Should I Replace or Repair my Water Heater?

If you are unsure whether your broken down water heater requires repairing or replacing, then the tips in this article will shed some light on the subject.

There are two main types of water heaters — gas heaters and electric heaters. Electric heaters are the most common as they can be used anywhere. Most people who choose to go for gas heaters already own houses that operate on gas to power most appliances. There are building codes that govern the use of gas heaters, depending on the type of home you own and where you live.

How long your water heater serves you will mostly depend on the level of maintenance, quality of installation, the model you are using and local weather. Water heaters have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. If your unit is 10 years or older, and is causing you problems, then it might be time to replace it.

The most common problem associated with water heaters is the production of water that is not as warm as expected. This is usually caused by a faulty thermostat that requires resetting or replacing. With electric water heaters, all you need to do when the water isn’t as hot as you want is; insulate water pipes, adjust thermostat settings, replace the thermostat and heating element, remove sediments from the water tank by flushing the heater, and ensure the heater is turned on.

With gas water heaters having the same problem in California, we typically suggest replacement.

Older water heater models will have a low Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which means that they will consume more energy than newer models. If you are concerned about high utility bills, then maybe it is time you replaced your old water heater to one with higher AFUE rating.

Give us a call today to schedule your water heater checkup or replacement (909) 326-6106.