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What To Consider Before Scheduling A Water Heater Replacement | Conway, SC
In a perfect world, your water heater will last forever. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world, and the time will come when the water heater must be replaced. The average lifespan of a tank water heater is between eight and 12 years. When the unit nears the end of its lifespan, it won’t function as efficiently as possible, affecting the water temperature. Also, sediment forms in the tank over time, affecting the hot water pressure and the water quality and could crack the tank, causing a flood.
When the unit nears the end of its lifespan, and you’re planning a water heater replacement, there are several things to consider to ensure you get the most out of your new water heater.
#1 The Type of Unit
Before a water heater replacement in Conway, SC, you must decide which unit to install. There are two types of water heaters, traditional tank models and tankless units, and each has its own benefits.
Traditional tank water heaters are most commonly used in homes today. The water that comes into your home fills the unit, where it’s heated and stored, so you always have hot water when needed.
Tank water heaters are the cheapest to purchase and install and are the best option if you don’t have much money to put towards the new water heater.
There are some downsides to tank water heaters, including:
- The unit must run several times daily to keep the water in the tank hot, which consumes a lot of energy.
- They are large and take up a lot of space.
- Sediment can form in the tank, affecting the hot water pressure and contaminating the water.
- They store 40+ gallons of water, depending on the tank size. If the tank cracks, the contents of the tank will flood your home, resulting in significant water damage and mold growth.
- They require yearly maintenance.
- If you deplete the hot water supply, you’ll need to wait an hour or more for the water to heat up.
Tankless water heaters don’t store water for future use. Instead, the heating element turns on only when you turn on the hot water. There are several benefits of tankless water heaters that you can’t get from a tank unit, and it’s best to understand the benefits before a water heater replacement in Conway, SC.
- The unit only kicks on when the hot water runs, consuming less energy, and you’ll save money on your energy bills.
- Tankless models can last up to 20 years. It costs more to install a tankless model, but you’ll only have to replace it once in 20 years, while a tankless model will have to be replaced twice during that time, making up for the initial installation cost.
- Tankless models are about the size of a suitcase and can be hung on an interior or exterior wall. If you live in a small house or wish you had more space, a tankless model is the better option.
- Tankless units don’t store water, so you won’t have to worry about it leaking. Some issues can cause water to drip from the unit, but not enough to cause water damage, and you can dry the water with a small towel.
- Tankless models provide hot water on demand, and you won’t have to worry about running out of hot water.
- Tankless models require less maintenance than tank models and should be serviced every five years rather than every year.
Understanding the pros and cons of each before a water heater replacement is essential.
#2 Choosing the Tank Size
If you decide to install a tank water heater, you need to know which size tank to choose before the water heater replacement. If you install a unit that’s too small, you will often run out of hot water. If you select a tank that’s too large, you’ll waste a significant amount of money heating water you’ll never use. If two people live in your home, a 40-gallon tank is enough, and a 50 to 60-gallon tank will be enough for three to five people. If you have a large family and more than five people are living in your home, an 80 to 100-gallon tank is best.
#3 Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an essential consideration before a water heater replacement in Conway, SC, because the more energy efficient the unit is, the less money it will cost to run it.
Tankless models are the most energy-efficient type of water heater on the market. They don’t heat a large tank of water and consume more energy, saving money on your electric bills. The money you save each month will offset the cost of purchasing and installing the unit.
If you don’t have the money for a tankless water heater replacement or prefer to stick with a tank model, you can check the Efficiency Factor, or EF, of the unit you’re considering. For example, if you’re looking at a unit with an EF of .58-.60, it means that 50 to 60 percent of the energy used to heat the water is converted to heat. The higher the EF, the more energy efficient the unit will be, saving you money; therefore, you should check the EF factors on different models before water heater replacement.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach Today
If you’re planning a water heater replacement and need to hire a plumber, look no further than Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach. We’re a full-service plumbing company, members of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association, and are water heater experts.
Our plumbers are professionally trained and have the knowledge, experience, and skill to handle any plumbing job, regardless of its complexity.
When you call for service, one of our plumbers will arrive at your home in a fully stocked truck, allowing them to make most repairs the same day, and a second service call will be unnecessary. They will also arrive at your home on time. If the plumber is late, we’ll pay you $5 for every minute until they arrive. We also provide emergency service, and we’re always here when you need us, despite the day or time.
To schedule an appointment, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach a call or book online at https://benjaminfranklinmb.com/.