The Big Questions Clients Often Have Before Water Heater Replacement
Having a water heater replaced is not as big of an endeavor as having your bathroom remodeled or your roof replaced — but it is still one of those home improvement projects that conjures a lot of questions since you only do it a few times in your life. Having those questions answered will make you a lot more comfortable with the process of water heater replacement. So without further ado, take a look at common questions clients have before water heater replacement.
Should you switch from electric to gas?
Electric hot water heaters have a reputation of being inefficient, so if you currently have one, you might figure you should switch to a gas unit. However, this is not always the best approach — for a few reasons. First of all, today's electric hot water heaters are far more efficient than those made 10 or 15 years ago, so you probably won't pay too much more to operate a new electric heater than a gas one. Second, your plumber will probably have to run a new gas line if you switch to a gas water heater, and that adds significant cost to the project. Although there may be a few exceptions, most clients are best off sticking with the same energy source when replacing their water heater.
How big of a tank should you get?
Selecting a hot water heater size is actually pretty easy as long as you know what size you have currently. Do you run out of hot water sometimes? Then upgrade to a somewhat bigger tank. Maybe get a 60-gallon if you previously had a 50. Do you rarely run out of hot water? Then stick with the size you already have. There's not usually a reason to downsize unless you really need to save the $50 off the cost of a smaller unit.
Are tank-style water heaters outdated?
Not at all! Tankless, on-demand hot water heaters have become more common, and you can definitely talk to your plumber about going that route if it's something you're interested in. But if you've got on just fine with a tank-style water heater up until this point, there's nothing wrong with sticking to it. Today's models are surprisingly energy-efficient and adjustable.
If you have any additional questions prior to a residential hot water heater repair, reach out to a professional in your area. They can give you more information and also help you choose the right water heater for your needs.