Water Heater Repair & Installation in Corpus Christi, TX

How long should I expect my water heater to last?

Although there are many different types of water heaters currently on the market, most manufacturers estimate the service life of systems to be between 8 and 12 years. Some of the factors which can impact the life expectancy of your water heater include the design and location of your unit, whether it was installed properly, how well it is maintained and your community’s water quality.

As is the case with most of your home’s appliances, regular maintenance will help extend the life of your unit, and minor repairs can address some of the more common issues homeowners encounter with these systems.

What do I need to consider when purchasing a water heater?

When choosing a new water heater, you’ll want to find a system which delivers enough hot water for your household while being energy efficient. There are three main types of water heaters: traditional tank heaters, tankless water heaters and heat pump water heaters. Tank water heaters store water until you need it, at which point the liquid is heated to your desired temperature. Tankless heaters don’t store water, instead heating it on demand. Heat pump water heaters use energy from the air to warm your water. Some homeowners choose solar water heaters which use the energy from the sun to heat the water for a home and others use indirect or tankless coil water heaters, which rely on a space heating system to get water to a desired temperature.

Besides size and energy efficiency, the main factors in making your decision will likely be fuel type, availability, cost and space considerations. Some of the additional features you have available to consider when making your purchase are varying gallons per hour (GPH) capability, digital displays, apps for mobile devices, thermostats, pilot lighting, automatic emergency shut-off, direct vents, power vents insulation and Energy Star certifications. In addition, a system’s first-hour rating (FHR) number can indicate how much water your water heater can produce in that time period, provided that you have a full tank. You may also need to keep in mind that a new system might have a different footprint than your existing water heater.

If you choose a traditional water heater, the decision about the size tank you’ll need is probably the most important. Smaller tanks hold between 30 and 40 gallons and are good for homes with one, two or three people. If you have three to five individuals residing in your house, a medium tank that holds between 40 and 50 gallons is ideal. For larger families of six or more, a large tank with a capacity of 60 to 80 gallons is best. The best rule of thumb is to budget between 10 and 15 gallons of water for each person living in your home. You can also look at the calculator on the Department of Energy’s website to help you decide what capacity you need.

While your ABC plumbing specialist can help you weigh the pros and cons of any type of water heater system, we find that our customers tend to prefer tankless water heaters, since they never run out of water and are most cost effective in the long term because they are more energy efficient than traditional models. ABC can also provide you with information about warranties available from the manufacturer.

What are the pros and cons of tankless and traditional water heaters?

Tank water heaters are the more traditional variety and the most commonly found in homes. The capacity of these water heaters is usually between 20 and 80 gallons, and you can choose between electric, natural gas and propane for the energy supply.

Although tank water heaters tend to be less expensive than tankless, there is a variation between the different types available. Gas models are at a higher price point than their electric counterparts. Another benefit of this type of water heater is that you’ll generally need to perform less maintenance when compared to the alternatives.

Tankless water heaters are better for smaller spaces, since you can mount the appliance on a wall, freeing up precious floor space. These appliances can also run on natural gas, electric and liquid propane. In addition, tankless water heaters use only 30% to 50% of the energy as traditional models.

If neither type exactly suits your needs, keep in mind that you can also choose a heat pump water heater. These systems are ideal for hot climates like ours and are up to three times more energy efficient as typical electric water heaters.

Does ABC offer a warranty on water heater installation?

In addition to manufacturer warranties, ABC offers a one-year guarantee to customers who take advantage of our water heater installation services. If you are unhappy with your installation or experience problems within the first year, we will return to your home and take care of the issue, at no cost to you.