You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits heating. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to give your Canada home with hot water 24 hours a day, and, as expected, it will give out at some point.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what type you use and how frequently it’s running.
Many homes have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continually warms water, so it’s always at the correct setting when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers because of their cheaper cost, but they don’t usually run as long as other kinds.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can stop working due to many troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that draws corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will rust, and fragments will accumulate at the base of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank.
A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may run as long as 20 years.
Along with working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than retaining big amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model warms water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly utility costs.
You might not be aware, but warming water takes up a big piece of your energy bills. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy use in a standard house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Your hot water heater will begin to show hints that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
This is one of the most frequently encountered clues that your water heater is wearing out. You may see hot water getting depleted faster, or that it requires additional time to get warm water.
You should call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating near the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you may just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is broken.
If you are in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically 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 inspected by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and rusting it.
It’s typical for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you should get pro assistance. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need additional energy in the process.
Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. There’s also the inconvenience of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 866-397-3787 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the best decision for your house.
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