Three Reasons to Consider Water Heater Replacement
The verdict’s in from the U.S. Department of Energy; water heaters don’t last forever. They generally last about 10 to 20 years. This lifespan can be even shorter in a place like Florida, where refreshing, daily showers are the norm.
Home improvement technology is better than ever. Homeowners have many options to choose from when replacing their water heaters, including tankless water heaters, which deliver hot water longer than their competitors.
High Energy Bills Mean Underlying Problems
An ineffective water heater is more than high energy bills; it’s high-water bills, as well. If homeowners notice that their energy bills are higher than usual, they should consider water heater replacement.
These issues can cost homeowners money:
- Leaks: When a water heater leaks, it wastes water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 10 percent of the nation’s homes waste more than 90 gallons of water a day––and that’s not cheap.
- Excess cold water: For many homeowners, cold water means more showers. If the water heater is struggling to produce enough hot water, the overuse wears on the plumbing system and causes above-average utility bills.
- Odd sounds from the water heater: Most of Florida’s water comes from underground limestone aquifers. So, it’s up to the water heater to keep particles from getting past the faucet. Any scraping sounds coming from the water heater could mean sediment has built up in the water tank, compromising the water’s integrity.
Replacement Can Be Cheaper Than Repairs
Depending on one’s financial resources, new water heater installation can be cheaper than continuously paying for repairs. Some issues, like leaks, broken ignitors, and worn heat elements, aren’t that expensive––and are completely normal during a water heater’s lifespan.
However, these problems suggest that an appliance has reached the end of its life:
- A damaged water heater tank: Over time, if the boiler leaks or overheats, this can damage the water heater tank. This can be a fairly pricey repair––especially for older models. It’s worth noting that tankless water heaters don’t have this issue.
- A new circulator pump: A circulator pump pushes warm water from the water heater through the home’s pipes. Without this component, the water heater will not work.
- Chronic leaks: A chronic leak can indicate an underlying problem with the water heater system. Instead of calling a water heater company every month, homeowners should consider getting a new system.
Additionally, Cities and towns are always changing their coding policies. One year, an old water heater can comply with local ordinances. The next year, it can be “outdated” and need replacing.
Tankless Water Heaters Save Money and Last Longer
There are five basic water heaters: conventional, solar, tankless, condensing, and heat pumps. While constructed differently, each of these appliances has one goal: to circulate hot water through the home.
Yet, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that tankless water heaters are the most energy-efficient out of these options.
Tankless water heaters:
- Work with a variety of energy sources, including electricity and gas
- last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance
- Are usually smaller than their counterparts because they don’t have storage tanks
- A water heater service professional can give more insight into what water heater pairs with what home.
About Plumbing & Cooling Nerds
With over 2,000 five-star reviews, Plumbing & Cooling Nerds is more than a plumbing repair service; it’s a group of passionate individuals focused on home improvement. They offer 24/7 service, same-day pricing, and guaranteed work. Schedule water heater service in Naples, FL today!
