Do You Need To Upgrade Your Water Heater? First: A Plumber | Harvey, LA
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There’s nothing better than waking up to a hot shower in the morning, especially during the winter when it’s so cold outside. The thing is, you need a good water heater if you want to wake up to a cozy shower every day. Over time, the water heater in your Harvey, LA, home starts to wear down, losing efficiency and potentially even corroding and leaking with time. If you’re thinking about hiring a plumber to install a new water heater, check out these tips to make sure you need an upgrade.
Age
The thing that leads to the demise of water heaters more than anything else is simply age. The older your water heater gets, the more likely it is to have a problem that a plumber can’t fix. When this eventually happens, the only thing you can do is upgrade to a new water heater that doesn’t have a hole in the tank.
On average, you should expect to get somewhere between 8 and 12 years out of a water heater. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this depends on water hardness, as well as how well you take care of your water heater. If you have a plumber flush your water heater once or twice a year, it may last 15 years or longer.
Because water heaters don’t last very long, it’s important to keep a close eye on yours so you know when it’s time for a replacement. If you start to notice a change in efficiency or any signs of leaking or corrosion from your water heater, make sure you call a plumber to inspect your water heater and replace it if necessary.
Capacity
One of the best reasons for replacing your water heater is to find something that can accommodate your home. There’s nothing worse than having a small water heater that runs dry every morning when each family member takes their shower. The truth is, it’s almost impossible to avoid running out of hot water without an upgrade.
There are several larger tank-style water heaters on the market, which give you more hot water to work with. However, your family may still be able to use all that hot water easily, which is why some people choose tankless models. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, providing a certain number of gallons per minute of hot water. As long as you find a tankless water heater that provides enough GPM for your needs, you can count on having hot water every time you turn a faucet or showerhead on.
Efficiency
The fact of the matter is, old appliances and fixtures simply aren’t as efficient as the newer ones are. If you find yourself spending a fortune on hot water every month, it could be time to have a plumber upgrade your water heater to something more efficient. Running your water heater accounts for a significant amount of your monthly energy bill, so you can cut back quite a bit by upgrading to a more efficient water heater.
If you’re looking for the most efficient water heater, a tankless unit is the way to go. Tankless water heaters are the most efficient style of water heater because they only heat the water you need to use, then deliver it straight to you. A tank-style water heater, on the other hand, has to keep 50 or more gallons of water hot all day long, which wastes a lot of energy. You can find out more about the efficiency of various water heater models by asking a plumber or the water heater manufacturer.
Repair Costs
If your water heater isn’t working right at the moment, it’s important to consider the cost of repairs if you’re thinking about upgrading. While it may not be worth upgrading when you could simply replace a thermostat in your water heater, there’s no point in spending nearly the same amount on repairs as you would have spent on replacing your water heater.
Ultimately, it’s best to have a plumber inspect your water heater for problems and give you an estimate for the fix. You should also get an estimate for replacing your water heater, that way you can compare the cost of repairing vs. replacing to make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can simply ask a plumber if it’s worth repairing your water heater or if you should upgrade.
Switching Energy Sources
Another good reason to upgrade to a new water heater is to switch from one source of energy to another. There are a few different types of water heaters, including electric, liquid propane and natural gas models. Choosing the right type of water heater for your needs is important, so it may be a good idea to upgrade if you’re not happy with what you have.
For some people, the efficiency of gas trumps everything else. For others, the hassle of paying a gas bill for one appliance or the risk of having gas lines in a home is too much. Ultimately, a plumber can help you decide what kind of water heater is best for your home and get it installed. If you want to change from electric to gas or vice versa, you have no choice but to buy a new water heater.
Get Some Help
Making sure you have hot water in your Harvey, LA, home can take some work, but it’s well worth what you get out of it. Plus, a good water heater will last you 8 to 12 years, so you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing your new water heater for another decade. Even better, bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of New Orleans can help you choose the right water heater and get it installed in no time at all. Thanks to years of experience, there’s no water heater we can’t install. Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain at (504) 229-4848 to schedule a service appointment today.
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