In our last blog, we considered the average length of time you can expect the home’s water heater to last. Now let’s talk about when you should think about replacing it.
If your homes water heater is approaching the end of its average life span and is starting to need repairs, here are a couple of things to consider:
Its warranty. Does your current water heater still have some warranty left on it? If it does, have a check to see if it includes the cost of labor as well as parts. Depending on the type of part that needs repairing, labor costs can be rather expensive, so you should ask yourself whether it is better to spend the money on your old water heater or put it towards a new one.
Another thing you will want to ask yourself is how much do I spend each year on maintenance for my existing water heater? If, after doing your calculations, you find that you are spending more than 10 percent of the amount it would cost to buy and install a brand-new water heater, then perhaps it is time to replace your current one.
When you do start to shop around for a new water heater, don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest option because you may get what you pay for. If possible, choose a water heater that comes with a long warranty as this is often a sign that it is of good quality.
