5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
Unfortunately, water heaters were not made to last forever, and they need to be replaced more often than we would like. From rust in your water to a higher monthly electric bill, a water heater that needs to be replaced is going to do nothing but cause problems.
Here are 5 common signs it is time to replace your water heater. If your water heater is showing one or more of these signs, call an HVAC contractor for an inspection as soon as possible.
1. The Age of the Water Heater
The average lifespan of a tank water heater is 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters (also called “on demand” units or an instant hot water heater) have an average lifespan of 20 years. With little to no maintenance, it is unlikely these water heaters will meet their life expectancies. If your water heater is nearing this lifespan and you notice any of the other signs below, there is a good chance it needs to be replaced.
2. Less Hot Water Than Usual
If you notice your hot water is not lasting as long–for example, in the morning when showers are happening back-to-back–this is a sign your hot water heater may need to be replaced. This could also be a sign of sediment build-up in the tank which is taking the place of hot water. An HVAC contractor can take care of this by flushing your water heater.
3. Rising Electrical Bill
If you have a gas furnace, your water heater typically makes up most of the electrical bill during the winter and comes in second to central air conditioning during the summer. If you notice your electric bill is rising, always have an HVAC contractor inspect the possible culprits. If your water heater needs to be replaced, it will run inefficiently and make you pay for it.
4. Rusty Hot Water
If the water coming from your hot water heater is rusty but the water coming from the cold side is clean and crisp, your water heater is likely rusting and will need to be replaced. This corrosion will eat through your hot water tank or pipes, leading to a water leak. Rust in the water could also mean rusty pipes, which can be determined by draining several buckets of hot water from the tank. If the water continues to come out rusty by the third bucket, it is the tank, not the pipes.
5. Continuous Repairs
Just like any appliance, more and more repairs mean your water heater may need to be replaced. If your water heater needs repairing more than twice every year, there is a good chance this will continue until you get it replaced.
If you see one of more of these signs from your water heater, we strongly recommend calling for a water heater inspection. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides water heater replacement and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Give us a call or contact us online today!
Gas Furnace Replacement and Installation Cost in Denver
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 75% of Colorado homes are heated with natural gas, making Colorado the fourth highest state to rely on gas heating. If you are in the Denver area and need a new gas furnace, here is what you can expect to pay, from the cost of the furnace to the cost of installation.
Average Cost of a New Furnace in Denver
In Denver, the average furnace replacement cost–including the cost of the unit and installation–is around $4,000. The price of a new furnace varies by city and state, but the biggest factors that affect the cost are the type, brand, output, and efficiency (see below) of the furnace. For a high-efficiency gas furnace in a larger home, a new gas furnace can run you $10,000, whereas an average-efficiency gas furnace in a small home can cost less than $3,000 (always be weary of unusually low prices).
Most HVAC contractors charge similar rates for furnace installation services, but it is always a good idea to get several quotes before you get a new unit. Many contractors will give you a free quote over the phone if you supply them with your home’s square footage, existing furnace infrastructure and efficiency wants/needs.
Gas Furnace Output: What Do You Need?
You need a furnace with the appropriate heat output–measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs)–for your square footage and climate. The more BTUs, the more heat your furnace can generate. Larger multi-level homes in cold climates need more BTUs than smaller ranch-style homes located in warm climates.
You can roughly calculate the load for your furnace based on your home’s total square footage of finished, heated space and the region or climate your house is located in. For Denver, you will need 45 to 50 BTUs per square foot. That means a 2,000 square foot home in Denver will need a furnace capable of 90,000 BTUs.
Energy Efficient Furnaces: How Much More Do They Cost?
The second metric to pay attention to is the furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). A standard efficiency furnace has an AFUE rating of 80%, meaning 20% of the energy produced by natural gas is expelled as exhaust. A highly efficient unit has an AFUE rating of 90% or more.
A high efficiency furnace costs 50% to 100% more than the standard model. Depending on the location of your furnace, insulation of your home and your budget, an HVAC professional will recommend a unit with the appropriate AFUE.
New Gas Furnace in Denver
If you need a new gas furnace in the Denver area, call Grand Home Services today for a quote. We are located in Aurora and provide furnace replacement, installation, and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
