Knowing when to replace your hot water heater is crucial to preventing discomfort and unexpected costs. So in this blog, the experts at Action Furnace will walk you through the typical lifespan of your water heater, the signs that it’s time for an upgrade and the various, modern equipment options available to choose from.
From traditional tanked heaters to sleek tankless models, we’ll help you make an informed decision to ensure your hot water supply is dependable and efficient. Get ready to dive into the essentials of water heater replacement with our team!
Understanding the Lifespan of Your Water Heater
Before we go too far, let’s begin by understanding the key characteristics of both tanked and tankless water heaters, and how the lifespan for each differs.
Traditional Tanked Water Heater
Traditional tanked heaters, also referred to as storage tank heaters, are the most common type of hot water heater found in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer homes due to their lower upfront cost.
Typically powered by natural gas or electricity, they store water in an insulated tank where it waits until heated and ready for use. Due to their popularity, parts are readily available meaning repair and maintenance costs are much lower.
When properly maintained these water heaters can last up to 15 years.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are quickly closing the gap when it comes to the water heater installation race here in Alberta.
Tankless models heat the water directly over gas or electric elements, without the need for a tank. This allows for a steady and dependable supply of hot water, when and where you need it. Installation and other costs tend to be on the higher side, but due to their increased efficiency, they are a viable long-term cost solution.
When properly maintained these water heaters can last up to 20 years.
Factors That Influence Lifespan
No matter the type, the lifespan of your water heater is influenced by many factors, including:
Condition of the Unit – The quality, brand and installation of your water heater play a big part in its lifespan and performance. More reputable brands tend to use higher quality components and materials, extending their lifespan.
Ongoing Maintenance – Regular, ongoing maintenance (either DIY or professional) can significantly maintain and improve your water heater’s lifespan. Maintenance tasks include: flushing the tank to remove sediment, checking the anode rod, inspecting for leaks, and scheduling annual tune-ups from Action Furnace.
When you join our Total Comfort Club, you’ll enjoy access to our industry-leading tune-ups. You’ll also get access to priority service and exclusive discounts on diagnostics and repair fees. Chat with your Home Comfort Advisor today!
Water Quality – Did you know the quality of your water can also affect your water heater? Alberta is famous for its hard water which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium which can lead to sediment build-up in your tank and water lines.
High sediment levels can cause significant damage to your water tank, requiring more frequent repairs and an overall shorter lifespan. Installing a water softener can help!
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater
Common Hot Water Tank Issues
- Age – If your traditional tanked water heater is anywhere between 10-15 years old, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan and a replacement is imminent.
- Rust and Corrosion – Visible rust on the tank or in the water flowing from your taps can indicate that the tank is corroding from the inside, which can often lead to leaks that cannot be repaired.
- Leaks – Water pooling around the base of the tank is a clear sign of a damaged tank that needs to be replaced.
- No Hot Water – If your water heater is struggling to produce hot water it could mean an element or thermostat failure, which might not be worth repairing on an older unit.
- Strange Noises – Loud banging or popping noises point towards sediment buildup which reduces efficiency and causes significant damage over time. The older the tank, the easier it is to damage, meaning a replacement could be in your future.
Common Tankless Water Heater Issues
- Age – While tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than their tanked cousins, they too will start to lose efficiency the older they get. So if your tankless water heater is nearing 15-20 years old, you might want to start considering a newer model.
- Mineral Build-Up – Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up on the heating elements of your tankless water heater, reducing efficiency and causing the unit to overheat. Which could lead to a replacement.
- Consistent Failure to Heat Water – If your tankless unit is consistently failing to get to your desired temperature and you’ve done multiple system resets, it could mean a significant issue with the elements or internal components.
- Error Codes – Tankless water heaters have diagnostic systems and displays that will show an error code when something goes wrong. If these codes persist, even after a repair service, it could be a sign that the unit is failing and needs to be replaced.
- Water Quality Issues – If you notice rust coloured water it could mean internal corrosion that might not be repairable on a tankless unit.
If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, call the Home Comfort Advisors at Action Furnace, we have the experience to quickly install a wide variety of equipment options to fit your needs.
