Your water heater is made to last a very long time, but you have to maintain and service it on a regular basis to ensure that all issues are fixed quickly and efficiently. Most hot water heaters can easily last between 10 to 12 years, but it varies depending on how it’s installed and also how old it is when you first start using it.
Some common issues for hot water tanks include pressure problems, weird noises and potentially even a lack of modern features that frustrates you. These are all valid reasons to replace your hot water tank but it may be worth calling in an expert or a hot water heater repair service to see if they can diagnose the problem first. However, if you know that your hot water tank is over a decade old and you want a replacement regardless, then there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind.
What to Watch Out For:
Type of Hot Water Tank Replacement
There are actually two main types of water heaters: tankless and traditional. While neither of them is superior, they do both have pros and cons that are important to keep in mind. To summarize them, tankless water heaters typically save you a lot of money over time and have longer lifespans. They also don’t consume as much space meaning they’re smaller and you won’t need to wait for the water to heat up. On the other hand, a traditional water heater has lower initial costs and they’re simple which means that there’s a much higher chance of fixing it if something should go wrong.
Hot Water Tank Sizes
This generally won’t apply if you’re thinking of getting a tankless system, but for those who would still prefer the initial savings an simplicity of a traditional water tank, it’s vital that you consider how large you need your water tank to be. In most cases, having a large tank that can fit the area you plan to place it in is fine, but there may also be situations where the space available to install your water tank is much smaller than you’d think. This needs to include getting the tank into position and attaching all the relevant fittings. Large tanks are also more expensive but often necessary for larger families or even businesses that use a lot of hot water, so while they might seem a little unnecessary, they’re designed for specific situations.
Removing Your Old Hot Water Tank
One thing you should think about is how to get rid of your old water heater. For instance, home people may consider a service with their contractor to help them get rid of an existing water heater, but this could cost a little extra and that price should be taken into consideration. Another thing to keep in mind is the date that you plan to replace your water heater because you won’t get access to hot water for the duration that the installation takes place.
Hot Water Tank Installation Speed
Unless you’re in need of an emergency hot water heater replacement you probably don’t need your new hot water tank to be installed so soon. This can change, however, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if you’re planning to move into a new building soon then having a hot water tank installed as quickly as possible will help you set up your office or business quickly. If you’re not in a rush then you may be able to make some extra savings by having a flexible schedule for the installation period.
Hot Water Tank Replacement Cost
When seeking a hot water tank replacement it’s vital that you think about how much it’s going to cost. This is where seeking a quote can come in handy but do remember that not every business will offer the same types of service. As a result, you’ll want to try and speak to them about extra services they offer, hidden fees that might be unclear or not listed and other extra costs that could throw you off the quoted price. This is a great way to compare against other contractors to see which one is the best in terms of both price and the services offered.