water heater will start to show signs that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to contact a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical symptoms that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may have warm water running out faster, or that you need extra time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water accumulating near the bottom of your water heater. Sometimes you could just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it may also be a sign the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you reside in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater inspected by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you should get professional support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may use additional energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. Also, there’s the annoyance of lacking warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 919-578-4329 to schedule 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.
