Top 5 Things to Consider When Calculating the Cost of a Hot Water Heater

Are you searching for a new hot water heater in Austin, Texas 78613? Homeowners in need of an upgrade should be aware of the the top five factors to consider when it comes to the cost of a hot water heater.

Whether you have an electric, gas, tankless or heat pump hot water heater, the cost of purchasing and installing a replacement will depend on the type of water heater you choose, as well as the size, special elements and the cost of labor. If you're wanting to make an informed decision when replacing your hot water heater, relieve some of the stress by considering the following:

1. Type of Hot Water Heater

The total cost of replacing a hot water heater is largely based on the type of system you're wanting to install. The second most expensive and popular option is a gas model — this variation of hot water heater comes with an initial installation cost that's about 10 percent more than that of an electric water heater. But don't let the cost deter you. Not only do gas models heat water faster than electric models, but these water heaters can be up to 30 percent more energy efficient.

The most costly type of hot water heater is a tankless option. This sleek tankless variant supplies a continuous flow of hot water on demand. These systems can be up to 34 percent more energy efficient compared to traditional models — but due to the greater complexity of installation when compared to traditional models, the cost of rinstallationcan be far higher.

2. Size of Hot Water Heater

The size of a hot water heater goes hand in hand with the capacity of the system — when it comes to calculating the cost of an electric hot water heater, size matters. Generally speaking, capacity is measured in terms of gallons, and provides insight into the amount of water the hot water heater can store and heat at any one time. This is incredibly important for hot water heater selection if the size of the family — ie. the amount of household members — is greater than four individuals.

Smaller models can be beneficial when fewer household members are present, due to their lower cost. Conversely, larger models are favoured for families of four or more people — as the hot water needs of the household increases so does the cost.

3. Special Requirements/Design

Many hot water heater systems require a specialized design for installation, such as a heat pump hot water heater. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another — rather than burning fuel like their gas and electric counterparts — and tend to be more efficient than other systems.  But because of their complexity, you'll inevitably be paying more for a heat pump hot water heater than a standard gas model.

Beyond the type and size of a hot water heater, other special design elements that can increase the cost of installation include insulation, anti-corrosive linings, tank warranties, and of course, the complexity of the system's design. To best understand the additional costs, take some time to investigate the various features available with each type of hot water heater.

4. Labor Costs

The average cost to install a hot water heater ranges from $500 to $900 based on the amount of labor required. Many factors, such as local codes and the type and size of hot water heater purchased, can have an effect on the overall labor cost.

On one hand, tankless hot water heaters are known for their efficiency and space-saving design — but complications such as complex networks and added components can make these systems more expensive to install. On the other hand, a traditional electric or gas hot water heater system may come with a lower installation cost, as the process involves fewer components and requires far less labor.

5. Professional Services

While it may be tempting to install your hot water heater yourself, it's important to know the risks that come with tackling this home maintenance project. When attempting to install a hot water heater on your own, it's critical to ensure that the system is secure, correctly hooked up, and most importantly, safe. With an upgrade to a hot water heater, it's beneficial to invest in the expertise of a licensed professional — to guarantee that the installation is completed correctly the first time.

Professionals are available to help select the best hot water heater for your needs and offers long-term maintenance services to ensure the longevity of your system. Hiring a professional specialist can be the answer for homeowners looking to properly install their system and save time in the process.

For homeowners in Austin, Texas 78613, seeking the expertise of an experienced professional is easy. Abacus residential and commercial plumbers are experts when it comes to repairing all types of plumbing issues, from gas and electric water heaters, to slab leaks, leaky pipes, and hydro jetting clogged drains. Every Abacus technician is trained to the highest standards and easily equipped to complete the customer's specific needs.

So if you're looking for advice on the installation of a hot water heater that's tailored to your home and family's needs, seeking the services of a professional can save you both time and money in the long run.

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