Looking to Replace Your Water Heater? Avoid These 3 Mistakes

Although most water heaters are built to last, they eventually reach the end of their lifespan. You may need a replacement if you start to notice unusual problems with your unit.

However, water heaters are a bit more complex than some simple home appliances. You need to take your time before you decide on purchasing a particular unit. The many considerations involved can make things difficult, and understandably so.

To get the most out of your new investment, you should avoid these three costly mistakes that most homeowners make when buying a replacement water heater.

1. Disregarding Energy Efficiency Ratings

For water heater units, the higher the energy efficiency rating, the higher the price tag. Some homeowners may be turned off by the cost and opt for a cheaper and less energy-efficient unit. However, this option only saves you a few dollars compared to running costs that add up in the long haul.

A water heater alone can make up about 18 percent of your overall energy consumption. You can expect your utility bills to skyrocket if you bring in a less efficient water heater. Conversely, a high energy-efficient unit can drastically lower your average monthly energy consumption. In addition, modern tankless units only heat water when you need them to, hence an overall reduction in the energy wasted.

A combination of these two features can save you a lot in monthly utility bills. You should avoid cheaper alternatives with lower energy efficiency if you want a good bang for your buck.

2. Sticking With the Wrong Size

A wrong-sized water heater system is another costly mistake that can waste a lot of your time and resources. What most people don't remember is that any water heater design should meet a specific set of conditions. These requirements are based on key factors, including a home's plumbing infrastructure and size.

You might consider a low-capacity unit due to its smaller size, but that only opens you up to unexpected problems in the future. If you go for a unit that's too small for your home, you can expect a rather sub-par performance - not to mention the added repair and maintenance costs in the long run. Still, you could run out of hot water frequently, which can be a major inconvenience.

Similarly, a larger-sized unit could lower your system's economic efficiency due to the higher energy bills. A larger tank may heat more water than you need to run your home.

Remember that the right tank size depends on your household's hot water demand and the number of people in your home. You may need to consult with an experienced professional to understand what tank size can meet your needs.

3. Making the Installation a DIY Project

If you have no professional experience with water heaters, you might unknowingly worsen things if you decide to take on the installation yourself. As mentioned earlier, water heater systems are quite complex. As such, these systems require a great deal of expertise to handle. Improper setup and installation could be downright disastrous, not to mention the time and money that may go to waste.

For example, if you set up a pressure release valve incorrectly, your water heart heater could explode and harm anyone nearby. Similarly, you may install the wrong drain pan that may not effectively protect your home against water damage. The resulting repair costs can be overwhelming, especially if you're caught off-guard.

Another mistake is assuming that your new replacement water heater can work in the exact location as the previous one. However, some modern units may be wider due to the additional insulation they pack. The old location may not exactly fit your new unit, especially if you never thought to check before buying. Contact a licensed plumbing technician to avoid such serious DIY mistakes.

A water heater replacement doesn't have to be a nightmare. If you need help with installation or repairs, reach out to Mike's Plumbingtoday.