You usually don’t think about your water heater at all until it gives up heating. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to give your West Palm Beach household with heated water 24 hours a day, and, unsurprisingly, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will last depends on what kind you use and how much it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
Many households have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind continuously warms water, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their more economical cost, but they don’t usually run as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can quit working due to a lot of troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that extracts corrosive fragments from the water. Down the road, the rod will corrode, and particles will accumulate at the base of your water heater, corroding the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life expectancy than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters could run as long as 20 years.
In addition to working longer, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. In lieu of storing big amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms up water on demand. This does away with standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly utility bills.
You might not realize it, but warming up water is a large chunk of your energy costs. In actuality, it’s the second largest source of energy utilization in a regular home, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that holds on to water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will begin to show clues that it’s dying. Here’s what to be on the lookout for and when to contact a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common clues that your water heater is wearing out. You might notice heated water getting used up more quickly, or that it requires more time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water pooling near the base of your water heater. Sometimes you may just need to have connections checked or a piece replaced, but it may also be a sign the tank is damaged.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you reside 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 suddenly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we advise having your water heater inspected by a professional to prevent damaging leaks. Quick changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely accumulating in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s common for your water heater to generate some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you should call for professional assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need added 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 house. 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 561-629-1826 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll discuss all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your home.