If you’re like most homeowners, you don’t think about the age of your water heater until it stops working. At that point, you’re in an emergency situation and need a replacement immediately.

But, if you know the age of your water heater, you can be way more proactive. This is especially helpful when you want to switch from an old, fossil fuel powered technology to a clean, modern heat pump water heater.

You'll want to start making a plan for a water heater that is 10 to 15 years old. To determining the age of your equipment, try the following.

Manufacturer’s label

The installation date is usually printed on the manufacturer’s label. These are usually affixed to the side or top of the water heater. 

Serial number

The number is usually printed somewhere on the appliance. To decode the serial number, find your brand using the search in the upper right and decode it based on the pattern:

If your brand isn't listed or you need assistance, reach out to us at support@canopyclimate.com.

Service tags

Check to see if there are any tags on the appliance from past maintenance. This may list a date that the appliance was installed, or at least give you an approximation of its age.

Contact the manufacturer

If all else fails, you can contact the manufacturer. They may ask for photos of the appliance or be able to give you specific information on where the serial number is located.