It’s always hard to determine when to replace expensive appliances.
On one hand, you don’t want to spend the extra money to upgrade, but you also don’t to fall into a money pit that drains your bank accounts.
However, you can easily determine if you need to replace your Sarasota-area home’s water heater by keeping in mind these key factors.
According to Consumerreports.org, gas water heaters usually last 10 years and tankless water heaters last 20+ years.
So, if your water heater is near the end of it’s life, it would be wise to replace instead of repair--especially if the repair is costly. You wouldn’t put a new engine into an old car, so why would you make a major repair to a water heater that’s near the end of it’s life?
Have you noticed that you have to turn the shower dial further and further to get the same temperature water? This means your water heater has become less energy efficient and therefore works longer and harder to get the same results, which directly contributes to higher energy bills.
And since your water heater makes up 14% of your total energy bill, it’s not an inefficiency you can afford to ignore. Therefore, if your water heater is old and no longer produces hot water at the same level it used to, then it might be more cost efficient to get it replaced.
Whenever your water heater breaks down, always perform a simple cost-benefit analysis to determine if repairing or replacing in a smarter choice.
One of the ways to do this is by using the 50% rule. The 50% rule states that if any repair costs 50% of what it would cost to replace, then you should replace it, rather than repair it.
However, even if your current repair does not add up to 50% of a new water heater you to want keep in mind the frequency of repairs and your water heater’s age.
Has your water heater broken down frequently over the past two years? Is it nearing the end of its expected lifespan? If so, these repairs may be a sign that further repairs might not be worth it.
While it can be a pain to upgrade, it’s even more of a pain to keep throwing money at a water heater that will cost you more in the long run.
If your water heater is past it’s prime, has become less energy efficient, and requires frequent pricey repairs, then it’s time to upgrade.
Need help deciding what type of water heater to get? Check out our post about the pros and cons of traditional and tankless water heaters.
Did you decide to replace? Contact Plumbing Today to get a free estimate for a new water heater in your Florida home. We have locations in Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, & Naples and serve the surrounding areas.