Updated January 22, 2024

Fall is often when homeowners have new heating systems installed to get ready for winter. It’s also a good time to have a new water heater put in. If you’re considering replacing your water heater this fall, you probably have a few questions. We’ll answer three of the most common ones below.

One: Do I need a new water heater?

This should always be the first question you ask, and you’re probably already asking it. We bet the reason you’re on this page now is that you suspect it’s time to retire your water heater but aren’t 100% certain. Even if the water heater has completely shut down on you, it still might be able to be repaired. The question is whether those repairs are worth it. If the water heater will only limp on for another year and cost too much to run, then it’s time to have a new system put in.

Water heaters can sometimes last for more than 20 years, but we recommend considering a replacement if your system is more than 15 years old. If any single repair for the water heater would cost more than half the price of a replacement, or the cost to run the water heater is rising each year, these are also signs that you should purchase a new water heater.

Two: Is a tankless water heater always a better choice for a replacement?

This is a good question because tankless water heaters have so many fantastic advantages that homeowners sometimes assume they’d be crazy not to have a tankless unit to replace their older storage tank unit. But there is no one-size-fits-all replacement for a water heater, and every home has different needs. Tankless water heaters are more expensive to install upfront, and in the case of homes that often have more than one hot water tap on, they might not be able to deliver all their promised benefits. The way to find the right water heater for you is to work with a professional who can balance your water heater needs as well as your budget to help you choose the new unit for your house.

Three: Are professional replacement services absolutely necessary?

Well, they are if you want the job done right! First of all, if you have a natural gas water heater, you must have professionals handle the replacement. This is because in most jurisdictions it is illegal for anyone without a license to work on an appliance connected to a gas main. But aside from this, water heater installation is a major job that connects the new appliance to multiple systems in a home, and you don’t want any part of it to go wrong. It’s also important that the new water heater is correctly sized so that it delivers the amount of water your family needs daily—particularly if you are changing from one type of system to another.

When it’s time to arrange for a water heater installation in the greater Des Moines, IA area, we’re the contractor to turn to.

Rely on Golden Rule: If you want a service provider who will treat you and your home like their own, then call us today!

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