What Is an Average Water Heater Lifespan?

A water heater is one of the most important large appliances in your home. Without a water heater, it’s nearly impossible to efficiently wash dishes, wash clothes, disinfect spaces, wash hands or bathe—tasks that are all integral to the health and well-being of your family. Which is why it’s vital to prepare for your water heater’s eventual replacement.

So, What‘s the Average Lifespan of a Hot Water Heater?

Homeowners should anticipate replacing their water heater every eight to 12 years. The lifespan of a hot water heater will vary considerably based on the make, model, and level of use. For example, a water heater in a household of eight will see much more use than one in a household of two, and in a much shorter period. Other factors that will impact your water heater’s lifespan and efficiency include high mineral content in the water and the use of a water softener: both will speed up the degradation of a water heater.

The Signs Your Water Heater is Failing

It’s unlikely that your water heater will die suddenly one day out of the blue. In most circumstances, water heaters degrade slowly over time, giving off signs that they’re reaching the end of their useful life. Homeowners just need to know what to look for. These signs include:

• Rust on the outside of the tank.
• Hot water from the faucet has rust in it.
• Water from the faucet gets warm but not truly hot.
• Water from the faucet is sandy or filled with particulates.
• Water from the faucet has a metallic taste.
• Water is leaking from the water heater.
• Water heater produces loud popping or cracking noises during use.
• Water heater repair is increasing in frequency.
• You don’t know how old the water heater is, or the water heater is over ten years old.

If your water heater is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, contact your local Aire Serv for a water heater replacement consultation.

Choosing the Water Heater That’s Right for You

Selecting a new water heater? You have options.

Depending on your home’s infrastructure and the needs of your household, you can select from:

• a conventional water heater
• a tankless water heater
• a heat pump water heater or
• a solar water heater.

Which is best will depend heavily on how much hot water you need at peak demand (morning showers?) and the climate you live in.

For large households, a tankless water heater might not provide the needed volume of hot water. While households looking to drastically reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint may find a solar-powered water heater is exactly what they’re looking for. No matter your situation, the HVAC experts at Aire Serv are here to help.

Call Aire Serv for Water Heater Repair and Replacement

Don’t leave your home’s hot water to chance. Proactive, preventative maintenance can help extend the life of your water heater. Aire Serv offers water heater services designed to keep hot water flowing at your home 365 days a year. Hire your local Aire Serv to maintain your water heater, year after year. Schedule an appointment online or find a location near you to speak with a local technician.

Have a water heater emergency? We know your home’s appliances don’t just work 9-5, and so neither do we. Call 855.259.2280 for 24/7 emergency service.