How To Know When To Replace An Inefficient Hot Water Heater

Did you know that approximately 25% to 30% of your energy bills are for the costs needed for hot water? This is a big amount, but it can be even more if you have an old, inefficient hot water heater. On average, a hot water heater will last for 8 to 12 years, and the older yours is, the more money you will likely spend to use it for heating the hot water you need and use in your home. If you have an older hot water heater and are wondering if it is time to replace it, here are several things to consider.

The age of the device

The first thing that is always important to factor in, when trying to decide whether to replace a device or not, is the age. If your device is at least 8 years old, it is time to start considering replacing it. While there is a chance it may last a lot longer than this, you should realize that most systems do not last much more than 12 years. Additionally, a system that is 8 years old is probably costing you more money than necessary to operate.

The condition

The second thing to consider in this is the condition of your hot water heater. If your hot water heater has never had a problem before, you may want to postpone replacing it for a few years, or at least until you have a problem with it. On the other hand, if the system has been acting up for months or years and is constantly malfunctioning, it is typically better to replace it now rather than to keep investing money into the device for repairs.

The cost savings of replacing it

The other huge factor to consider is the cost savings you can experience if you replace it. New hot water heaters operate on far less energy than older systems. This means that you might save a tone of money on energy costs by replacing the older system with a new one that offers a much higher efficiency rate than the one you currently have.

If you are not sure if now is the right time to replace your old hot water heater, ask a plumber. A plumber can help you determine if water heater repair would be a cost-effective move, and he or she can also help you choose the right type to replace it with.