You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops heating. And you’re dealing with frigid showers. It works hard to give your the U.S. family with warm water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some indications that yours is needing to be replaced. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what model you rely on and how much it’s on.
The majority of people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly warms water, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular because of their cheaper price tag, but they don’t often work as long as other kinds.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can stop working as the result of many problems, but a corroded tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special part referred to as an anode rod that removes corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will rust, and particles will build up at the bottom of your water heater, eating through the lining in the tank.
A tankless water heater has a much greater working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can last up to 20 years.
Along with working longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Instead of storing huge amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly energy costs.
You might not realize it, but warming up water takes up a big chunk of your heating and cooling expenses. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in a standard home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they provide long-term energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Your hot water heater will start to show clues that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to call a plumbing specialist like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
This is one of the most frequently encountered signs that your water heater is wearing out. You could see hot water running out more quickly, or that it requires extra time to get warm water.
You should call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water gathering by the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you might just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is broken.
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we advise having your water heater inspected by a pro to stop damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
It’s expected for your water heater to make some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you need specialized help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume additional energy in the process.
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the annoyance of not having heated water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 866-397-3787 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the best decision for your home.
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