When you think about the systems that keep your Whatcom County home comfortable during winter, your furnace or heat pump probably comes to mind first.
But there’s another hardworking piece of equipment you rely on every single day: your water heater.
Hot showers, laundry, dishes, cleaning and countless everyday tasks depend on having reliable hot water. Unfortunately, the water heater is also one of those appliances that’s easy to forget about until something goes wrong.
January is a great time to give this often-overlooked system a little attention.
At Reliance Indoor Air Quality, we provide professional water heater inspection, repair, and installation services throughout Whatcom County and can help you determine whether your current system needs attention or whether it may be time to consider replacement.
How Long Has It Been Since You Thought About Your Water Heater?
If your answer is “I have no idea,” you’re probably not alone.
Water heaters generally spend their lives tucked away in a garage, utility room, basement, or closet. As long as hot water comes out when you turn on the faucet, there’s not much reason to think about them.
But like any mechanical system in your home, water heaters can develop problems over time.
An inspection can help identify signs of wear, leaks, corrosion, or other concerns and give you a better understanding of the condition of your equipment.
4 Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention
A water heater doesn’t always fail without warning. There are several signs that may indicate it’s time to call a professional.
1. You’re Running Out of Hot Water
If your showers aren’t staying hot as long as they used to or you’re suddenly running out of hot water during normal household use, something may be affecting your water heater’s performance.
2. Your Hot Water Looks Rusty or Discolored
Rust-colored or discolored hot water shouldn’t simply be ignored. It can indicate corrosion or another issue that should be professionally evaluated.
3. You Notice Water Around the Water Heater
Water where it shouldn’t be is always worth investigating.
Even a small amount of moisture around your water heater may indicate a leak or developing problem. Catching a leak early can be especially important because water damage can quickly become a much larger and more expensive issue.
4. Your Water Heater Is Rumbling or Making Unusual Noises
Water heaters aren’t completely silent, but new popping, banging, or rumbling sounds can indicate that something has changed.
If your water heater suddenly sounds different, have it checked rather than waiting to see if the noise goes away.
Repair or Replace?
Finding a problem doesn’t automatically mean you need a new water heater.
Depending on the age and condition of the equipment and the type of problem you’re experiencing, a repair may be the appropriate solution.
However, if your water heater is older, inefficient, leaking, or requiring repeated repairs, replacement may make more sense.
That’s also an opportunity to consider whether the same type of water heater is still the best choice for your household.
Today’s Homeowners Have Water Heater Options
Water heating technology has changed, and homeowners now have several options depending on their home, energy source, hot water needs, available space, and budget.
Reliance Indoor Air Quality can help you explore options including:
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat rather than generating all of their heat directly. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pump water heaters can be significantly more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.
Electric Water Heaters
Traditional electric tank water heaters remain a familiar option for many households and are available in different capacities to accommodate varying hot water needs.
Tankless Water Heaters
Rather than storing a tank of heated water, tankless systems heat water as it’s needed. Depending on your household and existing setup, a tankless system may be an option worth considering when it’s time for replacement.
Tanked Gas Water Heaters
For homes equipped for gas appliances, traditional tanked gas water heaters continue to provide a dependable solution for household hot water.
There’s no single water heater that’s right for every home. That’s why it’s important to consider your household’s needs and have a professional help you understand the available options.
Make Your Water Heater Part of Your New Year’s Home Checklist
The beginning of a new year is a natural time to take stock of your home.
While you’re changing smoke detector batteries, replacing filters, organizing closets, and tackling those projects you’ve been putting off, add your water heater to the list.
Ask yourself:
How old is it?
Have you noticed any leaks or moisture?
Is your hot water lasting as long as it used to?
Has the water heater started making unusual noises?
Do you know when it was last professionally inspected?
A little attention today may help you catch a developing problem before you wake up to a cold shower or discover water where it shouldn’t be.
Water Heater Service Throughout Whatcom County
Whether your water heater needs to be inspected, repaired, or replaced, Reliance Indoor Air Quality is here to help.
We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Lynden, Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, and communities across Whatcom County.
We’ll inspect your water heater, help diagnose potential problems, and explain your repair or replacement options so you can make an informed decision for your home and budget.
Start the new year with confidence in the systems you rely on every day. Call Reliance Indoor Air Quality at (360) 410-9159 to schedule water heater service or learn more about replacement options for your Whatcom County home.