5 SIGNS YOU MAY NEED A NEW WATER HEATER

You bought a house, moved in, and have everything up and running. It is so much nicer than the apartment you came from before this. However exciting, owning a home comes with a cost.

Energy bills can sometimes be one of the highest expenses in your home, especially if you live in a cold climate like Indiana. Energy bills include things like gas, electric, and water. As such, one of the best ways to save money on your energy bills is to make sure you have an efficient water heater.

Water heaters are used for several appliances in your home, and some would say they are the very foundation upon which modern civilization rests (if that sounds like an exaggeration, try giving up hot showers for 30 days). Thanks to the laws of physics, water heaters take up around 25% of the energy usage in your home; it takes a lot of energy to heat all that water for your laundry, showers, washing dishes, and more. This means that having a bad water heater could be costing you a lot of money.

How do you know when you need water heater repair or even a water heater replacement? There are several signs that a water heater is on its last leg. Here are some of the most important water heater warning signs you need to be on the lookout for as a new homeowner.

Age

Water heaters, unfortunately, do not last forever. First, you have to understand how old your water heater is. By looking at the manufacturer information and serial number, you can find the date that your heater was manufactured. As a general rule of thumb, any water heater that's pushing 10 or more years should be inspected and likely replaced sooner rather than later.

Rusty Water

If you notice rusty water in your home coming from your water heater, it most likely means that the heater is rusting on the inside. Again, this isusually a result of age. The rust is getting in the water, and that isn't good for the cleanliness or quality of the water in your home. If this is happening, it's probably time to think about water heater repair or replacement.

Strange Noises

Does your water heater make a lot of noise? If you notice any loud banging or squealing noises, your water heater is most likely on the fritz. Before you try the "percussive maintenance" route, you should definitely call a specialist to see if you need water heater repair or replacement.

Leaks

Sometimes, when water heaters are on their way out, they start to leak. You will notice either small amounts of moisture built up around your tank or even full-blown puddles around your heater. Either way, get a professional in there to look at your water heater. And more importantly, make sure you're checking for leaks regularly on your own!

Money

Lastly, if you see a huge spike in your energy bills, your water heater could actually be to blame. Usually, this means it's time to start saving for new water heater installation.

If any of these warning signs sound familiar, or if you just want to save some money on your energy bills, consider that you might need water heater repair.

Site Map