Unsure of the condition of your water heater or whether it needs to be replaced?

Water heaters are an essential part of the daily operations for all business owners in Canada, whether you own a restaurant, salon, spa, or retail store. You want to have hot water that you can count on for comfort and sanitation. A well-maintained water heater will also reduce the chances of unplanned down time due to repairs and maintenance.

If you are not sure if it’s time to replace your water heater or if you’re just evaluating its condition right now, here are some tell-tale signs that your water heater may need to be replaced.

Water Heater Types Frequent use in commercial settings

Commercial water heaters are generally either gas (natural gas or propane) or electric:

• Gas Water Heaters: This system uses fuel to heat the water, and has a gas valve and thermostat to control the burner.
• Electric Water Heaters: These types of water heaters use electric elements to heat water, which heat up when electricity passes through them.

Water heaters also have different types based on their source of power:

• Storage Tank Water Heaters: These heaters store large amounts of hot water in tanks so it is available on demand. Storage tank heaters are available in a few different types, which differ based on the energy source, venting system and overall efficiency.

• Tankless Water Heaters Tankless water heaters, also called on-demand water heaters, only heat water when you need it. They are compact and space-saving, making them ideal for small businesses with limited square footage.

• Heat Pump Water Heaters: These systems don’t produce heat, rather they transfer heat from one place to another using electricity. They draw heat from the air around them, usually in basements or mechanical rooms, and transfer it to the water in the tank.

Why preventative maintenance is important for your water heater

A water heater replacement or repair may seem intimidating, but it’s essential to keep your business’ mechanical systems in top working order. And whether you see any of the warning signs below or not, don’t wait for something to go wrong.

Routine maintenance is the key to early detection of problems and avoiding costly breakdowns and downtime. Regular inspections will also help keep your water heater running efficiently, especially during peak usage periods.

Warning Signs Your Business’s Water Heater Is Due for Replacement

Here are some red flags that you might want to consider replacing your water heater:

Age of water heater

How long water heaters last depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Hot water demand and use levels
• Quality of first installation
• How well the unit has been kept up over the years

Older storage tank water heaters in particular tend to be less efficient and may be costing your business more in utility bills. While it may seem like a way to save money in the short term, postponing a replacement could be the opposite. Inefficient systems can waste energy and thus increase the cost of operation.

If your water heater is over 10 years old, you might want to think about replacing it with a new, more efficient model. Even if you don’t have any apparent issues, it’s a good idea to have a qualified HVAC technician take a look and give you a professional opinion.

The Repairs Are Coming More Often

Routine maintenance is critical for the longevity of your water heater, but there is a difference between the occasional fix and the constant need for repairs. Water heaters that are nearing the end of their useful life will usually begin to need repairs more often. If you have recently had a component repaired and find that another is faulty, it stands to reason that you should consider having the whole system replaced.

Rising Utility Costs

Are your gas or electric bills getting more expensive? An old water heater may be the culprit. Older units are typically less energy efficient, so it takes more power to produce the same amount of hot water.

Upgrading to a newer water heater may also allow you to use less energy overall. Many of the newer models are built to be more energy efficient and so if you replace your old one you could eventually save money on your utility bills.

Inconsistent orPoor Performance

If you own a restaurant, salon or medical facility you can’t afford to have a water heater that isn’t reliable. If your system isn’t making enough hot water during peak times (like doing the dishes during a busy dinner service or providing hot water for your customers at the salon), it’s time for a look.

There are a few things that could be causing the performance problems, from having a tank that is too small for your company’s needs to damaged heating parts. If you find yourself constantly running out of hot water, or you notice fluctuations in temperature, it may be time to call a technician to see if your system is still up to the task.

Rusty or Coloured Water

Don’t overlook rusty, discoloured or metallic-smelling water that may be coming from your faucets. This is one of the most common reasons for rusty water but there are others . A water heater corroding on the inside . Internal corrosion of the tank may indicate that the system is reaching the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.

Leaks from the tank

If you notice any of the following, chances are your water heater is leaking: water around the unit, lots of dampness or corrosion on the outside of the tank. Leaks usually indicate a problem with the internal construction of the water heater and the best solution is to replace the unit. It’s important to contact an experienced professional to look at the situation.