Average Lifespan of a Storage Tank Water Heater
Conventional storage tank water heaters have a large water tank that is heated up. As the water is used, the tank replenishes and is reheated. These types of water heaters are often powered either by gas or electricity, and are common for homeowners throughout the Evansville and Louisville areas. On average, traditional tank water heaters will last around eight to 12 years, but this can vary greatly based on usage and how well they have been taken care of.Average Lifespan of a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters do not require a large storage tank like their traditional counterparts. Rather, they heat up water on demand. This makes them much smaller and more energy-efficient than standard water heaters. In addition to these benefits, tankless water heaters also boast a longer lifespan than tank units. They have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years but can last even longer if they are well-maintained.
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Factors Impacting the Expected Life of a Water Heater
While the average lifespans provided above are a good rule of thumb for how long you can expect your water heaters to last, there are factors that can impact your unit. Some things that can prolong or shorten your water heater’s lifespan include:- Hard water: Hard water, which has high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause scaling inside the water heater. In tank heaters, scaling can settle at the bottom, reducing efficiency and lifespan. In tankless heaters, mineral buildup can block heat exchangers, which impacts performance and shortens lifespan.
- Sediment and debris buildup: Poor water quality with a lot of sediment can cause additional wear, especially in storage tank heaters. Routine flushing can help manage this, but poor-quality water may still reduce the heater’s lifespan.
- Frequency of use: Water heaters used frequently for high demands, like in larger households, experience more wear. Constant heating cycles, especially with tank heaters, strain the system and wear out parts like the heating elements faster.
- Installation quality: Proper installation is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of both tank and tankless heaters. Poor installation can lead to leaks, poor heat distribution, and added wear on components.
- Water heater size: Ensuring the water heater is properly sized for the household’s hot water demand also affects its lifespan, as an undersized heater will work harder and wear out faster.
- Routine maintenance: Regular maintenance can significantly extend a water heaters life and prevent problems that could lead to breakdowns.
- Energy source: Electric water heaters generally last longer than gas heaters because they have fewer parts that are exposed to combustion, which can wear out components.
