You probably don’t think about your water heater much until it quits heating. And you’re faced with chilly showers. It works hard to provide your the U.S. household with heated water 24/7, and, naturally, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is nearing the end of its life. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you use and how often it’s on.
Most people have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually heats water, so it’s always at the right temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers because of their more economical cost, but they don’t often last as long as other models.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can fail because of a lot of troubles, but a corroded tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that extracts corrosive particles from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and fragments will build up at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining within the tank.
A tankless water heater has a much bigger working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could work as many as 20 years.
Besides running for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. Rather than retaining big amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model heats water on demand. This does away with standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not know this, but warming water accounts for a big chunk of your utility bills. In reality, it’s the second largest source of energy consumption in a regular home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have lasting 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.
Your hot water heater will start to show hints that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
This is one of the most common clues that your water heater is wearing out. You might notice heated water running out more rapidly, or that it’s taking additional time to get warm water.
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water gathering around the base of your water heater. Sometimes you could just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
If you are in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re likely accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we advise having your water heater checked by a plumber to avoid damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and rusting it.
It’s common for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you need specialized assistance. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might use additional energy in the process.
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your residence. Not to mention, the inconvenience of lacking hot water. If your water heater is old or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 866-397-3787 to request 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.
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