The National Association of Homebuilders estimates that gas water heaters should last about 11 to 13 years, and electric heaters should last about 14 years.
My heater is also 10 years old. I am thinking about a tankless, but have hear different things. Where is the best place to get good reliable info on water heaters. The manufacturers only tell you what you want to hear.
I read several articles on tankless on Fine Homebuilding mag. Generally they seem to like it. If you're replacing a gas water heater, you won't have to worry about vents and gas line. But they have super high efficiency tank heaters now and if you have a big family, that may be a better solution for you.
At my work, we have small electric tankless at each faucet. It works okay, but of course, we
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don't have hot water demand of even a small residence. I'd like to think everyone washes his hands after and that's about all the demand.
It's a couple of years old, but Consumer Reports has a good summary on tankless water heaters. Generally, it notes they are efficient and generally well-liked, but they have their issues, and their payback period may be longer than their (longer than standard heater) lifespan.
At my work, we have small electric tankless at each faucet. It works okay, but of course, we ...»
Here is that CR report:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliance...