How long do water heaters last?

• <div><p>The lifespan of your water heater depends on the type of water. For traditional water heaters, you can expect it to last between <b>8 and 12 years</b> if gas or <b>10 to 15 years</b> if electric. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-pros-and-cons-tankless-water-heaters.htm">Tankless water heaters</a> can last up to <b>20 years</b> with proper maintenance. The total number of years you’ll get out of your water heater depends on the maintenance it receives and how much it’s used.</p></div>

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Q: What are the different types of water heaters available for installation?

• <div><p>Storage, tankless, heat pumps, and solar water heaters each suit specific space constraints, usage needs, and efficiency preferences.</p></div>

Q: What is the proper vent pipe for a water heater?

• <div><p>Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater&rsquo;s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.</p></div>

Q: Are electric water heater venting and installation requirements the same from state to state?

• <div><p>No state requires you to vent an electric water heater. Other installation requirements for water heaters will vary, though, depending on the state and local jurisdiction in which you live. Some places require permits, while others don&rsquo;t. Some may force you to place the appliance a certain distance from any walls or other appliances, while others don't. When you find a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-can-install-water-heater.htm">local professional to install a water heater</a>, this expert will ensure you follow all the local regulations. </p></div>

Q: Can you vent a water heater outside the house?

• <div><p>Typically, only a high-efficiency water heater with an inducer fan can be vented outside the house. Otherwise, your water heater needs to be installed on the inside and vented through the roof. However, certain areas may allow a standard-efficiency water heater to be vented outside. Check your local building codes to be sure.</p></div>

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Storage, tankless, heat pumps, and solar water heaters each suit specific space constraints, usage needs, and efficiency preferences.

Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater’s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.

No state requires you to vent an electric water heater. Other installation requirements for water heaters will vary, though, depending on the state and local jurisdiction in which you live. Some places require permits, while others don’t. Some may force you to place the appliance a certain distance from any walls or other appliances, while others don't. When you find a local professional to install a water heater, this expert will ensure you follow all the local regulations.

The lifespan of your water heater depends on the type of water. For traditional water heaters, you can expect it to last between 8 and 12 years if gas or 10 to 15 years if electric. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. The total number of years you’ll get out of your water heater depends on the maintenance it receives and how much it’s used.

Typically, only a high-efficiency water heater with an inducer fan can be vented outside the house. Otherwise, your water heater needs to be installed on the inside and vented through the roof. However, certain areas may allow a standard-efficiency water heater to be vented outside. Check your local building codes to be sure.

The Oacoma, SD homeowners’ guide to water heater services

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