Protect Your Water Heater With A Home Warranty
You now understand the answer to how much does a water heater cost?but what happens when yours breaks down? Water heaters are a necessity, so its important to ensure that your budget is protected when they malfunction due to normal wear and tear. Protect your home systemslike plumbing and electricaland appliances by investing in a home warrantyplan***. American Home Shield gives you peace of mind that your home and your budget are protected.
Compare AHS home warranty plansto see which plan works best for your household.
Before You Buy A Water Heater Know The Total Cost
Water heater prices are clear enough youll see them as you shop around, but they dont tell the full story. Before you buy a water heater, make sure you know the total cost.
That means youll need to consider the purchase price, the cost of installation, and the annual operating cost for the units youre considering. A $300 electric water heater may look like the cheapest option at first glance.
But once you consider that you could spend $317 more on energy costs each year to operate it than a gas water heater, that small initial cost savings wont matter as much.
Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve Replacement Cost
Replacing a water heater pressure relief valve costs $50 to $300 on average. The pressure relief valve, or TPR valve, is a safety feature that releases excess pressure if the water in the tank overheats. Repair a faulty pressure relief valve immediately to prevent an explosion.
Water seeping slowly out of the pressure relief valve may indicate excess sediment buildup in the valve, tank pressure that is too high, or a failing valve.
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Water Heater Replacement Vs Repair
There are a number of factors that can determine the cost. One of the most important issues is whether you get your hot water heater repaired or replaced.
A good rule of thumb is that water heaters life expectancy is 9 years. Without draining, water heaters that receive heavy use may not last quite as long. But 9 years is a good number to keep in mind.
If your water heater is more than 9 years old, and it starts giving you trouble, it will almost certainly be more cost-effective to replace it. Repairing it may be possible, but it could turn out to be just a short-term fix.
Another way of looking at it: If your unit is under seven years old, you will almost always want to repair it. Replacement probably wont be necessary. But if your water heater is over seven years old, thats where things get tricky. While it may be possible to repair it, it may or may not make financial sense to do so.
A skilled plumber will be able to advise you on the best way to get your hot water working again, without breaking the bank. That will be one of the determining factors in the cost of addressing your water heater problem.
The Replacement Cost Of Water Heaters:
If you are replacing the water heater keeping the size and style the same, then you might have to pay around $500 $1000. However, other costs like carpeting fees and permit fees will require an extra $50 -USD 1500.
On the other hand, if you are switching your water heater from one energy source to other types, then costing will go like this:
- Cost of Converting to electrical energy source: $500- $1000
- Converting to gas energy source: $250+
- Converting to expansion tanks : $40-$500
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What About Issues With Gas Heaters
So far, weve primarily focused on water heaters that are powered by electricity. However, gas water heaters can present their own issues and concerns.
When gas heaters have issues, they are usually related to the power source. Specifically, a gas heater may run into issues with any of the following components:
- Gas control valve
Gas water heaters can be a little more difficult to assess than electric water heaters. If your gas heater is not working, you may want to hire a professional plumber. Your plumber will be able to accurately diagnose the underlying issue.
As for the average cost of gas heater assessment, heres a brief rundown.
Water Heater Price Ranges By Type
- Tankless, externally mounted: $4,211.67 to $4,703.04
- Tankless, internally mounted: $3,743,85 to $4,404.52
- Electric water heater: $928.20 to $1,327.86
- Natural gas water heater: $1,020.05 to $1,939.82
- Natural gas, direct vent: $1,488.57 to $2,968.66
- Natural gas, power vent: $2,888.14 to $3,663.53
- Propane water heater: $1,208.99 to $2,046.75
- Propane, direct vent: $2,147.49 to $3,055.08
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Can I Install A Replacement Water Heater Myself
You could, but we wouldnt recommend it. Gas water heaters need to be properly vented and the gas line needs to be hooked up correctly. One mistake could lead to a dangerous situation. If you are converting from an electric water heater to a gas you will need to install a vent and a gas line will need to be run.
Water heater installation is not a do-it-yourself job leave it to the professionals at Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning who will do the job quickly, efficiently, and up to code. A Jacobs consultant will discuss with you the three main factors to determine which water heater will work best for your home and family.
- Space available for the new water heater
- Household water needs
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solar Water Heater And Geyser
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Gas Vs Electric Water Heater Costs
Gas and electrical models are available for both tankless and tank water heaters, each providing homeowners with unique pros and cons.
