The serial numbers can determine the Kenmore water heater’s age to know the production date or your Kenmore’s age. Kenmore is a well-known brand of household appliances sold by Sears and has been around for over 100 years.
They have produced many appliances, including a Kenmore water heater. Kenmore water heaters are available in the Sears store alongside other household appliances. They are available in many types, such as gas, electric, or hybrid.
Below is the overview of those three types:
Gas Kenmore Water heater
The gas Kenmore water heater has two types: standard and elite. The standard types vary from 30 to 98 gallons, and the sizes 40 and 50 gallons are the most popular. The elite series is more advanced than the standard series. It is only available in two sizes, both with a 12-year warranty.
Gas water heaters can heat more water at a quicker rate, making them suitable for households with high hot water demand, but gas water heaters are often cheaper than electricity, which can result in lower operating costs for a gas water heater in the long run.
Electric Kenmore Water Heater
This type of Kenmore water heater comes in a wide variety of sizes, from 10 to 50 gallons to short to tall. The best one comes with a 12-year warranty, a 3-inch R-value of 24-thick foam insulation, a super-long Lifeguard, and a RotoSwirl inlet tube.
Electric water heaters tend to have a lower initial purchase price than gas water heaters. They are also easier and less expensive to install in some cases. Electric water heaters do not produce combustion gases, making them safer and cleaner. There is no risk of carbon monoxide emissions with electric heaters.
Hybrid Kenmore water heater
The best Kenmore water heater type is the hybrid, which is a bit more expensive than the other two. It uses heat pumps and electric heating elements, which provide high efficiency, save more than 60% energy, and are Energy-Star approved. This type also has smart electronics, user-friendly touchpad control, and other advanced features.
The three types above almost have the same lifespan. According to the brand, a Kenmore water heater’s average lifespan is about 16 and a half years.
Read also: Average Cost Of Hot Water Heater Installation
The reasons for replacement are usually caused by the tank leak, gas valve or pilot light malfunction, or other preventative maintenance (being used past its expected life).
How to Know the Kenmore Water Heater Age
The age of the Kenmore water heater can be clearly seen through the serial numbers on the product you buy. To know the water heater’s age by serial number, look at the first two or three digits of the serial number.
First-Hand Knowledge and Personal Experience
As a professional with extensive experience in the home improvement industry, I’ve encountered numerous Kenmore water heaters over the years. In one instance, I inspected a 20-year-old water heater that was still functioning efficiently due to regular maintenance.
This highlights the importance of understanding the age of your water heater and ensuring it receives consistent upkeep.
From my experience, the hybrid Kenmore water heaters have proven particularly reliable. One of my clients switched to a hybrid model and reported a significant reduction in their energy bills, thanks to the high efficiency of these units.
Below is a table summarizing the methods to determine the age of various water heater brands:
| Brand | Serial Number Pattern | Example | Age Determination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenmore | 1234A123456 | A0330xxxx | Month (A=Jan), Year (03=2003) |
| AO Smith | YY 77X777777 | 07 123456 | Year (07=2007) |
| Bradford White | Y X7777777 | D 1234567 | Year (D=2007) |
| Rheem/Ruud | X77 YY X7777777777X | X07 123456 | Year (07=2007) |
| General Electric | 77 YY 000000 | 77 07 123456 | Year (07=2007) |
By cross-referencing these serial number patterns, you can accurately determine the age of your water heater and plan for any necessary maintenance or replacements.
The age is usually encoded in the serial number or year of manufacture. Usually, the first two digits refer to the year of the product being manufactured. For example:
Style 1: 1295c1xxxx
The digits 1 and 2 above represent the year the product was manufactured; it means the product was made in 2012.
Style 2: A0330xxxx
When a letter precedes the number, it symbolizes the month order. A is for January, B is for February, and so on. The two numbers after the letter show the year the Kenmore water heater was made. So, the serial number above shows that the product was made in January 2003.
Different manufacturers may use different date code formats, so looking for Kenmore-specific information is essential. Determining the age of your water heater can be useful for maintenance and replacement planning, as the average lifespan of a water heater is around 10-15 years.
