If you have been experiencing recent issues with your water heater, you may be wondering if you can get away with another repair job or if it is finally time to buy a replacement. Both options are costly, especially if you are seeking a replacement unit, so you need to carefully consider which option suits your needs best.
Depending on the age or performance of your water heater unit, repairing it might be more suitable; however, it is always worth evaluating your finances to see whether you can save more in the long run by upgrading to a brand-new one. If you are unsure whether you should repair or replace your water heater, there are several indicators you can keep an eye on. Here are three factors to keep in mind that will help you find the best solution for your needs.
How Old Is Your Water Heater?
Age is a big consideration when determining whether it is time to repair or replace your water heater. Traditional storage tank units have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, while a newer tankless water heater can last 20 or more. Depending on what type of unit you have in your home, its age may be something to consider before you call for repairs.
Older units will only continue to become less efficient and more prone to issues over time, leading to higher utility bills and more repair expenses in the long run. If you have a water heater unit that is experiencing problems and in need of repairs, replacing it instead may save you more money.
Are Your Experiencing Higher Electricity Bills?
Does your electricity bill keep going up without any explanation? Depending on how many people live in your household and what your daily usage is, your water heater may be struggling to keep up with providing enough hot water, especially if there have been changes to your household—people moved in, or you have switched to working remotely from home.
An inefficient water heater can produce higher monthly heating bills as it struggles to keep up with the demand. In such cases, you may want to consider replacing it when a problem arises. While a new unit will cost more than a single repair job, it will be more efficient at generating how water, leading to lower costs over time than you would continue to have with the older unit.
How Frequently Does Your Heater Need Maintenance?
Beyond considering the costs of replacement or repair whenever a problem arises, another factor to consider is how often your water heater breaks down and needs maintenance. If your water heater frequently needs to undergo maintenance, either because of age or other external factors, then it is worth considering whether a replacement will save you more in the long run. Even if you repair the old unit, it will likely continue to cause problems—and more frequently—and replacement is likely your best course of action in such cases.
Consider All The Factors Together
After considering these important factors, you can decide whether repairing your water heater or replacing it is the best solution. If you have an old unit near the end of its lifespan, then replacement may be your best option. Likewise, if you have a heater less than 10 years old that does not display any abnormalities—higher bills or more frequent maintenance than is typical—then repairing it might be your best bet.
Hire Professional Plumbing Services
If you are looking for professional plumbing services to repair your water heater, consider contacting Flamingo Plumbing & Backflow. We offer quality plumbing services with a focus on customer satisfaction and excellent craftsmanship. To learn more about our services or to book an appointment, give us a call today!