Previously this month, we discussed the topic of water heaters and how long you can expect yours to last. But what if your water heater is at the end of the average lifespan should you continue to pay for its maintenance, or is it time to replace it?
Before you make a decision on whether to replace your existing water heater you should first look to see if it is still under warranty. If it is, check that it covers labor costs, as well as replacement parts. While covering replacement parts is good, the cost of labor can really add up depending on the type of repair, so it’s good to consider. For example, the sacrificial anode is a part that commonly needs replacing. This is a tricky job and should be done by someone professional. If your water heater is already old and the labor is not covered under the warranty, then you may want to look into replacing the old water heater with a new one.
Another factor you want to have in mind when deciding if you should replace your water heater is the amount of money you spend every year maintaining the old one. If, after you calculate the expense, it amounts to more than 10 percent of what you would spend buying and installing a new water heater, then it is probably time to replace it.
A good quality water heater is something you will need to invest in as it will not be the cheapest option. However, if you are looking for something that will last you for many years to come, the extra cost is worth it.
