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Plus, a water heater lifespan generally increases with newer technology.Įven if your water heater lifespan is not near the end of its time, issues can arise as the unit ages. New models are up to 20% more efficient and can save up to $700 in energy costs over the life of the unit, so replacing the unit in this situation makes sense.
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When this happens, the water heater leak is more like a flood and can lead to costly repairs from water damage to your property, in addition to the cost of replacing the device itself. Before the end of their service life, water heaters may work perfectly, but when they reach their expiration date they can suddenly and unexpectedly leak. If your water heater lifespan is nearing the end of its time, it is best to simply replace the unit before issues arise. A convenient guide for most brands can be found here. For example, a Bradford White model water-heater will have a code that looks like this: “BH6511396,” in which the letters B and H signal the year (2005) and month (August) of the unit’s manufacturer.
BRADFORD WHITE AGE OF WATER HEATER SERIAL
It’s important to know your water heater lifespan in order to determine the age of your water heater, you must interpret a code in the unit’s serial number. If you need to replace your water heater, there are many reasons why tankless water heaters are the way to go. There are two exceptions: gas water heaters last approximately 6 to 8 years and tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more. Is on average 8 to 12-years, with replacement generally recommended at 10 years.
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