You probably don’t think about your water heater much until it gives up running. And you’re dealing with cold showers. It works hard to give your Mobile family with hot water 24/7, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some indications that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you use and how much it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously warms water, so it’s always at the right temp when you want it. Tank water heaters are very common due to their cheaper price tag, but they don’t usually work as long as other types.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can quit working as the result of a lot of problems, but a rusted tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special piece called an anode rod that extracts corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and particles will increase at the bottom of your water heater, eating through the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may last as long as 20 years.
In addition to running longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than retaining huge amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not realize it, but heating water accounts for a sizeable chunk of your heating and cooling expenses. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a standard home, 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 stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start to show clues that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to contact a plumbing pro like Climate Control Service Experts.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common symptoms that your water heater is wearing out. You could see warm water getting used up more quickly, or that it’s taking additional time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water gathering by the bottom of your water heater. Sometimes you might just need to have connections checked or a part replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is broken.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we recommend having your water heater examined by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly building up in the tank and corroding it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to create some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you need pro assistance. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use added energy in the process.
Climate Control Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Procrastinating water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your house. There’s also the annoyance of being without hot water. If your water heater is old or showing hints it needs to be replaced, reach our Experts at 251-202-7503 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 residence.