How to Lower Your Hot Water Heater Installation Costs
When hot water is needed at home or in the business, hot water heater installation may be one of the most costly aspects of installing the heating system. Installing a new hot water heater can be costly depending on the brand, size, and efficiency of the heater. Installation costs range from area to area and business to business, so if you contract out the installation, make certain you get all of the facts about it before committing to one company. For the tank itself, a hot water tank less than an acre in size can cost up to $3,500, while a larger tank less than a mile in length can cost up to ten thousand dollars. There are also other factors, such as the heating efficiency of the unit, which will affect the total installation costs.
If you decide to install hot water heaters on your own, there are a few things you should consider before beginning your project. For one, the plumbing and electrical work should be completed by someone who is familiar with doing plumbing work. Professional installation companies do this for a living and they will know what needs to be done and how. A general contractor may not know anything about plumbing or electricity, so it is always wise to have a person that is skilled in these areas supervise the installation process. This will ensure that the job is done properly the first time and that no mistakes are made later down the road.
Once the plumbing service has been completed, and the electrical work has been completed, your hot water heater installation is complete. If you are replacing an existing hot water heater, you will need to be aware of any appliances or flues that may need to be replaced, as well. All of this will be outlined in your hot water heater installation kit.
It is also important to have any necessary safety measures in place when installing or replacing your hot water heater. First of all, it is important to have a dedicated plumber for hot water heater installation or hot water heater replacement. The reason is that the hot water heater installation can be dangerous, especially if it is located inside of a home. Plumbers that know how to safely install hot water heaters are rare, but if you are choosing a professional service for hot water heater replacement, make sure you find one that is fully licensed and insured.
Another issue to keep in mind, especially if you’re replacing an existing hot water heater, is the potential for leaking. As hot water heaters come with limited water flow capabilities, leaks can occur from nowhere and sometimes are not noticeable until the unit has already begun to leak. To prevent serious damage to your home and to make sure there are no leaks, installing an exhaust fan at the point where the old water heater came into contact with the floor may be a good idea. If you’re installing a new hot water heater, it’s a good idea to go with an installation that comes with exhaust fans.
Now that you have your tools ready, and your contractor is on standby, you’re ready to get started on your hot water tank installation. When installing a gas water heater, make sure the pilot light is on. This is important because it lets you know when the hot water tank is ready to be filled with hot water. If the pilot light is off or doesn’t turn on, you need to go ahead and start replacing the gas heater so that it can fill with water. It’s very important that you replace the gas water heater as soon as possible, because any delay can cause the heater to overheat and explode.
When installing the tank hot water heater installation, you will also want to choose a good location to install the tank. You should try to choose an area that has a flat, level ground. This helps keep the unit well hidden from view. A good location also keeps the unit from getting knocked over during the installation process. The last thing you want is for your hot water system to blow over while installing it.
Another option you have to reduce the installation costs of the water heater is to use a direct vent system instead of a vented one. A direct vent system doesn’t use vented gas but rather it uses a small venting system under the tank. Because this vent doesn’t use gas, the unit is considered more energy efficient than a vented system, which is great if you are trying to help lower your energy bill. If the direct venting doesn’t work for your situation, you can still install a gas hot water heater but you will need to use an exhaust vent at the location of the hot water tank, which is typically an additional cost. Installation costs for a direct vent hot water heater system are generally more than for a vented hot water heater system.
