As a homeowner, you know preventative maintenance is key to keep your home heating and cooling systems in top working order. There are, however, some home maintenance tasks that are so infrequent we tend to forget to check on them, but so important that preventative replacement may be the least expensive and frustrating option.
Preventative Water Heater Replacement Is One of Those Tasks
Replacing your water heater is something you may not think about until there is a “domestic incident”. There is never a good time to be without hot water, and more often than not it happens when you least can afford it. The morning before a big presentation, in the middle of a holiday party, when your daughter is preparing for her walk down the aisle or you just paid to replace your refrigerator. Unfortunately, a cold shower or a geyser in your basement leaves you with no choice but to take immediate action.
At Northern Heating and Air, we are happy to provide our customers with 24-hour emergency services for situations like this. However, it’s easier and less stressful for you if you have time to schedule a water heater replacement on your own terms!
When to Replace Your Water Heater
There are a number of ways to determine if your water heater needs to be replaced, or if maintenance will take care of the issue.
1. Is your hot water heater aging out?
Do you know how old your hot water heater is? If you purchased it yourself, you probably have a good idea. However, if you purchased a home with a hot water heater already installed, you may not have that information.
You can usually determine the date your water heater was manufactured by looking for the manufacturer’s sticker on the upper part of the heater. (Can’t find it? Give us a call at (518) 745-0401 and will be happy to help you out!) Hot water heaters do have an age limit…anything over 10 years old should generally be considered for replacement.
2. Leaks
If you notice that there is water or moisture around the bottom of the heater, you may have a leak in the tank. You may find that when the tank gets hot to heat the water, it opens or expands the crack or fracture and lets the water leak out. Once it is cool, it may stop leaking. if you see any signs of a leak contact or their heating and air and our service team will evaluate exactly where the problem is. (Schedule an appointment here)
3. Sediment in the water
Have you noticed the color of your hot water is off? That may be a sign that the interior of the tank is rusting, and may be close to developing a leak. There can be a number of reasons for this, however, so if in question, call the experts!
4. Noise
If your water heater is making noise – a popping or knocking sound- there can be a number of reasons. They may be sediments moving around inside the tank, fairly common in old water heaters. It may be normal expansion as the hot water tank expands and contracts. Some noises are normal, but if you are not sure, give us a call.
If you are unsure of the age or condition of your hot water heater, call the experts at Northern Heating and Air at (518) 745-0401 for an evaluation. Our technicians will be happy to help you determine whether simple maintenance may solve the problem and extend the life of your heater, or whether you might want to consider preventative replacement of your hot water heater. (learn more about our Home Comfort Plan Program!)
We serve Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties.Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, Saratoga Springs homeowners rely on our expertise to keep their heating and cooling systems running smoothly… and avoid emergencies!
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