Your water heater is an essential part of your home that keeps water hot for bathing, washing dishes, and clothes-washing. However, water heaters do break or need repairs from time to time. Knowing when to repair your water heater versus replacing it can be tricky. There are a few different factors that will help you determine if it’s time for repairs or replacement. There are four main factors to consider: energy efficiency, water quality, frequency of use, and cost per year. Once you know these things about your water heater, determining if you need repairs or replacement will be much easier. Here is what you should know about your hot water heater before making a decision about what to do next.
What is the age of your water heater?
The first factor to consider when deciding if you need to repair or replace your water heater is the age of the unit. Most water heaters last from 8-15 years, or even longer, depending on the model. However, the average age of a water heater is about 12 years, which means yours is probably ready for replacement. When the age of your water heater is 12 years or less, it’s probably safe to repair it. If your water heater is over a decade old, it’s probably time for a new one. Here are a few things to consider when trying to figure out the age of your water heater:
The age of the water heater is listed on a plate on the unit. You may have to remove a cover to be able to see this information.
The age of the water heater can also be determined by the date the unit was installed. If you have records from the time of installation, those dates can help you figure out the exact age of your water heater.
The age of the water heater can also be determined by the number of hours the water has been running. You can usually turn off the flow of water from the water heater and keep it off for about 12 hours. Every 12 hours, turn the water back on and see how long it takes to get hot again. This will give you an estimate of the water heater’s age.
How old is your house?
The age of your house can also affect the decision to repair or replace your water heater. If the house is less than 10 years old, you most likely have a high-efficiency water heater that can last for decades. If the house is over 10 years old, your water heater is most likely a standard-efficiency unit.Standard-efficiency water heaters can last about 10 years, while high-efficiency water heaters can last up to 25 years. If you have a high-efficiency water heater installed in your house, it may be worth repairing rather than replacing it. You may be able to get the same amount of hot water as before, but it will use less energy. Here are a few things to consider when trying to figure out if you have a high- or standard-efficiency water heater:
The efficiency of your water heater is listed on a plate on the unit. You may have to remove a cover to be able to see this information.
If you have an older home with a standard-efficiency water heater, the age of the house will almost certainly affect the decision to repair or replace the water heater. You may want to consider replacing your water heater if the house is over 10 years old.
Is your water clean?
Another factor to consider when determining if you need to repair or replace your water heater is the quality of your water. If your water has a lot of scale deposits, a build-up of minerals, or other contaminants, it may not be clean enough to run through a water heater. If you are unsure if your water is clean enough to run through a water heater, you can use a water testing kit to test your water. If your water isn’t clean enough, it can cause a variety of issues with your water heater, such as reduced efficiency or a build-up of harmful bacteria. If your water is not clean enough to run through a water heater, you may want to consider installing a water filter to clean your water before it goes through the water heater. You can also consider installing a UV water filter. These filters use special light bulbs to break down contaminants in the water and make it cleaner. Here are a few things to consider when trying to figure out if your water is clean enough to run through a water heater.
If you have hard water, the water may not be clean enough to run through a water heater. Hard water is caused by minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build-up on the surface of the water heater and reduce its efficiency.
Water that comes from your tap may be dirty. You can use a water filter to clean your water before it goes through the water heater to make sure it is clean enough to run through the unit.
If you have old pipes in your home that are leaking, you may have water that is not clean enough to run through a water heater.
Is your water hot enough?
Finally, you need to consider how often you use hot water. If you use hot water for baths and showers, it may take a long time for the water to get hot. If you use hot water for large loads of laundry or dishes, it may not get hot in time. You can test the hot water in your house by using a water temperature tester. You can also check your bill to see how often you are using hot water. If you are using hot water for large loads of laundry or dishes, you may want to consider installing a booster heater to heat the water faster. You can also consider installing a water softener or a water filter to clean your water and make it easier to use. Here are a few things to consider when trying to figure out if your water is hot enough:
Most water heaters can produce a water temperature of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you use hot water for baths and showers, you may want to consider installing a booster heater to warm the water faster.
Water softeners can help clean your water and make it easier to use. They filter out minerals and other contaminants from the water and make it easier to use.
If you have old pipes in your home that are leaking, you may have water that is not hot enough.
Conclusion
There are a few different factors that will help you determine if it’s time for repairs or replacement. Knowing the age of your water heater, the water quality in your home, the frequency of use, and the cost per year of your water heater will help you make a better decision. Once you know these things