The Cost of Comfort

Does the purchase of that shiny new object excite you?  

The new car or a pair of new shoes?  Yes!

A brand new water heater? NO!

Spending our well earned cash (or credit) is fun when the benefit seems like a treat, but spending on the necessities of life is not so joyous, yet, when we are out of hot water, we have drop everything…we have an EMERGENCY!

Have you experienced this?  You discover the hot is running cold. You run the water for another five minutes. Nope, it is only getting colder.  It occurs to you to find the water heater. You discover a large puddle of water surrounding your water heater. It is Friday afternoon at 4:30 and the soonest a replacement can be installed is Monday, unless you want to pay the weekend rate, which is double the cost. You pay it.  You’re desperate.  

And then you’re annoyed, especially after you get the invoice.  But…how old was that water heater? 

Let’s be honest; hot water plays a critical role in our daily lives, and for many, it’s considered essential. We want a water heater that offers longevity, efficiency, and comes with a reliable 5-10 year warranty.

The average life of a gas water heater is 8-20 years…depending on regular inspection that includes draining and flushing it. Electric water heaters may last 10-15 years with regular maintenance.  The average cost of a water heater is $500-$2500 depending size, brand and design. 

Perhaps you could have waited until Monday for the water heater, but if this was the furnace and it was January in Iowa, there would be no option of waiting. 

Neglecting maintenance or repairs is an all-too-common occurrence. A furnace might still provide heat even when the filter desperately needs changing. While the efficiency may decrease, you’ll still feel some warmth.

According to a recent report from insurance firm Hippo, CNBC reveals that homeowners spent an average of $6,000 on maintenance and repairs last year. A separate study from home services website Angi indicates that in 2022, maintenance costs averaged $2,467, with unexpected emergency repairs totaling an average of $1,953 ($4,420 combined).

Owning a home is a significant part of adulting. The reality is that the essentials for a comfortable shelter come with a considerable price tag. As a homeowner, if you wish to avoid major expenses, investing time and money in routine upkeep is essential.

As you luxuriate in your bath with bubbles and ample hot water, that once bothersome water heater expense will undoubtedly seem well worth it in the end!