Waukegan Water Heater Repair & Installation

Hot Water Heater Services in Greater Chicago Area

Hot water in the home is so accessible that it’s easy to forget how important it is—until you run out in the middle of a shower. Don't get caught without hot water, turn to Kern Heating & Cooling Co. for quality water heater repairs in Waukegan and the surrounding areas. Our skilled technicians work quickly and efficiently to not only diagnose the problem but to create customized solutions. We can help make sure you remain comfortable all year round.

Hot water problems? Call the Waukegan water heater installation and repair experts at Kern Heating & Cooling Co. at (847) 383-0350.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repairs

Call us if you notice any of the following, as they can mean that your water heater needs repairs:

• Long temperature recovery time
• Heating element failure
• Thermostat issues
• Leaking valves or pipes
• Corroded tank
• Electrical overload

While many of these problems can be repaired, if you’re having consistent issues, it may be time to consider installing a new water heater. Nowadays, there are two main types: tankless heaters and traditional tank heaters.

Tankless Water Heaters vs. Tank Water Heater

What Is the Difference Between a Tankless and a Tank Water Heater?

The main difference between a tankless and tank water heater is the way in which they store and heat water. Your standard tank water heater stores and warms water non-stop, including during times that you do not need or use hot water.

In other words, a water heater will use more energy, since when turned on, it will run continuously. On the other hand, a "contemporary" on-demand tankless heater will only heat water during times that you need and use it.

Rather than storing water the way a traditional water heater does, a tankless water heater will heat water as it runs through the tankless water heater appliance. This way, a tankless water heater will be able to save energy and cut your monthly utility bills.

Types of Water Heaters

• Tankless Water Heaters - Using less energy than traditional tank water heaters, tankless units are becoming more popular. Other advantages include compact size and continuous, as-needed water heating. However, small units may not be able to keep up with high demand—for example, if someone is taking a shower while the dishwasher is running. Large units that can heat more water at once are more costly than other smaller models.
• Traditional Water Heaters - Water heaters with tanks keep a supply of water warm constantly so that it’s ready when you need it. Depending on the size of your family, you may need a unit with about a 40- to 60-gallon tank. A good tank water heater can keep up with a family’s hot water demands, but energy is expended keeping the tank’s supply warm at all times.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Water Heater?

The average lifespan of a traditional tank-style water heater is typically around 8-12 years. However, with proper maintenance and usage patterns, some water heaters can last beyond this range.

On the other hand, tankless water heaters, which do not store hot water and are known for their energy efficiency, can last up to 20 years or more with proper care.

However, the average lifespan of a water heater depends on several factors, including:

• Water quality

• Installation quality

• Usage patterns

• Maintenance

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance in Waukegan

Tankless water heater maintenance is important to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Your tankless water heaters will need regular maintenance from a Waukegan water heater expert in order to avoid and get rid off any interior limescale.

Limescale is a hard white deposit that accumulates inside water pipes, as well as other appliance areas. It is created with the evaporation of "hard water." Limescale does not only negatively impact your appliances, but it is also harmful to the environment.

How Often Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance?

It is typically recommended that you do a regular tankless water heater maintenance service at least 1-2 times a year, depending on your geographical location. Some key factors to consider are the the hardness of the water in the area that you live in, and how high of a temperature you set your water heater to.

Water hardness has to do with the minerals that the water contains; more specifically, hard water will contain higher levels of dissolved minerals, including magnesium and calcium. For example, if you live in an geographical region with hard water, your tankless water heater may need to undergo maintenance at least two times per year, to avoid costly potential damages.

The next factor you will want to consider is how high you set your tankless water heater temperatures. As a general rule of thumb, if you set your temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it is a good idea to get your heater checked out at least two times per year as well.

Can You Run Out Of Hot Water With A Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters are designed to heat up water as needed. You will never run out of hot water with a tankless water heater. It will heat water and run it to your appliances just as fast, if not faster, than a traditional tank water heater.

Find out why we’ve been a trusted Waukegan tankless water heater installation, maintenance, and repair service since 1936. Contact us at (847) 383-0350.