Sometimes making a repair to your heater is a great idea because it can get you through another heating season. But, when repair expenses begin to add up too quickly, it may make more sense to install a new heater instead. The trick is knowing when it’s time to repair and when it’s time to replace.
Many heater experts follow a 50% repair or replacement rule, and you can follow it too.
You can also take other factors into consideration when making your decision. If you suspect that you need heating repair in Plattsburgh, NY, our team is here to help. We can offer a free assessment of your heater and discuss the problems that you’re having. Then we can offer solutions for both repair and replacement so that you can make an educated decision.
In the meantime, keep reading and learn more about when you should invest in repairs and when you should go ahead and replace your heater completely.
The 50% Repair Rule
The general rule is that if a repair expense is half or more of what it would cost for a complete heater replacement, then you should replace the heater instead of spending the money on a repair. This is especially true if your heater is at least 10 to 15 years old because it is already nearing the end of its life. The only time it may make sense to invest in a costly repair is if your heater is newer. But even then, your heater should be covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.
By the time you spend several thousand dollars on repair, you could spend twice as much to get a new unit that is much more efficient and will give you peace of mind for years to come. When you do invest in a very expensive heater repair, other parts in your heater are still aging. There’s a chance that you’ll have other things break down or go wrong in the near future. And these older parts can have an impact on whatever the new component is that you install. Sure, a repair may add a few more years of life to your unit, but then you’ll just be investing in another large expense down the road to replace the unit in its entirety.
Other Things to Consider
Age of Your Heater
Once your heater reaches about 15 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it. You may still have years to go, but it is always better to be prepared. Pay attention to how often you’re having to invest in repairs, and how much those repairs cost as time goes on. It’s easy to hope that your heater will keep working for years to come, but that is just not always the reality.
Prior Repairs
The 50% repair rule can apply to multiple repair costs, and not just one. If you have made multiple significant repairs in the past couple of years, you can add those up to reach the 50% threshold. If you’re looking at another significant repair expense, it may be time to invest in a new heater. Spending several hundred dollars a year on repairs may not make sense for your home and family when a new heater can offer you peace of mind for a decade or longer before needing repairs.
Red Rock Mechanical, LLC serves Northwest Vermont and Northeast New York. Schedule heating service with us today.
