When Will My Water Heater Need to be Replaced? 

You usually don’t think about your water heater a lot until it quits heating. And you’re facing chilly showers. It works hard to give your Jacksonville home with hot water around the clock, and, as expected, it will give out at some point. 

Here’s how long your water heater will likely last and some early signs that yours is nearing the end of its life. In the end, how long your water heater will keep working depends on what model you have and how frequently it’s running. 

Tank Water Heater 

Many homes have a tank water heater that retains 40 to 50 gallons of water. This kind constantly warms water, so it’s always at the correct temp when you desire it. Tank water heaters are bestsellers as a result of their more economical price tag, but they don’t typically run as long as other kinds. 

Here’s how many years you can expect yours to last: 

• Gas water heater: 10 years 
• Electric water heater: 12 years 

Tank water heaters can stop working due to numerous troubles, but an oxidized tank is one of the most common. Your water heater has a special component known as an anode rod that draws corrosive particles from the water. At some point, the rod will rust, and particles will increase at the bottom of your water heater, rusting out the lining within the tank. 

Tankless Water Heater 

A tankless water heater has a much bigger life span than its tank-style cousins. These water heaters may run as long as 20 years. 

Along with working for a greater amount of time, tankless hot water heaters are very energy efficient. Rather than retaining big amounts of water that’s reheated continuously, a tankless model heats water when you want it. This gets rid of standby heating and the impact it has on your monthly gas and electrical costs. 

You might not be aware, but warming water takes up a big piece of your energy expenses. In reality, it’s the second biggest source of energy utilization in a regular house, according to ENERGY STAR®. 

Tankless water heaters are higher priced than tank water heaters, but they offer lifelong energy savings. They are typically 24% to 34% more efficient than a water heater that stores water, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 

4 Hints Your Water Heater is Going Bad 

Your hot water heater will begin to show hints that it needs to be replaced. Here’s what to watch and when to get in touch with a plumbing pro like Air Engineers Service Experts. 

1. Insufficient Enough Hot Water 

This is one of the most common clues that your water heater is nearing the end of its life. You may notice hot water getting depleted faster, or that it’s taking additional time to get warm water. 

2. Leaks 

You should call a plumber if you’re seeing water leaks or water accumulating near the bottom of your water heater. In some instances you may just need to have connections secured or a component replaced, but it could also be a symptom the tank is broken. 

3. Water is Cloudy 

If you are in an area with hard water and don’t have a water softener, you’re typically accustomed to having cloudy water. But if your water unexpectedly switches from clear to cloudy or starts smelling like metal, we advise having your water heater inspected by a pro to prevent damaging leaks. Sudden changes in your water clarity means sediment is probably accumulating in the tank and oxidizing it. 

4. Weird Noises 

It’s typical for your water heater to produce some noise as it runs. But popping and rumbling is not normal and is a symptom you should get professional assistance. As sediment accumulates in the tank, your water heater has to work harder and might need additional energy in the process. 

Air Engineers Service Experts Makes Water Heater Replacement Easy 

Putting off water heater replacement could result in that can damage your house. There’s also the inconvenience of not having warm water. If your water heater is outdated or showing signs it needs to be replaced, contact our Experts at 904-450-5672 to get a free home comfort assessment. From capacity to energy efficiency, we’ll review all the options so you can make the best decision for your house.