When is it time to say goodbye to your old water heater? Most of us wait until it no longer provides hot water. That’s when we give it the boot. You may want to think twice about replacing it now. No one wants to drop a bunch of cash on a water heater before it breaks down, but there are some benefits to replacing it sooner rather than later. If your water heater is older than ten years old, you might want to consider a new one. The fact is, water heaters with the latest technologies can save you as much as 30% in energy costs over water heaters manufactured ten years ago. Your heater generally has a 10-12 years lifespan; some will last longer based on the usage, environment, and maintenance. When it’s time to replace it, most of us go to our local home center and make a purchase without ever giving it a second thought. Perhaps you should start researching your options now?
Corrosion Is Your Water Heater’s Enemy
When determining whether your water heater needs replacing or repairing, you can start by looking for corrosion. Corrosion is your water heater’s biggest enemy. The metal combined with water and oxygen provides the perfect mix for rust. So, if your water heater has corrosion, it’s time to start looking for a replacement. Most homeowners don’t realize that they could extend the life of their water heater if they provided them with basic maintenance for it twice a year. In addition, draining the storage tank of the sediment built up could extend the life of your heater by five years.
Change The Anode Rod Every Five Years
It would be best if your local plumber replaces the anode rod every five years as well. Your anode rod a temporary steel core wire surrounded by magnesium, aluminum, or zinc. It’s designed to be temporary and must be replaced, especially for those homes with hard water. An anode rod’s purpose is to protect the metal liner of your water heater tank against corrosion.
6 Reasons Why I Should Change My Water Heater
- The system is over ten years old and never received any maintenance, so it’s better to replace it than spend on repairs.
- A loss of hot water is another reason you may want to replace your heater.
- Corrosion or rust appearing on the outside of your heater’s storage tank means it’s time to replace it.
- If your storage tank is leaking, we recommend replacing it with a new heater.
- Rust-colored water coming from your heater means your heater is rusting on the inside.
- Too many repairs, as the saying goes, “Don’t throw good money after bad.”
Some things to keep in mind when you start your search:
- Water heaters make up 20% of our home energy costs.
- Water heaters with the Energy Star label use 8% less energy.
- Rebates are available for Energy Star-labeled water heaters.
- According to Consumer Report, those with a water heater that holds 55 gallons or more can cut utility bills 25 to 50 percent depending on the technology used.
Saving Our Environment Is Not Just About Bottles And Cans
Aside from the benefits of saving money, the effects it has on our environment are astounding. According to energystar.gov, if all our current water heaters in America had an Energy Star certified heat pump, we would save $1.2 billion a year. This also equates to preventing 10 billion pounds of carbon pollution from entering our environment. That’s equal to emissions from 900,000 vehicles. Protecting our environment is not just about recycling bottles and cans. Purchasing the right water heater can be a win for our pocketbook and a win for the environment. We may pay slightly more upfront, but we’ll see significant savings in the long and short end.
These days water heaters must comply with the standards set forth by the Department of Energy. In addition, new efficiency standards present new advancements in technology without costing the consumer an arm and a leg.
Call For The Top-Notch Service You Deserve
When your water heater needs replacing, call Big B’s Plumbing today. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured. Additionally, we are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating along with hundreds of 5-star reviews on Facebook, Yelp!, and Google my business.
It’s interesting to know that a water heater that’s leaking and looks rusted needs to be replaced. I believe that my mom’s water heater’s long due, but she refuses to see it, so I’m hoping that your post will change her mind when I share it with her later today. Thanks for explaining how we’d identify a water heater that needs replacing.
You made an interesting point when you explained that it is a good idea to get a new water heater when the old one is leaking water. Would it be a good idea to replace your old one with a tankless system? I would imagine that you wouldn’t have to worry about a tankless water system having problems with leaking.