In a perfect world, your water heater would last forever, but we don’t live in an ideal world, and your water heater has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. When the unit nears the end of its lifespan, it won’t function efficiently, and frequent issues are common.
When the unit reaches the end of its lifespan, there are a few things to consider before a water heater installation in Rockville, MD.
#1 You Have to Decide Which Type of Unit to Install
There are two main types of water heaters, and you’ll need to decide which is best for your home before a water heater installation. Both options have benefits and downsides, and knowing more about each type can help you make the best decision.
- Tank water heaters: You can replace your water heater with another tank unit, which is the least expensive option. The unit and installation cost is cheaper than the other option, but it will cost more to run. Tank water heaters store 50+ gallons of water, depending on the tank’s size, and it must kick on several times a day to ensure you always have hot water when needed. Each time the unit kicks on, it will consume energy and isn’t the most energy-efficient option.
If you don’t have a high budget for your new water heater installation, a tank model is best. - Tankless water heaters: It’s essential to understand a bit about tankless models before a water heater installation in Rockville, MD because it may be the best option for you. Tankless water heaters are more expensive to purchase and install, but you can make up some of the cost with the money you’ll save on your energy bills. Tankless water heaters don’t store water and only turn on when the hot water runs, which is the more energy-efficient option.
Tankless units have a longer lifespan than tank models, with an average lifespan of 20 years. Tankless models may be more expensive than tank units but last twice as long. When it’s time to replace a tankless model, a tank unit will have already been replaced and will need to be replaced again.
In addition, tankless models are much smaller tank units. They’re about the size of a suitcase and can be hung on the wall, and a tankless water heater installation can save space in your house.
Finally, you won’t have to worry about the unit flooding your house because tankless units don’t store water. The unit can leak, but it won’t be 50+ gallons of water, and the leak will leave a puddle on the floor that can be wiped up with a towel.
It’s best to understand the pros and cons of each type before scheduling an appointment to have the water heater replaced in Rockville, MD.
#2 Choosing the Right Size Tank
If you’re replacing your old water heater with a tank model, choosing the right size is essential before scheduling the water heater installation. Just because the size of your existing tank is large enough right now, it might not be in the future. For example, if you plan to have children one day, or a parent moves in when they can’t care for themselves, you’ll need a larger tank to meet your family’s hot water demand.
Fortunately, choosing the right size tank isn’t complicated. A 50 to 60-gallon tank is large enough for one or two people, an 80-gallon tank is acceptable for a family of three or four, and a 100-gallon tank is large enough for a family of five or six.
Choosing the right size is essential to prevent you from running out of hot water frequently, and you should consider your future plans before selecting the best size.
#3 Energy Efficiency
Whether you plan a tank or tankless water heater installation, selecting the most energy-efficient model is essential. With the cost of energy rising today, you should do whatever possible to keep your electric bills down. Newer models are more energy efficient, and cheaper models tend to be less energy efficient than others.
If you need help selecting an energy-efficient unit, a professional in water heater installation can help.
#4 What Will You Do with Your Old Water Heater
Before replacing your water heater, you should ask the plumber what their policy is regarding your old water heater. Some plumbers remove and dispose of the unit for free, some will add the cost to dispose of the water heater to the bill, and some plumbers won’t remove the old water heater, and you’ll have to figure it out yourself.
It’s best to work with a plumber who will remove the old unit for free. Installing a new water heater is expensive enough, and the last thing you want is to pay extra for disposal. You can contact a few local plumbers to find out their policies regarding disposal so you can find one that will remove the old unit for free.
Call Clarksburg Plumbing Today
If it’s time to replace your old water heater and you want to work with an excellent plumbing company, look no further than Clarksburg Plumbing.
We’re a full-service plumbing company and are experts in water heater installation. Our plumbers have undergone years of professional training and apprenticeship to learn their craft and have the knowledge and experience to handle the most challenging plumbing jobs in the industry.
We’ve been in the plumbing business long enough to know that plumbing issues often arise at the most inconvenient times, so we provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you have a plumbing issue that must be addressed immediately, we’ll do our best to get a plumber to your house as quickly as possible to resolve the problem.
You’ll never be in the dark when you work with us because our plumbers will keep you informed. After diagnosing the issue, the plumber will give you an estimate, including the cost and how long it will take. They will stay at your house until the work is complete and our work is guaranteed.
To schedule an appointment for plumbing service, give us a call at Clarksburg Plumbing.
Photo By Faizal Ramli at Shutterstock