Ever think about your hot water heater? It is that thing behind the scenes, working hard to give you hot showers for washing dishes. But just like other things at home, they are not permanent. In this article, you will know when to do a replacement to avoid cold showers, expensive repairs, or leaks that may damage your house.
How long do hot water systems last in Australia?
Many hot water systems survive for 8 to 12 years. Some things that affect its lifespan are:
- Cleaning: As an important device at home, your water heater needs cleaning from time to time. You have to remove the dirt inside so it works well and lasts longer.
- Hot showers: If your family loves long, hot showers, the heater might need replacing sooner. All that hot water use works it a bit harder.
- Hard water: If your water has a lot of minerals in it, it can wear down the inside of the heater faster.
- Hot climate: If you live in hot areas, the high temperature can make your heater work harder, which can shorten its lifespan.
What are the signs it is time to change your system?
Age can be a factor, but there are other warning signs that your heater may be nearing the end of its life. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Not-so-hot showers? This may be because your heater is getting clogged with sediment, has a heating problem, or maybe too small.
- Rusty water? Discoloured water is due to the rusting inside the tank, which is another sign of a faulty water tank. This makes your showers uncomfortable and also reduces the lifespan of your heater.
- Sneaky leaks? Do not ignore puddles around your heater! Leaks can signal a cracked tank waiting to burst, so address them right away to avoid water damage.
- Sounds like trouble? Any kind of noise like a pop, bang or rumble from the heater may indicate an issue with the tank or heating elements.
Is your system more than ten years old?
Do you have similar situations as the ones mentioned above? Or is your water heater over ten years old? This might be the perfect time to look for a new water heater. With a new one, you’ll get reliable hot water, better energy efficiency (which is good in terms of your bills), and the assurance that you will not end up with a cold shower.
Should you repair it or look for another?
Sometimes, repairing might solve the problem and get your system back to work. But if it is really old, leaking, or having big issues, replacing it might be a better thing to do. It may be confusing when you are not aware of the hot water heater basics. Consider the following before deciding:
- Age of your hot water system: As stated above, it is advisable to replace your heater if it has been used for over ten years.
- How bad the problem is: For small leaks or quirks, a fix might make sense. But the long-term solution for bigger problems is to look for a new one so you can save money.
- Repair costs: Ask for quotes from professional plumbers so you can compare how much it would take to repair the system versus buying something new.
What are the benefits of switching to a new one?
Are you spotting signs your water heater needs replacing? For a more comfortable and practical solution, switch to a new hot water system. Check out these key benefits:
- Reduced running costs: Using less energy means spending less on bills. If you upgrade your hot water system, it can eventually pay for itself by saving on energy costs.
- Improved energy efficiency: Modern hot water systems are much more economical than the old ones. This is a great opportunity to save money on energy, for instance, using solar or heat pump hot water systems.
- Never run out of hot water again: If your showers always turn cold halfway through because everyone’s been using hot water, a new system with a bigger tank can solve that problem!
- Help the planet: You will be helping the environment by lowering your carbon footprint by opting for an efficient hot water system.
- Enhanced safety: Modern hot water systems have better safety features like pressure relief valves, and temperature controls to lessen the chances of accidents or malfunctions.
- Lasts longer and saves money: They are built tougher these days, with better parts and fancy technology. This means they last longer compared to the old ones.
What should you consider when looking for a new one?
You have to take into account these factors when you are choosing a new hot water system:
- Size: How much hot water do you use? A bigger family needs a bigger heater than someone living alone. Get one that’s just right, not too big or small.
- Saving on bills: Choose heaters with a good energy rating. The higher it is, the less it costs to run. Thus, you can save money in the long run!
- Longer warranty: This gets you covered for repairs for a longer time. You do not have to worry in case something comes up.
- Different choices: There are a few types of heaters: regular tanks, solar-powered, and heat pumps. Regular tanks are familiar, solar uses the sun (great for sunny areas!), and heat pumps are very efficient. Consider the budget, the climate, and the environment when choosing.
Do not wait for cold showers: Schedule your water heater replacement today!
A working hot water system is needed in every Sydney home. Switch to a new one once you see the signs to avoid future problems.
Trust Sydney Hot Water Systems for expert replacements of hot water systems in Sydney. For a reliable and energy-efficient option, upgrade to an AquaMax Hot Water System today. We offer a range of sizes and features to suit your needs, and our qualified plumbers can ensure a smooth installation process.