If your water heater is more than a decade old, there’s a good chance it’s costing you more than you think. In Gresham and the surrounding Portland metro, homeowners often see their energy bills creep up over time—without realizing their aging water heater is to blame.
Hot water accounts for roughly 20% of a home’s total energy usage, and older systems are far less efficient than today’s high-performance models. If you’ve noticed higher monthly bills, inconsistent water temperature, or slow recovery time, now is the perfect time to upgrade—and start saving.
In this post, we’ll show you how an outdated water heater can quietly drain your wallet and how a modern replacement from Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing can cut your utility costs and boost performance.
How an Aging Water Heater Wastes Energy
Most older tank-style water heaters run constantly—heating and reheating water 24/7, whether you need it or not. Over time, internal components like the burner, thermostat, and anode rod degrade, and sediment builds up inside the tank. This buildup acts as insulation, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy to heat the same amount of water.
Other common inefficiencies include:
- Heat loss through uninsulated tanks or pipes
- Poor combustion in gas models
- Slow recovery time that keeps the burner running longer
- Worn-out thermostats causing overheating or reheating cycles
These issues drive up your electricity or gas bill every month—especially as demand increases in summer or winter.
How Much Can You Save With a New Water Heater?
The savings depend on what type of unit you install and how inefficient your old one was. In general:
- Replacing a standard tank water heater with a newer model can save 10–20% on water heating costs.
- Upgrading to a tankless system can reduce energy use by 25–35%, depending on your hot water habits.
- Installing an ENERGY STAR® hybrid water heater could save $250–$400 per year on energy bills.
Even if your water heater seems to be working “fine,” it may be operating at a fraction of its original efficiency.
Other Benefits of Upgrading
Saving money on utilities is reason enough—but the benefits don’t stop there. A modern, high-efficiency water heater can also:
- Provide faster, more consistent hot water
- Free up space (tankless units are wall-mounted and compact)
- Qualify you for rebates and federal tax credits
- Add resale value to your home
- Deliver peace of mind with a new warranty and modern safety features
If you’re planning to stay in your home for at least a few years, a new water heater can pay for itself quickly through monthly savings alone.
Common Signs It’s Time to Replace
Not sure if your current unit is overdue? Watch for these red flags:
- Unit is 10+ years old
- Hot water runs out quickly
- Inconsistent or lukewarm temperature
- Rumbling or popping sounds during operation
- Rusty water or signs of corrosion
- Rising gas or electric bills with no increase in usage
If you’re noticing one or more of these issues, a professional water heater replacement could dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing Makes Replacement Easy
When you call our team, we’ll inspect your current system, assess your household’s water usage, and recommend the best solution for your space and budget. We offer:
- Traditional tank and tankless system installations
- Energy-efficient models that qualify for rebates
- Fast, clean removal of your old unit
- Safe, code-compliant installation and pressure testing
- Financing options to make upgrades accessible
We’ve helped hundreds of Gresham homeowners make the switch to smarter, more efficient systems—and we’re ready to help you do the same.
Need a Plumbing Pro You Can Trust?
Whether you’re in Gresham, Clackamas, or the Greater Portland area, Da Vinci’s Best Plumbing is your trusted local source for high-efficiency water heater installation. Our experts will guide you through every step, from system selection to rebate paperwork.
Contact us today to schedule a quote and start saving on your utility bills.