If your old water heater is too broken or inefficient to satisfy you, it might be time for a replacement. Knowing how much this replacement will cost can help you prepare. Not only does it make it easier to stick to a budget, but this knowledge also helps you choose the best water heater for your home. Check out our guide to learn all the details about water heater installation and replacement services with Clarke & Rush.
Average Costs for California Water Heater Replacement
There’s a huge range in pricing for water heater replacements. Some people pay several hundred, while others may pay several thousand. The price depends on many details and usually bundles several services together. Costs for your water heater replacement will include the price of:
- The new water heater equipment
- Labor to remove and install the equipment
- Disposal of your old heater
- Permit applications to install a heater
Factors That Affect Water Heater Replacement Prices
Why is there such a huge variety in costs for a new water heater? Several different factors go into pricing. Here are some things you’ll want to keep in mind as you pick a water heater.
The Type of Heater You Want
The very first thing you’ll need to consider is the type of heater you want. Modern homeowners can choose from tankless water heaters and traditional water heaters. Traditional heaters have a large tank that stores a reservoir of hot water. Meanwhile, tankless water heaters use a heating device to heat water on demand. Tankless water heaters tend to be quite a bit more expensive than traditional ones. Not only is the appliance itself pricier, but it can take longer to install. While this might make traditional water heaters seem like the more expensive option, don’t forget to consider operating costs. Since they’re more efficient, they’ll save you money in the long run.
Water Heater Size
Another major factor in water heater price is the size of the heater you get. If you get a traditional water heater with a tank, it might run from around 30 gallons to 80 gallons in size. Larger tanks use more materials, so they are more expensive. If you choose a tankless water heater, you’ll still need to consider size. Tankless water heaters measure size based on the appliance’s heating capacity. Tankless heaters that can provide larger quantities of hot water on demand are more complex, so they’re more expensive.
Water Heater Power Method
The type of fuel you choose for your water heater can have a surprising impact on replacement costs. Generally, gas-powered heaters are more expensive than electric-powered heaters. This is due to both the complexity of the machine and the amount of labor it takes to install it. In some places, you might also have to get additional permits for working with gas. However, gas heaters tend to be more efficient, so you might end up paying less over time to operate this heater.
Water Heater Efficiency Levels
When you’re shopping for a water heater replacement, you’ll notice that they have different efficiency ratings. Higher efficiency tanks use less fuel to heat water and keep water warm for longer. This makes them cheaper to operate and means you might qualify for certain rebates. However, the technology used for high-efficiency tanks also results in a higher price tag for the initial purchase.
Special Features
Not all water heaters are created equal. Some models come with extra features that can increase the price tag. There is a lot of variety in what features are available and how much they cost. You could spend a small amount for extra safety features, like an anode rod, or you could pay hundreds extra for luxury features like smart temperature controls. There are also hybrid features that incorporate heat pump technology for an additional cost. You can get a basic model if you don’t want to spend extra, but some homeowners find that extra features are worth it for their lifestyle.
Your Home’s Plumbing
The condition of your home’s plumbing affects costs because it affects the amount of labor you need to replace your water heater. If your system is outdated, it might take longer to remove the old heater, and you might need to pay an additional cost to bring your plumbing up to code. Water heater replacements involve connecting the heater to multiple pipes and mounting various pieces of hardware, so there can be a lot of variety in how long it will take to replace the heater. Your home’s plumbing will also affect costs if you’re switching between water heater types. Converting a system to run on a new type of fuel or operate with a different type of heater may increase replacement expenses. Usually, going from an electric setup to a gas setup can be pricey, and switching to a tankless heater can also result in higher replacement costs.
Water Heater Brand
A final factor to consider is the brand you select for your water heater replacement. Many different companies produce water heaters, and they all price them differently. Sometimes, a comparable model between two brands can vary in price by hundreds of dollars. There are many reasons for these price differences. In some cases, you might be paying for proprietary features that certain brands offer. In other situations, the extra price might be due to the brand’s reputation for quality manufacturing. Some companies have a history of creating durable and long-lasting models, and people will pay extra for those water heaters.
How to Pay for a Water Heater Replacement
Making such a big purchase can be tricky, especially if it’s an unexpected expense after a water heater emergency. Fortunately, you aren’t always required to pay the total cost upfront. Since water heaters can be expensive, many installers provide financing. As long as you pass a credit check, they’ll let you pay monthly installments until you pay off the total cost. Offers vary depending on who you work with, so it’s worth looking around for the best price. For example, at Clarke & Rush Mechanical, we provide customers with options for 0% down and very low monthly payments on approved credit.
Find Out Costs for a Water Heater Replacement in Your Sacramento Home
If you’d like to figure out how much a water heater would cost for your specific situation, Clarke & Rush’s plumbing services are here for you. We can send one of our experienced technicians to assess your home, hear about your water heating needs, and give you a personalized estimate. Our team is happy to work with your budget and recommend a variety of options in your price range. We also offer any other plumbing services you may need. To get started on your water heater estimate, contact Clarke & Rush of Sacramento now.