If you’ve been putting off a needed water heater replacement in Watertown, CT, perhaps because you’re afraid of the cost or because you assume you can “make do” with your home’s current appliance, now is the time to call a plumber! Today’s water heaters are not only more affordable than ever before but they’re also more energy efficient, saving you money in the long run.
A homeowner might also take the opportunity of needing water heater replacement in Watertown, CT, to consider a different type than the standard large tank heater. A tankless water heater means hot water on demand without wasting energy keeping that water hot when it’s not needed. To ensure you’re making the best decision for your family’s hot water needs, note a few quick tips on selecting the best appliance for your home and what you might expect by way of water heater replacement in Watertown costs.
Before you put off needed water heater replacement another year, you might note some signs that it’s time for a new appliance in your home, and the benefits of replacing your current model. First consider that a Watertown, CT, plumber might be able to repair a faulty heating element or other such part, but once a water heater needs several replacement parts, it’s probably time for a new one! Continuously replacing worn parts year after year might wind up costing far more than investing in a new appliance.
Note, too, that many of today’s water heater models are more energy-efficient than ever before, as said. If your appliance is more than five or six years old, it might be wasting far too much energy every time it cycles on, or it might lack adequate insulation around the tank so that it cycles on too often throughout the day. Investing in a new model can mean lower utility bills and less wasted energy.
It’s also good to think about a water heater replacement for a Watertown home if the current appliance just doesn’t serve your family’s needs any longer! If your current appliance can’t supply enough hot water for everyone’s morning showers, or if you need to wait far too long for the tank to heat stored water, it’s time for a new water heater.
Homeowners would do well to understand all their options for a water heater replacement in Watertown, CT, so you can make an informed decision on the best option for you and your family.
Conventional storage or tank water heaters hold a tank of water that is heated continuously as needed. Once the water temperature drops below a certain level, the appliance’s heating element is engaged, warming the water again. Conventional water heaters might use electricity to power the heating coil or propane to create a flame for heating.
Most conventional water heaters hold between 20 and 80 gallons of water, and are priced accordingly. Expect to pay around $1500 on average for new conventional water heater replacement in Watertown, CT, depending on the size chosen, make and model, and work needed for installation.
Tankless water heaters heat water on-demand rather than storing a tank of water. A tankless water heater will run water over a heating element or coil once the taps are turned on; that heating element disengages when the taps or valves are closed.
Note that a tankless water heater still uses electricity or gas to heat water but doesn’t operate unless hot water is in demand. Average costs for tankless water heater installation nationwide is about $3000 to $3500.
While a conventional water heater means a lower initial investment, it also means more cost for operation over the years. However, not all plumbers are experienced in tankless water heater replacement in Watertown, CT, or with needed repairs.
On the other hand, a tankless water heater unit is relatively small, typically mounted on a wall and taking up only a few feet of room. This makes a tankless water heater an excellent choice in smaller homes without much storage, and especially for larger families who might need an oversized tank to hold enough hot water for everyone’s needs.
Before you decide to save on your expected costs by tackling this job on your own, note that there is much more involved to water heater installation in Watertown, CT, then just pulling out the old appliance and sliding in the new! It’s vital that plumbing, electrical, and gas lines are connected properly, to avoid water and gas leaks and electrical shorts.
A new water heater might also need adjusting of its temperature controls, to ensure water is never so hot so as to cause scalding. Improper adjusting can mean dangerously hot water, and wasted energy keeping water at that overly high temperature!
A Watertown, CT, plumber might also note needed improvements or fixes before your new water heater installation. For example, a larger tank holding more water means lots of added weight in the space of your current appliance. If he or she notices rotted or weak subflooring, your plumber might recommend added bracing to support that weight. Outdated electrical wiring might not provide the power needed by a larger or newer model, as another example.
Homeowners might also need a permit for their expected water heater replacement in Watertown, CT, and may not know how to get this permit and what it covers. There is also the question of what to do with the old water heater, to make room for the new one! Rarely can you simply put such an appliance out with your everyday trash.
Calling a disposal or recycling company to pick up the old water heater, permit fees, and the cost of needed fixes all add up. Rather than facing the stress of water heater replacement in Watertown, CT, rely on a professional plumber instead, to save you the headache and hassle and ensure a quality installation.
