Does Your Home Need a Water Heater Replacement?
With winter almost over and spring just around the corner, many homeowners are thinking about what repairs and equipment upgrades their homes might need. A common question around this time of year is "How long do water heaters last?" And whether the one in your home is needing to be repaired or replaced.
This article will explain what to look for in a water heater that is malfunctioning and the different types of water heaters available. With a better understanding of the gas vs. electric water heater, as well as the hybrid electric water heater, homeowners can make the best decisions for their homes regarding water heater replacement.
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
How long your water heater lasts largely depends on the unit’s quality and how well you’ve maintained it over the years. The type of water your home has running through it is also a factor. But on average, a water heater should last you for about ten years. If you’ve had yours for anywhere between eight and 12 years, it’s time to start looking for signs of malfunctioning.
Signs of a Malfunctioning Water Heater
It’s important to be aware of what a malfunctioning water heater sounds like and how it performs to avoid costly damages and avoid water usage disruptions. Rusty-colored water is a sign you may need a water heater replacement, as well as strange rumbling noises caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank.
If your water heater is wearing out, you may also notice that it takes longer than it used to for your shower or sink faucet water to heat up or notice that the water coming out of the tap looks cloudy or has a metallic smell or taste. If a faulty water heater is ignored, you could be faced with pooling water beneath the water heater tank or a leaky pressure relief valve in your home.
Different Types of Water Heaters
There are a few different factors to consider when deciding between gas vs electric water heater options. Gas water heaters tend to be less expensive than electric models, but only if you already have natural gas access in your home. Otherwise, electric water heaters are usually less expensive to buy, easier to install, and safer to prevent leaks or explosions. You can also invest in high-efficiency storage tank water heaters to save money over the long-term, solar water heaters to cut your energy consumption, and point-of-use water heaters to reduce water waste.
Tips for Water Heater Replacement
Since the cost of heating up water in a home can consume about 20 percent of your household energy costs, water heater replacement is a very important decision. Consult with an expert about the recommended water heater tank capacity that your home truly needs and learn about the various models available within your budget. You’ll also want to think about possible warranty coverage for water heaters, types of drain valves, anti-scale devices, and digital display options to help you monitor your water heating and usage.
At Central Plumbing Specialties, we offer a wide range of plumbing and heating supplies, including Bock Water Heaters in a range of product lines. We can tell you more about these water heater options available when you contact us for information or stop by one of our New York locations in-person. Spring is a great time to make necessary home repairs and replacements before malfunctioning units cause costly damage, so give us a call today!