Access to clean running water is a luxury many of us take for granted—especially hot water for showering, cleaning, and cooking. This luxury is provided by hot water systems with the first of their kind invented in 1868 by the painter Benjamin Waddy Maughan in London. It’s come a long way since then and has become an almost essential part of home functionality. Nowadays, we have electric, gas and solar hot water systems that can be switched on and off as needed.
If your heating system goes down, you’ll know about it as soon as you go take that hot shower, especially if it’s winter. Knowing your hot water system’s lifespan can help prevent such a catastrophic occurrence. This way, you can plan for maintenance, repairs and, if necessary, replacement.
In this article, we will look specifically at electric hot water systems, the factors affecting your system’s lifespan, as well as tips to aid its longevity.
Typical Lifespan of an Electric Hot Water System
The average lifespan of an electric hot water system is 10-15 years. This is longer than gas hot water systems which typically last for 8-12 years. Several factors can influence the lifespan of a hot water system, including:
- Brand
- Consumption patterns
- Maintenance
- Durability
- Efficiency
Like all machinery, proper maintenance is key to prolonging the system’s life.
Factors That Affect Longevity
There are other more complex factors affecting an electric hot water system’s longevity and understanding these can help you enhance the performance of your system over time.
Materials
The type of materials and elements your electric hot water system is made from can affect its longevity. While vitreous enamel is durable and corrosion-resistant, it will generally last up to around the 10-year mark. In contrast, stainless steel and continuous-flow units will last longer—up to around 15 years. Brand plays an important part in the quality of materials used. As such, it’s wise to invest in a reputable brand.
Water quality
Hard water, or water that’s high in mineral content can play a role in your system’s longevity. It can lead to scale accumulation which, over time, can affect the heat pump pressure and strain the system, potentially leading to a premature end.
The water’s pH levels, which indicate its acidity or alkalinity, are another consideration. If the levels are off, either too acidic or alkaline, it can corrode the metal components, affecting the durability of the system and, ultimately, its longevity.
Usage
How you use your system over time also influences its longevity. Try to avoid frequent switching on and off, which can lead to wear and tear. And like most machinery, high demand against the system’s capacity affects its operations over time, which in turn will shorten its lifespan.
Installation
With the plethora of DIY “reality” television shows, homeowners might be tempted to install a unit themselves. However, if you want a maximum lifespan for your system, we advise you to let the professionals handle it. Incorrect and shoddy installation can lead to operational faults and inefficiencies. Over time, this will increase wear and tear and potentially lead to a premature end to your electric hot water system.
Proper maintenance
As mentioned previously (it’s worth mentioning again, it’s that important), regular maintenance is essential to prolonging your hot water system lifespan. Removing sediment by flushing the tank, checking components for corrosion and the system for leaks all ensure better life expectancy.
Signs Your Electric Hot Water System Needs Replacement
Age
The first thing you should do to determine whether your electric hot water system requires replacement is to find out how old it is. If it’s coming up to the 10-year mark, then it’s worth having a professional look at it, performing maintenance and replacement if necessary.
Performance
You may notice performance issues such as inconsistent water temperature. Or perhaps you notice some leaks and rust on the system itself. All these problems are a good sign your electric hot water system needs replacing.
Efficiency
Have your electricity or energy bills increased? This may not necessarily be your power provider jacking up the cost again. It could well mean your system isn’t running as efficiently as it used to. Ageing systems have little or no insulation and affect efficiency, using more energy for the thermostat to get the desired water temperature.
Again, have a plumber come out and see if your water heater needs service, repair or replacement.
Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Electric Hot Water System
Regular Maintenance
Yes, it’s worth mentioning a third time—regular maintenance is key. Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, we recommend annual maintenance checks.
During these checks, the technician will complete several steps to ensure a thorough inspection is conducted.
Flush the Tank
Sediment build-up can cause drain blockages. The sediment is often made up of rust, minerals and other debris. Having plumbers clean, drain and flush the water heater’s storage tank will prevent damage and increase its longevity.
Check the Anode Rod
The role of the anode rod, a metal rod, is to prevent corrosion by corroding itself. As such, it will corrode to the point where you will need to find replacements.
Temperature Setting
Having an optimal temperature will reduce strain on the system. We recommend a temperature of 60 degrees in Australia to prevent the growth of bacteria such as Legionella. Getting an expert to check the temperature is correct can lead to a longer, healthier life for your system.
Is Your Hot Water System Ready for Retirement?
When it comes to understanding the lifespan of your electric hot water heater, determining the age and health of your system is a good place to start. Always invest in reputable brands and have a professional conduct regular inspection and maintenance to get the most from your heater.
If you have any concerns or questions about the health of your electric hot water system, please reach out to the friendly and professional team here at Same Day Hot Water for an assessment, service or replacement. We can also provide information about warranty, the best options on the market and offer personalised solutions for you and your home.