The news that no homeowner wants to hear — your water heater is broken. What are your next steps? Whether your heater is old or new, you may wonder if it’s even worth it to repair the unit, especially since fixes can be expensive.
At Champion AC & Plumbing, we have the best interests of our Austin clients in mind when we recommend repairs or replacements. The last thing anyone wants to deal with is wasted money on repairs that don’t solve the problem. So what should you do when your system breaks down?
Water Heater Repairs vs. Replacements
Water heaters are a serious investment, so you don’t want to buy a new one if you don’t have to. However, it’s also frustrating to pay for a repair only to replace the unit a few weeks or months later. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering water heater repairs.
Unit Age
If your heater is getting older, it’s usually better to replace the unit if it starts to act up. Typically, the lifespan of a traditional tanked heater is 8-15 years, while tankless units can last for 15-20 years. Once your heater reaches the upper limits of this lifespan, repairs may not be a wise idea.
Cost Of Repair
When it comes to water heater repairs, some issues are easier to fix than others. A simple way to assess the financial advantages of scheduling a repair is to do a cost-benefit analysis. If the repair cost is 50% of the price to replace the unit, it makes more sense to just replace the heater.
Efficiency Of Unit
As water heaters age, they become less energy efficient and require more electricity or gas to heat your water. This can easily make bills much higher than they should be, which can result in wasted money over time. If you notice a significant increase in your electricity bill due to your water heater, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Frequent Repairs
Some repairs are relatively inexpensive to perform, costing much less than 50% of the price of a new unit. However, if you find yourself scheduling frequent repairs or repairing the same issue over and over again, you’re probably better off replacing the unit entirely.
Preventing Water Heater Damage
If you want your water heater to last as long as possible without many issues, there are a few maintenance tasks you should schedule. Preventative maintenance protects your heater from damage and catches smaller issues before they become serious.
One important maintenance task is flushing your water heater. Performing a flush at least once a year prevents the excessive build-up of sediment inside the unit, which can lead to corrosion over time. You should also check your anode rod regularly and replace it every 3-5 years.
Schedule A Water Heater Repair!
If you’re ready to fix your water heater Austin-style, Champion AC & Plumbing is at your service. With over 40 years of experience under our belts, we can help you figure out the best way to repair or replace your water heater. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!