When it comes to replacing your water heater, it’s easy to understand why you may be hesitant to pull the trigger on a new one and continue focusing on repairs. After all, it can seem like an expensive upfront cost hoping your repairs will last just long enough to get you through another year or two. However, frequent breakdowns can lead to more significant problems down the road, including higher energy bills and additional repair costs. Similarly, your water heater may fail to meet your needs due to other shortcomings requiring replacement. Here are factors that may prompt you to change your water heater sooner rather than later.
1. Frequent and Expensive Breakdowns
While most water heaters operate reliably, they do occasionally break down. Old age is a common cause of breakdowns, but other factors can also play a role. If your water heater breaks down often or fails frequently, it may be time to upgrade.
If your water heater is more than 15 years old, it could be prone to frequent and expensive breakdowns. Consequently, it could qualify as antiquated by today’s standards. Therefore, as a homeowner, you may have to change water heater and replace your old model with a newer one that is more efficient and safer.
2. Rusty Colored Water
Rust is a common problem when you have a water heater. If your hot water seems discolored, rusty, or salty, it may signify rust in your water heater. Extensive corrosion on your water heater system means retiring your water heater and replacing it with a new one. The good news is that most more recent models are more efficient than older ones, so there’s an opportunity for energy savings with a new model.
You can also protect your new water heater from rust by flushing sediments out before using it for the first time. Flushing involves letting cold water run through your pipes until all traces of rust are gone; then, you let hot water run through to heat your lines.
3. Irreversible Higher Energy Bills
One of the most common reasons people decide to change their water heater is rising energy bills. If you’re dealing with high energy costs, it could indicate that your current model is not working as efficiently as it should. Before choosing a new model, make sure you have evaluated your existing water heater for signs of wear and tear because replacing your water heater without investigating why you’re paying more than usual will only exacerbate your problem.
However, if repairs can’t rectify your concerns, consider upgrading to a tankless or on-demand system. Tankless models use less energy by delivering hot water on demand—meaning when you turn on your faucet, rather than storing hot water in a tank until you need it. On-demand systems do something similar by heating cold tap water before releasing it into your home so that no heat goes wasted while waiting for someone to turn on a faucet.
4. Aged and Malfunctioning Water Heating System
The average lifespan of a water heater is about ten years, but some last for as long as 20. However, if your water heater is aged and requires expensive repairs, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new one. If you have an older model with multiple safety issues or other defects, you might want to replace it before something goes wrong and causes damage to your home. Also, if your old water heater malfunctions while away from home, there’s no telling how much damage it might cause.
Purchasing a new water heater will save you money in maintenance fees and ensure peace of mind. Repairing older water heaters with severe damage may cause collateral damage to surrounding parts of your house and even incur additional costs. It’s better to replace them before they break down completely. Older plumbing systems are more likely to leak than newer ones, which means you could be losing water, and your house may be at risk of mold and mildew buildup.
5. Professional Advice from An Expert In Water Heating Systems
If you call in an expert to look into your problematic water heater, they may be able to diagnose and fix any issues with it. Also, they should be able to help you decide whether or not it’s time for a new water heater depending on the condition of your water heater and repair costs.
If a professional realizes that the cost of repairing your current water heater will outweigh its benefits, they will most likely recommend replacing it with a new one. Of course, every situation is different, so take a closer look at your needs, cost, and affordability and make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Replacing your water heater is not always a decision you can make lightly. If you are considering replacing your old water heater, several factors may lead you to decide it’s time to change. The cost of repair and replacement, energy efficiency, and even how long you plan on staying in your home all play a role in whether it makes sense to invest in a new unit. However, it’s crucial to research when purchasing a new water heater, so you can ensure it will last as long as possible. It’s also important to consider what kind of unit will best suit your needs.