When purchasing one of these water heaters, you also decide between power venting and direct venting. Power venting uses a fan to push exhaust air out of your home. This option adds around $300$600 to the water heaters price. In addition to this, you will also have an additional $300$500 for more wiring and electrical work. Direct venting, which brings combustion air from outside and exhausts directly outside your home, adds around $500$1,000 to your unit.
Hiring A Tankless Water Heater Installer
Hire a local plumber to install or replace a tankless water heater. Before signing a contract, be sure to:
- Get at least three estimates from licensed plumbers to compare.
- Look for plumbers with experience installing tankless water heaters.
- Check out their reviews and previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau .
- Select companies that are licensed, insured, and bonded.
- Make sure the quote includes removal of the old water heater.
- Get an itemized estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
- Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
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Cost To Replace A Tankless Heat Exchanger
Tankless heat exchanger replacement costs $600 to $700 for labor alone or $1,200 to $1,300 for the part plus labor. Manufacturer warranties cover labor for 1 year and parts for 5 to 12 years, depending on the brand. The heat exchanger transfers heat energy from gas or electricity to water flowing past it.
Benefits Of A Good Quality Water Heater
If you are trying to cut corners by investing in an inexpensive water heater, chances are it will not last you very long and, it may be prone to frequent breakdowns. This is why opting for a premium quality water heater, despite it having a higher cost, is the better option to go for.
- Good quality water heaters can last for an average of 10 to 15 years
- Access to safe and clean water for you and your family
- Minimal repair and maintenance requirements
- Cost-effective in the long run
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Heat Pump Water Heaters Vs Electric
Heat pump water heaters are about $800 more expensive than the cheapest conventional electric water heaters. That begs the question: is it worth the extra money?
Much cheaper operating costs
In addition to looking at the upfront cost of a water heater, its important to look at the annual operating cost. And this is really where hybrid water heaters shine.
Thats because water heaters generally use about 20% of your homes total energy. Considering the typical homeowner spends between $1,500 and $2,500 per year on energy that adds up.
Heat pump water heaters are generally 4x more efficient than conventional electric water heaters. That means the average household will save about $300-400 per year.
In other words a hybrid heat pump will pay itself off in 2 or 3 years. Over 10 years itll save you between $3,000 and $4,000. Not bad.
Longer warranty
As youll see in our review of the best heat pump water heater, most models come with a longer warranty than standard electric water heaters. The warranties are also much longer than the best tankless water heater we reviewed.
For example the base Rheem electric water heaters come with a 6 year warranty. To get a 9 year warranty costs about another $100. The heat pump on the other hand comes with a 10 year warranty.
Better rebates and incentives
As we mentioned above, there are also a lot of rebate opportunities when you buy a hybrid water heater.
Lower carbon footprint
Disposal Of Old Water Heater
Removal and disposal of your old water heater may not be included in your estimate so make sure to ask. If it isnt then you will be responsible for junk pickup to have it hauled away. Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning will take care of the removal and disposal of your old water heater so you dont have to think about it.
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Are Electric Water Heaters Expensive To Run
According to the Department of Energy, the average American household spends between $400 and $600 each year on water heating alone. This cost will vary depending on the electricity rates in your area and your water heating unit’s efficiency.
The amount of energy an electric water heater uses depends on several factors, including:
- type of electric water heater
- set temperature
- the volume of water used per day
The type of electric heater is a particularly important factor when it comes to running costs. Here is a run-down of options available for electric hot water heating systems.
Your Water Heater Has Sprung A Leak
Do you have a leaky water heater? If so, youll likely know it soon. Water will quickly spread out across your garage or utility room.
Leaks tend to happen to units that are old and on their last legs. Most of the time, the issue cannot be repaired. Youll just need to have the unit replaced.
To prevent flooding, you may want to turn off the water supply. And, make sure you call a professional plumbing company ASAP.
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When To Replace Your Water Heater
Start by checking your water heaters warranty for some useful guidelines on how long you should expect it to last and when you should replace it. In general, you might want to start looking into a new model if:
- Your water heater needs frequent repairs
- Your energy bills are unusually high
- The water coming out of the heater is dirty or smelly
- Your water heater is making loud noises
- The water coming from the water heater is not hot enough
- The water coming from the water heater is too hot
- The flow of hot water coming from the water heater is not strong enough
Later in this guide, well provide more in-depth information on troubleshooting common problems and routine maintenance for your water heater.
