Ever wondered how life would have been different if you did not have access to hot water just before taking a bath? Or if you needed to use the stove to warm up the water and it took so much time to get barely warm? It is no joke that the invention has helped us in more ways than one. People have access to hot water within minutes and whenever they want to. It is considered one of the most complex modern-day home appliances. Being one of the most cost-effective and efficient appliances, a water heater is present in more or less every urban household and is used regularly.
However, any appliance has a period through which it can function. It is bound to break down, stop working, or at least face some issues after years of unhindered service every day. Every individual needs clarification about whether to repair or replace the appliance with a brand-new one. This decision can be made more accessible by considering certain common factors.
Factors To Consider Before Making A Decision Regarding A Water Heater
The necessity of an appliance like the water heater is justified. Taking a bath is one of the most vital activities of the day, and it cannot happen without hot water. A good quality water heater from an authorized dealer will ensure maximum efficiency for years to come. However, just like any other electronic device, it will face some problems after some years.
Here are some aspects a person can consider before deciding whether to repair or buy a new water heater:
For Long Have You Been Using The Water Heater?
Premium quality appliances do run longer than standard ones. However, according to estimates, water heaters tend to be fully functional for about ten years. If someone has not changed their appliance in the last decade and it has been acting a bit out of order lately, it is better to replace it rather than repair it.
Different kinds of water heaters differ in their life span. Tankless ones tend to last the longest and are currently considered the most efficient ones, estimated to function appropriately for 20+ years. Other options, like solar heaters, can have a lifespan of 15 years. The standard water heater is advised to be changed after 10 or 15 years. However, if the machinery gets tarnished, rusted, or corroded, never think of repairing it. Replace it no matter what: even if it has not been used for a decade.
Keeping A Track About How Frequently The Appliance Is Needing Repairs And The Repair Expenses
Buying a new water heater may be costly, but one might notice in the long run that the total amount they spend on the repairs is much more than the price of a new machine.
There is a method that many consumers follow to decide whether they should buy a new one or replace the previous one. If a repair costs more than 50% of the total cost of a brand-new water heater, it is always a good idea to replace the appliance. If the expense adds up to be less than 50% of the cost, then turn to the frequency of the repairs done throughout the past two years. In this situation, one can also consider the heater’s age.
If the appliance is nearing its end or the owner thinks it has served for a satisfactory period, it is better to replace the old device. New devices have added features and are, of course, more efficient.
Checking The Warranty Period Of The Machine
Just like any other electronic appliance, most modern water heaters have a warranty period given to it. The standard estimate is 5 to 10 months, and if the machine needs any repairs within this period, it is mainly done free of cost, the parts are replaced without any extra expense, or the price is highly discounted.
If the warranty period is nearing its end or has already ended, further repairs would cost a lot of money. Moreover, some parts of some devices cannot be repaired. Eventually, one would have to replace the older water heater.
The Problem That You Are Facing With The Water Heater
If the equipment is more or less new to the house and you are facing some trivial issues like the temperature being less warmer than required or taking a long time to complete the process, you should contact a professional and get the problem fixed. They are skilled and know precisely the part that is causing the issue.
One must understand that not all repairs cost an arm and a leg. Some are minimal repairs, and small changes in the system can eliminate the issues. It is only sometimes the fact that the appliance needs to be replaced. The decision is highly dependent on the situation at hand.
What To See While Buying A New Heater Or Replacing The Older One
Choosing a new machine for one’s home can sometimes be very confusing owing to the enormous range of products available at stores. However, for convenience, one can keep specific critical pointers in mind while making the purchase.
- The appliance should provide enough warm water to the whole family.
- The quality and reviews should be good and within one’s budget. Unnecessary spending is a no-no
- The product should be energy efficient and consume as much less power as possible.
- Check out different types of water heaters and see which one is best suited for the residence
- The dimensions of the heater should also be considered. If the equipment acquires a lot of space, it becomes a hassle for proper maintenance.
Conclusion
This era is more than fortunate that we have a variety of alternatives to suit our requirements. Access to hot water is just one tap away. With the advancement in technology, the tedious and slow geysers have been replaced with efficient water heaters whose productivity is much better, hassle-free, and easy to use. But, even though repairs are available, it becomes the owner’s duty to take proper care of the appliance and use it responsibly so that it can serve a longer time than anticipated.
