If your hot water heater is giving you issues, you may be wondering, “Should I repair or replace it?”
This is a question homeowners find themselves facing when appliances and equipment break down. While repairs can prolong the life of your hot water heater, there are times when it is more cost-effective to replace it. If you’re dealing with a broken water heater in Saskatoon, you need an expert you can trust.
Replace or Repair?
When deciding whether to repair or replace your hot water heater, there are several factors to consider. It often boils down to the type of repair needed and the age of your hot water heater.
Types of Repairs
There are several types of repairs that your hot water heater may need depending on what is wrong with it. The most common types of repairs that your hot water heater may need include fixing faulty burners and replacing broken heating elements.
Age of Water Heater
Age can also be a factor when deciding if you should repair it or replace it. It may be cheaper to make certain repairs. But sometimes it can be more cost-effective to replace it to avoid paying for future repairs. The older your hot water heater is, the more money you may save from replacing it.
When to Replace
Deciding if you should replace or repair your appliance can be difficult. Replacing is a greater upfront cost, but continuous repairs can cost more in the long run. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when trying to decide if replacing your hot water heater is a worthwhile investment.
50% Rule
A good rule of thumb when deciding to repair or replace most appliances is the 50% rule. This rule states that if an appliance is more than 50% of the way through its lifespan and the cost of repair is more than 50% of the cost of buying it new, you should replace it instead of repairing it. For a hot water heater, its lifespan will depend on the type you have and if you have hard water or not. Hard water can cause your hot water heater to have a shorter lifespan. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters will last longer than others. Generally speaking, most water heaters last 8-12 years, meaning at 5 years, costly repairs may not be worth it.
Energy Efficiency
Another often overlooked aspect of deciding to repair or replace is whether your system is energy efficient. Newer models tend to be more energy-efficient, which can actually save you money on your electricity bill. For example, tankless water heaters are often significantly more energy-efficient than tank water heaters. If you have a tank water heater that needs repairs, you might consider looking at replacing it instead with a tankless water heater. This will cost more upfront, but the energy savings may be worth it for your home. This is true for newer tank water heaters as well, although they may have fewer savings than a tankless heater.
Discuss with an expert what option is right for your home if you are considering replacing it to save money on your electricity bill.
An Expert You Can Trust
Whether your hot water heater needs to be repaired or replaced, you need an expert you can trust to get the job done.
At Pro Service Mechanical, we have a team of experts waiting to help. We are a family-owned and operated company that has been providing residential and commercial heating, cooling, and plumbing services from installation to maintenance and repair since 2008. When plumbing, air conditioning, or heating emergency strikes in Saskatoon, SK, Pro Service Mechanical is here to help! If your hot water heater is in need of repair or replacing, contact us today! See what our professionals can do for you.
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