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Written by All Comfort Services | September 25, 2025
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using the water heater in your Madison, WI home can account for as much as 18% of your energy bill. As your water heater ages, this could rise much higher. Like all heat-generating appliances, water heaters become increasingly less efficient as they near the end of their service lives. They also become less reliable. If you have an older water heater, the following is everything you need to know about when to replace it.
Standard, storage-based water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. If you’ve already had your standard water heater for a decade or more, now is the time to replace it. After 10 years of service, the risk of leaks and messy tank ruptures increases. By holding onto an old water heater, you’re placing your home at risk of significant water damage.
Tankless water heaters often last much longer. The average lifespan of a tankless water heater is 15 to 20 years. If your tankless water heater is 15 years old or older, recurring repairs, frequent leaks, and less-than-optimal performance are all indications that it’s time to swap it out.
Does your hot water supply fluctuate between scalding and freezing? This could be the result of heavy sediment in your water heater’s tank or a faulty internal thermostat. Although you can flush your water heater or replace its thermostat, when inconsistent hot water is paired with advanced age, replacement is usually the best choice.
Even if your water heater doesn’t alternate between producing scalding-hot water and ice-cold water, it might not be sufficient for meeting the needs of your household. If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to fill a dishpan or bathtub or take a lengthy hot shower, you might need a new water heater. Older water heaters can produce much less hot water over time due to sediment buildup, failed heating elements, and other age-related problems.
Booming, crackling, and popping sounds in older water heaters are a sign of heavy sediment buildup. With time, water heater tanks can develop sediment buildups that aren’t easily removed with basic maintenance. These noises occur when water gets trapped beneath layers of sediment and escapes as steam during heating.
If your home energy bill is on the rise but you haven’t added new residents to your household or installed new major appliances, your water heater is the likely culprit. Whether washing hands, taking hot showers, or running the dishwasher or washing machine, people are all but guaranteed to use this heat-generating appliance daily. As it loses efficiency, your energy bill will rise in a noticeable way.
Rusting is a common issue among standard, storage-based water heaters, given that their metal components are always exposed to water. Rusty tank bottoms and rust on the exterior of your water heater are a good sign that it has reached the end of its lifespan. Rust undermines the integrity of water heater tanks and connections, and it greatly increases the risk of ruptures and leaks.
Anode rods at the interior of water heater tanks sacrifice themselves to oxidizing minerals to diminish their effects. Anode rods typically last three to five years, and you should replace yours two to three times throughout your water heater’s lifespan. If you’ve already replaced your water heater’s anode rod three times, this is also a good sign that you’re ready for water heater replacement.
If your water heater is six years old or younger, scheduling a water heater repair rather than replacing your current unit might be the most economical choice. However, if your water heater repair exceeds 50% of the cost of replacement, your plumber may suggest replacement.
With a new water heater, you’ll enjoy:
According to Consumer Reports, some of the latest water heater models could cut your water-heating costs by as much as 16% annually.
Replacing your water heater will allow you to take advantage of the latest innovations in these appliances, including upgrades that enhance efficiency, ease of use, convenience, and safety.
All Comfort Services has proudly served Madison, WI and the surrounding cities since 1973. We take a customer-centric approach to all we do. We offer and install standard tank-based water heaters, tankless water heaters, and highly efficient power vent water heaters. We also provide expert water heater maintenance and repairs.
If you need a new water heater in your Madison, WI, get in touch with All Comfort Services today!
