How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Should You Replace Yours?

Water heaters are often one of the underappreciated appliances in a home. They do a lot for a household, but few people give theirs much thought until something goes wrong.

Take a moment to appreciate how much your water heater does. It provides warm water for bathing and washing hands (and Covid-19 taught us all how important hand-washing is). Additionally, you use warm water for washing dishes, laundry, and other household chores.

Your water heater does so much, it’s responsible for about 20% of your energy bills (according to the US Department of Energy). And during winter months like these, your water heater has to work even harder because it has to heat colder water. And if you have a water heater with a tank in your basement, your water heater has to work harder not only to heat the water initially but to keep it at the desired temperature in your colder basement.

At Hocon, we provide water heater installation for our customers in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. We offer propane tankless water heaters as well as storage tank water heaters that are efficient and reliable.

If it’s time to replace your old water heater, trust Hocon with the installation. We recommend the cost-saving benefits of having a propane water heater. On average, customers who switch from electric to propane for water heating save up to $240 a year. We also stay up to date on rebates that can help lower the cost of your new water heater.

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

The average water heater lasts about 10 years with proper maintenance. With proper maintenance and some luck, yours may make it to 13. But once your water heater hit the 10-year mark, you should monitor it closely for signs it’s time to replace it.

Is It Time to Replace Your Water Heater?

When a water heater fails, it can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. And going without hot water is terrible—especially during the winter. Don’t wait until your water heater fails to replace it. You’ll save yourself stress and money if you’re proactive and replace your water heater before it lets you down.

Fortunately, water heater breakdowns don’t usually happen out of the blue. There are usually some clear warning signs.

Here are five signs it may be time to replace your water heater:

1. An energy bill increase. If there’s an increase in your energy bills that can’t be explained by an increase in fuel prices or an increase in your hot water usage, then your water heater may be to blame. Water heaters lose efficiency with age. Upgrading to a new highly efficient water heater will save you money over time.
2. Leaks or rusty water. If you notice puddles under your tank or if it starts producing rusty water, that’s a sign of corrosion. This problem is particularly common with steel tanks. Never ignore leaks or rust. These are signs your water tank is probably very close to the end of its life.
3. Hard water stains. Hard water stains show up as white marks on your silverware and glassware after they’ve gone through the dishwasher. It’s usually an indication of a lime buildup in your tank. And that can decrease your water heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
4. Strange noises. If you hear growling or gurgling sounds coming from your storage tank, there’s probably a build-up of sediment. This is not something to take lightly. Ignoring it for too long will lead to serious problems that require expensive repairs or premature replacement.
5. The age of your water heater. A well-maintained water heater should last approximately 10 years. However, even if your water heater isn’t showing any signs of trouble, it could still be a good idea to replace it. Your new water heater will run more efficiently and reliably—saving you money on your energy bills and giving you peace of mind.

You Can Rely on Hocon

If you live in Danbury, Guilford, Norwalk, Shelton, Suffield, Torrington, Waterbury, or one of the surrounding towns in Connecticut, New York, or Massachusetts, trust the experts at Hocon when it’s time to replace your water heater. And be sure to ask us if you qualify for any money-saving rebates.

Contact Hocon today or visit one of our showrooms (by appointment only) to learn more about the water heaters we sell.