Last time we discussed the average amount of time you can expect a water heater to last. If your home’s water heater is approaching the end of this average life span, how do you know when is the right time to replace it?
The first thing you should consider is whether the water heater is still under warranty. If it is, and the warranty covers labor costs, as well as replacement parts, then there is no need to replace it just yet. However, if the warranty does not cover labor, this is something to think about, as labor costs can really add up depending on the work needed. By way of example, one part that often needs replacing is the sacrificial anode. This can be a difficult part to replace, so the cost of labor for a job like this will be expensive. If the water heater is already very old, you may want to think about investing that money in a new heater instead.
Another thing you will want to think about is how much money it is costing you every year to maintain your current old water heater. A good way to figure out whether or not to replace it is if you are spending more than 10 percent of what it would cost to buy and install a new heater on maintaining your old one, then it is probably time to start shopping for a new one.
Lastly, when replacing your existing water heater, do not automatically go for the cheapest one available. As with most things, you get what you pay for, and if you want the heater to last for a long time, you will need one that is good quality and comes with a long warranty.
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