Does your traditional or tankless water heater need to be replaced?
In many ways, your home’s water heater is the MVP of your home comfort equipment. It’s there for you, serving a critical role 12 months a year. Without this vital unit, you wouldn’t be able to shower or bathe your kids. Cleaning dishes and clothes would also be a problem. But how often do you think about your water heater?
At Leahy’s Fuels, we talk to a lot of homeowners in Ridgefield, New Milford and other towns in Western Connecticut (plus neighboring New York counties) who have belatedly considered the importance of their water heaters — only once the struggling appliance failed.
In this article, we’ll discuss how long you can expect a traditional storage tank or tankless water heater to last, plus what some signs are that it might be struggling and how you can extend its lifespan.
Lifespan of a Water Heater
On average, traditional storage tank water heaters last about eight to 12 years. One of the primary reasons that these systems fail is internal corrosion due to prolonged exposure to particles in water. Sediment accumulation is also an issue.
Tankless water heaters have less exposure to corrosive particles and tend to last longer — as long as 20 years. This is just one of the many benefits of going tankless. Tankless (or on-demand) water heaters generate virtually endless hot water as needed while using up to 34% less energy than traditional units.
Warning Signs Your Water Heater May Fail
It’s not always easy to recognize internal corrosion in a water heater since it happens inside the tank. However, there are warning signs you can look for, including the following;
- Strange noises, including popping, rumbling, sizzling and screeching
- Rusty or brown water from your taps
- Water pooling around the base of your tank
If you notice any of these issues, please get in touch with Leahy’s Fuels right away. We can help replace your unit if necessary — before it fails and leaves you without hot water.
Extending Your Water Heater’s Lifespan
Here are three ways you can help your water heater last longer:
- Flush it every year to remove sediment. You can handle this maintenance on your own or contact us. Consult your unit’s manual for specific instructions. Still, the general process involves shutting off the burner, draining the tank with a hose, flushing it with cold water and then refilling it.
- Be smart with temperature settings. We suggest a setting of 120ºF instead of the manufacturer’s default of 140ºF to slow wear and tear (and prevent scalding). When you leave town, turn the dial to vacation mode.
- Arrange regular maintenance. You can talk to the technician team at Leahy’s Fuels about a maintenance schedule that will extend your unit’s lifespan and make it more efficient.
Leahy’s Is Here for Your Water Heater Needs!
At Leahy’s Fuels, we sell and install top-of-the-line traditional and tankless water heaters from trusted brands like Rinnai and Bradford White. Our team is always available to discuss your home’s hot water needs and inspect your current unit to make sure it’s doing the job as reliably and efficiently as possible.
Contact the Leahy’s team today for a FREE estimate on a premium water heater upgrade.