Installing a new water heater in your home can be a little complicated, especially if you are changing from one type to another. Modern water heaters offer many benefits that could significantly change the energy use and the efficiency of the water heater.

Selecting The Water Heater

If you are replacing a faulty water heater, you may want to get a new one to provide the same capacity, especially if it is working in your home. You can replace the existing water heater with an identical unit, and your plumber can get a new unit and install it for you without having to change much in your home. 

The inlets and outlets for the water may need to be adjusted if they do not line up exactly, but even if they need to change a few fittings to make it fit, replacement water heaters can typically be installed in a few hours by a professional plumber. If the water heater is not easy to access, like in some modular homes where it is hidden in a closet, it can be more challenging to work with because of the space around it. 

Changing Water Heater Types

If you are interested in upgrading your water heater to gas from electricity, you need to first check to ensure that gas is available in your area. If you already have a gas line in the house for a stove or dryer, the gas company can come and add a line for your new gas water heater once the plumber has installed it.

The line can be put in before the water heater, but it can be difficult if you are not sure where the water heater will sit. It can also add some cost to the job because the gas company technician will have to come out several times to do the work. 

If you are considering changing to gas, talk with the plumber that you are working with about the new water heater to get one that will provide as much hot water as the old one did or more if possible. 

Alternate Water Heaters

There are some alternatives like tankless water heaters that you may want to look at as well. These water heaters work on demand so that they are not running unless you need hot water and will shut off when you stop using the water. 

Often these work well in small homes and can save you a significant amount of money because the water heater is not running when you do not need hot water. The plumber can explain this system if it is something you want to consider for your home.

Contact a local plumber if you have questions about water heaters.