There are times when it pays to invest in repairs that will extend the life of your heater. But there are other times when a repair expense is so high that it’s time to think about installing a new heater instead.
But how do you know when to choose repair over replacement? There’s a 50% repair or replacement rule that you can follow and usually it’s an accurate way to choose.
Of course, there are other factors that you want to take into consideration, too. If you think that you need heating repair in Bucks County, PA, our team can help.
We can assess your heating problems and help you decide whether repair or replacement is right for you. In the meantime, you can keep reading to learn more about when it’s time to replace your heating instead of investing in more repairs.
The 50% Rule That Experts Recommend
If your heater has an extensive repair need, the project can cost a lot of money. When major parts break, a repair or replacement of that single part may cost 50% or more of what a complete heater replacement would.
When this happens, it’s time to consider a new heater. By the time you spend $3,000 to repair or replace a series of parts, you can spend twice as much and overhaul your entire unit.
The problem with investing in an expensive repair is that other parts in your heater are still old. What if they break down next month or next year?
You’ll have to spend even more on your heater. Investing in a new heater means that you can start fresh with a more efficient unit that has a manufacturer’s warranty.
You can rest assured that your new heater will last for years to come with very few problems if any.
Other Considerations
Heater Age
If your heater is at least 15 years old, it’s time to think about replacement. As your heater ages it loses efficiency and costs more to operate.
When you add this expense to more frequent repair needs, the cost of maintaining your current heater may be too high.
But if you can eliminate the repair expenses, that’s a place to save money. Then you can save on your monthly energy bills. Even if you only save $20 per month, that’s $1,200 over five years.
Previous Repairs
The 50% rule doesn’t have to apply to a single repair cost. Have you invested in heater repairs for several years now? Maybe each winter a new problem pops up.
The expense may not be a lot in the short term, but over time they can add up. Take a look at your past heater repairs and add up how much you’ve spent.
If you have additional heater repair needs this winter season, it may make more sense to invest in a new heater.
Expert Opinion
It’s also a good idea to have an expert look at your heater as a whole. Our team can look at all of your components – big and small – to help you decide if your heater’s overall age is a concern.
If you’ve invested in annual maintenance consistently then your parts may be in great shape. Our team can give you an idea of how much life is left in your existing heater.
This can help you decide whether another repair makes sense for your family right now.
Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling does what’s right for our customers. Schedule an appointment for heating service today.