Sooner or later, every family will have the displeasure of waking up one day and discovering there is no hot water. Some habitants will screech when they step into a freezing cold shower. Others will curse their home hot water systems who failed to alert them to the impending doom lurking in their basement. The good news is: neither of these reactions will invade the quiet corners of your home if you know what to look for (and listen to) should your hot water heater be of the age where replacement is only a matter of time.
Why is my hot water heater making strange noises?
Strange gurgling, hissing and popping sounds could be signs that all is not well in the tank. If you are proactive and have the unit serviced you could add time to its operational lifespan. If, on the other hand, you choose to wait it out to see if the noises will pass, keep your hip waders handy in case you need them. So what are some of the signs you should be aware of?
- A rumbling sound might be due to a buildup of calcium and lime mineral deposits. With a good flush of the tank Stashluk can clear it out and help improve energy efficiency and performance.
- Rusty colored water is another sign that things might be amiss. A dissolved anode rod or bacteria in the tank can result in discolored water. With a water heater inspection Stashluk can diagnose the problem and make any repairs or parts replacements necessary.
- “Shreek!” – Cold water can be attributed to a number of causes, and outside of a tank leak or rupture, not all are the demise of a hot water tank. For example, a bad thermocouple, a malfunctioning thermostat or a pilot light that mysteriously went out could all be cause for your frigid morning shower.
- Another malfunction to look for is moisture or a puddle of water around the base of the tank. This could be a sign that there is a leak in the tank.
Ultimately, by spending a minute with your hot water tank every once in a while when you pass through the room where it’s tucked away in your basement, you could be saving your family from a cold shower that no one deserves.
It’s time for Morris Plains NJ hot water heater replacement. Now what?
In addition to excellent service and repairs conducted by experienced technicians, Stashluk offers name brand, energy-efficient hot water heaters for replacement in both tank and tankless styles. Homeowners now have a choice between highly efficient tankless water heaters that are wall-mounted and save floor space, and traditional tank styles that are more cost effective to purchase and install. So why is one better than the other?
Choosing between a tank or tankless hot water heater? Stashluk can help.
When properly maintained a tankless hot water system can outlast a tank hot water heater by an average of 5-10 years; which is a good thing because the initial installation costs of a tankless system are significantly higher, meaning the breakeven point takes longer. Indeed, one two-year study conducted by Minnesota Energy Smart reported a 20- to 40-year payback for the tankless water heaters.
As you’ll see below, there are more differences than similarities between the two hot water systems. Both systems are very flexible as to which fuel they run on—natural gas, oil, propane or electricity—but that’s pretty much where the likenesses end. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each:
Pros of conventional tank hot water heaters:
- Fits easily with your home’s current heating fuel, plumbing or electric infrastructure
- Hot water tank systems have been around for years and are a proven quantity
- Upfront costs are easier on your budget
- Emergency fresh water if needed
Cons:
- Lifespan shorter than tankless systems
- External insulation should be added to curtail standby energy loss
- Increased chance of leakage and flooding
- When hot water is in heavy use it takes longer to reheat the tank
Pros of tankless hot water heaters:
- More energy efficient
- Hot water on demand
- Longer lifespan
- You won’t lose floor space in tight areas
- Longer warranties are typically available
Cons:
- Cost more to install than tank systems, longer payback
- Tankless systems require maintenance more frequently. Failure to maintain can shorten operational life span
- Not a seamless installation. New wiring may be required as well as other plumbing changes to accommodate the tankless system
- Times of heavy use can deplete hot water availability
Which tank style saves more energy and dollars?
Once you get past the installation costs, an Energy Star-rated tankless water heater will save you about $100 annually according to Energy.gov. If your concerns about energy efficiency outweigh the high initial costs of purchase and installation, that won’t be an issue for you. You might be able to come out even or ahead in the long run, or at the very least know that you are doing your part to protect the environment.
Want to know more about Morris Plains NJ hot water heater replacement? Contact Stashluk.
Stashluk has definite opinions about which hot water heater is best for your home. So ask us! As your local factory-trained and authorized dealer, we are licensed and insured to sell, install and service all major brands of tank and tankless hot water heaters.
If you detect any problems with your current hot water heater, give us a call and we’ll come out and let you know what’s going on and what we can do to repair it. For Morris Plains NJ hot water heater replacement call us at (908) 277-6200.
