How Long Does a Propane Water Heater Last?

Most people when choosing water heaters are extremely interested in price matter. They look for affordable options, units with minimal maintenance, as well as eco-friendly perks. At the same time, there are those buyers who want to get the systems that will serve them long with the help of finding a contractor. A propane hot water heater is one of the potential choices, hence, the question of its lifespan occurs as well. Let’s understand whether this unit is worth all its initial costs and how finding a contractor may help one.

What Is a Propane Hot Water Heater?

A propane hot water heater is a unit in demand for decades. It works thanks to propane, a gas that is widely available in the US. Compared to traditional alternatives, a propane hot water heater is linked to high durability. These units bring comfort and savings during the whole term of their exploitation. On the other side, the system may have breakdowns which will only reduce the lifecycle and owners would stick to find a contractor by Contractorfinder to go for another heater.

 

So, answering the initial question – How long does a propane water heater last? – It ranges between 8 to 12 years. You may both reduce the lasting and boost it if you regularly organize checkups for the unit by finding a contractor. Let’s overlook some measures that should be always paid attention to extend the propane instant hot water heater lifespan.

 

• Aging water heaters

 

If your heater already hit 10 years, you should think of replacement of its details. It does not mean you have to change it for another model but just think of upgrading the details. 

 

• You face higher bills

 

If your tankless propane water heater brings you high bills even though nothing much changed in your water routines within the whole household, the unit is most likely to have started overworking. It means that you should go for finding a contractor to detect the issue and fix it immediately. Otherwise, you won’t only have to throw money down the drain on bills but come across high reparation costs.

 

• Rusty water

 

Another issue that may minimize the lifecycle of your propane water heater is rusty water. The main reason behind it is corrosion which is known as the worst enemy of every heater. If you notice the rust coming from the outside of the tank, you do not have much time to enjoy the efficacy of the heater. By finding a contractor, you may be advised on measures to prevent or “alleviate” the corrosion.

 

• Hard water

 

Ensure your 50 or 20-gallon propane water heater does not have any buildup. You may simply check it when your utensils are covered with stains, or your clothing is scratchy. If avoiding these first signals, the minerals will somehow reduce the efficacy of your unit, and shorten its lifespan.

 

• Noises

 

One of the most common issues that something is going wrong with your propane unit is strange noises. They are the signs of sediment buildup. First off, it does not only shorten the lifespan of the water heater but also brings costly repairs. During the first years of using the unit get used to the standard noises, so that, later on you will easily spot any strange sounds coming from the mechanical room without finding a contractor.

 

What are the other ways to get to know the lifespan of your water heater? If you lost the documentation for your appliance, there is one more chance to get to know how long it will serve you. Check the unit for the serial number. It should consist of letters and numerals located on the upper portion of the system. There will be the letter, for instance, A – which stands for January, B- for February, and so on. Then, the letter will be followed by two numbers which stand for the year of the manufacturing. For example, A19 – your unit was manufactured in January 2019.

Finding a Contractor for Additional Advice

Sooner or later your propane unit will no longer serve you, hence, you should be prepared in advance for replacement or upgrade. Experts usually recommend thinking about the replacement 2 years before the end of its lifespan. During this time, you may go for finding a contractor to receive a proper consultation on how to switch from an old unit to a newer one. For instance, you used to have a propane unit and think of a solar one. Check with the contractor whether you need to leave all the cords or cables for the new model. Or, learn how much the full transition will cost you. 

 

In cases when the lifespan of your unit is still far, but you have a major breakdown and active warranty, you should immediately call the manufacturer.