Nobody likes a cold shower right? Right. Especially not in the throes of winter, when snow decorates the sidewalks, or icy winds blow through the branches outside your window. One common problem during winter has to do with water heaters not heating the water enough. The source of this is usually one of two things: a faulty thermostat or a defective heating element. Other things that might go wrong include circuit breaker for your heater trips or problems with valve sticks. At some point, however, you might have come across the final life stages of your water heater.
Usually, a water heater will last anywhere from 8-12 years and that depends on a lot of factors as well. The regularity and quality of maintenance, use, quality of installation, design and water quality. Some general signs of wear and tear and a possible need for replacement include:
- Your heater is working erratically
- The pilot continues to go off
- Is over 10 years old and leaks around the base of the tank
If your water heater has reached the end of its life, there are a few things to consider before jumping into the next investment. Some of the things you can consider before investing in your next water heater include:
- Budget
- Changes in your family size
- Gallon capacity
- Recovery rate
- Dimensions
- Energy efficient ratings
The Good News
If your old water heater has finally given its death rattle after a solid 10 years or so, it’s not all bad news. The truth is that today’s models are far more energy efficient. That being said, it’s not a good idea to wait until the last possible moment to replace your water heater, as it will likely die on you in the worst possible time. This usually leads people to make rash decisions and not think it through properly. It’s worth thinking about a replacement before it becomes an absolute necessity.
Water heating systems are the second biggest user of electricity in the home. According to the U.S Department of Energy, they account for an average of 18% of electricity costs. Water heaters today are rated by energy factor (EF). The higher that number is the more cost efficient the heater is. That number indicates the amount of hot water produced daily per unit of fuel. This number depends on the size of the tank, the amount of water used, temperature setting, and whether the tank is insulated.
You might also consider a tankless water heater if your hot water demands are falling below a certain threshold. If this is the case these types of water heaters can be up to 24%-34% more energy efficient than older models. These types of water heater also last longer and have lower operating and energy costs.
Think Smart When It Comes Time for Water Heater Replacement
Keep your water heater under a regular maintenance schedule and always stay on top of small repairs. This will increase the life of your water heater, but at some point, you might be faced with time to replace it. Talk to a professional if your water heater is showing signs of erratic behavior. Call Mechanical Technologies for a diagnosis and advice on water heater replacement.
