What to Ask When You Need a New Water Heater

Is your water heater getting up in years? Are you starting to wonder if it makes sense to replace it sooner rather than later - when it starts leaking? If you like to do your research ahead of time, you can start by asking a few basic questions about new water heaters.

How many years of use can I expect from a water heater?
It all depends on the type of water heater you have. Different water heaters have different life expectancies. Where you live, how often its used, water quality, and many other factors also play a role in the life of a water heater. Typically a tank water heater will last 10 to 15 years. Once your water heater gets towards the end of its expected life span, proactively replacing it can give you a lot of piece of mind - especially if your heater is located somewhere where a leak could really cause a problem in the house. Making the decision to go ahead and replace it also gives you time to consider options.

What are my water heater options?
Do any type of search for a new water heater and you’ll find you have two options: conventional storage tanks and tankless water heaters. The tank type of water heater is still an ideal choice for residential use in some circumstances, and can offer many benefits over tankless water heater options. You could also look at a third option – hybrid water heaters. We can explain the differences and help you decide which best matches your requirements and budget.

What is the best capacity to choose for a new water heater?
A typical tank-style water heater holds 40 to 80 gallons of hot water, ready for you when you need it. The size tank you choose depends on the amount of hot water your household requires - how many people live in the house and the number of appliances and fixtures you typically use on the day. Tankless water heaters promise to deliver hot water on demand, but how much hot water is available to you still depends on the size of the water heater and how much the heater is powered to deliver. Sometimes the capacity of the gas line needs to be increased to supply the amount of hot water desired - so make sure you check these things.

How much will it cost?
The answer to this question often helps you decide other things. While on-demand heaters promise energy savings over time, the cost of retrofitting an existing home to accommodate a different style heater could prove cost prohibitive. Tank-style heaters require little maintenance and most existing houses are set up for this type of heater, and there are more energy efficient models available now. So there are a few things to consider when determining cost. If it's been awhile sine you've had to replace a heater, it might help to simply ask for an estimate so you know what to plan for - and budget for those "greener" options if that's important to you.

We hope this information helps. Hot water is one of those really nice amenities of modern life that few people want to be without for too long. So check your water heater, consider your options, and give us a call if you have any questions.

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