Dealing With The Prospect Of Replacing An Old Water Heater

Sometimes a water heater breaks down for good without warning. In other cases, it shows symptoms beforehand. Perhaps the home's water never gets hot enough anymore. The household residents may see that the floor is wet around the appliance. Older water heaters occasionally can be fixed, but usually replacing the equipment is a more reasonable option. 

A Proactive Measure

Needing to replace a water heater can feel frustrating due to the inconvenience and cost. If the machine does not work anymore, the household might not have hot water for a couple of days as they wait to get on the schedule. Contractors may offer emergency service, but many people would rather work around the lack of hot water and avoid the extra expense. 

To prevent needing to deal with equipment breakdown, homeowners have the option of replacing the appliance once it reaches a specific age. That might be 10 or 12 years. At that age, the device is significantly more likely to fail. Many people hate to replace a functional machine, however. They know it's possible for a water heater to last much longer.

Energy Savings

Although replacing a major appliance can be frustrating in a budgetary sense, some homeowners might focus on the energy savings they will enjoy after the new one is installed. The federal government began requiring better efficiency for water heaters in 2015. The old manufactured stock has long since run out, so all new models meet the upgraded standards. Whether the homeowners have a gas or electric water heater, they will save money on utility bills compared to what they used to pay.

Increases in Size

The added insulation means that the devices are larger for the same number of gallons produced by older models. The tanks are wider and taller.

This isn't a problem for appliances installed in basements or relatively large utility rooms. However, it may be an issue for homes with a water heater stored in a small space. For instance, a common setup in manufactured homes is to place the water heater in a cubbyhole connected with a closet. The homeowners must create additional space for the new machine, or they must select a water heater with a smaller capacity. 

Future Considerations

After installation, the homeowners can keep their new appliance in excellent condition and increase its lifespan with annual service. The contractor who installed the water heater drains and inspects the components during this appointment. Worn parts are replaced before trouble arises.

Contact a local contractor to learn more about water heaters.