There’s nothing worse than turning on a sink faucet or shower and realizing that your water simply isn’t getting hot. When your home’s water heater is on the fritz, or if it seems to have failed completely, you’ll need to find a new one as soon as possible to ensure not just your comfort but your overall health. If your system is old, you could look into a replacement before failure occurs as part of your spring home maintenance.
Either way, though, you’ll need to know what to look for. Here are a few basics to get you started:
Understand Capacity
Before you undertake a water heater repair or replacement, you should find out what’s wrong and consider the age of your equipment. The need for major fixes on an old system means replacement is probably your best bet.
Next, you need to calculate appliance capacity, which depends on a few key factors. Consider the number of people in your home, daily demand, flow rate, and tub volume. An experienced plumber can help you perform these calculations, select the right equipment, and complete your new water heater installation.
Double Check Fuel Type
It’s vital that you choose a water heater that matches your fuel type, or your new appliance will not be able to be installed. Most water heaters operate via natural gas or electricity (or both), while others use propane or run on solar power. You can convert your system before updating your water heater, but that could be a significant expense.
Consider Modern, Tankless Options
If you’re keen to save space and shrink your carbon footprint, it might be time to consider options for new water heaters, such as tankless technology. Your plumber can answer your questions about how these two systems differ and which is right for your home and your needs.
Tankless water heaters typically involve higher upfront costs, but they deliver hot water on demand and offer long-term savings on utility bills and equipment replacement, given that they generally have longer lifespans.
Look for Energy Efficiency
Many modern consumers are interested in buying energy-efficient products, especially when it comes to major home appliances. There are plenty of options for efficient water heaters.
When purchasing a traditional water heater, look for the Energy Star label and ratings. You can also consider options like tankless heaters that help conserve energy and water. Don’t forget advances like solar-powered equipment, either; it will help offset your carbon emissions.
Choose an Experienced Professional to Install Your Water Heater
When you hire a trusted plumber for water heater replacement, you’ll get reliable service from a certified professional, as well as transparency concerning pricing, guarantees, and legal requirements. Choosing your plumber for installation ensures peace of mind.
If your old water heater is starting to suffer part failures and escalating repair costs, or if it has completely died, leaving you without hot water, the experienced professionals at Baethke Plumbing can help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
