Ben Franklin once said, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” That is absolutely the case when it comes to replacing an aging water heater.
It’s never a good situation when customers come to us right after their old water heater has failed. It turns into a mad dash to secure a water heater replacement and get the hot water running again. In the interim, the household has no fully functioning showers, hot water taps, washers or dishwashers. It’s a dreadful inconvenience for everyone.
With that in mind, the HVAC experts at Dixon Energy can give you some tips for how long water heaters last, what you can do to maximize their service life and how you can tell when it’s time to find a new one.
The average storage tank water heater will last between 10 and 12 years. Tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan. A propane-fired tankless water heater that receives proper maintenance should operate for 20 years or more.
The reason tankless systems last longer is that, since they don’t have storage tanks, they have less exposure to corrosive particles in water. Corrosion is a prime cause of failure in a storage-tank water heater.
One practical step you can take is to flush your water heater of sediment each year. This will reduce your system’s exposure to corrosive agents, and happily, it’s something you can take care of yourself.
Flushing a traditional storage-tank water heater is relatively straightforward. It involves turning off the unit and draining the tank using a garden hose running to a drain, a slop sink or outdoors. Tankless water heaters can also be flushed, but the process is different. Regardless of the type of system you have, you should check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
It’s also a good idea to arrange regular water heater maintenance. The pros at Dixon Energy install, service and repair high-efficiency hot water systems. We can help you keep your unit functioning at peak performance — plus catch minor issues before they cause a breakdown.
If your water heater is nearing 10 years of service, then you should pay attention to warning signs that it might be nearing retirement. These include the following:
Please do not ignore these warning signs. If you get in touch with us promptly, we can look at your appliance and tell you if you need a full replacement or only a repair.
Dixon Energy has the most thorough and dependable HVAC team in New Jersey’s Morris, Somerset, Union and Southern Sussex counties. Contact us today to look at your water heating equipment.