One of the most important questions that comes up when your Irving, TX home’s water heater malfunctions is whether you should have it repaired or it would be best to replace it. Water heater repair is one of the most sought-after solutions for a water heater that breaks down. There are many reasons for this, but the most common one is that not many people have budgeted for a replacement at the time of the malfunction. Water heater repair is also the least expensive option under certain circumstances. Unfortunately, it is not always the most viable choice. So, how do you know when you should opt for water heater repair or just give in to happenstance and go for a replacement instead? In this article, we will cover a number of scenarios in which water heater repair is the best decision for your Irving, TX home as well as when a replacement is the only option. So, read on to find out everything you need to know.
The Age of Your Unit Is Important
When you are considering water heater repair, the first thing you should keep in mind is your water heater’s age. There is no sense in having to repair your water heater over and over when your unit is old and will continue malfunctioning constantly. The average lifespan of a new water heater these days is an average of 15 to 20 years, whereas the older models only have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. This means that if your home’s water heater has already surpassed that age, you should consider replacing it instead of paying out good money for water heater repair more often than you would like.
Is Your Unit’s Efficiency Reduced?
When your current water starts aging, its efficiency starts diminishing. This is compounded by your family’s changing needs and an increase in the demand for hot water. If your unit continues to work efficiently, even though it may be having trouble right now, then your best choice will always be to find a good water heater repair service to step in. This will ensure your water heater continues to service you for a good amount of time before it has to be replaced. On the other hand, if your unit is no longer efficient, and that has become a load that affects your home’s dynamic, you are better off trying to find a replacement unit.
The Root of the Problem
Before you make any decisions to repair or replace your water heater, you have to know what is causing the issue. When you are facing a problem that is easy to repair and doesn’t involve the stability of your water heater’s structure, your best bet is to repair the problem. But, if the integrity of your water heater’s tank is compromised, such as by rust or leaks, you should look into replacement. This is probably why it is a good idea to find an experienced and knowledgeable professional with a good reputation. They will be straightforward and honest with you about the real problem with your water heater and will provide you with the most viable options for your budget.
Consider That a Replacement May Be Less Expensive in the Long Run
You may think that replacing your water heater will be much more expensive than repairing it. But that is not always the case. There are times in which your water heater will keep breaking down no matter how much you put into repairing it. At this time you have to realize that nothing runs on good will alone, and the time to replace it may be at hand. The good news is that if you consider that it will be a few years before your new water heater requires any form of repair, and you add the amount of money you are putting into repairing the old one, you can see that this is one case in which a replacement will be less expensive than continuous repairs.
Give Some Thought to Your Utility Bills
Whether your water heater runs on gas or electricity, you have to consider this fact when choosing to repair or replace it. Will getting a new water heater reflect any savings on your utility bills? Will the same savings be seen with a repair? Oftentimes, when the conditions are right, a good maintenance program and effective repairs, will make your water heater more energy efficient, which translates to savings on your utilities, including your water bill. This is another factor you should put some thought into when faced with the choice of repairing or replacing your water heater, in order to make the right decision for you.
DIY Projects Are More Expensive Than Professional Help
When your water heater decides to go on the fritz, it can be easy to fall into the temptation of fixing it yourself, especially because you can find tutorial videos for just about anything online. But, keep in mind that no matter how professional that video looks, you do not have the training and knowledge you need to actually repair your water heater on your own. Attempting to perform your own repairs can lead to you having to pay out more money to a pro when the mistakes you make worsen the original problem. You may also end up paying good money in doctor’s bills if you get hurt from being unaware of safety procedures. So, when your water heater malfunctions, call the pros and stay away from DIY tutorials.
Water heater repair should always be performed by knowledgeable and experienced professionals, which is why when your Irving, TX home’s water heater malfunctions you should never put off calling Tioga Plumbing & Electric for help. As the area’s leading experts on water heater repair, Tioga Plumbing & Electric is focused on getting the job done right, the first time and all the time, so don’t hesitate and give them a call today!
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