In our previous blog, we discussed the average number of years you can expect a home’s water heater to last. This time, we are going to consider when it is the right time to replace the water heater altogether.
So, how can you determine whether or not to repair your current water heater or replace it with a new one? The first thing you will want to find out is if your current water heater is still under warranty. If there is still some warranty left on it, check if this covers you for the cost of labor as well as the replacement parts. Depending on the type of repair the water heater needs, labor costs can really add up and if the water heater is old, it may not be worth it.
For example, one part that often needs replacing is the sacrificial anode. A professional should replace this part as it can be a rather tricky job that, if not done properly, can void the warranty. Now, let’s say that you need this part replacing and your water heater is almost at the end of its average lifespan, it may be worth considering putting your money towards a new water heater instead.
The amount of money you spend each year on repairing and maintaining your existing water heater is another factor that can help you decide whether to buy a new one or not. If your current water heater is costing you more than 10 percent of the amount it would cost for a new one, then you may want to start shopping.
To help you make the right choice of a new water heater, look for one that comes with a long warranty as this is usually a sign that it is of good quality. You may be tempted to buy a cheap water heater but just remember that you generally get what you pay for.
