Which Water Heater is Right for My Home?

Major appliances break, it's just a reality of homeownership. However, you may replace a functioning water heater if you need more capacity, want something more energy-efficient, or want the water to heat faster.

This month we'll look at when you should replace your water heater and how to choose the best new appliance for your home and family. We'll also discuss water heater maintenance that can extend the life and improve the performance of your new heater.

Signs That You Need a New Water Heater

There are two main reasons a homeowner would purchase a new water heater:

• The current water heater isn't working as it should.
• Water consumption has outgrown the water heater's capacity.

Here are some signs that indicate you're ready for a new appliance:

1.   Rust

If your water has a rusty dark tint, it's a sign that there's either rust inside your water heater or in your pipes. You'll need a professional to track down the source of the rust, so schedule an appointment with Guin Service. Once our professionals find the source of the rust, we'll advise you on repairs or replacement.

If there's rust inside your tank, you'll need to replace it. Putting it off could lead to major leaks that can cause a lot of water damage. It's best to schedule a water heater installation appointment as soon as you can to avoid more expensive repairs.

2.   New Noises

New rumbling noises as your heater warms water are common with older appliances. Sediment can build up in aging water heaters, and it can cause unusual noises. Buildup can also reduce your appliance's efficiency. Regular maintenance can keep sediment under control with your new appliance, so schedule regular GuinGuard appointments.

3.   Leak

A water leak is the most common sign that something isn't right with your appliance. The cause could be a crack in the tank or an issue with the fittings or connections. If it is indeed a crack in your tank, you'll want to replace your heater as quickly as possible.

4.   Not Heating Water

If you have no hot water at all, there's clearly an issue with your appliance. However, aging water heaters may still heat water, just not at the capacity that they used to. If you can't shower as long as you used to or the hot water runs out before you can finish the dishes, you probably need a new water heater.

5.   Not Enough Capacity

Sometimes water heaters are still working correctly, but they just don't produce enough water for your needs. Your water demand may increase for a variety of reasons, such as having more people living in your home. In that case, a larger water heater would be much more convenient than always fighting over whose turn it is to shower first.

Types of Water Heaters

There are two basic types of water heaters: tank and tankless.

Tank heaters can be either electric or gas, and there is a wide variety of options to suit various budgets and capacity needs. The downsides of a tank water heater are that they have a limited capacity and consume quite a bit of energy to maintain a warm tank of water 24/7. However, new energy-efficient tank water heaters consume less energy than older models.

Tankless water heaters are much more energy-efficient than tank water heaters because they only consume energy when you use warm water. Many homeowners also prefer them because they provide an unlimited supply of hot water.

Although tankless water heaters cost more money upfront than traditional tank heaters, they have become popular among homeowners. Their energy savings and having unlimited hot water make them attractive. The average lifespan is also a bit longer for tankless heaters, about 20 years compared to 10 -- 15 for a traditional tank heater.

What Size Tank Do You Need?

The tank capacity that you should choose for your new water heater depends upon the size of your house and family and how much water you consume.

Three common water heater sizes are:

• 40 gallon -- good for a small house and a family of four that doesn't consume a large amount of water.
• 50 gallon -- suitable for families of four to six that have higher than average water consumption.
• 80 gallon -- works well for large houses and large families.

Depending upon the size of your home and your water consumption, you may decide to install two water heaters so that you always have hot water. A high-quality tankless water heater can also meet the capacity demand of a home that currently uses two tank heaters.

New Water Heater Maintenance

Regular maintenance checks are a smart way to prevent appliance breakdowns. When you sign up for GuinGuard, our experienced water heater technicians will check for issues that may cause leaks and fix them before they start.

Regular maintenance also keeps your appliances running efficiently, which lowers your energy bill. To help your new water heater last for as long as possible, schedule your regular maintenance with Guin Service today.

If you think it may be time for a new water heater, schedule a consultation today. We'll help you pick the best appliance for your home and family.