Why Should I Upgrade My Water Heater?

What are the real product upgrade benefits when looking at new water heaters?

There are a lot of product upgrade benefits you could be looking at with any appliance or home equipment upgrade, but what about water heaters? If they just heat water, what are some of the benefits of upgrading? You might be surprised. Here are some ways to tell if you should upgrade and what the benefits would be:

Average Life Expectancy

Because water heaters in general are working constantly, their average life expectancy is 8 to 12 years. This can vary depending on use, climate, brand, and maintenance history. But if your water heater has passed its 10th birthday, it might be time to at least consider the idea of upgrading before it needs costly repairs. Some of the common causes of breakdown in older tanks include leaks around the base, inconsistent heating, worn out heating element, and broken thermostat.

Efficiency is a Factor

If you have a relatively new model water heater and you’re having issues, you might want to consider repair as it may have a faulty component. But if your heater is getting up there in age, replacement is a better idea simply for the sake of energy efficiency. New units can be up to 20% more energy efficient and can save you substantially over the life of the unit on your monthly utility bills.

Consider Cost

When a water heater requires repair, the bill could average between $150 and $300, depending on the repair required. A new water heater will cost between $500 and $1,000 to purchase and install. If your old heater is on the blink and needs repeated repairs and is costing more monthly for energy use, you can see that there is a good argument for spending the difference to upgrade to a new energy efficient system vs. spending the money to repair an older model.

If your water heater is less than 8-10 years old and has been functioning properly until a breakdown, it might be worth it to simply have it repaired. However, if your heater is older than 8 years and is either not functioning effectively or is broken completely, getting an estimate for a new water heating system just might be the best choice.

Contact your local McCall’s dealer for a full explanation of product upgrade benefits for a new water heater installation.