What Home Owners Should Know About Hot Water Heater Cost

When purchasing a water heater, the primary factor most home owners consider is price. However, the selection of a water heater must take into consideration other factors as well. Home owners in the Austin area must also consider potential cost savings through the replacement of tank-style with a tankless system, qualifying for local rebates and/or tax incentives, installation costs, and knowledge of local regulatory guidelines.

Energy savings resulting from a less expensive hot water heater will be short-lived if the installation process fails to meet local regulations or if the system itself is not energy-efficient. Complicating matters further, most people may not know the local requirements for a hot water heater and may not understand energy usage ratings in order to purchase the most cost-effective system. As mildly technical topics, these issues require the help of a qualified plumber who specializes in hot water heater installation to ensure a successful outcome.

Consulting with a plumbing professional is key to finding the right model for a particular installation site, learning what will be necessary to comply with applicable regulations, and what models provide the most efficient energy use. Good plumbers with experience in the installation of gas- and electric-powered hot water heaters are an invaluable resource of advice and knowledge.

This guide covers all the aspects involved in selecting and installing a hot water heater in Austin, Texas so that home owners should be able to make the most informed decision when it comes to the purchase and installation of a hot water system. We will go over current regulations, tax incentives, energy savings, upgrading from an old tank-style to a tankless system, and repair costs.

Current Regulations in Austin, Texas

The City of Austin enforces a plumbing code that requires prior approval for the installation of a hot water heater. This is to ensure that the system and applicable plumbing conforms to specific requirements. Failure to comply can lead to costly fines, and in certain cases, removal of the newly-installed system. The approval process is relatively straightforward, but does require the compilation of specific paperwork, which a qualified plumbing professional can handle.

Tax Incentives

Tax incentives are available to home owners in Austin who choose to install an Energy Star–rated water heater. These may involve rebates, tax credits, or both, and are issued on a sliding scale, depending on the energy efficiency of the selected model. A qualified plumber can inform customers about the amounts and types of incentives potentially available when selecting a small electric or gas-powered hot water heater.

Energy Savings of a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless system is becoming more and more common in Austin homes. One such system, a gas-powered tankless heater, can deliver an estimated annual savings of up to 30% when compared to a tank-style. This is because tankless heaters heat water only when it is needed and are rated to deliver a specific maximum of BTU's per hour. Tankless hot water heaters can be powered either by gas or electricity but the highest rate of savings is realized with a gas-powered system.

Upgrading a Tank-Style to a Tankless System

Upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless system can provide substantial energy savings but the purchase and installation is a more complicated process than a standard tank-style hot water heater. This is commonly because of the additional regulation requirements to be met and because the home's existing gas or electric piping, or both, may need to be upgraded in order to effectively power the system. Experienced professional plumbers, such as those at Abacus Residential & Commercial Plumbers, can assess the home's hot water and piping system prior to purchase and upgrade as necessary to ensure a successful and likely longer-term installation of a tankless system.

Repair Costs For Hot Water Heaters

When a water heater needs repairs, the condition of the system, as well as the difficulty of access for repair parts or personnel will determine the cost. In most cases, a qualified professional plumber can source repair parts quickly and provide a fair estimate of time and cost. In addition, Abacus Residential & Commercial Plumbers offer service and maintenance packages that can extend the life of existing hot water heaters.

Hot Water Heater Cost

Tankless System

Austin