Assessing Your Needs – What To Expect From Your Water Heater Installation
Installing a new water heater, no matter the type, is a complex process that requires the skill of professional technicians. So trust the team at Action Furnace!
Our highly trained team follows a careful process to ensure your new equipment is installed correctly. And this process always starts with an evaluation.
Evaluation
Our Home Comfort Advisors will thoroughly examine your existing unit, the size of your home and estimate the amount of usage in order to quickly determine the best options for you.
Recommend
Our Home Comfort Advisors guarantee to have your detailed quote delivered to you no later than 24 hours after your initial evaluation.
All recommendations are fully explained and consider your home’s efficiency, size and power needs. We will also go over our most popular hot water heater options, and any special features.
Finally with Action Furnace’s No Surprise Guarantee the investment quoted is what you will pay. No additional chargers during or after installation.
Equipment Options
Install
We have a large inventory of both hot water tanks and tankless units, and once your quote is approved our team can get right to work, scheduling a time for your installation that works for your schedule.
Your technician will arrive at the predetermined time and install your new hot water heater within 2-3 hours. Our team is dedicated to providing you clean and respectful service and will complete your installation with minimal interruption to your day to day life.
Our installation technicians are the best in skill attitude and workmanship. They will care for your home and complete the job with speed and precision. If they have not performed in accordance with these high standards, we will provide you with 1 year free club membership at no charge.
Once your installation is complete, your technician will connect, fill and troubleshoot your new hot water heater to ensure it is running properly and efficiently. Finally they will walk you through the operation, features and any warranties.
Understanding the lifespan and needs of your water heater is key to a constant supply of hot water and comfort. So, ensure optimal performance with the team at Action Furnace, we’ve been Alberta’s go to choice for water heater installation, maintenance and repairs since 1975. We’ve seen, fixed and installed it all, give our friendly team a call today!
Looking for humidifier cleaning tips? Here’s one, have you cleaned your humidifier lately?
If not, it could be turning into a breeding ground for mold growth and bacteria. But don’t worry! In today’s blog post, we’ve created your essential guide on how to keep your humidifier sparkling clean, whether you’re tackling it on your own, or calling in the professionals for a more thorough job. We’ll also cover just how often you should be cleaning your humidifier to keep it running smoothly.
Say goodbye to unwanted germs and hello to cleaner, fresher air. Let’s dive in!
Roll Up Those Sleeves! – DIY Cleaning TIps
Cleaning your own humidifier is easier than you might think. Here are 5 simple DIY steps you can take to clean your unit and help it run more efficiently.
1. Disassemble the humidifier
Unplug your humidifier and carefully take it apart. Start by removing the water tank, filter and any other detachable components. Always keep your user manual handy in case you’re not quite sure how everything fits together.
2. Empty & Rinse
Pour out any remaining water from your humidifier’s tank and base. Rinse the components thoroughly to remove any debris that may have fallen in, as well as to loosen any mineral deposits.
3. Clean From Top To Bottom
Fill the tank with a water and vinegar based solution and let sit anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Vinegar will help dissolve any buildup while effectively disinfecting the tank. You can also use a cloth or a soft brush to help scrub away some of the stubborn areas.
4. Disinfect…Again
If it’s been a really long time since your last cleaning, or if you haven’t cleaned your humidifier ever (we don’t judge!) you may have to do a second round of disinfecting with a watered down bleach solution. Again use a soft cloth or brush to work those more stubborn areas. Oh, and wear gloves!
5. Dry & Reassemble
Once everything is clean and thoroughly rinsed, let all components air dry completely before reassembling. This prevents hard to reach damp areas which can lead to faster mold regrowth. Once put back together, fill your freshly cleaned humidifier with clean water and get ready to enjoy fresher, more comfortable air.
Professional Cleaning – For The Tough Stuff
Action Furnace has been Calgary’s trusted source for all things indoor air quality since 1975, and that includes whole-home humidifiers.
One of the biggest benefits of whole-home humidifiers is their ability to maintain consistent humidity levels throughout your entire home, promoting overall comfort and a healthier living space. Unlike smaller, portable units, whole-home humidifiers integrate with your home’s HVAC system, ensuring every room receives just the right amount of moisture.
