Deciding Between Water Heater Repair and Replacement

Knowing whether you need water heater repair or water heater replacement in your Lorton, VA, home can save you frustration and money. A qualified service technician can help you make this determination, but here are some general guidelines if you’re water heater’s seen better days.

Ask Yourself these Questions

Repairing versus replacing your water heater is a serious consideration. Often, repairing the appliance is the most economical route, but not always. Sometimes, you stand to save more money in the long run when you replace a faulty heater.

How old is your water heater? Most water heaters last between 8-12 years. If your water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it rather than repairing it could save you the most money because it’ll run more efficiently and use less energy.

What is the damage? Repairing a faulty heating element, a damaged temperature/pressure-relief (TPR) valve, an old anode rod, or a faulty thermostat isn’t a costly water heater repair, relatively speaking. In situations like those, you’ll most likely save more money repairing the water heater. Now, if your water heater leaks from the bottom or shows other signs of corrosion, like producing rusty hot water, replacement is almost certainly the better option. In fact, a water heater that leaks from the bottom is irreparable. Replacement is the only option in this situation.

Is the water heater under warranty? You’ll save the most money using your water heater’s warranty on covered parts.

Our Experts Can Help with Your Decision

If the repair cost is near 50% of what a new water heater would cost, it’s generally more economical to replace the appliance. A qualified service technician at Commonwealth Cooling & Heating, LLC, can help you decide which is more economical: water heater repair or water heater replacement. We can inspect your water heater and provide you with a professional assessment. If you need a new water heater, we’ll help you find the best fit for your home and budget. Contact us today to learn more!