Are you having a problem with your home’s water heater? If the water is not hot enough, if there are leaks around the unit, or if it’s making unusual noises, the answer is yes. Likewise, if you run out of hot water too soon – like in the middle of a shower – you have an issue.
Traditional storage-type water heaters have a typical life span of 8 to 12 years. If you begin experiencing problems with yours, check its age. If it’s more than 8 or 10 years old, a repair may not be your best approach to resolving the problem, and replacement might be in order.
The first thing to do, however, is check the power source. If your water heater is electric, check for a tripped circuit breaker. If it’s gas, check for a blown-out pilot light. You might get lucky and be able to solve the problem right there.
Also, check the hot water coming out of the faucets in your home. If it is muddy-colored, you’ve either got a lot of sediment in the tank or corrosion. In some cases, sediment can be flushed out. Corrosion, however, is a definite reason for replacement. A heating or plumbing professional will be able to tell you what your best option is.
Related read: Putting Together Your Fall To-Do List? Don’t Forget to Add Draining the Water Heater
Benefits of Replacing an Old Water Heater
Even if your older water heater is still working or can be repaired, you may want to replace it as a preventive measure to avoid a plumbing emergency, especially one in the throes of winter. Installing a new model water heater can provide several benefits:
- Increased energy efficiency/lower operating cost
- Reduced environmental impact
- Improved safety
- Fresher, cleaner water
- More hot water
How to Select a Water Heater
If it’s time for a new water heater, you’ll have to decide between a traditional storage heater with a tank and a tankless, on-demand water heater. On-demand systems cost more to install, but they tend to last longer and are more energy-efficient, so they’ll save you money in the long run.
Related read: What is a Tankless Water Heater?
Other considerations in selecting a unit for your home include:
- Storage capacity (tank systems). How much hot water can they hold?
- Recovery rate (tank systems): How many gallons of water can they heat in an hour?
- Heating capacity (tankless systems): How many gallons of hot water can they produce per minute?
- Dimensions: Will it fit in the space you have?
- Energy efficiency: What are the annual energy costs?
The plumbing experts at Home Comfort Experts are standing by to assist you in any plumbing emergency, including the repair and replacement of conventional hot water heaters and the newer tankless hot water heaters.
Call, click or text our heating professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to find out how we can serve your home heating needs. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Call (574) 255-4600 to learn about our repair and installation services on all makes and models of water heaters.