Whole-home humidifiers are great for your skin and help alleviate respiratory issues. Optimal humidity levels also help prevent mold and mildew growth. What’s not to love about this amazing piece of equipment, honestly?
Well, the only thing we can think of is that it’s not the easiest thing to clean, but it’s an essential component to overall system health and efficiency. So that’s where the expert technicians at Action Furnace come in with our humidifier cleaning tips!
A key part of our humidifier tune-up service is thorough cleaning. Here’s how we do it, so you don’t have to:
1. Turn Off The Power
To ensure safety, your personalized technician will always turn the power off to your HVAC system.
2. Disassemble The Unit
Next your technician will disassemble your humidifier by removing the access panel that protects all the precious internal components, including the water panel (sometimes referred to as the evaporator pad) and the distribution lines.
3. Replace The Water Panel
The humidifier’s water panel is the most crucial part of your whole-home humidifier system, and it requires regular cleaning and replacement to work effectively.
Your technician will inspect, clean or replace the panel depending on its age and condition.
4. Clean From Top To Bottom (A step so nice, we included it twice)
Using the latest tools, your technician will scrub all the internal parts of your humidifier to remove build-up and debris that might have made its way into the unit via your ductwork.
Next they will inspect and clean the drain line, removing any clogs or build up. Clogs can lead to damage and water leaks, so we always make sure to not miss this step!
5. Reassemble & Troubleshoot
After your whole-home humidifier is inspected and cleaned, your technician will reassemble and restore power to your HVAC system before troubleshooting for any potential issues.
So, How Often Should You Be Cleaning Your Humidifier?
For optimal performance, we recommend cleaning your humidifier (either DIY or professionally) at least once a year, typically before the start of winter when our Alberta air starts to get cold and dry. If your home’s air is particularly dry and your humidifier is experiencing heavy use, you can clean as much as every two weeks. Cleaning only helps the functionality of your system!
Regular maintenance like cleaning helps extend the lifespan of your humidifier, allowing you to enjoy its benefits for longer.
Being A Member Pays Off – Join The Humidifier Comfort Club!
When you join the Action Furnace Comfort Club you’ll never have to worry about remembering to clean and maintain your whole-home humidifier again!
For one low monthly membership fee, all your annual maintenance will be prescheduled, you’ll get an annual supply of humidifier pads and get exclusive access to diagnostic and repair fees.
Join over 10,000 of your friends and neighbours who trust our team to maintain their HVAC systems. No matter the home or the equipment, we have a Comfort Club Membership for you. Click here to learn more, or talk to your friendly technician today!
In The Market For A New Whole-Home Humidifier?
Most whole-home humidifiers are designed to last about 10 years, so if you are in the market for a replacement or are considering installing one for the first time, here are a couple equipment options highly recommended by our Home Comfort Advisors.
The GeneralAire 3200 Air Humidifier: is a whole-home model that uses a bypass design that works with your existing furnace. The warm air from your furnace passes through the VaporPad technology, where moisture is then added. Once the air passes through the humidifier it’s distributed around your home.
This model can effectively humidify homes up to 3200 square feet, and the VaporPad only needs to be replaced once every couple years for enhanced convenience!
The GeneralAir Steam Humidifier: is a whole-home humidifier that passes electrical current between electrodes inside the unit’s cylinder, heating the water to create steam. The steam is then dispersed throughout your home.
Steam humidifiers tend to be more effective for larger homes and use less water than other models.
No matter your needs, Action Furnace has equipment options for you! Whole-home humidity control starts as low as $549, contact us today to learn more!
So there you have it, where you’re a DIY enthusiast ready to tackle cleaning on your own, or you prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional maintenance, keeping your humidifier clean is the key to a healthier, more comfortable home. Whether you’re doing it once a year, or every couple weeks, every system will benefit from a little extra love and attention.
We hope these humidifier cleaning tips were helpful and that we see you again soon!
Every Albertan deserves cleaner air, which is why Action Furnace offers air quality solutions for every need and budget. All of our humidifier options are completely integratable with your existing HVAC system, so don’t delay, call our knowledgeable team today. Happy humidifying!
