The life expectancy of a water heater is usually around 10 to 15 years. This, of course, depends heavily on the quality of installation, size, and maintenance that has been done on it. When you start having issues with your water heater, you’ll most likely arrange to have the water heater repaired.
But there are signs to watch for that will help you identify when it's time to get rid of your old system and replace it with a new system.
- Rising heating costs - Most water heaters last between ten and fifteen years. After that, their efficiency declines significantly and can lead to higher high energy bills. If you have a gas heater, the expectancy on those is six and eight years. If you’re worried your water heater may be using more energy than necessary, it might be time for a switch.
- Corrosion - Sediment deposits can form at the bottom of your tank causing popping sounds when the burners ignite. You shouldn’t see corrosion on your water heater. If it does appear, it usually can’t be repaired.
- Failure to heat water - If your water heater isn't warming as much water as it used to, and you and your family see yourselves taking cold or lukewarm showers, it's a warning sign that it should be replaced.
Replacing Water Heaters
If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you may not exactly know what you’re looking for. What size water heater do you need? Which type of water heater should you purchase? A few common types of water heaters include:
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- Storage Tank Water Heater - It has an insulated tank that stores hot water until needed. This is the most common type of water heater, but you are limited to how much hot water you can hold. These water heaters are available in gas and electric models.
- Tankless Water Heaters - Also called on-demand water heater, this kind of heater consists of super-heated coils that provide fresh hot water when it's needed. It has no tank. These heaters are more efficient but you need to make sure you purchase the right size for your household. A smaller tankless water heater will not be able to keep up with your water usage
- Heat Pump Water Heater - These water heaters use heat in the air and the ground to heat water. Since they only use electricity to move heat from the ground/air to the water, they use up to 60% less electricity than traditional water heaters.
What Size Water Heater Do You Need?
A water heater that is too big will lead to high energy costs. But one that is too small will make it impossible to have enough hot water. Generally speaking, 30 gallons is good for a 1-2 person household. You can increase by 10 gallons per additional person in the home.
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- Family of 1 to 2: 30 gallons
- Family of 2 to 3: 40 gallons
- Family of 3 to 4: 50 gallons
- Family of 5+: 80 gallons
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With licensed, trained, and insured technicians in Westchester and Fairfield, homeowners can count on A. Borrelli to handle their heating, cooling, and plumbing needs expediently. At A. Borrelli, we do HVAC and plumbing right, so call us at (914) 301-7495 today!
