You likely don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits heating. And you’re dealing with frigid showers. It works hard to provide your Denver household 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 likely last and some indications that yours is needing to be replaced. In the end, how long your water heater will keep running depends on what type you have and how often it’s on.
Tank Water Heater
Most people have a tank water heater that holds 40 to 50 gallons of water. This style continually heats water, so it’s always at the right temperature when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers due to their more economical price tag, but they don’t often run as long as other types.
Here’s how long you can expect yours to last:
Tank water heaters can fail due to a lot of troubles, but a rusted tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that clears corrosive grit from the water. Down the road, the rod will corrode, and particles will increase at the bottom of your water heater, eating through the lining inside the tank.
Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater has a much longer life span than its tank-style equivalents. These water heaters can last as long as 20 years.
In addition to lasting for a longer amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are highly energy efficient. Instead of storing big amounts of water that’s warmed continuously, a tankless model warms up water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the mark it makes on your monthly utility expenses.
You might not know this, but warming up water takes up a large piece of your utility costs. In actuality, it’s the second biggest source of energy consumption in a regular residence, according to ENERGY STAR®.
Tankless water heaters are pricier than tank water heaters, but they have long-term energy savings. They are usually 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 Dying
Your hot water heater will start to show indications that it’s breaking down. Here’s what to watch and when to contact a plumbing professional like Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Inadequate Enough Hot Water
This is one of the most frequently encountered symptoms that your water heater needs to be replaced. You may see hot water getting used up faster, or that you need additional time for water to heat up.
2. Leaks
You should call a plumber if you’re noticing water leaks or water accumulating by the bottom of your water heater. In some cases you might just need to have connections tightened or a component replaced, but it can also be a sign the tank is broken.
3. Water Isn’t Clear
If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re probably familiar with having cloudy water. But if your water suddenly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling metallic, you should have your water heater checked by a specialist to avoid damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it.
4. Strange Noises
It’s normal for your water heater to generate some noise as it works. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a sign you should get professional assistance. As sediment builds up in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and may consume additional 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 home. There’s also the inconvenience of being without warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing hints it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 303-647-5853 to request 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 home.