You usually don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits working. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to provide your Ravenna family with warm water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is wearing out. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you rely on and how frequently it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Most people have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the correct temp when you want it. Tank water heaters are very common because of their cheaper purchase price, but they don’t typically last as long as other types.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can quit working as the result of a lot of issues, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special piece known as an anode rod that extracts corrosive fragments from the water. Eventually, the rod will oxidize, and fragments will accumulate at the foundation of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could work up to 20 years.
In addition to working longer, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. In lieu of storing big amounts of water that’s warmed all the time, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly gas and electrical expenses.
You might not realize it, but heating up water is a large portion of your utility costs. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in a regular 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 stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will begin to show clues that it’s dying. Here’s what to look for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common signs that your water heater is wearing out. You may notice hot water getting depleted more rapidly, or that you need extra time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
It’s time to call a plumber if you’re experiencing water leaks or water accumulating around the foundation of your water heater. In some instances you could just need to have connections secured or a piece replaced, but it can also be a symptom the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you reside in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically used to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we recommend having your water heater checked by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is possibly accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to produce some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is never normal and is a hint you should get pro support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume extra energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. There’s also the inconvenience of not having warm water. If your water heater is old or showing clues it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 330-236-4793 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the right decision for your house.