You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it stops heating. And you’re faced with frigid showers. It works hard to provide your Memphis family with hot water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will stop working eventually.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some early signs that yours is wearing out. In conclusion, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what kind you rely on and how much it’s running.
Tank Water Heater
Many people have a tank water heater that contains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style constantly makes water warm, so it’s always at the right temp when you desire it. Tank water heaters are popular as a result of their more economical purchase price, but they don’t typically work as long as other models.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail because of a lot of troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component referred to as an anode rod that clears corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will corrode, and particles will build up at the base of your water heater, eating through 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 can last as long as 20 years.
Along with working for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Instead of retaining big amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model warms water when you need it. This eliminates standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly energy costs.
You might not know this, but warming up water takes up a big chunk of your heating and cooling costs. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a standard residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they provide lifelong energy savings. They are usually 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that retains water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Hints Your Water Heater is Going Bad
Your hot water heater will start to show hints that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to watch and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most typical signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You might see warm water running out faster, or that it requires more time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water gathering around the foundation of your water heater. In some cases you could just need to have connections tightened or a piece replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is compromised.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably used to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, you should have your water heater examined by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely growing in the tank and corroding it.
4. Weird Noises
It’s expected for your water heater to produce some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a hint you should call for pro help. As sediment grows in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might consume more energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Simple
Waiting too long for water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. Also, there’s the annoyance of not having hot water. If your water heater is old or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 901-235-1196 to request a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll go over all the options so you can make the ideal decision for your residence.