When Will My Water Heater Need [[Replacing|to be Exchanged|to be Replaced]10?
You usually don’t think about your water heater much until it stops working. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to give your Melbourne home with heated 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 nearing the end of its life. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you rely on and how often it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Most households have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually heats water, so it’s always at the correct temp when you want it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their lower cost, but they don’t typically last as long as other models.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
- Gas water heater: 10 years
- Electric water heater: 12 years
Tank water heaters can fail due to a lot of problems, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special piece known as an anode rod that clears corrosive particles from the water. Down the road, the rod will corrode, and fragments will increase at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater working life than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters can last as many as 20 years.
Along with working for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. As opposed to keeping large amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not realize it, but heating up water takes up a large piece of your heating and cooling costs. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a regular residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they provide long-term energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start showing hints that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to look for and when to get in touch with a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common symptoms that your water heater is wearing out. You may notice heated water getting depleted more rapidly, or that it’s taking extra time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering near the base of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it can also be a sign the tank is broken.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely used to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we advise having your water heater checked by a professional to prevent damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably building up in the tank and rusting it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you should call for specialized help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could consume extra energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your house. There’s also the irritation of being without warm water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 321-428-7635 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the right decision for your house.
