An older water heater is going to use more fuel or electricity to heat water than a brand-new one–this is a fact. Newer technology can improve the efficiency of water heater systems, and old units will run less efficiently as they wear down.
As the result of recently updated efficiency standards, water heaters less than 55 gallons now have a 4 percent boost in efficiency and water heaters 55 gallons or more have efficiency gains of 25 to 50 percent, depending on the technology used—heat pump or condensing. (See water heater types, below.)
When should I consider replacing my water heater? If you suspect your water heater is more than 10 years old—it is time to consider replacing it before you're left with an emergency decision. To determine the age of your water heater, you'll need to identify the Brand Name and Serial Number for your unit.
Types of Water Heaters
New water heaters are significantly more efficient than older models. There have also been giant leaps in technology for different types of water heaters that have added efficiency and other appealing features. Conventional water heaters store hot water in a tank, ready for use at all times.
Older water heater tanks might not have the same energy efficiency rating as newer models. As tanks age, the insulating materials might deteriorate, causing them to lose heat faster. Consequently, the heater consumes more power to maintain hot water, leading to a higher electric bill.
Next up, reliability. Yes, a 20-year-old water heater is a trooper, but let's face it, it's way past its prime. Most water heaters have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and after that, the risk of malfunctions or a total breakdown increases dramatically.
It is certainly possible for a water heater to increase your utility bill. Several factors can reduce the efficiency, including a unit that is too small, too old, bad water, or an incorrectly set thermostat can increase the energy bill. Leaks and long pipes can increase your water usage.
Absolutely! After 20 years, your tank water heater is well past its life expectancy. If you have a tankless water heater, it's approaching its life expectancy. At this point, you should expect additional repairs from wear and tear.
Most homeowners should flush their water heaters every 6 months or so, but if you have extremely hard water, you may want to do it more often. Flushing your hot water heater could be necessary as often as every few months depending on the mineral content of your local water supply.
While today's water heaters are better designed than older models, they still require regular maintenance in order to prolong their lives. With regular inspection, draining, and flushing, you can expect a gas water heater to last anywhere from 8-12 years and an electric water heater to last anywhere from 10-15 years.
Anode rods require routine inspection and replacement, approximately every three to five years. Without proper maintenance, the anode rod loses its ability to divert damaging particulates from your tank and can accelerate rust and corrosion from chemical reactions, excessive heat, and imbalanced pH levels.
If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.
An older water heater is going to use more fuel or electricity to heat water than a brand-new one–this is a fact.
The Lifestory Research 2024 America's Most Trusted® Water Heater ranking is based on 6,547 opinions of people surveyed in the United States over the last 12 months. The most trusted water heater brands in order were Bosch, Whirlpool, Rheem, GE, Kenmore, AO Smith, Ruud, Bradford White, and Rinnai.
Having a water heater that's too big or too small for your household is one of the main reasons you may be seeing higher energy bills. On average, a 30-gallon tank is sufficient for 2 people, a 40-gallon tank is good for 3-4 people, and a 50-gallon tank suits 4-5 people.
-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.
The national average cost to flush a water heater is $160, but prices can vary in increments based on the tank size. A 30-gallon tank will cost between $90 and $120 on average, while a 70-gallon tank could cost anywhere between $180 and $250.
If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.
Modern water heaters are designed to be far more energy-efficient than older models. An old water heater can be a significant energy drain, driving up your utility bills. Upgrading to a new, efficient unit can lead to substantial savings over time.
Bradford White water heaters are known for their durability and sturdy construction, providing lasting performance for years. In business since 1881, the company has a long reputation for selling quality products for both residential and commercial use.
An unusually high water bill is most often caused by a leak or change in water use. Some common causes of high water bills include: A leaking toilet, or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed, most common. A dripping faucet; a faucet drip can waster 20 gallons or more of water a day.
According to the Department of Energy, the average American household spends between $400 and $600 each year on water heating alone. This cost will vary depending on the electricity rates in your area and your water heating unit's efficiency.
This is because the process of installing a new water heater can be quite complex and often requires the use of special tools and equipment. Additionally, the cost of labor for this type of project can be quite high.