Should You Replace Your Water Heater? A Quick Checklist

You use your water heater every day, from taking a bath first thing in the morning to doing the dishes or laundry. Typically, it’s not until you catch a chill in your bathroom that you think about your water heater. 

Water heaters are one of the most expensive appliances in your home, costing around $620 annually. An old or damaged water heater can increase the cost further. A contractor can charge extra fees for emergency or over-the-weekend repairs. Your house could get flooded, warranting extra spending on electric appliances, furniture and flooring. 

Old or poorly maintained water heaters are less effective and can boost energy bills. Switching to a newer one will save energy, reduce utility bills, keep your home safe, improve your quality of life and reduce your carbon footprint. 

We’ve put together a quick guide to help you keep your water heater in top condition and learn when to replace it. 

When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?

A water heater’s life span is around 10 years, depending on the type of unit and yearly maintenance services. A storage hot water heater can last 10 to 15 years, while a tankless water heater can last up to 20 years. If your water heater is over 10 years old, or you spot some of the signs below, you should replace it.

Signs to Replace Your Water Heater 

Have you been experiencing a lack of hot water at home? Take a look at your water heater. If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to change your unit:

• It has been used for a long time, exceeding the life span mentioned in its warranty.
• You get cold every time you take a warm bath, even on the faucet closest to your water heater. 
• The pressure is low when you use hot water, suggesting that your water heater may not fit your home or family size, and you’ll probably need a bigger one. 
• There are leaks around the water heater, which means water is building up. 
• Your water heater makes strange noises, such as banging, popping or knocking, which might mean there’s sediment on the inside. 
• Rust-colored water dripping from or around the water heater or water with a metallic odor indicates internal corrosion. 
• Cloudy water means sediment has built up inside your water heater. 
• The water heater is not working — such as having low pressure, not turning on or not heating — suggesting an old or improperly maintained unit.

Although some signs only require minor repairs, others may need extra attention and should be attended to right away. If you notice moisture or water buildup around your water heater, You Oughta Call Strada today.

Steps You Can Follow While Waiting for Help to Arrive

After reading some of the signs above and deciding you need to call a qualified plumber, here are a few things you can do while you wait for help to arrive: 

1. Ensure proper ventilation by keeping the windows and doors open to avoid gas buildup, especially in enclosed spaces. 
2. Shut off the water supply that leads to your water heater. 
3. Turn off the energy supply that powers up your water heater. 

Remember to keep calm while you follow these simple steps. Although it might be inconvenient, waiting for an expert and reliable plumbing service to arrive is the safest choice.

How to Choose the Right Water Heater

The right water heater will depend on your daily activities and household size. Here’s a quick checklist for replacing your hot water heater at home:

• The size of your home and the number of family members will determine the ideal water heater size. Choose one with enough capacity to heat water for all rooms and family members in your house. 
• You can choose from three types of fuel —gas, electric or solar-powered. Gas water heaters have a higher initial cost and are less expensive to operate. Electric water heaters have a lower initial cost and higher operation costs. Solar-powered ones are great for very sunny places and need a backup for cloudy days. 
• The amount of electricity or gas your water heater will spend when used is another key consideration. The larger the family, the more attention you should pay to energy efficiency labels. 

These three factors will influence how much money you’ll spend on running your water heater regularly. Remember that an early investment can save money over the unit’s useful life span. 

At Strada Air Conditioning & Heating, we care about providing our clients with peace of mind. Our highly trained plumbers can carefully assess your family and house needs. They’ll offer you a few water heater suggestions that stick to your budget, increase comfort and help you save money in the long run. 

How to Extend Your Water Heater Life Span

The average cost of replacing a water heater can range between $1,519 and $2,120. To avoid premature replacement costs, here are a few tips for keeping your water heater in the best shape possible: 

• Flush the water heater twice a year to prevent sediment buildup and corrosion. 
• Test the pressure valve by placing a bucket below and releasing it. Water should come out. If it doesn’t, your valve needs to be replaced. 
• Keep the temperature set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding and avoid the risk of bacteria forming inside your water heater. 
• Consider installing a water softener — this is especially important in states notorious for hard water, such as Florida, Tennessee and Alabama.
• Keep the area around your water heater decluttered and free of debris. 
• Schedule annual maintenance services with a water heater professional to prevent unnecessary repairs, damage and urgent replacements. 

Before attempting any of the steps above, be sure to check your water heater manual. Handling a water heater should be done with care. Take any necessary precautions or call a professional.

Safe and Professional Water Heater Replacement 

We understand how important hot water is for everyday activities, quality of life and peace of mind. The Strada Air Conditioning & Heating team is highly trained and fully committed to providing you with the necessary information. Our technicians will assess your family and home needs to offer hot water heater suggestions so you can make the right choice. 

Strada Air Conditioning & Heating is a family-owned business that understands your needs. We’ve been servicing Florida and surrounding areas since 2013 and know how to keep your water heater in top shape. If you’ve spotted any of the signs above or your water heater is past its useful time, schedule an appointment now!

Joe Strada

Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.

Joe Strada

Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.