How Long Should a Hot Water System Last?

A vital appliance in almost all Australian households is the humble hot water system. We rely on it for so many different things, from cooking and cleaning to bathing.

It’s an appliance that we often take for granted and assume it’ll be something we can always depend on.

But like all household appliances, big and small, they do have a shelf life. Knowing what that lifespan is may mean the difference between unexpectedly losing hot water in the middle of your morning shower or being somewhat prepared for it. Throughout this blog, we’ll look into three particular things:

• The various factors that can impact the life expectancy of each type of hot water system.
• What you can do to continue getting the best out of your hot water service for as long as possible.
• The million-dollar question of how long should the various types of hot water systems last.

First and foremost, though, let’s look at the various types of hot water heaters available on the market.

A Rundown on the Types of Hot Water Systems Available

When it’s time to upgrade your existing hot water system or install a new hot water system from scratch, it’s crucial to understand your options and consider the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for each.

Choosing a system that meets these standards ensures efficiency and environmental responsibility. You’ll want to decide how you power your water heater – what your preferred energy source is, keeping in mind these standards.

There are four main options available:

• Gas hot water systems
• Electric hot water systems
• Solar hot water systems
• Heat pump hot water systems

As their names suggest, gas systems and electric hot water units are powered by gas and electricity, respectively. Solar hot water systems use solar panels to harness the energy of the sun and power it. They also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a standard gas or electric hot water system.

You can also combine them with a gas or electric booster to gain the extra power you might need in the cooler, less sunny months of the year.

Heat pump water heaters differ from other options in that they don’t produce heat. Instead, they draw heat from the outside air and transfer it through the system to heat the stored water in its tank. Heat pumps are largely considered the most efficient hot water system option on the market, with a solar PV system a close second.

Storage vs Continuous Flow Systems

If you decide upon a natural gas or electric hot water heater, the next choice to make is between a storage tank unit or a continuous flow system.

Electric and gas storage systems store heated water in a tank. They use either a gas burner or electric heating element to constantly heat the water. Then you have gas and electric instantaneous water heaters, also known as continuous flow systems. There is no storage tank or cylinder with either of these options; instead, they only heat water as you need it.

Now that we know the various hot water systems on the market, let’s look at what can potentially affect the lifespan of your unit.

Factors That Affect System Longevity

Whether you have an electric hot water system or made the switch to a more energy-efficient solar hot water system, numerous variables can impact its general lifespan. They include:

• The type of system you own.
• Your household energy use and how much hot water you use.
• Whether you maintain it with regular servicing.
• The general quality of the installation.

Let’s explore each of these factors further.

1. Type of Hot Water System

The different types of hot water systems all come with different shelf lives simply due to their manufacture and design. For example, a tankless, continuous flow system will generally last longer than a storage tank unit. This is because it contains fewer parts that can break down. Nor does it have a tank that can potentially corrode over time.

As they are highly efficient with energy use, and are also made up of fewer components, heat pump systems also typically boast a lengthy life expectancy. So too do solar hot water systems. However, they often require more servicing and – due to their location on the roof of the house – can be impacted by weather conditions.

2. System Usage

The amount of usage that you put your hot water system through will affect its longevity. As with most major household appliances, the life expectancy decreases the more frequently you use it. So if you have a large family or your hot and cold water needs are generally on the higher end of the scale, that will most likely affect how long your system will last.

3. Hot Water System Maintenance

One of the most crucial and effective measures to prolong the life of your hot water system is to maintain a regular servicing schedule. Whether or not you choose to keep up with regular servicing, or neglect your maintenance responsibilities, will determine how long you get the most from your system.

4. Installation Quality

Sub-standard system installation will often lead to problems that diminish its lifespan. It’s vital that you book a highly trained and licensed plumber who is experienced with installing gas and electric hot water systems to do the job right the first time.

So … How Long Should A Hot Water System Last? 

With all this in mind comes the burning question – how long should a hot water system last? From gas water heaters to electric hot water systems, the typical lifespan of each will vary to some degree. So let’s take a look.

Electric Hot Water Systems

Instantaneous or continuous flow systems should last anywhere between 20 and 30 years, as long as you maintain and use them correctly. Storage systems, on the other hand, don’t have quite as long a lifespan. You’ll most likely get between 10 and 15 years of use out of an electric hot water system with a storage tank unit.

Gas Hot Water Systems

Natural gas water heaters of the storage variety will likely last you between 8 and 12 years with the necessary maintenance and smart usage. However, a tankless instantaneous system will give you a good 15 to 20 years of service.

Solar Hot Water Systems

As one of the most energy-efficient options on the market, you can expect to enjoy between 15 and 25 years of consistent supply from your solar powered water heater. You’ll be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and running costs as well.

Heat Pump Systems

Though not the most common type on the market, heat pumps typically provide the most energy-efficiency. They will do so for a solid 10 to 15 years.

So how can you ensure the lifespan of your hot water heater is at the lengthier end of the scale? With these helpful suggestions.

How You Can Prolong the Life of Your Hot Water System

There are numerous measures you can take to get the most out of your hot water heater for as long as possible.

• Consistent maintenance – We’ve said it before, but we cannot stress it enough. A strict maintenance schedule is the best way to identify small issues early and fix them before they become bigger costly problems. Problems that affect the lifespan of your system.
• Proper, licensed installation – You should always have a qualified and licensed professional install your system. This will help to prevent any easily avoidable installation errors that can result in your hot water heater failing prematurely.
• Dropping the temperature – Reducing the temperature of your hot water heater to can be an effective way to minimise the level of wear and tear it endures.
• Tank insulation – You can also minimise heat loss and therefore prolong the life of your hot water heater simply by insulating the tank. A water heater blanket should do the trick.

These measures will help to draw out the lifespan of your hot water system. That way, you can continue getting the most out of it for as long as possible.

To Sum Up …

As it happens, there’s no simple, straight answer to the question of how long a hot water system should last. Many factors can add to or reduce its general lifespan.

Everything from whether you have gas or electric hot water, whether it has a storage tank or is tankless, and the way you use and maintain your water heater will determine just how long it lasts. But the general rule of thumb is that tankless systems boast the longest lifespan, followed by solar power, then heat pumps and storage hot water tank units at the bottom of the list.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.