A functional water heater is an investment that typically malfunctions from time to time. Due to the importance of a water heater, experts typically prescribe water heater inspection, maintenance, replacement, repair to identify, fix, or avoid these malfunctions.
However, homeowners typically have a hard time deciding whether to repair or replace a damaged or inefficient water heater. One of the determining factors is the lifespan (age) of the water heater. Below is a guide on how long you should expect your water heater to last and every necessary detail revolving around the heater’s lifespan, including water heater replacement.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Water Heater?
Several factors affect a water heater’s life expectancy. Besides its age and the frequency of maintenance, your usage rate and water quality also affect the heater’s life expectancy.
While water heaters can outlast average estimates, homeowners should expect how long their water heaters will last to prepare adequately for a heater replacement.
A traditional water heater (with a tank) has an average 8-12 years lifespan. On the other hand, a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years or more, provided you use and maintain it accordingly. Whichever water heating system you are using, experts recommend considering immediate water heater replacement once your fixture hits or slightly passes the lifespan and is in a questionable state.
Why Do Tankless Water Heaters Last Longer than Traditional Water Heaters?
Due to different reasons, expect a tankless water heater to last longer—8 years plus average—than traditional water heaters. One of the plausible reasons is that a traditional water heater constantly works to maintain hot water temperatures, unlike tankless water heaters, which heat your water only when you need it.
Traditional water heaters feature an anode rod in the tank, which secures the tank’s interior lining. It does this by attracting all corrosive particles to itself via electrolysis. Unfortunately, the anode rod is subject to corrosion. When it erodes beyond the ability to perform typically, the particles settle at the tank’s bottom, where they destroy the tank’s interior lining eventually. At this point, the tankless water heater is nearing or has closed its lifespan.
Tankless water heaters lack the presence and the need for a storage tank. They heat your water on demand. However, even though tankless water heaters don’t have tanks and anode rods, they are also prone to eventual corrosion and will subsequently need immediate water heater replacement.
Factors Affecting Your Water Heater’s Lifespan
Knowing the factors affecting your water heater’s life expectancy helps you make the most out of it and mentally prepare for an eventual water heater replacement. Covenant Plumbing lists these factors and how they impact your water heater system.
- Installation Quality. A properly-installed water heater has the extra advantage of a few months or years on its average lifespan. Regardless of how top-quality and efficient the water heater is, it will likely develop complications if installed improperly. A professional water heater replacement expert in Normal, IL, is bound by training and acquired skills to consider factors such as insulation, accessibility, ventilation, and building codes compliance when installing a water heater, especially in basements.
- Build Quality. It is unreasonable to expect a low-quality water heater to last long. Typical of all household appliances and systems you buy, you will get what you pay for. Our water heater replacement team can recommend the best quality water heaters to allow you to enjoy the heater’s full lifespan.
- Usage. Your water heater’s life expectancy depends a heavy deal on how you use it. Large water quantities magnify the water heater’s workload. Your system will likely malfunction sooner than you expect by putting the heater under constant stress levels. Moreover, proper sizing is vital as part of proper system usage. If you add a few rooms to your existing property, hire a water heater replacement guru to help you upgrade your water heater to match the increased demand for hot water.
- Maintenance. Regular water heater maintenance goes a long way in avoiding major breakdowns. The less maintenance you order for your water heating system, the closer you come to a complete water heater replacement.
- Tank Vs. Tankless. As previously stated, expect the tankless water heater to last longer than the regular water heater with a tank. However, when comparing the two, usage matters to ensure you enjoy the system fully. Without proper usage and scheduled regular maintenance, even a traditional water heater may last longer than a tankless water heater.
When Should I Replace My Water Heater?
How do you know when to replace your water heater in Normal? You have tried everything to maximize your water heater’s lifespan, but a water heater replacement is inevitable. Below are signs that you should replace your water heater soon.
- The heater is old. If your water heater has maxed out its lifespan, you should be looking at getting a new water heater, subject to the presence and intensity of the other signs of failure mentioned below
- Signs of trouble. Not every water heater problem requires replacement as a solution. That being said, damages to look out for include rusty water, gurgling/rumbling, cold water, or water.
If you notice water pooling around your water heater, chances are your water heater is leaking or has cracks. If the water heater is not producing hot water anymore, it is time to call Covenant Plumbing for a replacement.
Choosing a New Water Heater
When your water heater has maxed out its lifespan and it’s time to replace it, there are a few factors you ought to consider beforehand. These include;
- Energy efficiency. Check the water heater’s energy efficiency before purchase to maximize cost and energy savings.
- Type of heater. Every homeowner has their individual preferences for water heater types depending on each water heater’s features.
- Size of your home. Proper sizing is vital when installing a new water heater. This is to ensure smooth operation and availability of water when needed.
- Costs. It is advisable to estimate the annual costs of operation for your preferred heater models and compare them with alternative more/less energy-efficient water heater models.
- Fuel type and availability. Fuel types tie directly into your annual costs and eco-friendliness. Also, consider how easy and affordable the fuel type is since this is a recurring cost.
Water Heater Replacement Normal, IL
Do you need a new water heater for your home in Normal, IL? Contact us at Covenant Plumbing to help you choose and install the best water heater model in the market.
