Water Heater Warranties: What to Look For
Water heaters are an absolute necessity. They help heat the water you use in your house, which allows you to take showers, run the dishwasher, do the laundry, and perform a number of other daily activities. You can’t live without them, so make sure you purchase the best one you can.
When shopping for a new water heater, it is essential that you find one with a decent warranty. Nothing is worse than having to replace a water heater soon after you bought it because you overlooked the importance of a warranty. With that being said, please remember that not all warranties are the same.
Water heater warranties can consist of a number of different components, which is precisely why we have written this article. We provide details on exactly what you need to look for in a water heater warranty. By the time you are finished reading, you should feel like an expert in this area.
What is the Length of Coverage?
One of the first things we recommend watching out for is the length of coverage offered by the warranty. Length of coverage can range anywhere from three to twelve years, which makes a huge difference. Obviously, we would recommend a longer warranty, as long as it still has good coverage and is still affordable. Be aware that the longer warranties often cover fewer damages and are more expensive.
What Damages Are Covered?
Many warranties limit what types of damages are covered. Damages outside of their list will be the owner’s responsibility to fix/ replace. Here is a list of damages you want to see covered in your warranty.
Is there Full-Replacement Coverage?
Not all warranties come with full replacement coverage. Some warranties may cover the replacement of certain parts of your water heater, such as the control valve, the thermostat, and the overflow pipe. Better warranties will cover the costs for a full replacement of the water heater; this is great for the times when the damages to the water heater are not salvageable.
What about Fire Damage?
Although we don’t like to think about worst case scenarios, sometimes it is necessary. There are numerous cases of fires starting due to the malfunction of a water heater. Some warranties cover damages due to fire, while others do not.
Is Water Damage covered?
A possible issue you could run into with your water heater would be a leak. Left unnoticed, this leak can cause unwanted damage to both your water heater and your home. Find a warranty that covers these types of damages is rare, so be on the lookout.
How about Labor Costs?
Okay, so your warranty covers the parts you need replaced on your water heater, but does it take into consideration labor costs? Having a professional come in and fix your water heater can often be more expensive than the parts themselves. A warranty that covers labor costs is something to keep your eye out for.
Take Everything about your water heater use into Consideration
The best water heater warranty for one person may not be the best water heater warranty for everyone. When assessing whether or not a warranty will best meet your individual needs, ask yourself these questions.
How Many Years Do I Plan to Stay in my Current Home?
If you are hoping to stay there for an extended period of time, then a longer warranty is a must! If you plan to move within the next couple of years, then a shorter warranty will be just fine. Most warranties are not transferable between owners anyways.
How Often Do I Use My Water Heater?
While the majority of people use their water heater on a daily basis, others do not. If you are hardly ever home or if you are buying a water heater for a summer home, then a shorter, less expensive warranty may be all you need. However, if you are purchasing a water heater for your house and you have five children, then a longer, pricier warranty may be what you need.
What Can I Afford?
You may find a water heater with the ideal warranty for you, but it may be above your price range. That’s okay! You have to weigh the pros and cons of paying a little extra up front in order to prevent larger costs in the future. This really comes down to the individual; no one knows your current situation better than you.
So what is most important to look for in a water heater warranty?
Hopefully, you now feel ready to read through water heater warranties and pick which one best meets your needs. Check our other helpful articles if you have any questions related to your water heater or need any assistance in selecting a new water heater. We are more than happy to help!
Resources— Inspectapedia, ArrowPlumbing, WaterHeaterTimer, Berkeley, FiveStarClaims
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