We all know that water heaters tend to break, and when they do, it can be a big hassle. If you\’ve been putting off getting a new one because you assume your current one will never fail, then you\’re in for a surprise! In fact, the average life expectancy of a water heater is 8 years.
How often should you replace your water heater?
Every water heater replacement is different and depends on a few factors.
The first factor is the age of your existing water heater. If you have an older unit, it\’s wise to replace it as soon as possible to avoid the hassle and cost of repairs down the road. The second factor is whether or not your current water heater is electric or gas-powered. If you have an electric unit, it will likely need replacing sooner than a gas-powered model with a planned lifespan of about 15-20 years.
The final factor is how often (and how much) you use your hot water. Consider whether or not you live in a region that has harsh winters with frequent periods of low temperatures and high demand for heating.
It\’s a good idea to have the condition of your water heater checked by a professional at least once every two or three years.
This will give you better insight into when it\’s time to replace your unit. Still, suppose there are any signs of damage. In that case, you\’ll likely find that you should consider upgrading as soon as possible instead of waiting for it to break down during its expected lifespan.
Should I replace my water heater before it fails?
Installing an energy-efficient unit now will pay off in lower heating bills over time. As an added bonus, you\’ll avoid the hassle of repairing a broken water heater. Even if you\’re not convinced that your current water heater is nearing its end-of-life date yet, there\’s no harm in getting ahead of the game and planning to replace it soon.
Are there any downsides to replacing my water heater before it breaks?
The initial cost of buying and installing a new unit is the only downside to getting rid of your existing water heater. However, it\’s essential to consider that even if your current unit isn\’t broken yet, it will need repairs sooner rather than later. On average, those repairs cost about $1,500 less than fixing or repairing an existing unit once it does break down.
Conclusion
The benefits of replacing your water heater before it breaks are two-fold:
2) You\’ll get a new unit with all the latest energy-saving features!
1) You\’ll avoid any expensive repairs
If you\’re not convinced that your current water heater is nearing its end-of-life date yet, there\’s no harm in getting ahead of the game and planning to replace it soon. The only downside to replacing an old water heater is the cost of buying and installing a new one. However, we believe this expense will be worth every penny by avoiding costly repair bills down the line.