Are you concerned about how old your water heater is? Daytona, FL, homeowners need to know the age of their water heater so they can plan maintenance or schedule replacement of the unit.
Look at the documentation that came during your water heater’s installation. If it’s not available, the next option is for you to examine the serial number on a sticker that the manufacturer placed on the side of the water heater.
The serial number will inform you about the month and year when the manufacturer built your water heater.
Why Knowing Your Water Heater’s Age Matters
Daytona homeowners should know the age of their water heaters, since some types of heaters last longer than others.
- Tank-style unit: approximately 8 to 12 years
- Tankless water heaters can provide service for up to two decades
However, if you are not sure when your water heater was installed, it’s possible the unit is so old that it should be replaced soon.
Water heater efficiency declines as the unit grows older. As a result Daytona homeowners wind up using more energy to get the same amount of heated water, which makes their utility bills increase.
Older units are also more susceptible to failing. The potential for reduced efficiency or a breakdown increases when people do not arrange annual inspections and maintenance.
Locating the Manufacturer’s Label
You may find the manufacturer’s label on the side of your water heater, affixed next to the warning sticker and energy saving information sticker.
Check the label for a manufacturing date, or a serial number you can decode to determine the production date.
Decoding the Serial Number by Brand
Many water heater manufacturers have their own style for serial numbers to describe the date they constructed their units.
Here is information to help you decode the serial number of your Daytona home’s water heater.
A.O. Smith Water Heaters:
On A.O Smith water heaters, the manufacturer designates the first two digits of the serial number to indicate the year they were built. The second two digits note the week they built the unit.
Bradford White Water Heaters:
Bradford White makes serial numbers for its water heaters based on an initial letter to show the year in which it was manufactured, followed by a second letter describing the production month.
Year:
Bradford White water heaters built in 1984 or 2004 have a serial number that starts with the letter “A,” while 1985 or 2005 manufacturing dates are designated with the letter “B,” and so on.
The company repeats these letters every 20 years.
Month:
Bradford White water heaters use the letter “A” to represent January, “B” for February, and so on.
Therefore, “AC” in the serial number means the company built the water heater in March of 1984 or 2004. Don’t worry if you’re not sure which decade unit was built. The professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are standing by to help determine the age of your water heater.
Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters:
If you have a Rheem and Ruud water heater helping you keep clean in your Daytona, FL home, all you need to do is look at the first four digits of the serial number. Rheem and Ruud follows a MMYY (month-year) pattern for its serial numbers. For example, “0219” shows that they manufactured the water heater in February 2019.
Signs Your Water Heater May Be Aging
Here are some chief indicators that the water heater in your Daytona home is beginning to show signs of aging:
- Water is noticeably leaking from the water heater
- Unusual rumbling noises come out of the unit
- You experience inconsistent water temperature
- Water is rust-colored.
Connect with the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing immediately if you notice one or more of these indicators of an aging water heater. After we inspect the unit, we’ll discuss your options for replacement or repair.
When to Contact a Professional
It’s best to call us if you cannot verify how old your Daytona home’s water heater is, or if you have already noticed indications that it’s getting old enough to warrant an upgrade. And if you cannot locate the serial number and date of manufacture, it’s prudent to have one of our experts check it out ASAP.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s expert plumbers provide extensive services to keep water heaters and plumbing systems working at their best. To that end, we offer annual maintenance and inspections. We’ll repair your unit or suggest options for a replacement if it’s too old to provide service much longer.
To save you money, our team monitors government, manufacturer and utility rebates. Call us for details!
Benefits of Upgrading an Old Water Heater
Replacing your aging water heater will give you some important benefits:
You can anticipate that your utility bills will decline, since a brand-new water heater is more efficient than one built many years ago.
You’ll have the protection of the new unit’s warranty, which will give you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
For homeowners interested in the latest technology, we’ll advise you on the merits of installing heat pump water heaters and hybrid electric water heaters.
Is Your Water Heater Nearing Its Last Days? Here’s What to Do
Check the age of your water heater by looking for the serial number on a sticker affixed to the side of the unit by the manufacturer. Or, look at your records for paperwork when it was installed.
To keep your water heater working at its best for as long as possible, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing advocates you schedule proactive maintenance.
This will help you avoid being surprised by the unit failing. We have the experience and expertise to know if a water heater is nearing its last days.
Don’t Get Caught Without Hot Water – Let’s Check Your Heater Today!
For reliable hot water, schedule an appointment for us to inspect your water heater and determine if we should fix it or replace it.
Get in touch with us today for expert service!
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about water heater age and maintenance.
How can I find the serial number on my water heater?
This is usually found on the sticker that the manufacturer puts on the water heater’s side. It’s typically next to the energy guide and warning labels.
What does it mean if my water heater is making rumbling noises?
These sounds indicate calcium, sediment and dirt piled up on the bottom of the heater. Rumbling noises occur as the water heats up amid these contaminants.
Is rusty water always a sign of a failing water heater?
A water heater is always exposed to water, which means it’s susceptible to rust. Call us to inspect your water heater, and we’ll determine if it has grown too corroded to provide much more service, and is in danger of failing soon.
Can I determine the age of my water heater without the serial number?
Looking at the serial number isn’t the only way to check the age of your Daytona home’s water heater. Sometimes companies affix a manufacturer’s label that notes the production date. Another source of this information is in the paperwork associated with the water heater’s installation.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a newer water heater model?
You’ll benefit from the new unit’s warranty, which you’ll rely on if it needs repairs soon after purchase. Newer water heaters are designed with better energy efficiency, so you will see reduced utility bills.
How often should I have my water heater inspected?
It’s best to schedule an inspection for your water heater in Daytona once annually. You’ll find it’s less expensive to address problems when they’re still small, with proactive maintenance rather than reactive maintenance.