You probably don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops working. And you’re dealing with frigid showers. It works hard to give your Longmont home with hot water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some warning signs that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will last depends on what kind you use and how frequently it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Most households have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers as a result of their more economical cost, but they don’t typically work as long as other kinds.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can stop working because of a lot of issues, but a corroded tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. Eventually, the rod will corrode, and fragments will build up at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life span than its tank-style counterparts. These water heaters could run as many as 20 years.
Besides running for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Instead of retaining big amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly utility costs.
You might not realize it, but heating water takes up a large piece of your utility bills. In actuality, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in an average house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they have long-term energy savings. They are usually 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 Dying
Your hot water heater will begin showing clues that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to look for and when to call a plumbing specialist 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 nearing the end of its life. You might have hot water getting used up more rapidly, or that you need additional time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering by the base of your water heater. Sometimes you may just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it might also be a sign the tank is compromised.
3. Water Looks White
If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we recommend having your water heater examined by a professional to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely building up in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to create some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you should call for professional support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use more energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement puts you at risk of leaks that can damage your house. Not to mention, the annoyance of lacking warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing clues it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 303-647-5749 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the best decision for your residence.