How Long Do Hot Water Systems Last?
Like all home appliances, hot water systems are not built to last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. If you’ve noticed inconsistent temperatures or long waits for hot water to come through, it may be a sign that your hot water system is reaching its end of life and will need to be upgraded.
Whether you’re thinking of upgrading an ageing hot water system or weighing the costs involved in installing a new one, here’s what you should know about average hot water system lifespan based on the different types.
How Long Does A Hot Water System Last On Average?
The average operational lifetime for a hot water system is between 8 and 20 years – most systems will become less efficient after 10 years. As the storage tank naturally degrades, it starts to lose more heat through the walls, resulting in higher energy costs to keep the water heated.
Problems in the heating element of the system can also cause a hot water system to fail or lose efficiency. Gas systems use a pilot light, while electric systems use two or more heating elements to heat water. If the heating elements are no longer in working order, the hot water system will need to be replaced. However, if the issue lies in connectivity issues (such as a tripped electrical breaker), repairs may be enough to get the hot water system back on.
Hot water system manufacturers provide separate warranties for both the storage tank and the heating elements. These warranties can give you an idea of how long each component will last — storage tanks have warranties ranging from 7-12 years, while warranties for heating elements last between 1-2 years.
Lifespans for Different Types of Hot Water Systems
As you might have guessed, different types of hot water systems have varying lifespans. Generally, a gas-heated hot water system will have a shorter lifespan compared to an electric-heated system.
Electric hot water systems also come in the form of solar-powered water heaters and heat pumps. Both solar and heat pump hot water systems are more energy efficient to run, and can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Heat pump water heaters use 30% of the energy of a conventional electric hot water system, and solar hot water systems make use of generated electricity to offset the power requirements of heating water.
Continuous flow or tankless hot water systems have the longest lifespan, with most models lasting 20 years on average. Continuous flow systems can be either electric or gas heated and provide hot water on demand without requiring water to be heated up in a tank.
Type of hot water system | Average lifespan in years |
Gas heated tank | 8 – 12 |
Electric heated tank | 10 – 15 |
Solar powered | 10 – 20 |
Heat pump | 10 – 15 |
Continuous flow (tankless) | 15 – 20 |
What Affects How Long Hot Water Systems Last?
There are 3 main factors that impact how long a hot water system will last — the material, type, and usage of the system.
Material
The storage tank of a hot water system can be made using different types of insulating material to minimise heat loss from water. Stainless steel coated with vitreous enamel is the most common material, but there are also copper and glass-lined tanks on the market.
Stainless steel tanks tend to last up to 12 years before requiring replacement, while glass or enamel-lined tanks will last about 10 years. Copper tanks have the longest lifespan of up to 20 years.
Type
Hot water systems that use storage tanks will have a shorter lifespan compared to a tankless system. Stored water in the tank will gradually corrode the walls of the tank over time, which may result in greater heat loss or even leaks. Continuous flow systems only heat water as it flows, which reduces the rate of degradation.
Usage
Heavy usage of a hot water system will place more stress on its heating components, which accelerates wear and tear. A large family household with high hot water usage can cause the hot water system to have a shorter lifespan.
Considerations for Replacing A Hot Water System
When it’s time to replace a hot water system, it’s worth weighing up the estimated lifespan of each model against the needs of the household. Gas hot water systems can supply high volumes of hot water but have shorter lifespans, while electric hot water systems are more energy efficient in meeting lower hot water demand and tend to last longer. If the home has a solar system, choosing to install a compatible hot water system can result in significant cost-savings in the long run.
The installation of the hot water system should also be factored into the decision. Switching from a gas hot water system to an electric-heated one will be more complex due to the need for rewiring the necessary connections. Installation for electric hot water systems must always be carried out by licensed electricians who will ensure safe and proper operation.
Radiance Electrical provide hot water system installations for homes on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are looking to install a new electric hot water system, give us a call and we’ll come to you to get the job done right.
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