To repair or to replace? When it comes to appliances, owners face this choice all the time. If your water heater is no longer working, or at least not working as well as it once did, you may find yourself wondering if you should get a new unit or repair the current one. How do you determine which course to take? It's smart to discuss things with water heater repair pros, but you can make a more informed choice by following the tips below.

Compare Possible Costs

The first thing you'll want to figure out is how much it will cost to repair the water heater. If a small part is broken, and the cost to fix it is low, getting it repaired is probably a good idea. However, if larger repairs are necessary, then a replacement may be worth it. Fortunately, by working with water heater repair experts, you can pin down how much the repairs will likely cost.

Consider Its Age

Water heaters have a general lifespan. According to Forbes, a standard tank water heater will usually last 10 to 13 years. A tankless water heater, meanwhile, will last around 18 to 20 years. If your heater is approaching the final stage of its expected life and needs expensive repairs, you'll often be better off simply replacing it. Fixing an old water heater could result in throwing good money after bad.

Think About Efficiency Increases

Both gas and electric water heaters have become more efficient over time. We've seen that modern water heaters are typically more efficient than ones from three or four generations ago. If your current water heater isn't particularly efficient, and it breaks, you may save more money in the long run by skipping repairs and getting a newer, more efficient unit. The savings in utility costs will help your new water heater pretty much pay for itself.

Confirm Whether Your Needs Are Being Met

You may find that your water heater doesn't offer as much capacity as you'd like. Also, the heater may simply not be as hot as you'd prefer. If your water heater breaks down, and you're looking at some rather expensive repairs, upgrading to a new unit that offers more capacity could improve your quality of life.

Ultimately, there are many factors to consider. It's wise to reach out to water heater repair technicians to ask for advice. Feel free to get in touch with Plotke Plumbing & Heating today should you need any assistance.