Even well-maintained water heaters can lose efficiency over time. When your water heater malfunctions or breaks, you’ll need to decide whether you need a water heater replacement or repair? Will it be worth it to fix it? Or will you’ve to buy and install a new one?
Read on to learn what factors to consider when making your decision.
Age of the Water Heater
On average, the lifespan of a water heater is 10 years. If your water heater is a decade old, it’s better to replace it when it finally stops working. If your water heater is relatively new and has been working properly, you should try and repair it.
Some water heaters last longer than other water heaters. Many things impact the lifespan of a water heater, including maintenance, location, and how frequently it’s drained and flushed. A 10 year lifespan is a general guideline and not a hard rule. If your tank is corroded or rusty, it’s better to replace it, even if it hasn’t been 10 years yet.
Does the Water Heater Provide Enough Hot Water?
Depending on the daily hot water usage and the number of people in the house, a water heater that once provided enough hot water might not be able to work as effectively anymore.
Call your plumbing service representative to evaluate your water heater’s capacity and the expected volume of hot water you need currently. If your water heater can’t provide enough hot water, installing a new water heater is ideal.
Efficiency: High Water Bills
Many water heaters come with a sticker on the side that shows the estimated yearly operation cost. Check the R-value of the storage tank as it measures how well the water heater resists heat. If the R-value is high, it means your water heater tank is installed properly. If the R-value is less than 24, you might have to replace it.
You can also check the energy factor of your water heater. This number shows the heater’s efficiency; a higher number means it’s more efficient. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll cost less annually.
Damage: The Cause of Water Heater Issues
The water heater’s capacity can also be affected by some damage. It’s better to hire a professional technician to help you assess the water heater and educate you about the repair and replacement costs. If there’s a leak in your water heater, chances are you might have to replace it. Other problems, such as your water heater working slowly or not at all, may require less expensive solutions.
Your1Plumber is a professional plumbing company in Maryland which provides plumbing services in Frederick, Germantown, Laurel and many other places. Our plumbers can help you decide whether you need water heater repair or replacement with a single inspection. You can call us anytime at our toll-free number 1(888)5407586.