Many things affect how long a water heater lasts. However, as a general rule, a water heater with a tank should last for up to 15 years while a tankless water heater should last up to 20 years. These lifespans are quite similar throughout the industry. Making sure to have regular maintenance for your water heater, no matter its brand or type, is the best way to ensure long life.
Why Do You Need a Professional Technician?
Without knowing what you’re doing, working on any kind of water heater is risky or even dangerous. After all, making a mistake with a device that uses natural gas could have catastrophic implications. Even an electric water heater could severely injure an unsuspecting DIYer who makes a mistake. Why take such a risk when motivated, honest, professional technicians from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are available?
Hard Water
Hard water adversely affects water heaters. The calcium buildup can clog the drain, and scale can affect the heater’s insulation and/or capacity to heat the water inside. If you have excessively hard water, then it might be a good investment to get a device that mitigates your water’s hardness. This could be a water softener, a reverse osmosis system, an electromagnetic system, or any of a number of other options. If you choose a common water softener that uses a brine tank, then it’s also a good idea to get a filtering system for the water you plan to drink or to use for cooking.
Your Water Heater Must Be the Right Size
As with many home appliances, having the right size is crucial. A water heater that’s too small won’t heat efficiently, using too much power. By the same token, a water heater that’s too big will also use too much power. Additionally, if your water heater is too small, then you will run out of hot water too quickly. Small water heaters that become overburdened will also wear out much faster than one that’s the right size. We can advise you on what size of water heater you need.
The Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters
To balance out their expensive initial cost, tankless water heaters can save you up to 34% on your combined energy and water bills. This will have the added bonus of reducing your carbon footprint. They are the epitome of efficiency, heating only the water you need when you need it. Gas-powered tankless water heaters don’t have a pilot light, so they’ll save you a small amount on your gas bill too.
With the innovations in smart technology, water heaters have become even more efficient than ever before. You can, for example, turn them off completely when you’re on vacation. Similarly, you can even turn them off after your shower in the morning, leave them off for most of the day while you’re at work, and then turn them back on about an hour before you’re scheduled to get home. Modern water heaters generally have the ability to heat more hot water per hour than they can hold, so if you need a shower when you get home, then you will still have hot water available for that shower.
Why Call Us?
We’re experienced in both the maintenance and installation of water heaters of all varieties and sizes. Our A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau show our integrity. When we’re on the job, you’ll get all the benefits of a conscientious company that prioritizes outstanding customer service and dedicates itself to the craft. So, when you’re ready to talk about water heaters, give us a call to make an appointment.