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6 Clues Your Water Heater Needs to be Replaced

January 12, 2021

Water heaters don’t work forever. Even one that’s regularly serviced will only work around 8–12 years, on average. If yours is 10 years old, or older, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the symptoms that it’s dying. If not, you could be without heated water for a few days while you wait for a new one.

Here are six common hints that your water heater is dying.

1. Your Water Heater is Older than 10 Years Old

Just because your water heater is aging doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wearing out, but it does mean you’ll probably have to install a new one shortly. As time passes, sediment accumulates up in your hot water heater, making it more difficult for it to warm water. In the end, the sediment will eat away at the tank and cause the heating parts to stop working. Corrosion can also result in water leaks, which might damage your Los Angeles house.

By getting a new water heater, you’ll get the most energy-efficient options. If you select an ENERGY STAR® water heater, you may be eligible for additional rebates and discounts. But the savings don’t quit there, since an ENERGY STAR water heater could save you up to $3,500 on energy over its lifetime.

Switching from a traditional tank water heater to a tankless water heater can save you an even greater amount. For residences that require less than 41 gallons of water per day, a tankless water heater is typically 24–34% more efficient than a tank water heater, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. What’s even better is that tankless water heaters usually run for around 20 years, which is about double the lifetime of a tank water heater.

2. Water Heater is Leaking

In some instances leaks are just the consequence of loose connections, incorrect pressure or a broken valve. But they can also be a sign that your water heater tank has corroded or cracked. In any case, you’ll need pro help from AZ Air Conditioning and Heating to figure out the issue.

3. Water is the Wrong Color

If your typically clear water unexpectedly becomes cloudy or rusty, your water heater might be to blame. Cloudy water is a sign sediment has grown in the tank, while rusty water means there’s rust in the tank or pipes. In either case, AZ Air Conditioning and Heating recommends having your water heater inspected by a specialist.

4. There’s a Lack of Hot Water

As sediment increases in the tank and on heating elements, your hot water heater needs more energy to produce hot water. Due to this, it will need longer for it to warm water, and hot water will run out much more quickly. Both are a clue that your water heater is failing.

To stop sediment from building up in your tank, AZ Air Conditioning and Heating recommends having one of our professionals flush it yearly.

5. Water Heater is Making Unusual Noises

Like cloudy water, popping and rumbling sounds are a clue that sediment has grown in your tank. Sediment makes it more strenuous for the water heater to heat water, resulting in the weird sounds. Over time, the strain on your water heater can lead to cracks and leaks.

6. You’re Frequently Requiring Water Heater Repair

Over its lifetime, your water heater might have to have small repairs, including valve replacement. But if you’re constantly contacting AZ Air Conditioning and Heating for support or a crucial part has failed, it’s time for water heater installation.

It’s stressful when your water heater is on the brink of failing or has gone out. But that’s not the case when you contact AZ Air Conditioning and Heating at 800-296-5088 for water heater installation in Los Angeles. From choosing the right model for your family and budget to expertly hooking it up, we make the entire process uncomplicated. Contact us to request your appointment right away!