As winter start to creep into North Texas, ensuring that your water heater and other heating systems are in good condition to handle the plummeting temperatures becomes of utmost importance.
Not having hot water during the winter months. not only affects the comfort of you and your family but it can also mean more severe and costly issues, such as burst pipes, leaks and flooding.
So if you’ve recently experienced hot waterissues such as low water pressure, temperature variations, or not enough hot water for a long steamy shower, it is time to assess some of the key indicators of your water heater’s performance.
For most, the main goal when you encounter water heater issues is to get hot water running again with as little cost as possible. In an effort to save you time and money, here are some tips you can try if you’re experiencing the issues below.
- If you’re having trouble with your water heater keeping up with demand, you can try raising the thermostat. In order to avoid scalding and excessive energy use, the water temperature should never be increased above 125 degrees.
- If your water heater stops functioning completely, make sure to check if the water heater has access to both gas and electricity.
- A system that isn’t heating up adequately may be the result of utility outages or a shortage of power. Examine the limit switch, if the water in your tank ever gets too warm it may need to be reset.
If none of the above helps with your water heater issues, the best thing you can do is contact one of Astar’s professional plumbers to properly assess your unit and provide you with all of your options. Here are some basic indicators we must factor in when deciding whether it is time to repair or replace a water heater:
How long do Water Heaters Last?
First, we need to assess the age of your system, as it could be the initial sign of an upgrade requirement, and the last thing we want you to do is to invest in the repair of a unit that may soon fail due to its age.
Generally, the average life expectancy of a water heater is between 10 and 12 years. Still, other factors, such as installation quality, maintenance, and your home’s water quality, can affect that lifespan.
The type of water heater you have can also affect its lifespan. According to the Department of Energy, a tankless coil and indirect water heater have a life expectancy of ten or 11 years. Meanwhile, a storage tank or heat pump will last ten to 15 years and a tankless water heater can last even longer.
It’s essential to remember that even if your water heater is less than ten years old and has not been properly serviced, it could have more severe issues like a leak or is showing signs of rust and corrosion and may still require replacement.
Water Heater Effectiveness and Efficiency
Some of the most important things to consider when deciding whether you should repair or replace your water heater is if you’re satisfied with your unit’s monthly cost and its overall effectiveness. If your family has grown since your current unit was installed, you may require a larger tank to compensate for excess water usage. On the other hand, if you’ve reduced the number of people living in your home, you may be wasting money by heating an unnecessary amount.
You should also be sure to look into the efficiency of your water heater if you’ve noticed higher energy bills. Most water heaters have a sticker on the side with the estimated annual cost of operation. If your current unit is dated, replacing it with a more efficient system may be more cost-effective.
The decision to repair or replace your water heater isn’t always straightforward, but our team at Astar is here to help! Astar’s expert plumbers are more than happy to come and assess your water heater to give you all your options so you can make the best decision for you and your family. Contact us today!