Questions to Ask When Installing a Water Heater

Most people find themselves with a broken water heater before they ever think about the best way to replace it. They end up troubleshooting and searching for an HVAC provider before learning about the tips listed below. Make sure that you’re getting the most out of your investment, and hire an installer that is looking out for you too.

5 Things to Think About Before Hiring a Technician

Before you buy a new water heater, it is essential to ask yourself the following questions.

1. Did Your Last Water Heater Provide Enough Hot Water for Your Household?

If your last water heater:

• Left your water cold until halfway through washing your hands
• Didn’t stay hot for more than one shower
• Couldn’t deliver hot water to more than one place at a time

These are signs it’s time to consider purchasing a larger capacity water heater.

2. Are Your Hot Water Needs Going to Remain the Same?

It’s time to consider if your plans for the future will impact how much hot water you’re going to need. Mapping out a basic plan for the next 10 years can give you clarity about which systems are a good fit for your home.

Below are examples of ways your hot water needs may increase down the road.

• Having children.
• Moving your parents into a spare room.
• Hosting frequent overnight guests.
• Adding a new bathroom.
• Installing more showerheads.
• Adding a soaking tub to your current bathroom.
• Turning your home into a part-time or full-time Airbnb.

Committing to a water heater that can handle your lifestyle will make you happy with your investment for years to come.

3. How Do You Power Your Water Heater?

Sometimes your energy source options can be limited depending on the home. It is still a good idea to check that what you have is what you want for your next unit. Is natural gas available? Has a new propane tank been installed since your last water heater? Explore your options and make a decision that best suits your needs.

4. Can You Take Advantage of Any Rebates or Incentives in Your Area?

Upgrading to a more efficient water heater can earn you rebates and added incentives from local programs, manufacturers, and municipalities. Ask our HVAC technicians any questions you have about new systems, or their insight on the best system for your house.

Take the Time to Set a Budget and Explore Financing Options

This step can make the process a lot less chaotic. Knowing these numbers before your installation estimate empowers you to make decisions in real time. RSC is proud to offer 0% interest for 60 months on new Carrier installations with the Carrier credit card from Wells Fargo.

Quality-Installer Checklist

Now that you’re prepared with the answers above, the next step is to discuss the installation process with a home technician.

Here’s where to start:

• Is the contractor properly licensed?
• Do they have the necessary insurance coverage?
• Are they asking the same questions that you learned in the last section? This ensures that the proper product is selected for your needs.
• Did they tell you that they would get the necessary permitting for the job?
• Are they going to take care of having the system inspected after installation?
• Are the company’s online reviews positive?
• Did you check to see if your new water heater’s manufacturer has a preferred contractors list.

These kinds of lists connect you with professionals that have undergone manufacturer-specific training and can install the product the right way the first time.

5 Details to Confirm Before Signing a Contract

1. Make sure the model number and the details of the scope of work are included in the contract.
2. If a permit is required, make sure the contractor secures the permit and schedules the inspection.
3. Make sure that the contractor spells out who is responsible for any unplanned costs that may be needed to pass inspection.
4. Ask for all warranty information and find out if you or the contractor will need to register the new water heater to activate the warranty.
5. Make sure all payment terms have been discussed before any work is done.

We’re proud of the training our HVAC technicians complete before heading out into the field. We take your comfort seriously and aim to match the right product to your home and budget. Check out our standards here.

Two Most Common Water Heater Questions

1. How much do water heaters cost?

Water heater installation prices vary considerably depending on the type of energy source.

Electric water heaters are the least expensive option, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.

Gas water heaters range from $1,500 to 3,500.

Tankless water heaters range from $2,500 to $5,000.

Oil-fired water heaters range from $2,500 to $4,500.Get started by looking at the water heaters that we offer at RSC Heating and Cooling.

2. What can cause the price of a water heater to fluctuate?

There are many factors at play when calculating the cost of a new water heater. 

Materials, labor, and the price of contractor insurance vary geographically. This impacts your quote the most.

Other factors that affect the cost of a water heater are:

• the type of water heater
• space accessibility
• the type of piping
• a need for an expansion tank and backflow preventer
• the flue piping
• a need for chimney liners
• bringing existing features up to code (for combustion air requirements)
• the length of the gas piping
• the cost of local permits
• the cost of inspection
• the disposal of your old water heater
• any warranty coverage

The act of replacing a water heater is usually done in the event of an emergency. Don’t let this sneak up on you. Be prepared and know what to ask yourself and the technician upon installation!

Feel free to contact us if you have any more questions. We’ve got decades of experience installing water heaters throughout the Susquehannah Valley.

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