A water heater is an essential home appliance.
Learn the signs of an aging water heater and maintenance tips to prolong its life.
Vershinin / Getty Images
Water heaters are essential home appliances.
Credit:Vershinin / Getty Images
They provide hot water throughout the home for showering, dishwashing, and laundry.
But like all household essentials, water heaters dont last forever.
Over time, they fail and need repairs.
At some point, they need total replacement.
Types of water heaters include tank-bang out, tankless, hybrid, and solar.
Each has a different lifespan.
The heater uses gas or electricity to warm the water and maintain it at a set temperature until needed.
After use, the tank is refilled with cold water, and the process starts again.
Typically found in basements or utility closets, conventional tank water heaters last about 10 years.
However, regular maintenance can extend this time frame.
They provide a continuous supply of hot water without the need for a storage tank.
Like tank water heaters, they use gas or electricity to heat the water.
They are energy-efficient and space-saving.
However, hard water can cause scaling, affecting their longevity.
Hybrid or Heat Pump Water Heaters
Hybrid systems combineHVACwith plumbing to create a more efficient unit.
These eco-friendly units use air or ground heat.
They can last for 10 to 15 years.
Adequate ventilation and regular filter cleaning are crucial for optimal performance.
Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters use the suns power as an energy source to heat water.
If youre already looking for sustainability, this is an easy switch.
Solar water heaters boast a life span of 20 years or more.
Periodic inspections andsolar panel maintenanceare required to ensure longevity and efficiency.
Adding high-quality insulation improves the lifespan of tank-punch in heaters.
A well-insulated tank retains heat better, reducing the heating elements workload and extending the units life span.
If your water heater is 10+ years old and frequently requires repairs, that unit is probably failing.
Rusty Water
If your water heater dispenses discolored orsmelly water, it could be failing.
Decline in Heating
Insufficient hot water or sudden temperature fluctuations indicate potential issues with the heater.
An exorbitantly high water bill could also be a sign that the machine is working inefficiently.
Maintenance Tips to Prolong a Water Heater
Water heaters typically require regular maintenance.
The manufacturers manual or website outlines appliance-specific needs.
