Water heaters are a staple of our homes, providing hot water for showers and dishwashing. There's a good chance that you have one in your home right now! While they're always very reliable, there comes a point when the age of the heater reaches an end and it is time to either repair or replace it. In this two-part series, we're going to look at some numbers and do some calculating to see if it is worth repairing the water heater currently in your home or replacing it with a new unit.
The first thing you will need to know is how old your current water heater is. Most water heaters have a lifespan of between 8-12 years depending on the manufacturer and model. You can go to the U.S. Department of Energy's website to lookup the age of your water heater for free, but if you just want to guess, one simple rule is that water heaters installed before 1994 are likely 17-19 years old, while ones installed in 1998 or later are likely 11-13 years old.
Next, you will need to determine the model number of your water heater. This can be found on the manufacturer's plate located on the front or side of your unit near the top. You will notice that there are numbers listed on this plate, which represents different components in your water heater's design that affect is performance and lifespan. Once you have the model number, you can visit this website to find out how much it will cost to repair different parts of your water heater.
Finally, in order to calculate the total cost of repairing your water heater, you will need to know what the average labor cost is for a professional technician to come out and fix it. This number can vary depending on your location, but it is typically around $75-100. So, if your water heater needs a repair that costs $300, the total cost of repairing your water heater would be $375 (repair cost + labor).
If you have determined that it is time to replace your water heater, there are a few factors you will need to take into account. The first is the price of a new water heater. Depending on the size and model, prices for a new water heater can range from $200 up to $1,000 or more. The next thing you will need to know is the cost of installation. This number can also vary depending on your location, but it is typically around $75-100 for a professional technician to install a new water heater. So, if you were to buy a new water heater that costs $400 and have it installed by a professional, the total cost would be $475 (water heater cost + installation).
While the cost of repairing or replacing a water heater can be significant, there are also a few other things you will need to consider. First is that water heaters have an average lifespan of 8-12 years. So if your unit is 10 or more years old, it's probably time for an upgrade anyway! There are also environmental factors to consider with replacing your water heater. If you switch to a tankless water heater, you can save $100 or more in energy costs each year. This is because your unit will only heat the water when it is needed, conserving energy and preventing excess heat loss with storage tanks.
At the end of the day, whether you decide to repair or replace your current water heater can be a tough decision. The best way to come up with the right choice for your family is to take an honest look at your budget and determine if it's worth fixing, or if you're better off investing in a new unit. If you need help making this important decision, consider calling in a professional. They will be able to inspect your water heater and let you know if it is worth repairing or not.
A brand-new 40-gallon electric heater costs about $450, while a new 50-gallon natural gas heater costs about $650. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it's likely time to replace it even if it's not broken.
If your water heater is leaking, not heating water properly, or has other serious problems, it's probably best to replace it rather than trying to fix it. If you're replacing an electric water heater, you'll need to upgrade your electrical panel before installing the new unit.
A hot water heater can be installed for anywhere from $350 to $1,200 depending on its type and capacity, installation requirements and local labor costs. The hot water heater also will need to be vented. In some areas, a permit may be required for this work.
In most cases, the heater itself will last from 8 to 12 years, depending on its quality and how it is used. Repairing a water heater is costly in terms of both time and money, so if you can replace your busted heater with a brand new one that will last the next 20 years, it's definitely worth it. Replacing an old water heater with a new one will cost you about $500-$1,000 depending on the type of unit and its capacity.
Conclusion: The cost of repairing or replacing your water heater can be difficult to determine without outside assistance. It is important that you consider the life expectancy and condition of your current water heater, as well as how often it breaks down during use. If you are having difficulty determining which option will best suit your needs, contact us for a free quote on both options. All we need is some basic information about what type of model (gas vs electric) and size tank (40 gallon vs 50 gallon).
Author Bio:- Jacqueline Lewis
Jacqueline is a content marketing manager who formerly worked at Cali's Choice Plumbing & Restoration. She is a writer, editor, and content strategist for plumbing services. Making her knowledge and skills a power, she amplifies the readers’ knowledge about the ways of water leak and slab leak detection and their reciprocation.
Through her articles, she shares the most successful tactics and strategies of slab leak repair, mitigating blockages through Hydro Jetting, and AC & heater installation tips to the audience.
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