Posted on January 31, 2022 When you buy a new piece of HVAC equipment for your home, we know that you’re looking for the best model available. You want it to be efficient, effective, and reasonably priced. We’re sure that you also factor in how long a water heater might last too. Although the time range varies, most water heaters last about 8-12 years. What side of the 8-12 spectrum you land on depends on a variety of factors that we’ll get into below. For now, though, if you’re looking for a great water heater installation in Colorado Springs, CO, you should know that you can find it here. We’re nothing short of knowledgeable and qualified here. We make sure to put our work to use for you. Let’s get in to some useful information you should know about your water heater below… Factors that influence the life expectancy of a water heater Are you wondering what factors influence the life expectancy of your home’s water heater? There are quite a few: The type of water heater you have: The type of water heater you have affects how long it will last. What we’re referring to here is if you choose a tank or tankless model. Tankless models tend to last much longer than tank models. If you’re wondering if a tankless model might be right for you, then you should get in touch with our professionals. Your location: Some areas of the country have harsher water conditions than others. Here in Colorado Springs, we suffer from a fair amount of hard water. This can wear down a water heater a little faster. The sediment in your tank: If there’s a significant amount of sediment build up in your system, then it’s going to negatively affect your unit and decrease the lifespan. This is why maintenance is so vital. Your water heater power: Electric powered water heaters typically tend to have slightly longer lifespans than natural gas powered water heaters. This is something to consider when choosing a model. How often you maintain: Do you flush or maintain your water heater annually? If you do, then it’s much more likely to last closer to that 12 year point rather than the 8 year range. How do you know when to replace a water heater? So maybe you’re past the point of considering repair. It might be time to replace your water heater entirely if… You’ve had your water heater for about 10 years. You should consider upgrading during this time. It’s never best to wait until your water heater breaks. Replacing sooner than later is always best. You’re struggling efficiency wise. If you feel like you’re spending too much, then pay attention to these increases. Investing in a new water heater can actually save you money. Your repairs are costly. Your repair cost should always be reasonable. If it isn’t, it’s time to turn to new options. How to increase the life expectancy of a water heater in Colorado If you want to increase the lifespan of your water heater, the first step is talking to a professional. We’ll assess your home’s needs and let you know what type of model would work best for you. After this, you should just keep best practices in mind. Know what temperature your water heater should be set to, how often you should maintain it, and make sure you always get professional service. Contact Smith Plumbing, Heating Cooling & Electrical to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re here for all your water heater services.