If you’ve got new hot water heaters on your mind because you need to replace your old one, keep reading for some important things to consider.
Winter is not the time to be caught without hot water, and a properly functioning heater is the key to staying warm and comfortable. If you’re in the market, here are five things to consider before purchasing your new water heater.
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What Size Water Heater Do I Need?
One of the first things you’ll want to take into consideration is the hot water needs of your household. Because needs can vary significantly between different homes and sizes of families or number of occupants, it’s a good place to start. In general, the number of people in the home can help you estimate the size of the water heater needed. For example, a house with 1-2 people may only need a water tank of about 23-36 gallons. Five or more people likely requires 56 gallons or more. The average family of 4 can find their needs met with a 40-gallon tank water heater. Besides capacity, you’ll want to take into account a water heater’s first hour rating (FHR) and make sure it matches your needs during peak usage.
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What is the Longest Lasting Water Heater?
New hot water heaters can come with a hefty price tag, so it’s natural to look for a longer lasting appliance to protect your investment. In general, standard tank water heaters are expected to last between 8 to 12 years, provided they are properly maintained. Tankless heaters, on the other hand, can last up to 20 years.
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What Maintenance Does a Hot Water Heater Need?
As mentioned above, the importance of maintenance cannot be stressed enough.
Each year, you can perform a few minutes of maintenance yourself to keep your hot water heater running smoothly. Some of these tasks include testing the pressure release valve and replacing it if necessary, and flushing the tank if you have a tank water heater. This helps to decrease sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank, which increases efficiency and prevents corrosion. If you don’t feel comfortable performing these tasks yourself, you can always enlist the help of a plumber, with Utah County’s finest plumbing services.
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How Much Does a Good Water Heater Cost?
Depending on the size of water heater, and whether you are opting for a tank or tankless model, costs can range widely. A tank water heater will likely cost between $800-$1,500, including installation. Tankless heaters, on the other hand, are more labor-intensive to install, and will cost between $1,000-$3,000, including installation.
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What is the Most Efficient Water Heater?
Upfront costs are part of the equation when deciding on a water heater, but energy savings and efficiency can positively affect your wallet. Heating water for the home is the second largest household energy expense, consuming 17% of residential energy. New advances are making all types of water heaters more efficient, but some of the most exciting technology is the heat pump water heater (HPWH).
Quick Quality Plumbing Can Help
There are many options with new hot water heaters today, but these 5 questions will give you some ideas to begin considering. Whether your Utah County water heater needs a repair, or you are ready to replace it, Quick Quality Plumbing has the expertise and service you need. Give us a call, 24/7 at 801-763-7835 or contact us online for an estimate today!
