What are some of the most important things to know about water heater installation?

If you’ve read the information in this blog so far, you probably understand that the type of water heater you choose will have a significant impact on the cost of your next home improvement project. While you may have already narrowed down your selection to a few types to consider, you may not know enough about each option to make an informed decision. The good news is that there are plenty of resources to help you learn more about each type. In this blog post, we will explore some important info on water heaters that every homeowner should know before purchasing one and before beginning the installation process. Once you’re familiar with these important facts about water heaters, you’ll be ready to select the best one for your home.

Determining the Right Size

First things first, you will need to make sure that your home’s water heater is sized correctly. While it may be tempting to buy a large water heater, it may also be necessary to purchase a larger model depending on the size of your home and the number of people that live there. In general, a water heater should be sized between 10 and 15 gallons. If your home is very small, you may only need a 7-gallon water heater.If you live in a large home with lots of rooms and people, it would be best to go with a larger water heater.

Hot vs. Cold Only

Next, you will want to determine whether you want a hot water heater or a cold water heater. There are many benefits to having a hot water heater as opposed to a cold water heater, which is why many people select the former.Hot water is great for showering, washing clothes, and cleaning your dishes. It is also convenient to have hot water at your fingertips when you need it. However, a hot water heater can take up more space than a cold water heater, and it can also cost more to operate.Depending on the size of your home, it may be more cost-effective to have a cold water heater installed.

Efficiency Rating

Next, you will want to determine the efficiency rating of your water heater. The efficiency rating is a number that is used to measure how much energy is used by the water heater. Water heaters with a high efficiency rating use very little energy and can save you money on your monthly bills.When choosing a water heater, you may want to select one with an efficiency rating of 80 or 90. The higher the efficiency rating, the more money you can save on your monthly bills.

Time Between Fill-Ups

If you plan on having a hot water tank installed, you will also want to make sure you select a model that has a long enough time between fill-ups. The longer the time between fill-ups, the less often you will need to run the water out of the tank. This can help to reduce the amount of time you spend watering your garden, and it can also reduce your overall water bill.The average time between fill-ups for a typical water heater is between 60 and 90 days. If you are in an area with hard water, you may want to consider a water softener with a shorter time between fill-ups.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of things to know about water heaters. Depending on the size and features of your home, you may want to choose a gas, electric, or solar-powered water heater. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, you will need to install the water heater in your home. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is a necessary part of any home improvement project. With the right information and a little bit of planning, you can make the most of your home improvement project and enjoy the new space for years to come.

Frequently Asked Question

​Can I install a hot water heater myself?
While you technically can install a hot water heater yourself as a homeowner, the likelihood that this is a good or safe idea is very slim. Trust the professionals with your hot water heater installation to make sure it's done correctly. You wouldn't want to cause yourself or your family any harm.
​Why is installing a water heater so expensive?
The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For a new tankless water heater, new electric wiring will need to be installed.
​What is done when replacing a hot water heater?
Turn off all water supplies in the house. Turn on all the hot water faucets in the house in order to drain what is left in the existing hot water heater. Then, disconnect the water line that connects the water heater to the rest of the house. There is often a connection on a hose that you can simply unscrew.
​What is the average cost for a 50 gallon water he
These heaters can be fueled by electricity, gas, or liquid propane and installed in many areas of your home. The national average cost to replace a 50-gallon water heater is $1,100 to $2,800, with most people paying around $1,800 for a direct replacement of a 50-gallon gas hot water heater using the same model.
When is the best time for a new water heater?
  • Your older water heater is getting up there in age
  • It's making strange noises
  • You're getting rusty water out of the tap
  • Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to
  • There are water puddles around the unit
Should I set my water heater to very hot?
120 degrees Fahrenheit is the safety recommendation against scalding, but 140° is the common default setting. Most experts agree that anything below 120 degrees creates a risk for bacteria to develop inside your water heater from stagnant water, such as legionella that causes Legionnaire's disease.
Does turning up the temp. make hot water last long
Turn up the thermostat on the hot water heater. One of the easiest ways to make a hot shower last longer is by using less hot water while it's at a higher temperature. To do this, turn up the temperature on the thermostat that's attached to the hot water heater tank. (Not the thermostat on the wall.)
What shortens the life of a water heater?
Sediment buildup shortens the life of your water heater and adds to your energy bill by reducing its efficiency. Draining two or three gallons of water is usually enough to flush out sediments, but always let the water flow until you no longer see particles in the bucket. Regular water heater maintenance will always extend its lifespan.
Why does my hot water last 10 minutes?
  • You're overusing hot water.
  • The water heater tank size is too small for your household.
  • Your hot water heater is tankless.
  • Sediment or minerals have built up in your water heating system.
Does a water softener reduce the life of a water h
Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.