Whole House Plumbing

5 Benefits of Replacing a Water Heater | Modern Heating Explained

Did you know that the average home water heater is designed to last just 15-years?

Home heating and hot water systems are used year round. Because of this, older heaters are prone to breaking down and are often notoriously inefficient. Here we’ll, therefore, look at how to replace a water heater, and what the benefits are of doing so.

Hot Water Heater Troubleshooting

Hot water heaters have a habit of breaking down just when we need them most. When this happens, most homeowners will need to seek professional plumbing assistance. Common problems can include:

  • A clogged flue or vent causing water heater thermostats to malfunction
  • Pilot lights failing to light or stay lit, due to faulty gas valves
  • Rusted and leaking hot water tanks

In every case, if water heaters fail repeatedly, it will often make more sense to invest in a new water heater, rather than to keep on fixing an old unit. The only question is, what are the benefits?

Modern Water Heaters are More Efficient

Compared to their predecessors from 5, 10, and 15-years ago, modern water heaters are remarkably efficient. Advanced technology allows water heaters to maintain hot water temperatures. (Rather than continuously heat full hot water tanks.) This allows homeowners to benefit from hot water on-demand 24/7.

Reduced Fuel & Maintenance Costs

By being more energy efficient, modern water heaters lower annual utility costs. However, as well as helping homeowners save gas and electricity, modern water heaters also require less maintenance. Comprehensive warranty schemes protect most new heaters. Tankless heaters also feature fewer mechanical parts which can fail, resulting in a more extended heating system life expectancy.

Free Up Extra Bathroom Space

New tankless hot water heaters heat water on-demand. Because of this, homes can free up space in loft, bathroom, and kitchen areas, by removing redundant hot water tanks. In doing so, homeowners can add value to areas like bathrooms, by converting free space into new walk-in shower areas.

Modern Water Heaters are Easier to Repair

If you are looking at how to replace a water heater, it is likely that your existing heater just can’t be repaired. This might be due to parts needed to fix your heater no longer being available.

Newer water heaters are more technologically advanced than their predecessors. Because of this, many water heater manufacturers no longer manufacture replacement parts for older models. As a result, older water heaters are often more difficult (and more costly) to repair than newer models.

New Water Heaters can Last up to 25-Years

One of the most significant benefits associated with new water heaters concerns the fact that some tankless water heaters can last up to 25-years. In many cases, manufacturers will also offer 20-year warranty periods. This means that homeowners can benefit from better reliability and zero future repair costs when investing in a new water heater.

How Long Does it Take to Install a Water Heater?

Depending on the system you choose, installing a new water heater can take as little as 2-3 hours. All that homeowners need to remember is that professional plumbers like ourselves should always install new heaters. To find out what kind of water heater might be right for your household, call or contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.