How Long Will My Water Heater Last?

Written on: October 16, 2023

water heater service Lancaster, ma Your water heater is a workhorse when it comes to the comfort and function of your home. It provides all the warm and hot water you and your family need to bathe, wash clothes, wash your hands, clean your dishes, and more. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating water accounts for roughly 20% of your energy bills. That’s a lot of hot water!

Especially given what a large percentage of your energy bill water heating represents, it is important that your water heater does its job as efficiently as possible. To that end, it may be time to replace or repair you water heater so that it works better for you and your family.

Whether you’re in the market for a new water heater or simply want to make sure the water heater you already have is working as efficiently as possible, call on Brideau Energy. We provide water heater installation , water heater tune-ups, and water heater repairs in Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

So make Brideau Energy your source for all things related to water heaters. Our master plumbers are here to help you determine if it’s time to upgrade, provide annual tune-ups, perform repairs, and answer your questions. We offer free, no-obligation assessments. And we can even help you navigate the rebate and financing options available to you.

Winter Is Coming

Autumn is here and winter is coming just around the corner. The colder it gets, the harder your water heater works. Why? The water supply gets colder when the weather (and ground temperatures) get colder, so your water heater has to work harder to get the water to the desired temperature. Your basement is also colder, so storage tank water heaters need to work harder to maintain the desired water temperature.

With winter on its way, now is a good time to give your water heater some attention and make sure it’s doing its job as efficiently as possible before it has to work even harder for you and your family. The best way to do that is to call Brideau Energy for an annual water heater tune-up.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

Whether or not it’s time to consider replacing your water heater has a lot to do with how old it is. Most warranties are valid for five to seven years. If your water heater is more than ten years old, an upgrade is probably a good idea. And you’ll see the benefits of an upgrade from day one. Your new water heater will be significantly more energy efficient than your old one, so you’ll start saving money on your energy bill the first time you use it. Plus, if you choose a tankless water heater, in addition to having an endless supply of hot water on demand, you won’t have to worry about tank corrosion or tank failure.

Age isn’t the only sign your water heater is ready for replacement. Here are a few other signs your water heater isn’t in good shape:

An inexplicable energy bill increase. If there’s an increase in your energy bills that can’t be explained by an increase in fuel prices or an increase in your hot water usage, then your water heater may be to blame. Water heaters lose efficiency as they get older. Upgrading to a new highly efficient water heater could save you a lot of money over time.
Leaks or rusty water. If you notice puddles under your tank or if it starts producing rusty water, that’s a sign of corrosion. This problem is particularly common with steel tanks.
Hard water stains. Hard water stains show up as white marks on your silverware and glassware after they’ve gone through the dishwasher. Having hard water usually means there is a lime buildup in your tank. A lime buildup in your tank can decrease your water heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
Unusual noises. If you hear growling or gurgling sounds coming from your storage tank, it’s probably due to a build-up of sediment in the tank. This is not a problem you should ignore because ignoring it for too long will lead to serious problems that require expensive repairs or replacement.

Brideau Is the Smart Choice

Whether you’re ready to purchase a new water heater or need a tune-up or repairs for the one you already have, the experts at Brideau Energy can help. We’ve served the residents of Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire since 1987. Let us put our years of experience to work for you.

Contact Brideau Energy today. We’re here to help!