Having a functional water heater is one of the conveniences that make your life easy and more comfortable. Over time, your unit may produce rusty water, start leaking, or fail to operate efficiently. If you need a new water heater installation in Eagle, ID, you might be wondering what to consider before committing to a new installation.
Read on to find out more about the essential factors to have in mind for a stress-free experience.
5 Factors To Consider Before Installing a New Water Heater
It’s time to replace your water heater if your current heater is more than 12 years old, if you have contaminated water due to a corroded tank, or if your current heater doesn’t meet your household needs.
1.  Decide on the Type of Water Heater You Need
There are different types of water heaters depending on your budget and preferences. They include:
- Tankless Water Heaters: A tankless water heater takes up less space and is more affordable to run in the long term. You not only get a durable heater, but you also save on energy costs. However, installation costs are initially higher.
- Traditional Tank Heaters: Tank heaters are ideal for a large family as they have a large reservoir to store hot water. These heaters are affordable to purchase, but may end up costing you more in energy bills in the long run.
- Solar Heaters: Solar heaters are ideal for families looking to save money on energy costs, but can have higher initial costs and installation requirements.
2.  Determine the Right Size of Water Heater for Your Household
It’s vital to choose a water heater that meets your household hot water needs. Water heater manufacturers list the various sizes available for you to compare and find the appropriate sizes. If you are not sure, consult with a professional who can help you determine what would be best, depending on the size of your house and your family.
3.  Find Out the Cost of Installation
The cost of installation is something you should find out before purchasing a new water heater. These costs may vary, especially if you had a specific type of heater in the past, and now need to change to a different one. Don’t forget to consider the cost of removing or upgrading any old pipes and preparing the area for new installation. The costs will also depend on the size of the water heater being installed. Find out how much plumbing companies charge and settle for one within your budget. Remember to work with a trained plumber with a valid license for your heater installation.
4.  The Fuel Type and Availability
Water heaters commonly use gas and electricity for fuel. However, there are some heaters powered by solar and propane. Check the fuel availability and costs in Eagle ID or your local area when selecting a water heater. It may be best to get a heater with the same type of fuel that you were using to make the transition easier. Sometimes you may opt for a more energy-efficient fuel type to save costs in the long run.
5.  Consider Energy Efficiency
Saving on energy costs is one of the reasons you may be choosing to replace your old water heater in the first place. Fortunately, there are many modern models on the market that are energy efficient and can save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills every year.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right water heater boils down to your budget, your household needs, and how much you’re looking to save on energy costs. There can be a lot of information to sort through, so don’t be afraid to ready out to a professional with experience in water heater installation to make sure it’s done properly the first time and to guarantee your safety.
