Your water heater is one of the most important parts of your home, supplying you and your family with the hot water you need for showers, cleaning, cooking, and keeping your home comfortable. It’s also a major appliance that will eventually wear out after 8 to 12 years on average. Waiting until your water heater goes out to replace it can be incredibly inconvenient, expensive, and even damaging to your home. In many cases, it’s much better to replace your water heater before it breaks so that you can save money and avoid the problems that a total water heater failure can cause. Here’s why.
1. Avoid unexpected service disruption
A water heater failure is often sudden and unexpected. Without a functional water heater, your home may be left without hot water for days. Imagine having no warm showers, no way to wash dishes or clothes, and no warm water to relax with in the bathtub. Emergency water heater replacements can be more stressful and take much longer than planned, leaving you without hot water much longer than you may like.
Replacing your water heater before it goes out lets you choose the day and time for the installation and select a professional plumber you trust. Doing so helps you avoid sudden and unexpected service disruption.
2. Prevent water damage
Older water heaters are much more likely to leak, which can cause water damage to your floors, walls, and other things stored nearby. When a water heater tank bursts or cracks, several thousand gallons of water can flood your home in a matter of minutes or hours. Water damage restoration can be an expensive and time-consuming process that may cost you thousands of dollars more than a simple water heater replacement would have. By replacing your water heater before it goes out, you can greatly reduce your risk of water leaks and full-on water heater tank flooding in your home.
3. Boost energy efficiency and save on utility bills
Old water heaters tend to lose efficiency over the years as mineral buildup accumulates inside the tank and the heating elements wear out. An inefficient unit will use more energy to provide the same amount of hot water as it used to, driving up your utility bills and costing you more money each month. Newer tankless water heaters and high-efficiency storage water heaters have lower operating costs, and the improved energy efficiency will save you money on your energy bills over time. Upgrading your water heater before it fails lets you take advantage of these efficiency gains and see the money-saving benefits sooner.
4. Enjoy new features and technology
Water heater technology has gotten much better over the years. New water heaters usually have better insulation and more accurate digital thermostats. You can also find improved safety controls to prevent scalding and overheating. Some even offer Wi-Fi connectivity and allow you to remotely monitor and control the temperature and performance of your water heater through your smartphone. Replacing your old water heater before it goes out can allow you to take advantage of the new technology in modern water heaters.
5. Protect your home value
A functional, working water heater is an important part of maintaining your home value. A failing water heater can be a red flag for homebuyers and real estate agents. If your home has an outdated or broken water heater, buyers will either offer you less money or make you replace it before closing. Replacing your water heater before it fails is good maintenance for your home and can make it more attractive to buyers.
6. Reduce emergency replacement costs
Emergency replacement and repair services almost always cost more than regular service calls. If your water heater goes out unexpectedly, you can expect to pay much more for installation fees, and you may have to pay rush fees or even accept a lower-quality replacement because plumbers are already booked up with their emergency services. You also have less control over the replacement process in an emergency situation because you need your water heater working as soon as possible. Planning and budgeting for a water heater replacement in advance lets you avoid the premium service costs associated with a water heater emergency.
Final Thoughts
Replacing your water heater before it goes out is better for your wallet, your schedule, and your home. Instead of having to replace a water heater in an emergency, you can plan and schedule the installation for a convenient time. Water heater replacement before a failure greatly reduces your risk of water damage and unexpected service disruption. You’ll also be able to select the water heater that best meets your needs. While it may seem like you’re overpaying for a replacement too early, the costs and inconveniences you avoid by planning ahead can quickly add up. Replacing your water heater before it breaks is a smart move for every homeowner.
When in doubt,
replace your water heater in Denver now to save money, prevent water damage, improve energy efficiency, and protect your home value.