When is it Time to Replace Your Hot Water Heater?

A high-performing hot water heater is essential to maximize the performance and energy efficiency of your home. A water heater’s performance will degrade over time, resulting in decreased efficiency. When your water heater gets to a certain age, it is time to think about replacing it. If you aren’t sure if your water heater needs to be replaced, ask yourself the following questions.

Knowing When Water Heaters Should be Replaced

• How old is your water heater?
  • Water heaters typically last about 12 years, but many factors go into a unit’s performance and longevity.
  • If you have had your water heater for longer than 12 years, it is probably time to consider replacing it.

• Is your utility bill slowly creeping up?
  • When water heaters begin approaching the end of their service life, efficiency starts to decline. As efficiency declines, your utility bill will get more and more expensive.
  • It is a sound strategy to get out ahead of a water heater that is not performing efficiently. You will benefit by replacing the unit sooner than later. A new high-efficiency unit will start saving money immediately through improved performance while a low-functioning appliance keeps wasting your utility dollar each month.

• Where in the U.S. do you live?
  • Colder climates require a water heater to work harder, shortening its use span.
  • Missouri winters can be hard on water heaters, so make sure to take this into consideration.

• How many people live in your home?
  • The more your water heater must work, the more often it will need to be maintained and replaced.
  • Larger families require more hot water, so if you have a big family or frequent guests, your water heater may wear out sooner.

• How often do you maintain your water heater?
  • Annual maintenance helps your unit last longer and perform better throughout its life.
  • If water heater maintenance is not always a priority in your household, the service life of your water heater will diminish.

• What type of fuel powers your water heater?
  • Some power systems are more efficient than others.
  • Propane is an efficient, environmentally friendly option that is also cost-effective over the life of the water heater.

If these questions have you thinking about replacing your water heater, consult with a plumber and begin checking your options for replacement. If you do decide to replace your unit, consider upgrading to a propane water heater for greater performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for a new water heater is to not wait until it is too late. Finding out that your water heater needs to be replaced when you’re trying to care for your family gives you fewer options. A new propane water heater can ensure that your family won’t run out of hot water and it will allow you to enjoy the comfort and health benefits of clean, hot water.

Learn more about the propane lifestyle, and the benefits of propane home appliances at propanemissouri.com/residential.