You likely don’t think about your water heater much until it stops heating. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to offer your Fort Myers home with hot 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 early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. In conclusion, how long your water heater will last depends on what model you use and how frequently it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Most homes have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually warms water, so it’s always at the right setting when you need it. Tank water heaters are very common because of their more economical cost, but they don’t often last as long as other types.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can fail as the result of a lot of troubles, but a corroded tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that removes corrosive grit from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and particles will increase at the bottom of your water heater, corroding the lining within 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 up to 20 years.
Besides running longer, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Instead of keeping big amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly gas and electrical bills.
You might not know this, but heating water accounts for a sizeable portion of your utility bills. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy use in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have lasting 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 begin to show clues that it’s dying. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and when to call a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common symptoms that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You might see warm water getting depleted more rapidly, or that it’s taking extra time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water gathering around the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you could just need to have connections checked or a piece replaced, but it could also be a sign the tank is damaged.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you live in a region with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden changes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, you should have your water heater inspected by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to generate some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should get pro support. As sediment accumulates 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
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Also, there’s the irritation of not having heated water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing signs it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 239-908-6991 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 house.