Hot Water Heaters Denver account for a large part of your household energy consumption, so consider choosing an efficient model. These options use less energy and can often qualify for rebates.
Electric models are the simplest to install. They use a 240-volt circuit that’s often already running to the area where the water heater is located; gas units require a separate, new natural or propane service connection.
Several factors can impact the cost of installing a new water heater or replacing an existing one. The water heater type, size, fuel type, brand, venting system and electrical wiring all affect overall costs. Additionally, local building codes and permit fees can add to installation or replacement prices. Permits are necessary to ensure that your project meets safety and environmental standards.
Most households in North America and Europe use tank-style water heaters. These storage tanks hold anywhere from 30 to 80 gallons of hot water, and they run on gas, propane, electricity or solar power. They typically cost $1,000 or more, and they usually come with a six- to twelve-year warranty. If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient option, consider switching to a tankless water heater.
Electric water heaters are cheaper to install than gas models, but they don’t offer as much energy savings. They also tend to take longer to warm up than traditional tanks, so they may be best for smaller homes. If you’re planning to switch from a gas to an electric model, expect to pay up to $1,600 for the water heater and an additional $400 to $2,000 for a gas line hookup and electrical wiring.
For homeowners who want to cut their energy costs, consider a natural gas or propane heat pump water heater. This type of heater funnels heated air from your home’s heating system to reduce the amount of energy it uses to generate hot water. It can save you up to 30 percent on your annual energy bills.
If you’re looking to lower your home’s carbon footprint, opt for a high-efficiency electric heat pump or a natural gas condensing water heater. Both of these types of water heaters are eligible for a variety of rebates, special offers and tax credits.
Regardless of the type of water heater you choose, it’s important to have proper ventilation. Tank-style water heaters vent through exhaust pipes or chimneys, while power vent models use a fan and blower to push air out of the home. Depending on the type of unit you choose and your home’s existing ventilation system, you can expect to spend between $500 and $700 for a direct-vent or power-vent water heater with installation.
Energy Efficiency
Of all the appliances that consume energy in your home, the water heater uses the most, especially when compared to other household utilities such as the refrigerator and clothes washer. That’s why it’s important to make sure yours is as efficient as possible. Fortunately, there are many ways you can improve your hot water heater’s energy efficiency, from repairing leaks to using a low-flow showerhead. These simple steps will help you reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills.
The type of fuel used by your water heater influences its energy efficiency. Electric resistance tank water heaters are generally less energy-efficient than gas and propane models. This is because they use more energy to heat water and generate more toxic byproducts such as nitrogen oxides during operation. However, it is possible to find water heaters with higher efficiencies. In fact, ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters (HPWH) are considerably more efficient than conventional electric tank water heaters and emit significantly fewer carbon dioxide emissions. Some energy utilities offer customers funding to offset the initial cost of HPWHs, and by early 2024 federal tax credits will also be available for those who invest in this carbon-saving technology.
Your hot water heater can also be more energy-efficient if you drain it regularly. Sediment and crystalized minerals can build up in the bottom of the tank, affecting how fast it heats up. In fact, most manufacturers recommend drained the tank at least twice a year to remove this buildup.
Another way to improve your water heater’s energy efficiency is to install a programmable thermostat. The default setting on most conventional water heaters is between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is too hot for comfort and puts you at risk of scalding your family members. Instead, you can save 3-5% on energy by lowering your thermostat to the DOE’s recommended standard of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also worth investing in an insulated cylinder, which can significantly decrease the amount of energy your heater consumes during standby mode. You can find these cylinders in most hardware stores, but it’s best to ask your local plumber about what’s the best option for your home.
Safety
Having hot water is a great convenience for homes and businesses, but it can also pose risks. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can improve the safety of your hot water heater and prevent accidents.
If you have a tanked gas water heater, it is important that nothing combustible is stored near the unit. The fumes that leak from the unit can cause a chemical reaction with combustible materials like paint, furniture polish, and old rags, and this could lead to an explosion. You should also make sure to keep the area around your water heater clean. If you are unsure whether a material is combustible or not, be sure to check with your local fire department or the manufacturer of your water heater.
Another safety issue is making sure your water heater is properly sized to match the needs of your home. A hot water heater that is too large can reach dangerous temperatures and high pressure levels, while a water heater that is too small will struggle to provide enough hot water. If you are concerned about the size of your water heater, you should have it inspected by a professional plumber.
An essential part of your water heater is the venting system. If you have a gas water heater, it should be vented to the outside through a double-walled vent pipe. In addition, the vent should be free of damage and a tight fit. It is a good idea to have your venting system checked by a plumber annually. They can check that the vent pipe is insulated, has no damage or a loose connection, and that it doesn’t have backdraft issues (where other ventilation draws in the vented gases).
Finally, if you have a gas water heater, it is a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home or business. These devices will warn you if there is an unsafe level of CO in your building and help to save lives. The detectors should be tested regularly and the batteries replaced, as needed.
Installation
Most new hot water heaters come with installation instructions and lots of warnings to make sure you work safely. But, if you have the right tools and know-how, installing your own water heater can be a DIY project.
Before you start any plumbing or electrical work, shut off the power and water supply to your current water heater. If you have an electric tank, this is usually easy to do by turning off the water valve at the bottom of the unit and the breaker for that circuit. A gas tank, however, may require a professional to turn off the gas at the meter and disconnect the old gas line.
You’ll also need to shut off the cold water inlet and the hot water outlet on the top of the tank. You can now start by moving your new electric or gas water heater into place. Use a level to ensure it’s in a flat position and that the drain port is at the same height as the hot water line outlet. Make sure it has enough room to fit the hose for draining and any other accessories you’ll be using, such as a low-flow showerhead or recirculating pump.
Once the new water heater is in place, you’ll need to solder the copper pipes that run to it from your cold and hot water lines. This can be done with a propane torch and a copper pipe soldering kit. Then, you’ll need to connect the dip tube and the new temperature and pressure relief valve. Be sure the new valve is rated for your water heater and is installed in a location that won’t allow the release of dangerous gas into the home.
If you’re going with a gas tank, then you’ll also need to install a gas line from the meter or tank to the new water heater and a vent pipe that carries the fumes out of the house through a chimney or outside. The venting process can be tricky, especially if you’re installing the new water heater in an attic or other hard-to-reach location.