What Are The Different Types Of Water Heaters
Tank, solar, electric, gas, and tankless are the five types of water heaters. The gas water heater is the most common type of tank-based water heater, which has a faster recovery rate than electric systems but is less energy efficient. Electric water heaters are more energy efficient but cost more in the long run. Solar water heaters are the most expensive option, but they have the potential to be the most efficient. Oil-powered water heaters are commonly found in older homes, while propane and hybrid systems are more common in newer ones.
Electric heat pumps use air or geothermally to extract heat from their surroundings and convert it into hot water for your home. Electric heat pumps are usually only available for bigger houses because of their large space requirements.
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Environmental Impact Of Tankless Water Heaters
In addition to the financial benefits of installing an on-demand water heater, there are positive environmental impacts of upgrading your propertys hot water system to consider.
Tankless water heaters are more efficient than traditional tanked systems, meaning that youll use less fuel to heat your water. This translates to less power generated at power plants from fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil, which helps lower the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants entering the atmosphere.
You can decrease your carbon footprint even further by switching all of your energy use, including your tankless hot water system, from fossil fuel-generated to solar electricity. Installing solar panels on your roof makes it possible to power your electric water heater with free, zero-emissions electricity.
And as solar costs fall across the country, the average homeowner in the U.S. breaks even on their solar investment by year eight. Pairing your home water heating system with locally generated solar electricity is a cost-effective way to heat your home water supply while reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.
Enter your zip code to see solar quotes near you
Cost To Move A Hot Water Heater
Moving a water heater costs $500 to $2,500, depending on the type, fuel source, and the distance moved. The cost to move a water heater includes disconnecting and moving the unit, moving water and gas lines, replacing the exhaust vent, and reconnecting the heater.
Additional expenses may include drywall repairs, installing new plumbing pipes, or running a new gas line.
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Power Vent Vs Direct Vent For Gas Water Heaters Cost:
The newbies might think, why do we need vents for water heaters? Because, when the gas burns through the entire process of water heating, harmful gases are eliminated. Such as, carbon monoxide, which we know is highly health hazarding! So, these ventilators help to vent away that from your house. And, they come in two forms.
Power venting is way costly than direct venting, as it adds up to $500 on the water heaters cost. Plus, it needs to be connected with wiring and electrical, which will add more $500 to the cost. The power venting system uses a powered fan that eliminates the unhealthy air out from the home.
Whereas, direct vent does not add direct cost to your unit. However, if you are switching your water heater from electrical to gas, then it will add cost around $500-$700. Direct venting works when the hot air directly passes from your venting window.
What Is The Average Cost Of An Electric Hot Water Heater
Depending on the type of electric hot water heater, the unit’s average cost ranges from $300 to $700, with added installation costs between $700 and $1,000.
This means that you can expect to pay a total of between $1,000 and $1,700 depending on the size of the system and the type of water heater you choose.
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Unit Costs: How Pros Price
Unlike other websites that publish pricing from unrelated jobs in the past, Homewyse creates up-to-date estimates from current Unit Costs. The Unit Cost method delivers high accuracy by using location, details and options for the unique requirements of each job. Contracting, trade, design and maintenance businesses rely on the Unit Cost method for transparency, accuracy and fair profits.
Questions To Ask Plumbers
- Which part of my water heater is malfunctioning?
- Should I repair the water heater or replace it instead, and why?
- How much longer will the water heater last after repairs, and what can I do to make it last longer?
- How long will the repairs take?
- What additional costs should I expect?
- Does a warranty cover the new parts?
- Do you provide a warranty on the repairs?
- What does your water heater tune-up service include?
Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted water heater repair services:
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Tanked Water Heaters Cost:
Unlike tankless water heaters, the tanked ones are priced according to gallons. The higher the gallon, the more price eventually. However, just to save money, you should not buy the wrong size of the tanked water heater. Starting from purchase to installation, tanked water heaters are way cheaper than tankless ones.
Let us look at the overview of these ones as well:
- Cost : $600- $2000 USD
- Installation time: up to 3 hours
- Life span: up to 12 years
- Energy: gas, propane, electric, solar
*Excluding the installation cost, let us look at the estimate of individual cost of tanked water heaters according to gallons:
30 gallons- $200- $900 USD
40 gallons- $300- $1600 USD
50 gallons- $400 $2200 USD
75 gallons- $900 $3000 USD
90 gallons- $1000 $3000 USD
An average-sized family of 4 people requires 40 gallons of the water tank at maximum. So, if you have enough space inside the bathroom and time to maintain the tank, then get ready to save money on a water heater.
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