If you want to keep the water warm and avoid emergency maintenance this winter, you should schedule a new water heater installation before your current one gives out. First, that requires purchasing a new water heater. With a range of options to choose from, it’s important to know what you should consider when looking at a replacement.

Guide to Water Heater Replacement For Your Needs

1. Consider Fuel Options

The monthly cost of using a water heater will depend on what type of fuel it requires. There are six main options to consider: natural gas, solar, geothermal, oil, electricity or propane. You can replace the old unit with one that uses the same fuel to simplify the water heater installation process. 

2. Keep Capacity in Mind

When your warm shower suddenly goes cold, it’s easy to get frustrated. This happens when the water heater tank has reached capacity. If this happens often, it’s time for a new, bigger water heater to make use of the benefits of more modern technology and a larger tank.

To decide on an appropriate capacity the U.S. Department of Energy recommends adding up the flow rate of all the appliances in your home that require hot water like the dishwasher, clothes washer and shower. Buy a water heater that’s slightly under total number as it’s unlikely you’ll ever run every single one of those devices at the same time.

3. Assess Efficiency

One of the best ways to tell if a water heater is efficient is to assess it’s ENERGY STAR® rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They offer an in-depth comparison of energy saving standards, the expected lifetime of devices and their major advantages. According to their calculations, after water heater installation, a solar machine with an electric back-up offers a savings of up to $2,200 over the lifetime of the product, which could be as long as 20 years with proper maintenance.

Homeowners in need of water heater installation help should contact Plumb-Rite Plumbing in Flathead County, MT. The experienced team offers superior service for everything from repairing toilets to inspecting potential clogs and providing 24/7 emergency service. Call (406) 257-7795 or visit the website for information on their competitive pricing and short waiting times to get your new water heater installed and ready to go.