How Often Does Your Hot Water Heater Need To Be Replaced?

Home Comfort, Hot Water Heaters, Plumbing, Water Heater Installation

How often does your water heater need to be replaced? Most equipment options will last anywhere between 15-20 years, but only with proper installation and ongoing maintenance. Check out the newest blog to learn more about the factors that influence your hot water heaters lifespan and what to watch out for that might indicate the need for replacement.

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Posted by Ryan | August 16, 2024

Knowing when to replace your hot water heater is crucial to preventing discomfort and unexpected costs. So in this blog, the experts at Action Furnace will walk you through the typical lifespan of your water heater, the signs that it’s time for an upgrade and the various, modern equipment options available to choose from.

From traditional tanked heaters to sleek tankless models, we’ll help you make an informed decision to ensure your hot water supply is dependable and efficient. Get ready to dive into the essentials of water heater replacement with our team!

An illustration referencing the typical lifespan of a water heater, featuring a set of sand watch icons and hourglass symbols. Flat vector illustration.

Understanding the Lifespan of Your Water Heater

Before we go too far, let’s begin by understanding the key characteristics of both tanked and tankless water heaters, and how the lifespan for each differs.

Traditional Tanked Water Heater

Traditional tanked heaters, also referred to as storage tank heaters, are the most common type of hot water heater found in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer homes due to their lower upfront cost.

Typically powered by natural gas or electricity, they store water in an insulated tank where it waits until heated and ready for use. Due to their popularity, parts are readily available meaning repair and maintenance costs are much lower.

When properly maintained these water heaters can last up to 15 years.

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Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are quickly closing the gap when it comes to the water heater installation race here in Alberta.

Tankless models heat the water directly over gas or electric elements, without the need for a tank. This allows for a steady and dependable supply of hot water, when and where you need it. Installation and other costs tend to be on the higher side, but due to their increased efficiency, they are a viable long-term cost solution.

When properly maintained these water heaters can last up to 20 years.

Factors That Influence Lifespan

No matter the type, the lifespan of your water heater is influenced by many factors, including:

Condition of the Unit - The quality, brand and installation of your water heater play a big part in its lifespan and performance. More reputable brands tend to use higher quality components and materials, extending their lifespan.

Ongoing Maintenance - Regular, ongoing maintenance (either DIY or professional) can significantly maintain and improve your water heater’s lifespan. Maintenance tasks include: flushing the tank to remove sediment, checking the anode rod, inspecting for leaks, and scheduling annual tune-ups from Action Furnace.

When you join our Total Comfort Club, you’ll enjoy access to our industry-leading tune-ups. You’ll also get access to priority service and exclusive discounts on diagnostics and repair fees. Chat with your Home Comfort Advisor today!

Water Quality - Did you know the quality of your water can also affect your water heater? Alberta is famous for its hard water which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium which can lead to sediment build-up in your tank and water lines.

High sediment levels can cause significant damage to your water tank, requiring more frequent repairs and an overall shorter lifespan. Installing a water softener can help!

Water Quality - Did you know the quality of your water can affect your water heater? Alberta's hard water, rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can cause sediment build-up in your tank and water lines. An image representing World Water Day with a clean water drop over fresh blue water ripples, highlighting environmental and ecological themes.

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Water Heater

Common Hot Water Tank Issues

Age - If your traditional tanked water heater is anywhere between 10-15 years old, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan and a replacement is imminent.
Rust and Corrosion - Visible rust on the tank or in the water flowing from your taps can indicate that the tank is corroding from the inside, which can often lead to leaks that cannot be repaired.
Leaks - Water pooling around the base of the tank is a clear sign of a damaged tank that needs to be replaced.
No Hot Water - If your water heater is struggling to produce hot water it could mean an element or thermostat failure, which might not be worth repairing on an older unit.
Strange Noises - Loud banging or popping noises point towards sediment buildup which reduces efficiency and causes significant damage over time. The older the tank, the easier it is to damage, meaning a replacement could be in your future.

Common Tankless Water Heater Issues

Age - While tankless water heaters have a longer lifespan than their tanked cousins, they too will start to lose efficiency the older they get. So if your tankless water heater is nearing 15-20 years old, you might want to start considering a newer model.
Mineral Build-Up - Hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up on the heating elements of your tankless water heater, reducing efficiency and causing the unit to overheat. Which could lead to a replacement.
Consistent Failure to Heat Water - If your tankless unit is consistently failing to get to your desired temperature and you’ve done multiple system resets, it could mean a significant issue with the elements or internal components.
Error Codes - Tankless water heaters have diagnostic systems and displays that will show an error code when something goes wrong. If these codes persist, even after a repair service, it could be a sign that the unit is failing and needs to be replaced.
Water Quality Issues - If you notice rust coloured water it could mean internal corrosion that might not be repairable on a tankless unit.

If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, call the Home Comfort Advisors at Action Furnace, we have the experience to quickly install a wide variety of equipment options to fit your needs.

An image of an Action Furnace van with the mascot and the tagline “Fixed Right or It’s Free We Guarantee” in the center. The background includes a sketch of the Edmonton and Calgary skylines. Icons of a smartphone and a service call are in the top left, and a hand holding a dollar sign is in the top right. Trust Action Furnace, Alberta’s choice for water heater services since 1975. Call our friendly team today!

Assessing Your Needs - What To Expect From Your Water Heater Installation

Installing a new water heater, no matter the type, is a complex process that requires the skill of professional technicians. So trust the team at Action Furnace!

Our highly trained team follows a careful process to ensure your new equipment is installed correctly. And this process always starts with an evaluation.

Evaluation

Our Home Comfort Advisors will thoroughly examine your existing unit, the size of your home and estimate the amount of usage in order to quickly determine the best options for you.

Recommend

Our Home Comfort Advisors guarantee to have your detailed quote delivered to you no later than 24 hours after your initial evaluation.

All recommendations are fully explained and consider your home’s efficiency, size and power needs. We will also go over our most popular hot water heater options, and any special features.

Finally with Action Furnace’s No Surprise Guarantee the investment quoted is what you will pay. No additional chargers during or after installation.

Equipment Options

Install

We have a large inventory of both hot water tanks and tankless units, and once your quote is approved our team can get right to work, scheduling a time for your installation that works for your schedule.

Your technician will arrive at the predetermined time and install your new hot water heater within 2-3 hours. Our team is dedicated to providing you clean and respectful service and will complete your installation with minimal interruption to your day to day life.

Our installation technicians are the best in skill attitude and workmanship. They will care for your home and complete the job with speed and precision. If they have not performed in accordance with these high standards, we will provide you with 1 year free club membership at no charge.

Once your installation is complete, your technician will connect, fill and troubleshoot your new hot water heater to ensure it is running properly and efficiently. Finally they will walk you through the operation, features and any warranties.

Understanding the lifespan and needs of your water heater is key to a constant supply of hot water and comfort. So, ensure optimal performance with the team at Action Furnace, we’ve been Alberta’s go to choice for water heater installation, maintenance and repairs since 1975. We’ve seen, fixed and installed it all, give our friendly team a call today!

Ryan | General Manager

Ryan is considered one of Calgary's most knowledgeable residential HVAC specialists. Working in the industry for over 12... more