Despite the fact that water heaters can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, at some point, you'll have a conversation with your local professional as to whether or not you need to repair a minor problem or replace it altogether. Though it may seem like a no-brainer, there are a few indications that it may be more beneficial — both to your wallet into your home — to schedule a water heater installation instead of allowing your old one to stay in place.

Since the cost of a new water heater is substantial, especially measured against the cost of basic water heater repair, it can be a difficult call to make. Below are a few questions you can ask yourself to help make the right decision.

How Old Is Your Unit?

As mentioned above, water heaters can last a really long time, but they're definitely not made to last forever. Once water heaters hit the midpoint of their expected lifespan, the frequency of the repairs will increase, and the types of repairs that need to be performed are usually more drastic. A decayed anode rod, for instance, is a big deal, as is one of the two heating elements inside your water heater going out. While a sediment flush is not a major issue, it can indicate that the wear and tear on your unit is starting to become more substantial. Instead of simply paying for more water heater repairs to be performed on your unit, you should strongly consider talking to your professional about scheduling a water heater installation instead.

How Much Are the Repairs?

Compared to some of the jobs that you'll have to schedule in your home, water heater repair is actually a pretty inexpensive process. That being said, those bills can add up over a couple of years, and if the cost of those bills adds up to more than 50% of the cost of a brand-new water heater, it makes more financial sense to simply have it replaced. Not only will you have the peace of mind of knowing that your unit will operate correctly, but also from knowing that a warranty is most likely in place to protect you against future repairs.

Do You Want to Upgrade?

Of all the upgrades that people think about having on their home, their water heater is usually low on the list. Nevertheless, an upgrade to a tankless water heater, for instance, can significantly improve not only the efficiency of your water but also your standard of living as well. Tankless water heaters deliver almost unlimited amounts of hot water at a time and are also more energy-efficient than their storage tank counterparts. This means the cost of a new installation may pay for itself over time.

For more information about water heater installation and repair, contact a local HVAC technician.