Is It Time To Replace Your Water Heater?
Just How Long Should My Water Heater Last?
Nobody thinks about their water heater until there’s a problem at-hand, but your water heater works hard for you daily. The typical American household uses between 60 and 65 gallons of hot water a day for bathing and showering, washing dishes, laundry, cleaning and other tasks. Your water heater produces that hot water, day in and day out.
That nonstop workload takes a toll, which is why the life expectancy for a conventional water heater with a tank is between 8 and 10 years. Not sure how old your unit is? Here’s how to check its age
- Look for the serial number on the manufacturer’s sticker. The first letter in the serial number corresponds to its month of production; the first two numbers is the year of production. For example, if the serial number on your water heater is H102738598, the “H” is the eighth letter in the alphabet and corresponds to August, the eighth month. The “10” stands for the year. So, your water heater was manufactured in August of 2010.
For a newer unit, a problem with a valve or the thermostat is an easy and inexpensive repair. However, replacing an old water heater makes more financial sense than repairing it. That’s because today’s high-efficiency water heaters will save you money in the long run.
5 warning signs from your water heater
If your water heater is nearing the decade mark, you should watch for these telltale signs and make plans to upgrade to a new water heater.
1. Reduced Efficiency and Performance
As your water heater gets older, you’ll notice it just doesn’t work as well as it did just a few years ago. You’ll see higher energy bills or notice that water isn’t typically getting as hot as it should. It’s at this point those repairs may begin to outweigh replacement, and it’s a good indication that even bigger problems may soon follow.
2. Rust
Is the heated water that comes from your tank rusty? That’s a big danger sign because it means that your water heater is corroding. Corrosion can lead to a tank failure and all the hassle and expense that goes with it. Contact us immediately to help address the issue.
3. Leaks
If you notice water around the base of your water tank, the likely culprit is a leak in the tank—the result of corrosion. Turn off the tank’s water supply and contact us right away for an inspection of your water heater.
4. Strange Noises
Rumbling noises in your water heater tank are a common sign of sediment buildup in your tank. That sediment can reduce your water heater’s efficiency, and, if left unattended, will lead to corrosion that can reduce the lifespan of your water heater. Contact us for a service call.
5. Hard water
“Hard” water contains higher amounts of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals and it can leave ugly spots on your flatware and glasses, dull your laundry, and cause dry, itchy skin. It can also cause lime buildup in your water heater, reducing its efficiency and shortening its lifespan.
Ready for a New Water Heater?
If any of those signs are familiar to you, and you want to start thinking about replacing your water heater, Admiral Propane can help. We sell, install, and service energy-efficient tank water heaters and high-efficiency tankless water heaters. And we can help you take advantage of valuable rebates, too.
Tankless water heaters offer several advantages. Tankless water heaters save energy by instantly heating water when you need it, rather than keeping a large tank hot all the time. As a result, you can enjoy virtually unlimited hot water—while seeing savings of up to 40%! They also last twice as long (or longer!) than a traditional tank-style water heater.
You don’t want to wait for your water heater to fail to replace it. And like other essential equipment in your home, such as your refrigerator, you don’t want to go long without it. If you think it’s time, let us help you improve your energy efficiency and comfort with a new water heater! Contact Admiral Propane today to get started.
