What is the Life Span of a Water Heater?
It's the worst possible way to find out your water heater has dies; while in the shower, with a head full of shampoo. Water heaters are often taken for granted and pushed well beyond their intended lifespans. Knowing when a water heater is about to give up the ghost can not only prevent icy showers, but also save money at the same time.
Function
Both electric and gas-powered water heaters are tall cylindrical appliances which warm and store an amount of water, typically 30 gallons. These major appliances are intended to run without maintenance for between 10 and 15 years, according tot he U.S. Department of Energy. Of course, this lifespan is dependent upon the water source, regular maintenance, and several other factors.
There are new tankless water heaters that do not store water, but instead use a series of pipes surrounded by heating elements. Though popular in Europe for decades, tankless water heaters are relatively new in the United States. Though significantly more expensive than traditional water heaters, a tankless water heater can last up to 30 years.
Time Frame
During the average 10 year lifespan of a water heater, the minerals that have dissolved into the water source can be deposited on the inside of the tank. Calcium and lime, in particular, react when heated and bind to the inside of the tank. The result is a tank that slowly loses capacity as well as having to use more energy to heat the same volume of water because of the rock-like nature of these mineral deposits. Untreated hard water, that is water with a high lime or calcium content, can reduce the lifespan of a water heater by two or more years. Additionally, some sources of water, such as springs and wells, can pull up sediment and deposit sand and mud inside the water heater, reducing its effectiveness even more quickly that minerals. A water heater attached to one of these sources should be drained and flushed about once a year.
Size
The size of the water heater may have an effect on its life expectancy as well. If a water heater is too small for the household and is constantly heating large volumes of water, this may damage the glass lining of the water heater, wear out the heating elements faster, or cause electrical problems. Water heaters that are too small will need to be replaces at least two years earlier than they normally would in an appropriate setting.
Conversely, a water heater that is too large for a household will need to work harder to maintain the volume of water it already has stored, which may in turn cause higher electrical or gas bills though it will not necessarily diminish its life span.
Benefits
No matter what kind of water heater used, regular maintenance will increase its life span. A certified heating and plumbing specialist can detect potential problems, recommend filtration systems (if necessary) and take other measures to prevent a premature breakdown of the water heater. The manufacturer of your water heater may have specific requirements for routine maintenance, so consult the owner's manual before calling a plumber. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater by up to five years.
Considerations
Though the average life span may be more than a decade or so, replacing your water heater about every 10 to 15 years not only ensures smooth heating of water, but also saves energy and money. According to the Department of Energy (DoE), heating water accounts for 13% of the average utility bill. In order to maximize savings, the DoE recommends investing in a natural gas or tankless water heater or investing in green water heating technology such as a solar water heater or a heat pump water heater instead.
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