Water heaters are one of those things that many homeowners take for granted, even though it’s something that’s used every single day—could you imagine showering without hot water?
When it comes time to replace this system or install one in a newly constructed home, you want to make sure you’re getting one that matches your household’s specific needs, and isn’t going to cost more than necessary to run, right?
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make in this case, then, is whether to go with a traditional storage-tank water heater or do something different and go tankless. But what’s the difference? And is one better than the other? Read on to learn more about both systems.
Chances are, you are familiar with the traditional water heater setup—storage tank water heaters are very noticeable, and often even a little noisy. This conventional water heater is found in most homes throughout the country, so many people realize that a tank water heater may need attention from time to time, in the form of system maintenance.
If there is any home comfort system people take for granted, it’s typically their water heater—even though this is one of the appliances we all rely on the most! When it comes time to replace yours you’ll definitely notice it, but this isn’t a purchase you should rush into.
Standard storage-tank water heaters are the type most often found in homes today—it’s the conventional system that people are used to. They’re big, and very noticeable, even if “hidden” away in a closet. Therefore, even if you don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it, you do know that it needs service. After all, scaling from hard water can have a major negative impact on your water heater, allowing for a mineral buildup that clangs around and can ultimately cause damage to the system.
The time has come—you’ve had your tank water heater for 15, maybe even 20 years, and there is no denying that it’s just not up to the job of effectively and efficiently keeping water inside of it warm. Perhaps you noticed the hot water volume has decreased and family members are going without warm showers—or maybe you even noticed corrosion.
The short answer to this is going to be “probably!” But we promise to elaborate.
If we were to name an appliance you probably take the most for granted, what would it be? Assuming you got the hint in the title of this blog post, you know that it’s your water heater.
The tankless water heater has become a preferred choice for many homeowners today. They keep up with the demand of the majority of households in our area—so long as they are properly sized for your home. They also help you cut down on energy bills, and won’t “run out” of hot water in the way that standard storage tank water heaters do.
You know what would be great? If all the appliances and equipment we use in our homes to maintain and improve comfort lasted forever, with no need for repair or replacement. Unfortunately, this is just not the case, and your water heater definitely isn’t an exception to the rule. This system goes through a lot of wear and tear, especially when you consider just how much use it gets each and every day to help you clean, bathe, wash clothes and dishes, and more.
Water heaters can last a good long time, if you take proper care of them. They can’t last forever, though. Sooner or later, you’re going to need to replace it with a new one. It’s best if you identify as early as possible when your water heater is getting close to the end of its life. The earlier you can tell if your water heater is in need of replacement, the earlier you can have it replaced. The best way to tell whether or not your water heater is in need of replacement is to have a technician check out the system for you. If you’re not sure whether to call your technician yet or not, though, check out the following signs.