Signs Your Old Water Heater Is on Its Way Out
Knowing when to replace your water heater can be tricky. The average water heater will last for around ten years. However, if well taken care of, it may continue to run efficiently beyond that. So, how do you know it’s time to replace it? In addition to relying on the help of the experienced plumbers at AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric, there are a few signs you can look out for.
You may need a new water heater if you notice any of the following:
- Your water heater doesn’t heat water efficiently anymore
- Hot water is discolored or has sediment in it
- Hot water has a bad odor to it
- There are signs of damage and rust on the water heater
- You see signs of a tank leak
- The water heater makes strange sounds when running
- The water heater is well over ten years old
If you notice any of these signs, or you are dealing with chronic repair problems, it is likely time you start preparing to buy a new water heater. However, before you go out and buy a new one, you should speak with one of our water heater repair plumbers. We can help you determine if you do, in fact, need a new water heater or if a repair will suffice for the time being.
Other Reasons You May Want to Replace Your Water Heater
While you will, of course, want to replace a broken water heater that is no longer able to function correctly, if your water heater is still working, should you replace it? If you are satisfied with the function of your water heater and aren’t experiencing any problems, you likely don’t need to, nor should you replace it. However, there are some situations where you may wish to install a new one regardless.
For example, if you are looking for a way to get instant, unlimited hot water, you may want to replace your conventional water heater with a tankless model. You will also save a little room in your home as tankless models don’t require storage tanks and generally take up significantly less space than a conventional water heater.
Conversely, if you consistently run out of hot water but don’t have the budget for or want a tankless model, you might want to replace your current water heater with a new one that has a larger storage tank. Water heaters that are improperly sized for a home, such as one that is too small for your hot water needs, are frustrating to deal with and end up costing you more money as they continuously refill and heat water, trying to meet your demands.
How to Select a New Water Heater
When selecting a new water heater, it’s common to feel a little overwhelmed by your options. How do you know what brand or style to buy? We recommend working with one of our plumbers to help you make the decision. We will look at your current setup, discuss your goals, and help you select a new water heater that meets your needs and your budget.
Things to consider when buying a new water heater:
- The size of your home
- How many people are in your household
- Your hot water needs
- What you like about your current water heater
- What you dislike about your existing water heater
- Your budget
In addition to these things, you should also look at your water usage costs. As utility costs increase across the board, many people are starting to see an increase in their water bills. This can be combated by installing a more energy-efficient water heater. When shopping, look for water heaters with an Energy Star certification label. Energy Star certified water heaters come in gas, electric, and even solar heat pump models. To further maximize your water conservation efforts, pair your Energy Star water heater with fixtures that are WaterSense certified.
Are you ready to replace your water heater? Call AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric to discuss your options.
