You usually don’t think about your water heater at all until it quits running. And you’re facing frigid showers. It works hard to offer your Ocala home with hot water 24 hours a day, and, naturally, it will eventually wear out.
Here’s how long you can expect your water heater to last and some indications that yours is wearing out. Ultimately, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you use and how much it’s working.
Tank Water Heater
The majority of homes have a tank water heater that holds 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 very common because of their lower price tag, but they don’t often run as long as other types.
Here’s how much time you can expect yours to run:
Tank water heaters can quit working due to a lot of problems, but an oxidized tank is one of the most frequent. Your water heater has a special component called an anode rod that draws corrosive fragments from the water. At some point, the rod will oxidize, and grit will accumulate at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining in the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much greater life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters could work as many as 20 years.
In addition to running for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are extremely energy efficient. As opposed to keeping big amounts of water that’s heated continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you need it. This does away with standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly gas and electrical costs.
You might not know this, but warming up water accounts for a large chunk of your energy costs. In actuality, it’s the second highest source of energy utilization in an average residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they have lifelong energy savings. They can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
4 Indications Your Water Heater is Wearing Out
Your hot water heater will start showing hints that it’s wearing out. Here’s what to look for and when to call a plumbing pro like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most common signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You could notice hot water getting used up more rapidly, or that you need more time to have hot water.
2. Leaks
We recommed calling a plumber if you’re having water leaks or water gathering by the base of your water heater. Sometimes you could just need to have connections tightened or a part replaced, but it might also be a symptom the tank is damaged.
3. Water is Cloudy
If you live in a location with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically used to having cloudy water. But if your water all of a sudden goes from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, we advise having your water heater examined by a professional to stop damaging leaks. Immediate changes in your water clarity means sediment is likely building up in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s common for your water heater to produce some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling isn’t normal and is a symptom you should call for professional support. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and could use added energy in the process.
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning Makes Water Heater Replacement Fast
Procrastinating water heater replacement could result in that can damage your home. There’s also the annoyance of not having heated water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, give our Experts a call at 352-414-4006 to get 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.