Which Water Heater To Buy [WORK]
While a high EF is good, you have to factor in the cost of the energy the heater uses to get an accurate picture of how much it costs to operate. In most areas, for example, an electric heater with an EF of 0.8 will cost more to run than a similar-size gas model with an EF of 0.6 due to the higher price of electricity compared with gas.
which water heater to buy
Electric water heaters are lightweight, quiet, and boast the highest efficiency of any storage water heater. But the price of electricity is so high in most places that relatively inefficient fuel-fired heaters cost less to operate.
Tankless water heaters can be either gas-burning or electric tankless; however, gas tanks typically last longer. These heaters are compact and ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. This means you could save a considerable amount of money annually.
Many big box home improvement stores sell water heaters over the counter to anyone who wishes to purchase one. They typically carry one or more brands, and have a variety of price ranges. The benefits of buying from a retailer are that you can easily compare prices & view available stock. In addition, many times the equipment made to be sold at retailers may contain cheaper or less durable parts in order to discount the units.
In many cities, there are supply warehouses owned by either national or local wholesalers that supply equipment to local plumbing companies. Some of these supply houses may be open to the general public, but they will typically only sell parts & equipment like water heaters to licensed plumbers.
At the end of the day, you should choose the option that makes the most sense for you & your home. We never recommend that a homeowner attempt to DIY-install a water heater, especially a gas heater, as there could be a possibility of damaging your home or possessions with a faulty installation. If you need water heater repair or installation in Northwest Arkansas, Southwest Missouri, or the Fort Smith River Valley, give the professional plumbers at Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric a call at 479-751-0195.
No matter what you decide, keep in mind that heating water takes a lot of energy. In fact, the average household spends some $400 to $600 per year on heating water. Put another way: nearly 20 percent of your total energy bill goes down the drain in the form of hot water.
So keeping energy efficiency top of mind while you shop is a good idea, and will probably save you money in the long haul. Plus, the most energy-efficient water heaters may be eligible for a federal tax credit.
Hybrid heat pump water heaters take warmth from the ambient air and use it to heat water inside a storage tank. Hybrids feature supplemental electrical heating to handle periods of high demand.
Cons: These types of water heaters have special requirements. They need lots of unobstructed space around them so they can work efficiently, and they can only be installed in climates where the yearly temperature range stays between 40 to 90 degrees. However, some models include switchable modes, meaning you can shift to a standard, all-electric heating mode if temps are too low.
Solar water heaters qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent of the installation costs in 2016. To qualify, your hot water heating system must generate at least half its heat from the sun.
Determining your water heater needs to be can get a bit tricky, and professional installers use mathematical formulas that depend on the type of water heater, the size of your household, and an estimate of your daily usage.
Every year for the last several years the feds have decided to let certain energy tax credits expire, only to rescue some at the last minute. This year is no different, and the tax credit that applies to non-solar water heaters is set to expire at the end of 2016.
The number of home improvement stores and online retailers out there give homeowners a wide range of water heater systems to choose from and compare. Advertised discounts and low prices seem like this route helps you save on your water heater installation project, but is the low price worth it?
Ensuring the right selection when buying a new water heater depends on specialized knowledge, which average homeowners do not have themselves. Well, neither do retail employees, in most cases. Retail employees typically do not have the detailed knowledge of plumbing systems and water heating equipment that a licensed plumber does, so you have no professional to consult when making your choice. Usually, the only information you have to go off is the product details printed on the display or online.
Because retail employees rarely have professional plumbing experience, they also are not knowledgeable regarding the process involved to install a new water heater bought from the store. Homes may require additional work beyond hooking up the new unit to facilitate proper use, such as plumbing system upgrades, rerouting plumbing or gas pipes, and more. Such work is often necessary when buying a new water heater to upgrade capacity, switch fuel sources, or go from tank to tankless systems.
Licensed plumbers possess years of industry experience along with dedicated training. A local plumber knows the specifics of the water heater models that are suitable for your home, and is a great resource to consult as you evaluate features and potential energy savings.
Hot water heater installation costs depend on the type of hot water heater getting installed. Tank-style water heaters come in various sizes from 20 gallons to 60 or more gallons. Tank-style water heaters can come as gas-powered, electric, propane-fueled or solar-powered. Tankless water heaters vary by their gallons per minute rate.
Small tank-style water heaters can get installed for as low as $500 while bigger tanks can cost as much as $3,000 installed. A 50-gallon tank water heater can cost around $1,000 installed. Tankless water heaters have similar costs, though a tankless style water heater will cost more than a tank-style water heater, the installation can cost less, however. Gas-powered tankless water heaters can cost more to install than electric-powered units.
Storage tank water heaters are most common and homes and have a distinct tall, cylindrical shape. Tankless water heaters typically come in a rectangular shape and can get installed in several areas. Both types of water heaters can use different fuel sources to run.
Storage tank water heaters can cost around $500 to $800, but costs vary on the size of the tank. Installing a tank-style hot water heater averages between $650 and $2,100.
Tankless water heaters have pros and cons and they have gained popularity as people strive to make their homes energy efficient. Tankless water heaters cost vary depending on the type because you can choose from a whole-house tankless water heater or multiple single point units Also, the type of fuel you use can change the price. Tankless water heaters can cost between $500 to $1,500. The cost to install a tankless water heater is between $1,000 and $3,500.
When choosing electric vs. gas tank-style water heaters, the installation costs can vary slightly. Installing an electric tank-style water heater can range between $800 and $1,500. A gas-powered storage tank water heater can cost between $400 and $800 installed. Installation costs depend on the size of the tank and any additional work needed.
Gas tankless water heater installation typically costs between $900 and $1,500. Electric tankless water heater installation costs between $150 and $1,000. Find the best gas tankless water heater for your home or choose the best electric tankless water heater, depending on your preference.
Tank-style water heaters have either a direct vent or a power vent to push the exhaust from the heater out of the home through a vent flue. If you switch from an electric direct vent tank-style water heater to a direct vent gas model, it usually costs between $500 and $1,000 to install the vent pipe.
Labor costs to install a hot water heater will depend on the length of time it takes, along with other considerations. Switching from one type of water heater to another will have more costs than replacing one with the same kind. Any electrical work or additional plumbing work can add to the installation costs.
A local plumber can typically install gas or electric water heaters and charge between $45 and $150 an hour. If you need additional electrical work, like a new outlet, circuit or wiring, a local electrician can charge $50 to $100 an hour.
Opinions vary on whether you should buy a water heater from a plumber or from a retailer. You might find better prices at a retailer, but it puts the onus on you to find the best water heater for your home by doing thorough research. A plumber can provide expertise and help you find the right water heater for your home.
Water heaters can fail if they spring a leak, which can happen if corrosion occurs. Most water heaters will leak around the drain pipe, T&P relief valve or the drain return. Heating elements can also fail over time, potentially leading to a replacement hot water heater
A 40-gallon water heater unit can cost from $400 to $7,000 and installation can cost $1,000 on average, bringing the project total to between $1,400 and $8,000. Costs can rise depending on the amount of labor needed, whether any additional water or gas lines are needed or extra plumbing or electric work.
*Ace Rewards members spending $50 or more are eligible to receive free Next Day delivery on in-stock orders. Orders must be placed on days the store is open, before 4pm local time or 2 hours before store closing time, whichever is earlier.
With higher BTU ratings than other fuels on the market, propane water heaters add efficiency and reliability to the comfort of your home. Our propane hot water tank selection includes top brands with plenty of size and BTU options for your home. 041b061a72