Everyone is trying to stretch their money and to stay within budget. Sadly, we don’t just encounter everyday bills. Things age, go wrong, and ultimately need replacing. Whilst it can be fun having a new car or an upgraded kitchen, it’s less enjoyable when we simply replace things like for like.
A water heater may serve a household for a decade, but as time progresses the signs of age may creep in. There may be issues developing and ultimately, the best and safest decision will be to replace it. This article is designed to help people who are reaching this crossroads.
Research the Best Deals
Fortunately, the internet comes to our rescue when we are seeking information and prices for new water heaters. The technicians at thinktankhome.com say people are searching online to find the best-sized appliances for the space available. They also need help with calculating their household needs in relation to heater capacity.
The public also wants to receive free quotes from local approved contractors. Professional and customer reviews can also help guide people’s purchasing decisions.
Act Swiftly
Most of us are very busy and as a result, we often delay and procrastinate over things. When a water heater starts to play up, we may simply seek to live with it.
The problem is that when issues are left unattended, they can escalate. Imagine an entire family suddenly having no hot water, and having to wait several days before a new unit could be installed.
People may feel no urgency during the hot summer months, but as winter approaches it’s a different story. No one wants to be out of hot water on a freezing cold day.
Be Aware of the Risks
Leaky heater units can create damp issues in a home and damage things. If the existing unit is leaking around the valves, this may be something that can be fixed. A replacement unit may not be required.
If there is a leak from the TPV (Temperature and Pressure Release Valve) however, a new heater would be needed. If ignored, there would be the risk of an explosion that could endanger lives and ruin property.
Sometimes faulty water heaters can overheat, causing the water to turn to steam. When this occurs the unit could explode. It’s a rare scenario, but a real possibility nonetheless.
Understand Lifespans
Sometimes repairs are all that is needed for an ailing water heater. It depends on what the issue is. Most appliances will be designed to last for up to a decade. After that, the need for replacement becomes more likely.
Anyone who buys a modern heater may gain up to twelve years out of it. This would largely depend on how well it is maintained and serviced over the years.
Be Aware of the Potential Cost Savings
Older heaters are less economical than more recent appliances. The longer an old, troublesome and inefficient heater is kept in place, the longer there will be high energy bills.
Energy Star certified heaters are the best products to buy. Check out the product specifications for this. Some people save up to a fifth of fuel costs by making a change.
Costs vary for new water heaters. Tankless versions are more expensive than traditional ones. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for the heater and installation costs. View it as an investment in a more efficient appliance rather than an annoying expenditure.
The Household Needs May Have Changed
When the old water heater was bought, perhaps there was a married couple at home. Over the years there may have been the addition of children, or this may be yet to come. This would increase the demand for the water heater. An appliance that served us in the past may be insufficient to cope with our future requirements.
People quickly find out whether their existing heater capacity is sufficient. An example would be when a family of four takes a shower each morning. Perhaps only the first three experience hot water, creating a mad rush to get there first.
It’s worth finding out what your current tank size is, and then checking the capacity on any new products. If you are viewing them in a showroom, this information will be supplied on a sticker.
Storage Space
Water heaters vary in size. Point of use heaters is often installed in secondary bathrooms. They may be placed in modest-sized areas such as shops, outhouses, or garages. Other heaters may be larger.
It’s worth gaining an in-house consultation from a professional before making the final choice. They will advise on the best heater within your budget, for the space available. In some instances, it may be recommended that the unit is relocated elsewhere.
Warranty
A warranty is an important aspect of any purchase. Water heaters are usually guaranteed for between five years and a decade.
Check the details of any potential new purchase. How long will this one be covered for, and is the warranty extendable? It’s important to discover whether parts and labor are included within the terms of cover too.
Small print is easy to overlook but check for such things as co-pays or deductibles too.
Disposal and Installation
Remember that when a brand new heater is installed, the old one will need to be removed. If third party contractors oversee the process, they may be able to cover this aspect for you.
Some people may view the installation as a relatively simple process. Anyone considering doing it themselves needs to be aware of the risks involved. If the gas line is not connected in the right way, there could be a fire risk. If TPVs or pressure release valves are not correctly put in place, the whole unit could explode.
It is strongly advisable that professionals are given the task. Qualified plumbers and electricians will need to be involved. A local permit may also need to be obtained from the procedure.
When a new water heater has been bought and installed by a professional, the stage is set. Read the instruction manual on day one, and never miss performing maintenance tasks. Have the appliance serviced by a professional if required? The heater should serve the household faithfully for many years, providing hot water for all your daily needs.
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