From hot baths to clean clothes and dishes, water heaters are essential to helping maintain many of life’s creature comforts and conveniences. When your water heater is beyond repair, having it quickly replaced is a priority. But what should you know about this process? Below are six questions you should ask yourself—or your plumbing professional—before purchasing a new water heater.
What Size Water Heater Do You Need?
The answer to this question generally depends on the size of your current water heater. Most homes have either a 40-gallon or 50-gallon water heater. Unless you’ve noticed your hot water often runs empty, it’s a good idea to stick with the same size as your old heater. Generally, a 50-gallon water heater will be sufficient to accommodate an average-sized family with average hot water needs.
Will the New System Fit in the Original Spot?
As federal and state energy and safety codes are continually updated, water heaters are getting wider due to increased insulation. In some cases, this can make installation more difficult. Your plumber can measure the space available before ordering a new water heater to ensure it will fit. If the new water heater is too large, modifications may need to be made.
What New Advancements Should You Consider?
If you don’t already have a tankless water heater, now may be the time to consider one. These water heaters (also known as “on demand” water heaters) have a longer operating life while reducing your energy bills by only heating what you need at the moment.
The price of installing these water heaters can vary based on your home’s layout. There are a variety of other benefits and drawbacks that come with a tankless water heater. Your plumber can let you know what installation expenses to expect and discuss whether a tankless water heater is the right choice for your home.
What Will Happen to Your Old Water Heater?
After the 3-5 hour process of replacing your water heater, you may wonder what to do with your old one. Generally, the company that installs your new system should handle hauling away and disposing of your old water heater.
What Brand of Water Heater Should You Buy?
At North East Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing, we have seen the best results with Rheem water heaters, but we are always researching and trying out new products to see what is the most reliable water heater on the market. When possible, we try to find products made in the United States because the quality is more consistent.
What Maintenance Will Your Water Heater Require?
Your water heater’s warranty should cover parts (though perhaps not labor) for 6 years. Labor warranties are rarely cost-effective or necessary for water heaters, so they’re harder to find. This means it’s crucial to begin caring for your new water heater as soon as it’s installed. Scheduling regular maintenance will help you get the most out of your purchase and avoid any problems.
Have additional questions? North East Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing can work with you to provide you with full-service solutions for any water heating issues. Give North East a call at (210) 658-0111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
