A heater is a vital and essential component of every home that is often overlooked. The extreme and intolerable weather conditions from time to time make it an absolute necessity that should be properly maintained to ensure that it’s always in pristine condition or alternatively, it ought to be replaced if it becomes totally dysfunctional and beyond repair. The upshot here is that it is very difficult for people to know the ideal time for a repair or a replacement is and the factors that usually come into play or inform that decision. This article shall delve deep and elucidate further on whether it is more feasible to repair or replace your heater.
- Age
People generally make a huge mistake of overestimating the longevity of a heater hence implying that it can undergo multiple repairs without showing any signs of dysfunction and any other technical anomalies.
However, it is critical to note that a heater has a lifespan of about 15-20 years and this is deemed too long hence no one bothers to invest in the maintenance of the same. Further, the latest models are more prone and susceptible to damage hence they have a very short or limited lifespan. Many experts have stated that a heater that is only 10 years old and below can be repaired and still operate well albeit not optimally. However, they have also been very clear about the need to replace a heater that is 12 years old and above. This is to avoid recurring issues as it is bound to fail frequently and this could be very annoying and inconvenient for any household.
- Escalating Bills
Sometimes your usage might remain constant but the energy bills might keep on shooting and rising as time progresses. Upon some investigation, this is often attributed to the gradual inefficiency of the heater as it ages and gets overwhelmed thus working strenuously to generate the heat that it could have generated with consummate ease when it was relatively new. This issue can be resolved by involving a professional who can help establish whether it is some resolvable problem to do with the ductwork, thermostat, or some other component of the heater. Experts can also determine if the issue makes the heater irredeemable therefore necessitating the acquisition of a new one to avoid such lingering and persistent issues.
- Regularity of Repairs
There is a huge obsession apparent in many people where they have a knack of wanting to repair something for many years whilst avoiding the harsh reality that the need for a replacement is always imminent and it is an inevitable affair. When you make many repairs over the course of a few years and it dawns on you that you always need to invite a professional to do some checks, then the time is definitely ripe for you to acquire a new heater to replace the old one. It is only rational and prudent that the cost of repairs should never surpass or supersede that of getting a replacement. This is a very good distinguishing factor that you can always employ in a bid to know when a repair can suffice and when a replacement is the most fitting alternative.
- Peculiar Sounds
A new heater usually functions with minimal noise or disturbances. However, as it grows older, it begins to experience some technical issues and after too many repairs, it is not surprising to find the heater making some very odd noises as it struggles and overworks to moisturize the air. It expends excess energy to get this done and the result is this creaking and strange noises and the compounding inability to get the air warm and crisp. This is a huge sign that the heater needs some immediate replacing to avoid the situation in the house from spiraling out of control.
- Unequal Heating
A properly functioning heater is expected to even out the heat throughout the house and this is normally associated with some healthy ductwork. The implication herein is that whenever the heat is being distributed disproportionately, then something is definitely amiss and a professional should come and determine whether it is indeed a duct issue or some critical problem that can only be mitigated through the installation of a new heater.
This article has clearly discussed and elaborated on this question. You should now know when to make a repair and when to replace the heater altogether. However, whenever in doubt, always seek the services of an experienced professional.