If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your water heater or heating system until there’s a problem. And since problems with these appliances can be costly and inconvenient, it’s important to know when it might be time to upgrade. So, how do you know if your current water heater or heating system is outdated? Here are a few tips to help you determine whether it’s time for an upgrade or a new heater installation.
- You constantly hear loud banging sounds when the water is running:
If you’re constantly hearing loud banging sounds when the water is running, it could mean that sediment has built up to the point where it no longer allows the tank to fill properly, or that rust has built up on the bottom of your tank and your float switch isn’t shutting off the gas when the tank is full. In either case, sediment and rust aren’t good for your water heater or heating system and could cause significant damage if left unattended.
- The temperature in your home seems to have dropped:
If you notice that the temperature in your home has dropped, but you can’t find a specific reason why it could be because your water heater or heating system is no longer capable of heating as efficiently as it used to. And if you’re using an underdeveloped unit for long, you could be putting yourself at risk of frozen pipes and other problems that can potentially cause serious damage.
- You turn on your faucet and nothing comes out:
If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, it could be because the water heater or heating system isn’t creating enough pressure to push the water through. This can happen for several reasons, including sediment build-up in the pipes, an under-developed unit that doesn’t have enough hot water running through them to create the needed pressure or an issue with the way your faucet is set up. No matter what the problem is, it’s important to have it checked out by scheduling heater repair as soon as possible to prevent damage.
- Your water smells like rotten eggs:
If your water smells like rotten eggs, it could be because you have too much bacteria in your pipes. This typically happens when water doesn’t circulate through your pipes often enough, and it’s a problem that needs to be addressed quickly.
- You’ve just moved into a new home:
If you just moved into a new home and the previous owners left without saying goodbye to their appliances, there’s always the possibility that they simply forgot to leave one of them behind. Though you perform heater maintenance or tune-up, the system would not perform to its full potential.
- You’re regularly turning up the temperature on your thermostat:
Although it might seem like you can get away with regularly turning up the temperature on your thermostat, doing so could cause some serious issues. That’s because constantly running a unit without allowing it to cool down completely will lead to sediment build-up and rusting on the unit’s interior. And when that happens, it can put your appliance at risk for leaks and other problems that could potentially cost you a lot of money to fix.
- Your energy bills seem to be climbing:
Although there are plenty of variables that can affect how much you pay in energy bills each month, if you notice that your energy bills are climbing, it may have something to do with the age of your water heater or heating system.
- You remember your parents replacing their old unit:
If you remember your parents replacing their old unit when you were younger, it could be because they simply got tired of dealing with constant problems. And if you take care of your appliances, you could end up saving yourself some time and money.
- Your home was built in the 1970s:
If you’re noticing that there are no age requirements on different models of a water heater or heating system when you look online, it’s because the majority of manufacturers don’t make water heaters or heating systems with an expected life span of more than ten years. And if your water heater or heating system is older, you could be putting yourself at risk for a lot of problems that may become a huge inconvenience if they aren’t dealt with immediately.
- You’ve been receiving estimates from different companies:
Although receiving estimates from different heater installation companies isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it could be because they are aware that you are on the market for appliances. And if your water heater or heating system is more than ten years old, it may no longer meet current standards and its efficiency rating could drop significantly over time.
So if you’re noticing any of the problems on this list, or something else entirely, make sure to reach out to a water heater or heating system professional as soon as possible. That way, it won’t be too late before you realize that your appliance requires serious repairs.
What would happen if you do not replace your old or outdated water heater?
- The lifespan for your water heater will be reduced:
As the internal components in your water heater erode over time, they will diminish your water heater’s lifespan.
- The efficiency rating for your water heater will decrease:
When you notice that it takes longer than usual to get hot water up to temperature, this is a good indication that there is sediment build-up in your unit which could lead to decreased efficiency.
- You will end up paying more money in energy bills:
When you notice that it takes longer than usual to get hot water up to temperature, this is a good indication that your water heater or heating system is not operating efficiently. And over time, the cost of running the unit could add up and cause your energy bills to be even more expensive.
- It could lead to a leak:
If you’ve been having issues with your water heaters, such as random hot water fluctuations or little to no hot water at all, these are both signs that it might be time to replace your appliance. And if not replaced in time, it can lead to leaking behind the unit which will need to be repaired at your own expense.
Due to these reasons, we advise that you replace your outdated water heater or heating system as soon as possible. And if you’re not sure how to go about getting a new unit, call a professional for assistance and they will be more than happy to help you.
