You probably don’t think about your water heater at all until it gives up working. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to provide your Girard home with hot water 24/7, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some warning signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you use and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously makes water warm, so it’s always at the correct temp when you need it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their more economical purchase price, but they don’t often last as long as other kinds.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can quit working as the result of numerous issues, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that draws corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and particles will increase at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could work up to 20 years.
Besides working longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Instead of storing big amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not be aware, but warming up water accounts for a big portion of your utility costs. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a standard home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they have 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 Indications Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will start to show clues that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to look for and when to contact a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered clues that your water heater is wearing out. You may notice warm water running out more quickly, or that it requires additional time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering around the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it can also be a symptom the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we advise having your water heater checked by a plumber to stop damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s typical for your water heater to generate some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a symptom you should call for pro support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume added energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. There’s also the inconvenience of lacking heated water. If your water heater is old or showing clues it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 330-269-7235 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your residence.