Did you know that there’s a way to tell whether it’s worth it to repair your heater or not? There’s a rule that the HVAC industry unofficially follows. You can find it referenced just about everywhere, and it directly relates to your repair costs.
Heater replacement in Belen, NM may be what you need, but we’re going to help you find out if it’s worth it to repair your heater first before you start making plans for a new one. This is what you need to know.
The 50% Rule in a Nutshell
Your heater breaks and needs extensive repairs. You call a technician and get a quote, and the number is staggering. If that number is 50% or more of the cost of a full heater replacement, it means your heater should be retired.
Let’s face the facts on one thing: if you repair your heater now, it won’t be the last time that you need to. How much is it going to cost next time? In the span of two repairs, you could spend more than it costs to replace the entire heater.
In the end, you’re left with a big bill and an inefficient heater. There’s something else you should know about determining whether or not it’s time for heater replacement.
Check Your Heater’s Age
Combustion-based heating has an average lifespan of eight years up to fifteen years, and rarely over that (though perfect maintenance and timely repairs can extend that lifespan by a little bit).
If your heater is already twelve years old, for example, you should be planning out your replacement anyway. It’s not a small expense, so this is your time to determine a budget and set things in motion so you’re not blindsided by a big repair bill in the future.
Let’s apply this to a little budget balancing and see if it’s time to replace your heater before it encounters those expensive, extensive repair requests.
Look Back at Past Repair Costs
If you have records of the last time a repair occurred, check the price. How much did it cost you compared to the cost of a brand new heater installation? You can use this to help you plan ahead.
Because each component in a heater is different and costs a different amount, a large repair cost in the past does not perfectly predict your repair cost in the future, but it can paint a picture. If repair costs are increasing over time, it’s a clear signal to start planning for a new water heater.
Weigh the Cost, Choose the Better Option
Your heater is broken. If it’s going to cost more than 50% of the cost of a full replacement, it’s a sign that your heater’s days of being reliable are over. Planning for a new water heater is tricky, which is why we also offer financing options to help you plan your next heater without being stressful.
Contact us today to schedule a complete heater replacement or repair your current heater if it makes sense for your heater’s lifespan.