Every household or building nowadays requires the presence of a water heater. And when it pays to know the signs when it is time to install a new water heater. But how do you know when you need to get your water heater replaced?
Just like all HVAC appliances, when your water heater receives regular maintenance and proper repairs, you can extend its life for many years. And maybe, you have the same water installed at your home ever since you moved in.
But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Time will come and you will need to replace the water heater. If at some point in the future your water heater no longer does its job, then replacing it might be the next step. Maybe at first, you will just resort to having it repaired. And at most times it is done to save up on costs. But as signs that identify your water is no longer good, then it is time to install a new water heater in your home.
Repair or Replace?
That is the question that most homeowners have when their water heaters come to a halt. Although regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater, these HVAC systems still have a usage limit.
Sure, some repairs like replacing the heating element or changing the pressure relief valve are easy. But what if your water heater is leaking crazy? If it is more than 8-12 years old? Replacing it then would be a better choice so as to cut your energy and repair expenses.
Water heater manufacturers have suggested service life for their products. And most of these waters heaters come with a life expectancy of about 8 to 12 years. Factors like the location of the unit, design, quality of installation of the water heater, schedule maintenance and water quality play a big part in determining how long that water heater could last.
If your water heater is leaking profusely around the base of the tank, is more than 10 years old, is not working properly or not working at all, then it is probably the best time to replace it.
When to Replace the Water Heater
ALP Heating has put together a list of things to check out in order for you to decide if you need a water heater repair or if you need to install a new water heater. Just a disclaimer though, not all of these signs are definite indications of a water heater replacement. Only with the help of an HVAC professional can you properly determine if you need to install a new one. Contact your HVAC technician now to learn more about it.
Age of the Water Heater System
First question. How do water heaters last? As manufacturers suggest, most water heating systems can last up to 15 years if properly maintained. But if it is now in use for more than that, then it would be better to install a new water heater.
An adequately working water heater is not an option. When water heaters age, they lose their effectivity thus costing you more in the long run.
Loss of Hot Water Volume
Are you noticing a decline in the water volume when using the water heater? This could be an indication of a malfunctioning water heater. Also, if the water is not getting warm as it is supposed to be, your water heater might be now on a downfall and needs to be swapped with a new one.
Heating Bills are Rising
Water heating systems, both for gas and electric-powered ones, account for most of the energy used in a home. Normally the water heater starts to work inefficiently because of its age. Get a professional check your water heater’s efficiency. If replacing it is a more cost-effective path, then don’t hesitate to do so.
Corrosion
Corrosion should only occur if your water heating system has reached its age limit or if it is extremely old! In the event that you see corrosion, then replacing it is the way to go.
Reddish Discolouration in the Water
A reddish discolouration in the water for a water heating system is an indication of rust forming either inside the tank or along the pipeline. If this happens then you need to install a new water heater at once!
Recurring Repairs
One of the best ways to determine when to replace a water heater is by keeping track of the repairs it requires on a year-round basis. If the water heater in your home is properly installed and has been maintained well, then a once or twice repair a year is more than enough. But if you are spending a lot of money with recurring repairs for your water heating system, then a replacement is the best choice.
Instead of wasting a lot of money to prolong your water heater’s life, better arrange for your HVAC professional to install a new water heater. Get the opinion of an HVAC specialist. ALP Heating can help you with just that. As a leading HVAC contractor in Canada, we can help you with plumbing and water heater services.
Related article: Cost of Water Heater Installation in Vaughan
Water Heater Maintenance
In today’s HVAC industry, manufacturers have designed water heaters that require little or no maintenance. ALP Heating has prepared some maintenance tips so that you could help in prolonging the life of your water heater:
- Increase the efficiency and life of your water heater by draining its water at least twice a year. This helps in getting rid of the sediment that it might have accumulated throughout its use and to avoid corrosion as well.
- Test your water heater’s pressure-relief valve from time to time. Lift your water heater’s valve handle and let it snap back. By doing this, you can check if the valve is working properly.
- When not in constant use, you can try lowering the temperature setting on the thermostat to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. With this, you can avoid overheating and reduce the chances of damage to the tank.
When Replacement Is Necessary
Getting your water heater repaired won’t fix those larger underlying issues as mentioned above. When it comes to this, it is usually better to install a new water heater.
Just contact ALP Heating and we will help you replace your old water heater. We’ll send the best HVAC technicians ASAP to help fix your current water heater or install a brand new one.
