5 Considerations for Hot Water Heater Cost and Installation in Austin, Texas (78754)

Installing a new hot water heater should be taken seriously. A new water heater provides hot water supply for showers, laundry, dishwashing, and other household tasks. Calculating the costs is a must before getting a new water heater. What factors should you take into account when planning to buy and install a new hot water heater in Austin, Texas (78754)?

The cost of a water heater will depend on the design type, size, energy source, and installation process. As new Austin, TX property owners look for an ideal water heater set up for their home, here are some major considerations that should be taken into account.

1. Design Type

The design type of water heater is probably the most important decision when selecting a hot water heater and calculating the cost. Water heaters vary in sizes and shapes. Popular water heaters include tanked and tankless, gas and electric, point-of-use, and combination.

Tankless water heaters are the most efficient and thus more suitable for larger households or where power consumption is a critical factor. Tankless water heaters are much more expensive than the traditional tanked water heaters, but save you much more in energy bills in the long run. They are also more compact in size and fit in small spaces.

If you need hot water fast, the point-of-use is a great option. This type of heater is placed near the point of use, such as sinks and washing machines, for quick access to hot water. Combination water heaters are good for households with limited space and are perfect for recycling water.

2. Size

When it comes to water heater size, ask yourself: how much hot water does your household need? This is really important when selecting your water heater.

Running out of hot water quickly is the most common indication that the water heater is too small. Look at your current water heater capacity, the number of people in your household, and the amount of hot water use. Gas and electric tanks are usually available from 20-80 gallons and range in size from 28-60 inches tall. Tankless water heaters are available from 2-15 gallons and may not fit in areas with limited space. Point-of-use water heaters come in various shapes and sizes.

3. Energy Source

Should you use electric or gas to heat your water? Determining the right energy source for your water heater is critical and a big impact on your water heater cost.

Electric water heaters tend to be cheaper up front, but could be more expensive to maintain over time. Gas water heaters are costlier up front, but can help lower your energy bills.

4. Installation Process

The cost of the installation is a major factor when assessing the overall cost of a hot water heater. The installation process will depend on the design type.

Tankless water heaters require specific venting for each unit, which is typically more expensive than tanked water heater installation. Since tankless water heaters are more complicated to install, it's best to hire experienced professionals, who are insured and have specific licensing like Abacus Plumbing.

5. Warranties

Check for the standard manufacturer's warranty, which is usually two to twelve years. But make sure to always read the warranty document for specific coverage details.

Other important factors include energy efficiency rating, hours of service, and tank scrubbing, if necessary.

hot water heater cost

Austin TX plumbing

Abacus plumbers