Anyone have any idea how long they last, on average? Mine is 12 years old. Working fine but wondering if I should replace it before it craps out. Thanks.
just got it replaced since I was replacing my AC. It was still going strong. I guess it depends on different factors like how much you use it, lime build up, etc.
definitely a repair that you want to do before it goes. Because a water heater that craps out means a basement full of water!
In the grand scheme of things, it's not a horrible expense either. The tanks themselves are only $500-$600 then you figure a couple hundred bucks for the install. Budget a grand and then you're good for another 10 years at least with the new heater.
just got it replaced since I was replacing my AC. It was still going strong. I guess it depends on different factors like how much you use it, lime build up, etc.
What was the brand? I have a Bradford White that's over 20 years old and still works like it's brand new. I keep a close eye on it but haven't notice a dot of rust or any change in its capacity to heat.
Put in the Bradford White 2 years ag. 70 gallons. Â
just got it replaced since I was replacing my AC. It was still going strong. I guess it depends on different factors like how much you use it, lime build up, etc.
What was the brand? I have a Bradford White that's over 20 years old and still works like it's brand new. I keep a close eye on it but haven't notice a dot of rust or any change in its capacity to heat.
Pros:
1) Less expensive to run
2) Last longer
3) Take up less space
4) Never runs out of hot water
Cons:
1) Much higher upfront costs. Long payback period (may never pay off)
2) Install is more complex
3) Limited simultaneous hot water supply. 2 showers at once may not be feasible.
if you choose to go this way, make sure you get a really good installer. Install is more complex - you don’t want a hack doing this.
What is the thoughts of on demand versus the tank. When it finally gives up the ghost, I'll have to make the decision.
I did the math a couple years ago, would need to be in house like 15-20 years to break even vs a tank. Also from what i heard these aren't good for the northeast winters because the pipes get cold when the tankless isnt pumping and there is a wait for hot water to get through when fired up. They are trying to fix this by having holding tanks or even re-circulators but that kind of kills the whole idea. Also there is maintenance required for the tankless to keep residue from effecting the performance. Better suited for more moderate climates is what I've read.
Last longer, change your anode rod every two to 3 years. Most people ignore that. You should also drain , not all the way but remove water , you'll notice the rust come out. Those are the things I did to my tank when I had a HWH. My house gets its domestic HW from my boiler.
In the grand scheme of things, it's not a horrible expense either. The tanks themselves are only $500-$600 then you figure a couple hundred bucks for the install. Budget a grand and then you're good for another 10 years at least with the new heater.
What was the brand? I have a Bradford White that's over 20 years old and still works like it's brand new. I keep a close eye on it but haven't notice a dot of rust or any change in its capacity to heat.
Quote:
just got it replaced since I was replacing my AC. It was still going strong. I guess it depends on different factors like how much you use it, lime build up, etc.
What was the brand? I have a Bradford White that's over 20 years old and still works like it's brand new. I keep a close eye on it but haven't notice a dot of rust or any change in its capacity to heat.
I believe it was a Rheem.
1) Less expensive to run
2) Last longer
3) Take up less space
4) Never runs out of hot water
Cons:
1) Much higher upfront costs. Long payback period (may never pay off)
2) Install is more complex
3) Limited simultaneous hot water supply. 2 showers at once may not be feasible.
if you choose to go this way, make sure you get a really good installer. Install is more complex - you don’t want a hack doing this.
I did the math a couple years ago, would need to be in house like 15-20 years to break even vs a tank. Also from what i heard these aren't good for the northeast winters because the pipes get cold when the tankless isnt pumping and there is a wait for hot water to get through when fired up. They are trying to fix this by having holding tanks or even re-circulators but that kind of kills the whole idea. Also there is maintenance required for the tankless to keep residue from effecting the performance. Better suited for more moderate climates is what I've read.