You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops working. And you’re faced with chilly showers. It works hard to provide your Kingwood family with heated water around the clock, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some hints that yours is nearing the end of its life. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you rely on and how frequently it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This type continuously heats water, so it’s always at the proper temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular due to their lower cost, but they don’t typically work as long as other kinds.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail because of numerous troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that removes corrosive particles from the water. Down the road, the rod will rust, and fragments will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater working life than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters may run as many as 20 years.
Along with running for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. As opposed to storing huge amounts of water that’s reheated all the time, a tankless model warms up water when you need it. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly gas and electrical 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 utilization in an average home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they provide long-term energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show indications that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to call a plumbing specialist like Finch Air Conditioning & Heating.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater is wearing out. You could have hot water getting used up faster, 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 pooling around the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you could just need to have connections checked or a component replaced, but it could also be a indication the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you live in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metal-like, we advise having your water heater inspected by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably growing in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Odd Noises
It’s common for your water heater to make some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should call for professional support. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume more energy in the process.
Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Putting off water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your residence. There’s also the inconvenience of being without hot water. If your water heater is past its prime or showing clues it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 281-407-9478 to schedule a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the best decision for your home.