What if you wake up in a cold morning and want to shower but turn on the faucet? You find that hot water is not coming. It’s a horrible situation that will be familiar to most homeowners. Now you must make a tough decision to repair this heater or replace it with a new one.
We know you are going through the same scenario, and your decision depends on the different factors. This article will cover the benefits and drawbacks of repairing your heater. Then we will also tell you that when you need to replace your heater, stick with us.
First, let’s find out the benefits of repairing your heater.
Benefits of Repairing Your Water Heater
There are two benefits of repairing your heater: one is it is a cost-effective thing and also saves you time.
Cost-Effectiveness
Now you are deciding between repairing your water heater because it saves a lot of money compared to the replacement. This is because of the labor cost; its parts are relatively cheaper than a new heater. If the issue is minor and the repair cost is less, you should repair your water heater.
Saves time
You wake up and find out your water heater is not working, so you call the professional, and within no time, he will come and repair your water heater. On the other hand, if you go for the full replacement, it is a hectic and time-consuming process that will disrupt your daily routine.
Q. Which device is more costly to maintain: AC or a water heater?
According to experts, AC maintenance is more expensive than the water heater. The first and most common reason is that air conditioners have complex components. At the same time, an AC runs throughout the year, while a water heater is just for cold days. So, it makes AC maintenance compulsory after a specified time, and the criteria of the water heater change here!
Drawbacks of Repairing Your Water Heater
In our view, there is a drawback of the water heater, which is that the repairs are temporary. Let’s talk about it below.
Temporary Repairs
We know that repairing your water heater is a budget option and saves much time without disrupting your daily routine. But most of the time, these fixes & repairs are temporary, and after some time, you might have to face the same issues, so this is the one drawback of repairing your water heater.
Q. When do you need to Replace your Water heater?
Suppose your water heater is under the manufacturer’s warranty. In that case, the brand will pay for all the repairs, but if it’s not in the warranty, you should analyze the cost and the benefits of the repairs and then make a rational decision. Below, we will explain some factors telling you it’s time to replace your heater.
Age Of The Heater
According to Home Depot, the average life span of a water heater is 10 years; however, some water heaters can last up to 20 years, so now the question is if your water heater is more than 10 years old and the cost of its repair is increasing day by day then you should replace it.
Frequency of Repairs
The next step is to see the frequency of repairs. See and analyze how many times you have had to repair your water heater in the recent year. Then, do a very quick cost and benefit analysis. If the cost of repair increases from the 50% cost of a new heater, consider buying a new one.
Safety Concerns
This is the most important point to consider because safety should be your number one priority. There are potential risks of explosion and scalding, so if your water heater does not meet the safety requirements of your building or area, then you should get a new water heater immediately.
Capacity
If the need for hot water in your family has grown over time, think about a water heater with a bigger capacity. This guarantees a sufficient hot water supply to suit the needs of several showers, appliances, or a growing family. This is when you consider replacing your water heater with a new one that suits the requirements capacity of your family.
Make the Right Decision
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater. The ideal choice for you will be determined by various elements, such as the age of your water heater, how frequently it has to be repaired, your financial situation, and your demands.
Repairing your water heater could be more economical if it is still relatively new and has not developed any significant issues. However, it can be necessary to replace your water heater if it is old or has had several repairs.
Replacing your water heater can be a significant investment but also worth it in the long run. New water heaters are more energy-efficient than older models, saving you money on your energy bills. Additionally, new water heaters come with a warranty, which can give you peace of mind in case of any problems.
Ultimately, whether to repair or replace your water heater is a personal decision. Weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and choose the option that is best for you and your family.
Q. Should I proactively replace my water heater?
Even though you may want to put off replacing your water heater as long as you can if you see any of these warning signals, don’t wait to get the equipment serviced: not enough hot water. The water heater is making strange noises. Water pouring from the tap that is red or brown
Q. How many years will a water heater last?
The average lifespan of a water heater is 8 to 12 years. However, this can vary depending on many factors, including the type of water heater, the quality of the water, and how well the water heater is maintained.
Q. Does replacing a water heater take a long time?
Depending on the kind of water heater and the difficulty of the installation, replacing a water heater typically takes 2-3 hours. For example, replacing a tank-style water heater is often quicker and faster than replacing a tankless water heater.
Q. What shortens the life of a water heater?
Your water heater may experience corrosion and a limited lifespan due to sediment buildup from hard water. We advise installing a water softener or a filter system if your water is hard.