Should you replace your old water heater?

Compare what your current water heater costs to run with a new ENERGY STAR model. Enter the energy your old one uses, your electricity price and a new model, and see the yearly and ten-year savings. This counts electricity only.

Old water heater: annual energy use (kWh per year)

Enter how much energy your old one uses a year.

Look for the yellow EnergyGuide label on the water heater: it lists the estimated yearly electricity use in kWh. If it is gone, a 240 V water heater needs a meter made for it, so ask an electrician, and multiply a day of use by 365.

Your state Or your own rate (cents per kWh) New water heater Or enter its annual energy use (kWh per year) Purchase price of the new one, in dollars (optional, for the payback time)

What this calculator does not tell you

It counts electricity only. Purchase price, repair costs, delivery, and whether your current water heater still works well are separate parts of the decision.
The ENERGY STAR figure for a new model is a standardized value. Your own use will differ with how the appliance is used and where it stands.
Your old figure may be a guess. If you can, measure it.

Typical numbers for each type and state are on the cost to run a water heater by state page. Browse all water heaters.

Should you replace your old water heater?

What this calculator does not tell you

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