If you are not getting consistent hot water, this could be a major warning to call a plumber to check if a repair is needed or a replacement.
Water heaters last s 10-15 years. If you can’t remember when you purchased your water heater, chances are it’s nearing time for a replacement. An aging water heater could give you warnings in advance such as noises, sediment build-up, and frequent repairs. Take heed to these warnings and start preparing for a replacement before your water heater shuts down completely and the purchase becomes urgent.
If hot water is discolored, there could be sediment build-up inside the water heater. This is caused by hard water sediment or corrosion that has developed over time because of the age of your water heater. If this is occurring, a qualified plumber can help you determine if you need a replacement, or the water heater can be drained or flushed to fix the issue.
Before shopping for a water heater, you must consider capacity. Has the number of people in your home changed since your last purchase? That plays a major role in the size of water heater you will need for your home.
Typically, storage heaters hold 30 to 80 gallons of water. A family of four could use a 40-to 60-gallon storage heater, while a larger family of up to eight might need an 80-gallon tank. The more volume the storage tank holds, the bigger it is and the more storage space it will require. Contact L.D. Smith Plumbing if you need help choosing the appropriate capacity for your home.
Also remember that water heater sizes could vary significantly from your last purchase 10 or 15 years ago. Measure your space to ensure the water heater you choose fits perfectly.
Storage water heaters are not the only option. Tankless water heaters are known to be more energy efficient and are compact which saves space in your home. The biggest difference between a storage tank and tankless heater is how water is stored. Tankless water heaters do not store water. Instead, heating coils are used to heat the water as needed.
Consider water usage in your home before choosing a tankless water heater. This water heater could be a challenge in homes where water flow is used in multiple areas of at the same time. For example, you could be frustrated if you’re trying to wash clothes in hot water while another family member is washing dishes and someone else in the home is taking a shower. Hot water will take time in this scenario.
Also remember that tankless water heaters operate best in homes with natural gas. A qualified plumber can set up a tankless water heater for homes that run on electric.
Most homeowners purchase storage tank water heaters because of its durability. Storage tank water heaters can hold as much as 120 gallons of water. Although not as efficient as tankless, storage tank water heaters are convenient. They fit in almost any home and work easily with electric or natural gas. Most homeowners choose storage tank water heaters because they run effortlessly once installed – that means fewer repairs, saving you money long-term. But the money you save in repairs could show up on your monthly bill, especially during the winter months. Unlike tankless, water is stored in a storage tank water heater and re-heated each time you want to use it.
Be sure your new water heater will have the proper equipment to protect it. Check the water pressure and consider having a thermal expansion tank or pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed to protect your new equipment from potential damage that may be caused by excessive water pressure or a thermal expansion condition.
Typically, storage tank-type water heaters cost $1,300-$1,500 on average. Typical tankless installation ranges from $3,500-$4,500, but that extra amount can quickly be recouped in energy savings.
Water heater warranties variety depending on the brand. The most common water heater warranty is six years but there are brands that offer as many as 12 years. Be clear about specific details in any warranty such as coverage, labor costs for repairs and transfer details if original purchaser sells the home.
An Energy Star seal of approval ensures your water heater will be environmentally friendly. These products use up to 30 percent less energy than standard devices.
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