Is My Gas Pool Heater Worth Repairing?

Here at Gas Tek Services, LLC we are asked this question often by our customers. Here are a few things to consider if it’s worth repairing or not.

• Age of heater

• Cost of repair

Is My Gas Pool Heater Worth Repairing?

• New unit more efficient

• Warranty on new heater

There are some things to consider before your replace the heater you currently have. The age of the gas pool/spa heater can be one determining factor as to whether or not to replace it. Gas pool/spa heater manufacturers say that a heaters life is about 7-10 years. From Gas Tek Services, LLC experience of 15 years has shown that the manufacturers quote of the life span is fairly accurate. Now there are some factors that can cause the unit to live longer or have a shorter life. One of the biggest things we see are sprinkler heads being too close to the unit and when they are activated they spray the unit with water and in many cases that water never really dries out and will cause the heater to rust away. Yes they are designed to out in the elements but constant water spraying on them is not helping. Move any nearby sprinklers to prevent the unit from being hit when watering your lawn.

The cost of a typical repair can be in the hundreds of dollars which is not bad. However, when you start getting up there in the repair costs where it becomes half the price of a new gas pool/spa heater, it’s time to evaluate whether or not it’s worth the repair or just go for a replacement. Is the rest of the heater in good shape is another question you need to answer and will impact whether or not a repair is the right path. If the hater is rusting away as mentioned above, it’s probably not worth the repair considering the amount of life left in the heater.

Many of the older units were not very efficient because of technology at the time the heater was manufactured. Just like most things, as technology advances, it helps make a product better. Older heaters had standing pilot lights and didn’t have digital displays. Standing pilot lights are a thing of the past and something you no longer have to worry about whether it’s lit or if you have to get it lit before you can use the heater. A digital display on today’s gas pool/spa heaters can tell you the current water temp as well as some basic diagnostics for the heater.

A typical warranty on a gas pool/spa heater is usually one year from the date of installation. No matter how little you use it, it’s still based on the install date. The warranty is also usually only valid if installed by a licensed contractor. If not installed by a licensed contractor, you might find that the warranty is only 90-days or in some cases less. Each brand has their own rules on how they back the warranty and if you are considering buying the heater off the internet, it is in your best interest to see what the warranty is from the manufacturer and factor that into whether or not you or that handyman you are considering hiring to install is your best route. Will that void the warranty or lessen the length of it.

Gas Tek Services, LLC backs all of the Jandy gas pool/spa heaters we sell and install with a 2 year parts and labor warranty that is backed by the manufacturer. So if there is a problem with the heater, we can service it for you without you having to call the manufacturer to find a locally qualified service company. Not all gas pool heater companies can offer you this.

Need service for your gas pool/spa heater? Call Gas Tek Services, LLC at (813) 335-7491.