HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical in Gresham, OR

You will incur some costs throughout the life of your water heater. However, it’s possible to save with the following preventive measures:

Assuming you’ve taken good care of your water heater, but its warranty has expired, you may still have options. Your home warranty may cover water heater service depending on the plan level. Check the policy to see if it provides opportunities to save.

Another way to save is to get at least three quotes. Talk to at least three contractors and compare their rates, reputations, and timelines. Know exactly what you’re getting for the price. Therefore, you can choose the best service at the most reasonable rate (rather than automatically picking the lowest bid).

• Have Your Water Heater Serviced Regularly: Preventative maintenance should be performed every year by a professional. It allows a technician to check for developing issues and clean parts of your water heater to reduce wear. Usually, the earlier a problem is detected, the less it costs to fix. Maintenance also helps avoid costly emergency callout fees and maximizes efficiency (reducing utility costs).
• Insulate the Water Heater: Placing insulation around the hot water tank reduces heat loss. Therefore, the system works less hard to maintain a hot water supply. Insulating the pipes connected to the water heater can also save on utility bills and repairs.
• Buy the Parts Yourself: If you want to save on repairs, ask your plumber if purchasing the parts yourself can save money. Licensed plumbers often get good rates on parts but mark up the price. But not all plumbers will install parts they didn’t supply.
• Purchase the Same Type of Unit: If the service entails replacing your water heater, purchasing the same type can cost less than a different model. By choosing a similar unit, you won’t have to switch fuel sources, install a gas or water line, or update existing wiring if your current infrastructure is in good shape.
• Schedule a service call during the work week.
• Wait a day or two if it’s not an emergency.
• Have a serious issue checked immediately.
• Replace Your Water Heater: A water heater replacement in Portland can save on the cost of repeated repairs and higher energy bills. If your unit is 10 to 15 years old, a replacement can save you in the long run. If some parts have malfunctioned, the extra stress has likely worn out others, which must also be replaced. Why would you continue to pay for parts if your water heater has little life left?
• Check the Warranty: Review the original product warranty to see how long it covers repairs and what parts and services are covered. You’ll save on service if your water heater is still under warranty. Depending on the issue and type of coverage, you may not have to pay anything. However, DIY water heater repair and skipping maintenance can void the warranty.
• Hire the Right Contractor: Not every plumber services water heaters. Therefore, you want to ask many questions when you contact a professional. Find out if the contractor is licensed, insured, and experienced. They should have several years of experience. Also, ask about the timeframe for the project and if it requires a permit. The more you know, the fewer surprises there will be later and the easier it is to budget for service.

Replacing any water heater part requires knowledge of how it works. For example, a thermocouple isn’t hard to replace, but you must understand how it’s connected (and how to turn off the gas). Replacing a heater element on an electric model doesn’t cost much, but you’ll also need a continuity tester and know how to use it to determine if the element and electrical connections are working properly.

An experienced professional eliminates any uncertainties and can help you save on the cost of water heater repairs, maintenance, and replacement.

Sky Heating & Air Conditioning provides high-quality water heater services in Portland and surrounding areas. Whether your water heater requires maintenance, repairs, or replacement, our licensed professionals get the job done right. They are available 24/7 to help in an emergency. However, our maintenance plans include services that can avoid unexpected repairs, while special offers and financing can also help you save. To learn more or schedule water heater and other plumbing services, call (503) 563-2698 today.