Is It Time to Replace My Water Heater?

Your water heater is an unsung workhorse, working behind the scenes to pump out gallon after gallon of hot water for your appliances and taps. But there will come a day when that hero will fail, leaving you with a cold shower or a pool of water in your basement.

When will you know it’s time to replace your water heater? Look for these signs:

• The age of your equipment – A storage water heater (one with a tank) will last about 10 years on average, assuming it is properly maintained by a professional.
• Rising energy bills – If your bills are getting higher even though heating oil or propane prices haven’t changed much, your water heater is probably overworking to do its job – and suffering from inefficiency as a result.
• Leaks / rusty water – A puddle of water under your tank – or rusty water coming from it – are signs that your water heater could be rotting from the inside out.
• Hard water – White stains on your utensils and glassware are common signs of hard water – that is, water that contains an abundance of minerals. Those minerals could be the result of a long-term build-up of lime in your tank, which will reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your water heater.
• Odd noises – Growling or gurgling sounds in your storage tank are usually a sign of sediment build-up – a problem that eventually lead to costly water heater repairs or a premature replacement if it is not addressed.

As you can see, many water heater problems are caused by storing water – one of the reasons why tankless water heaters are such a smart solution. Not only will a propane tankless water heater operate up to 30 percent more efficiently than storage heaters from a footprint the size of a small suitcase, they will also eliminate complications from rust, leaks, and sediment build-up. And while they do cost more to install than conventional water heaters, you will save money on your bills and have a piece of home comfort equipment that will last almost as long as your mortgage.

Bottini: Your water heater expert in the Hudson Valley

If you’re experiencing these or any other problems with your water heater, it could be time for a new, high-efficiency water heater installation. Our water heater experts will help you choose a model that’s the right fit for your space, use, and budget, then install it quickly and correctly so you can get back to your hot showers and dry basement.

In the market for a new water heater? We’ve got them! Contact us today to learn more, or to get a FREE, no-obligation estimate on a new Rinnai propane tankless water heater or oil and propane storage tank water heaters from Superstor, Peerless, and more.