Is It Worth Fixing?

Our last blog examined the topic of water heaters and their average life cycle. In this blog, we are going to continue the theme by talking about when it is the right time to replace your existing water heater.

There are a few ways to determine whether your existing water heater is worth fixing or whether you are better off replacing it altogether. One of the first things you should do is check if it still has some warranty left on it. If so, does this also cover labor costs or just replacement parts? It’s worth knowing because labor charges can really add up and, if your water heater is already at the end of its life span, the cost may not be worth it.

Another thing you should consider is how much you are spending every year to keep your current water heater maintained and running. If you find yourself spending more than 10 percent of what it would cost you to buy a brand-new water heater and install it, then it may make better financial sense to replace your old water heater with a new one.

When shopping around for a new water heater, how can you ensure you buy one of good quality? As is frequently the case, you get what you pay for. So, if you choose a water heater simply because it is the cheapest, be prepared for it to not last as long as a higher-priced one. You should also check how much warranty the water heater comes with. In general, the longer the warranty, the better the quality.