Knowing the period of the Lochinvar water heater’s age is key to ensuring it functions properly. The company Lochinvar is a well-respected name in the water heater industry. A unit can be maintained, repaired, or even replaced depending on how old the unit is. Water heater’s age impacts its productivity and efficiency greatly; thus, preventing any unpredicted breakdowns is important. This article will cover how to find the age of Lochinvar water heaters, their lifespan, maintenance tips, and replacement timelines alongside addressing common queries associated with Lochinvar water heater’s age and longevity.
What is the Lochinvar water heater age, and how do you find out?
The first thing you need to do is find out if the Lochinvar water heater is old. This will help you figure out whether the water heater is on its last legs or not. Just like other brands, Lochinvar water heaters have a serial number where this information is hidden. The age of the unit can be found out by decoding the serial number.
- Interpreting the Serial Number: Lochinvar has a unique way of placing the serial number with a date encoded in the system, showing exactly which year and month the heater was produced. Here, we will share how to interpret the serial number:
- Format Example: The serial number could look like this: 123456789.
- Year and Month: The first four numbers typically tell you the year and month a product was made. As an example, if the first four digits are 1607, this means the heater was manufactured in July 2016.
Having constructed a timeline identifying the year of manufacture, you can gauge the expected lifespan of Lochinvar units, which is between 10 -15 years.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Lochinvar Water Heater?
Lochinvar water heaters have a reputation for longevity and performance. The average lifespan of a Lochinvar water heater is between 10 -15 years. These estimates may fluctuate because of a few factors, such as:
- Model and Type: Tankless models generally last longer than traditional tank models.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance can add years to your unit’s lifespan. Key maintenance tasks like annual flushing, leak inspection, and replacing anode rods eliminate corrosion and sediment buildup.
- Water Quality: Using hard water can catalyze the sediment buildup that makes the lifespan of your water heater even shorter than it already is.
- Usage: The water heater will wear out a lot faster the more frequently it is utilized.
For optimum performance from your water heater, make sure to always follow the Lochinvar maintenance guidelines, as it will ensure prolonged use and peak performance.
How to Maintain Your Lochinvar Water Heater?
Taking proper care of your water heater allows it to run continuously for long periods. So, follow these steps for adequate maintenance:
- Flush the Tank: Always remember to flush your water heater unit tank every time it’s due for maintenance, as minerals and sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank over time, making the tank ineffective.
- Inspect the Anode Rod: For good performance from the heater, the anode rod used to prevent corrosion must be inspected at least once a year and replaced if it is more than 50% corroded.
- Check for Leaks: Always keep an eye on the tank for moisture or the pipes around for leaks as they indicate a bigger underlying problem.
- Check Temperature Settings: Storing the thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit prevents the unit from overheating, which, in turn, saves the system from failure at an early point.
- Expert Assistance: Homeowners can take care of basic maintenance, but it is best for someone with professional expertise to examine the water heater every 3 – 5 years.
When Should Your Lochinvar Water Heater Be Replaced?
The decision to change a water heater changes with the age, condition, and how well it works. Here are the most important things that tell you it’s time to change a Lochinvar water heater.
- Age: If your water heater is at least over 10 years old, plus enduring a lot of issues, replacing it is likely to be more cost-effective than constantly trying to repair it.
- Regular Repairs: In case you have been using the services of a technician frequently to fix the heater, that would be a sign that the water heater has neared the end of its useful life.
- Corroded Water: If some brown water or rusty water comes out, that may indicate some internal corrosion.
- Unusual Sounds: If any rumbling or popping sounds are audible, it might be from the sediment deposit build up in the tank. If it cannot be resolved by flushing the tank, it might have to be replaced.
- Reduced efficiency: If the unit does not heat the water as quickly as it used to, it is time to invest money in a new, energy-saving model.
How Long Should a Lochinvar Water Heater Last?
Lochinvar water heaters usually last between 10 and 15 years. However, certain models can last up to 20 years, such as tankless water heaters, if they are properly maintained. Here’s a breakdown of the average expected lifespan of different types of Lochinvar water heaters:
| Type of Water Heater | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Tank-Type Water Heater | 10-15 years |
| Tankless Water Heater | 15-20 years |
Consistent maintenance will help prolong the lifespan of your unit. Making sure that problems are dealt with on time will help prevent replacements for longer.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Lochinvar Water Heater?
Lochinvar water heater replacement expenses differ based on model and type of installation. On average, homeowners could expect the following charges:
- Traditional Electic Tank Heaters with Installation: between $1000 and $2000
- Pro Electric Tank Heaters without Tank: Between $2500 and $4000
Some expenses may be incurred if plumbing changes are needed. Also, make sure you get estimates from different contractors so that you get the best bargains.
Energy Efficiency with Lochinvar Water Heaters Colorado Available
Over the past few years, energy efficiency has been one of the major concerns for homeowners wishing to cut utility expenses as well as reduce their carbon footprint. Keeping in mind their energy efficiency, Lochinvar water heaters come both in the more traditional tank-style units, as well as more sophisticated tankless models. Knowing the energy efficiency of your water heater and taking the right steps to maximize it can translate to substantial savings in the long run.
Energy Efficiency of Water Heaters: Comparison Between Tank and Tankless Models
| Type of Water Heater | Energy Efficiency Rating | Lifespan | Annual Energy Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Tank Heater | 60% – 70% | 10-15 years | $400 – $600 |
| Tankless Water Heater | 85% – 98% | 15-20 years | $100 – $300 |
- Traditional Tank Heaters: These units are efficient in energy usage as they need to keep a certain amount of water that is gently in use. This causes standby heat loss, and will heighten energy consumption throughout times of inactivity. However, they are still widely used in industries and households because of their lower initial investments.
