5 THINGS to CONSIDER WHEN REPLACING YOUR WATER HEATER in AUSTIN, TEXAS (78620)

From early morning showers to handwashing dishes after dinner, having hot water available at all times is essential to your daily routine. However, even the best water heaters have a limited lifespan and sooner or later it becomes necessary to replace them. When that time eventually comes, the replacement process can be daunting due to the sheer number of choices a homeowner has to consider. Austin, Texas based residents in zip code 78620 can make an educated decision on water heater replacement by keeping the following five key considerations at the forefront of their choice:

1. Type of Water Heater

When it comes to water heater replacement, the type of unit you choose is one of the foremost considerations. Whether electric, gas, or tankless, each type of water heater provides unique advantages and identifying the features that work best for your household will make the greatest difference in saving you money in the long run.

A. Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters are often the most economical option for homeowners and involve minimal installation time. They are generally cheaper to buy, quieter to operate, and require no ventilation flue. On the other hand, they tend to be less efficient than other types of water heaters and may need to be replaced more often.

B. Gas Powered Water Heaters

Gas powered water heaters tend to offer a more efficient heating system when compared to electric heaters, allowing them to heat water more quickly. These water heaters are usually cheaper to operate than electric heaters though often more expensive to purchase. Additionally, they can pose a certain potential for hazardous combustion and therefore require proper ventilation and flue systems.

C. Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters provide an efficient heating system by replacing the traditional tank with a highly advanced heating element. This type of water heater tends to be more expensive to purchase than their tanked counterparts, but can also provide users with immediate hot water and saves energy with its efficient design.

2. Water Heater Capacity

Once a homeowner has identified a type of water heater they want to use, their next step should be to identify the capacity of the water heater model they wish to install. A water heater's capacity is determined by the size of its tank, and will influence how quickly it heats and maintains water and how often a homeowner will run out of hot water.

A. Small Capacity

Smaller, low capacity water heaters are ideal for quartered households or small studio apartments that require less hot water on a daily basis. They also tend to have a cheaper upfront cost, and low to medium running costs.

B. Medium Capacity

Medium capacity water heaters are the most suitable for households of two to three people. These units are usually larger, more expensive to buy, and have the ability to provide more hot water throughout the day.

C. Large Capacity

Large capacity water heaters are typically recommended for families of four or more. These units tend to be the most expensive, but can also handle daily demands of hot water and offer a higher efficiency of heating and maintaining hot water for extended periods of time.

3. Water Heater Features

There are several other features to consider when replacing a water heater. Choosing a heater with desired features can often mean investing in an upgraded unit that will cost more but allow for greater convenience and energy efficiency. Some of these features can include:

A. Digital Display

Water heater models that come with a digital display panel will allow the homeowner to conveniently control their temperature settings and increase energy efficiency throughout the lifespan of their unit.

B. Vacation Mode or Sleep Mode

These two modes can be used when homeowners need to save energy while away from the home for vacation or when sleeping. Vacation mode will maintain the temperature at its lowest setting while Sleep Mode will stay at a slightly higher temperature.

C. Built-In Ease of Maintenance

Some water heaters come with convenient self-cleaning features that allow for sanitary operation and maintenance of the unit, thereby saving time and money in the long run.

4. Safety Features

Additionally, when replacing a water heater, safety is a major factor to consider. Make sure that the model you choose comes with safety features such as thermostat cut-off and anti-scalding mechanisms. Also, keep in mind that unit placement and combination valves are incredibly important for proper safety, and should only be installed by a licensed plumber.

5. Certification and Warranty

As a final factor to consider, be sure to look for certification and warranty information when choosing a new water heater. Make sure to look at the label to find out if the new model meets industry safety standards and if the manufacturer provides a warranty for any repair or replacement down the line.

When it comes to water heater replacement, there are many things to consider that will be based on each homeowner's unique needs and preferences. Whether you decide to go with a gas powered, electric, or tankless water heater, considering the capacity, features, safety, and certification/warranty of your desired unit before making your purchase is vital to ensuring both efficiency and satisfaction with your purchase.

Water Heater Replacement

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