Do you need to replace your Perth household’s hot water system? Whether it’s a lukewarm shower on a rainy Perth morning or a bad case of dampness around the system getting you worked up, knowing whether it’s time to replace your faithful water heater after so many years can be an important question to know the answer to.
There are many aspects that go into determining the lifespan of your hot water system here in Perth, from the type you’re using to the quality of water going through the system itself. Join us as your trusted hot water professionals take you through the different aspects that can impact your hot water system’s lifespan here in Perth and try to help you decide if you need a new system or not!
Factors that can affect hot water system lifespan
Regardless of what hot water system you’ve got, there’s a few key factors that you’ll have to look out for that can affect the lifespan of your trusty water heater:
Type of hot water system
Perhaps the biggest factor that determines how long your water heater will last is what kind of system it is. Both the fuel type and how the water is heated can have significant effects on the longevity of your system. As a rule of thumb, we recommend you consider replacing your storage hot water systems after 10 years of regular and well-maintained use as the water storage can be prone to corrosion over long periods of time. Instantaneous systems, that have fewer moving parts and don’t hold water like storage systems do, can last much longer, with some warranties covering up to 20 years of regular use in Australia. Be mindful though, sources report the actual lifespan of gas-fuelled instantaneous heaters to be closer to 12 years of use.
Perth’s water quality
As with any appliance, the quality of the water passing through can have significant effects on the lifespan of the system. With calcium and magnesium deposits being common across our water supplies here in Perth, dealing with hard water and scale build-up is an issue most of us are quite familiar with – and this can easily lower the lifespan of your system if regular maintenance and servicing isn’t scheduled.
How much you use it
Wear and tear is always a consideration when looking at product lifespans, and water heaters are no different. With more water being run through your system, higher wear and tear can make it break down sooner, leading to uncomfortable and often rushed hot water repairs for larger households.
How well you’ve had it maintained and serviced
Just like your car, hot water systems can require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it lasts as long as possible. With Perth’s unique climate putting further demand on some types of systems, properly looking after your water heater can easily lengthen the service life of your system by a number of years.
How long do heat pump hot water systems last?
Being the new kid on the block, there’s not as much data out there for heat pump hot water systems compared to other types of water heaters. However, with proper maintenance and servicing, you can expect your new heat pump hot water system to last between 10 and 15 years – more than long enough to pay for itself compared to other choices!
How long do gas hot water systems last?
With gas hot water systems being a common sight in Perth households due to their availability and cost to install, many of us have the old reliable gas storage system heating our family’s water when we need it. For all your gas storage systems, you can expect an assumed lifespan of around 10 years, with regular service and maintenance boosting that to around 12 years for older models.
How long do electric hot water systems last?
If you’ve moved around Perth once or twice, chances are your shower has been powered by an electric storage hot water system. Accounting for around 50% of Perth households, electric storage hot water are some of the most common water heaters we replace, with a typical lifespan of 8-10 years. If your electric storage system has ran it’s life, upgrading to a different system can be a good opportunity to both save energy and money on electric bills – costing as little as $37 to run annually when combined with a solar PV system!
How long do solar hot water systems last?
With solar hot water systems being an environmentally-friendly choice that can save you money in the face of rising electricity costs, knowing whether it’s time to replace or repair your system can be the difference between a hot shower or a hot water emergency. Thankfully, solar hot water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan than other options when well-cared for and properly maintained, typically lasting for around 14 years in Australia.
How do I know if my hot water system needs replacing?
Over time, hot water systems can start showing noticeable sign of wear and tear – especially as they approach their end of life period above! Look out for the following indicators to determine whether you need to repair or replace your system today:
Inadequate Hot Water Supply
If your hot water system is no longer meeting your family’s hot water demands or if the water takes an unusually long time to heat up, it may be a sign that it’s time to get a new system.
Leaks or Visible Damage
Visible leaks, corrosion or damage to the tank or pipes are clear signs that your hot water system may need replacing. Ignoring these issues can lead to wider damage to your house and exponential repair costs – so keep an eye out to save you the headache of a hot water emergency!
Age of the system
With hot water systems becoming more prone to damage and breakdowns as they approach the end of the service life, it might be time to consider a replacement to your old faithful. This can be a good opportunity to upgrade and save money and energy with more efficient and modern options available.
If you’re considering replacing your hot water system before it gets you in hot water (metaphorically speaking of course!), getting in touch with your local hot water professionals can help you save your family money and the headache of a potential hot water emergency. Whether you’re after a brand-new heat pump hot water system or just servicing your existing storage water heater, the friendly team Ritz Plumbing & Electrical are here to help. Chat to one of our friendly representatives now by calling 13 74 89 or send an enquiry using our easy online contact form.