- Tankless Water Heaters: These models are also called on-demand water heaters as they heat water only when needed. Because tankless systems do not require hot water storage, they effortlessly mitigate standby heat loss. This makes them significantly more energy-efficient than traditional tank-style heaters. Although tankless units are relatively more expensive than their counterparts, the savings gained over time through lower energy bills significantly outweigh the initial investment cost.
Apart from improved energy efficiency, tankless water heaters serve one of the most important functions: providing endless water supply. As long as the system is sized adequately, endless hot water can be supplied and used without worrying about running out– a feature that is ideal for larger households.
The Role of Insulation in Energy Efficiency
Your water heater tank can be insulated to make it more energy efficient. While Lochinvar water heaters are equipped with built-in insulation, older units may require extra insulation. Applying an insulating blanket to traditional unit tanks can drastically mitigate heat loss. This, in turn, leads to lower energy consumption and decreased costs of day-to-day operations.
Indicators That Your Lochinvar Water Heater Is Not Performing Efficiently
Every appliance has an average lifespan, which, if crossed, makes the appliance lose its efficiency. This can impact performance and even energy consumption. Identifying the signal earlier could avoid the need for repairs or replacements altogether. Here are some common signs that your Lochinvar water heater is underperforming:
- Varying Water Temperature: If water hot water is not as hot as it used to be, then the heating elements or thermostat most likely require some repairs.
- Increased Utility Bills: Sudden and unexpected spikes in electricity or gas bills could suggest that, along with other household appliances, your water heater is too overworked.
- Water Leakage: Cylindrical-shaped corrosion tends to appear due to cracks, which leads to water leaks around the base of the tank, pouring water near your water heater.
- Unusual Sounds: Extreme noises such as banging or popping sounds indicate accumulation of sediments in the tank. This will require addressing as it will damage the unit if left unattended.
- Discolored Water: Water appearing rusty or discolored from the faucet suggests a possibility of internal corrosion as the water heater nears the end of its lifespan.
In the event you experience any of these problems, contacting a professional plumber is the best option. If you address the problems before they spiral out of control, maintenance will be far easier and much less expensive.
How to Make the Most Out of Your Lochinvar Water Heater
Even though Lochinvar water heaters may be durability champions, there are definitely some proactive measures you should consider taking to the heater over the general range of 10-15 years. Here’s a precise compilation of tactics to extend your water heater service life:
- Flush the Tank Above Average: If you reside within a hard water region, sediments alongside minerals can build up within the tank. If these deposits remain for an extended period, they harm the heating elements. Flushing your water heater at least once a year helps to avoid that.
- Replace the Anode Rod: The anode rod may be depleted, but without its replacement, the tank will incur rust and corrosion much faster. Although it does extend the heater’s life, regular inspection aids in managing it better, so do not forget that.
- Install a Water Softener: The scale can easily form within the tank due to hard water, ultimately compromising the heater’s function and service life in excess. A water softener makes it easier to mitigate this issue because a buildup of minerals in the tank will not be a problem.
- Complying With the Preferred Temperature Setting: To achieve efficiency and safety, the thermostat is usually set at 120°F. Setting the temperature higher than this would only result in increased energy usage and put extra pressure on the unit.
- Preparing Checkups: Sometimes, looking out for leaks, wear and tear, or strange sounds can help. Preventive measures can help prolong the life of your water heater, avoiding major issues.
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When Is It Time To Hire A Professional For Lochinvar Water Heater Maintenance?
Some aspects of maintenance should be the responsibility of the homeowner, but in other cases, it is wise to hire an expert. Lochinvar water heaters having problems like constant breakdowns, inconsistent water temperature, or corrosion should definitely get checked out by an expert. A thorough inspection can reveal multiple things, such as how severe the issue really is, whether or not a replacement should be invested in, and if any repairs are beneficial.
Certain situations that require experts include
- Water Heater Turns Off Completely: This is most likely due to a defunct thermostat or a broken heating element.
- Leaking Tank: Problems with leaking tanks are usually taken as a prompt for replacing the unit entirely. However, an expert could determine if a simple maintenance would assist in prolonging its life.
- Failure to Maintain Temperature: The water heater’s inability to maintain hot water could be due to more convoluted issues like a dysfunctional gas valve or lack of heating components. A technician will be able to diagnose these problems directly.
- Strange Noises: Like most machines, the water heater models make noise during operation. However, unusual sounds like rumbling and popping could indicate sediment buildup. A professional should be consulted to thoroughly flush the heater for any potential obstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lochinvar Water Heater Age
How can I tell if my Lochinvar water heater needs replacing?
Your Lochinvar water heater will need changing if it’s over a decade old, constantly requires repairs, and has started to emit murky water.
How long do Lochinvar water heaters typically last?
Lochinvar water heaters should last 15 to 20 years for tankless models. Traditional models last about 10 to 15 years, although proper care and maintenance can help extend their lifespan.
Can I extend the life of my Lochinvar water heater?
Certainly, performing regular maintenance like flushing the tank, checking leaks, and assessing the anode rod helps enhance the functionality.
How do I check the age of my Lochinvar water heater?
The age can be figured out through the serial number. The first four digits show the month and year it was manufactured.
Are there eco-friendly variants for Lochinvar water heaters?
Lochinvar does have them, including tankless water heaters that only use energy when water is needed.
Conclusion
Knowing the age of your Lochinvar water heater is useful for deciding how best to maintain, repair or replace it. With good maintenance, the unit can last long, so you get your money’s worth. Understanding serial numbers, maintaining the unit, and knowing when it is best to get rid of it can help you avoid needless breakdowns and poor efficiency. It is cheaper, less stressful, and less time-consuming for people to tend to problems at the first sign of trouble.
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