How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

Is It Time to Replace Yours?

The water heater in your North Carolina home does a lot. Hopefully you don’t take it for granted. Think about all it does. Whenever you need warm or hot water—whether it’s to bathe, wash your hands, do the laundry, clean your clothes, or a variety of household chores, your water heater is on the job. And during the colder months of the year your water heater has to do even more work because the water it’s heating is starting off even colder. So if you have been taking your water heater for granted, don’t. It’s responsible for about 20% of your energy bills (according to the US Department of Energy).

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Most conventional/storage water heaters last between 10 and 12 years, especially if they receive proper maintenance. Tankless water heaters last an average of 18 years.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

When a water heater fails, it can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Don’t wait until your water heater fails to replace it. Save yourself a lot of stress, inconvenience, and money by being proactive and replacing your water heater before it lets you down.

How do you know it’s time to replace your water heater? Here are five clues it may be time to replace your water heater:

1. Higher energy bills. Water heaters get less efficient as they age. If there’s an increase in your energy bills that isn’t explained by an increase in fuel prices or an increase in your hot water usage, then your water heater may be losing efficiency. A new water heater will be more efficient and save you money over time.
2. Leaks or rusty water. Puddles under your tank or rusty water anywhere are both signs of corrosion and mean your water tank is probably very close to the end of its life.
3. Hard water stains. If you notice white marks on your silverware and glassware after they’ve gone through the dishwasher, there’s probably a lime buildup in your tank. Lime can decrease your water heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
4. Odd noises. Growling or gurgling sounds coming from your storage tank mean there’s probably a build-up of sediment. This should be addressed immediately, as it could lead to serious problems that require expensive repairs or premature replacement if left unaddressed.
5. Your water heater’s age. Even if you’re not noticing any of the above issues, once your water heater hits 10 years old, it may still be a good idea to replace it. A new water heater will run more efficiently and reliably—saving you money on your energy and repair bills.

If it’s time to replace your water heater, James Oxygen & Supply installs propane water heaters from Rinnai and can help you choose the best one for your household’s needs.

Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You?

At James Oxygen & Supply, we’re big fans of tankless water heaters because of all the benefits they offer.

With a conventional or storage water heater, every time the hot water in the tank is depleted, you have to wait for the water heater to heat more. That can be a huge inconvenience, especially if there are a lot of people and/or appliances in your home that need hot water around the same time. Tankless water heaters yield a virtually endless supply of hot water on demand.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters are between 14% and 34% more energy-efficient than conventional water heaters. Conventional water heaters have to reheat the same water indefinitely to keep it from falling below a set temperature. With a tankless water heater, the water is only heated when it’s going to be used. That added efficiency shows up as savings on your energy bills.

Trust James Oxygen & Supply

Not sure which water heater is right for your North Carolina home? Don’t worry. The experts at James Oxygen & Supply will help you make the right choice.

Contact James Oxygen & Supply today to learn more about the difference a tankless water heater can make in your home and the money-saving rebates you may qualify for.