You usually don’t think about your water heater at all until it gives up working. And you’re faced with cold showers. It works hard to give your Houston 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 probably last and some warning signs that yours is wearing out. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what kind you rely on and how often it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Most homes have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind constantly warms water, so it’s always at the correct temperature when you need it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their cheaper purchase price, but they don’t often run as long as other models.
Here’s how many years you can expect yours to work:
Tank water heaters can quit working due to a lot of troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most typical. Your water heater has a special part known as an anode rod that clears corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and fragments will build up at the base of your water heater, eating through the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much bigger life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could last as long as 20 years.
Along with running for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. In lieu of storing big amounts of water that’s heated all the time, a tankless model warms water on demand. This does away with standby heating and the effect it has on your monthly energy expenses.
You might not be aware, but heating up water is a large portion of your utility bills. In actuality, it’s the second highest source of energy consumption in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are more expensive than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong 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 Signs Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start showing indications that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to look for and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical clues that your water heater is wearing out. You may notice heated water running out faster, or that you need additional time to get warm water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water accumulating around the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections secured or a part replaced, but it can also be a indication the tank is broken.
3. Water is Cloudy
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 suddenly goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, you should have your water heater examined by a plumber to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably growing in the tank and rusting it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to produce some noise as it operates. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a hint you should get pro help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could need added energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could lead to that can damage your residence. Also, there’s the irritation of not having warm water. If your water heater is old or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at (713) 352-7887 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.