Like other appliances, water heaters wear out. But unlike a broken vacuum or a dead microwave, when your water heater goes out, it’s a major problem. And if the tank fails due to corrosion or a faulty fitting, it can be a wet and destructive disaster.

Signs Your Water Heater is On Its Last Legs

Aside from obvious leaks or total lack of hot water, here are some signs your water heater nearing the end of its life:

• Water pooling around the heater base
• Rusty water
• Water has a metallic smell and taste
• Cold or tepid water that doesn't get hot
• The heater is older than 15 years.

Angi Home Advisor gives an estimated life expectancy of tank type water heaters of 8-12 years and around 20 years for tankless models.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater

A water heater is an essential home appliance. When the time comes to replace one, there are several considerations.

Cost: The average water heater replacement cost ranges from $810 to $1,656, with the national average at $1,217. Switching fuel type (gas to electric and vice versa) will add to the cost, as well.

Size: Both usage and space are considerations. If you have a large family, a 50- or 80-gallon heater may be preferable to a more typical 30- or 40-gallon size. If space is tight, a wall-mounted tankless heater could be a solution.

Fuel Type: Gas heaters can be faster acting but emit combustion gases and need venting. Electric heaters don’t need venting but may be slightly less responsive than gas types.

Heat Pump Water Heaters: The Latest in Water Heating Tech

But there’s a new type of high-efficiency hybrid water heater that uses heat pump technology to boost performance, efficiency, and environmental impact—the heat pump water heater, also commonly referred to as Hybrid Electric Water Heaters.

Energy Star, the EPA program that promotes energy-efficient practices, touts heat pump water heaters as potentially saving as much as 50% on water heating costs, a savings that can offset the initial purchase and installation costs in as little as two years. Watch this video for a quick overview of how hybrid electric water heaters save on energy costs. Many governments and utilities offer rebates and incentives for installing energy-saving appliances, too, so be sure to check your local sources for details.

Hybrid heat pump water heaters use the same heat-exchanging technology as heat pump HVAC systems. They use an electric heat pump mounted atop a conventional tank heater to preheat water for storage, often the only source needed to keep the supply ready to use. The electric heaters in the tank activate only when needed, saving considerably on your electric bill.

Need Help? Calla Pro

The nationwide push for electrification presents homeowners and businesses with a sometimes bewildering array of choices. Often, these changes can require modification of a building’s electrical system or capacity, work that should only be done by licensed professionals.

Allstar Electrical Services is committed to helping you enjoy your living and work space safely and efficiently at the lowest possible cost. Our extensive residential and commercial services are there to help you reach that goal. Visit our website to learn more. Then email us or give us a call at 303.399.7420 to schedule an appointment.