Because we enjoy mild winters in Santa Barbara and Ventura County, we don’t place too much emphasis on our household heating systems. But there is a heating system in your home that works all around the year. It’s your water heater, and fall is as good a time as any to consider the future of your current water heating system. No water heater lasts forever, and at some point you’ll need to arrange to have it replaced.
Has that time arrived? Let’s look closer…
Water Heater Age
Your home’s water heater is probably a storage water heater, also called a tank water heater because it stores a supply of hot water in a tank. This is the standard method (but not the only method) for heating water to use at taps and appliances around a house.
A gas-powered water heater can often last between 20 to 30 years, provided it has regular maintenance each year to prevent limescale, corrosion, leaks, and other troubles that can cut short equipment life. If your water heater is younger than 20 years and hasn’t shown any noticeable signs of decline, you’re probably best forging ahead to get the most years possible from it. If the water heater is in the higher age range, ask your maintenance technician for an opinion about the system’s future during your next appointment.
Indications of Water Heater Decline
What are the warning signs you have a heater in trouble—enough trouble it may need to be replaced? Here are the most common:
- Corrosion: Corrosion of any type appearing on the water heater is a serious problem. Unless the corrosion is restricted to a replaceable part like the heat exchanger, it usually means the heater must be replaced.
- Rising heating bills: Since your home heating system doesn’t raise your bills much during winter because it only needs to run on occasion, a steep rise in heating costs will primarily point toward the water heater. If repairs and maintenance don’t correct the climb in heating bills, it may be time for a new heater.
- A decline in water volume: Are people in your household starting to go with lukewarm showers in the morning when this was never an issue before? This is one of the biggest flashing red lights of a water heater that’s dying and cannot keep up with normal demand.
- Leaks: A single leak often just means you need a repair. When leaks start appearing regularly, and in multiple places, the water heater may be shot.
- Discoloration in hot water: A rusty red color appearing in the hot water from the taps may mean the boiler tank of the water heater has rusted through—and that’s when the water heater must be replaced.
Call the Water Heater Replacement Professionals
When you think you’re ready for a water heater replacement in Ojai, CA, schedule an appointment with our professionals. We will offer you several options for a new water heater, including an energy-efficient tankless water heater, which not only outlasts storage water heaters but won’t run out of hot water either.
Speak to Husted Plumbing to schedule the water heater services you need. Family owned and operated since 1935.