Average Cost of Water Heater Installation and Replacement in NJ

What Factors Determine the Cost of Water Heater Installation or Replacement

When it comes to installing a new water heater, there are several factors that can significantly impact the overall cost. The type of water heater is one of the biggest factors to take into consideration, as there are several different options ranging from traditional tank heaters to more modern tankless models. Another crucial aspect to consider is the energy efficiency of the water heater, as more efficient models tend to come at a higher cost upfront but can lead to significant savings in the long run.

Additionally, the location of the water heater within the home and the size of the unit can also influence the total installation costs. Finally, the fuel source of the water heater, whether it be gas or electric can also impact the cost.

Taking all of these factors into account is essential when budgeting for a new water heater installation. While considering these factors is crucial, it is also very important to work with a professional NJ plumber to schedule an estimate and determine a plan for installation.

Type of Water Heater

When it comes to choosing a water heater, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go for a tank or tankless model.

Tank Water Heater

Tank water heaters have been around for a long time and are probably the most common type of water heater in homes. The way they work is simple: the unit stores a certain amount of hot water, usually between 30 to 50 gallons, in a tank.

When you turn on the hot water faucet, the cold water that enters the heater is heated to the temperature set on the thermostat. The appliance then fills the tank with hot water, replenishing the supply as it is used. This means that you always have hot water available, but the downside is that you are heating water even when you’re not using it, which can result in wasted energy and higher bills.

Tank water heaters are more affordable, but are less efficient and also only last 8-12 years.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, as the name implies, don’t have a storage tank. Instead, they heat the water as it flows through the unit, providing hot water on demand.

When you turn on the hot water faucet, sensors inside the heater detect the flow and start the heating process. The water is heated quickly to the desired temperature and delivered to your faucet, shower, or tub. The absence of a tank means that tankless heaters are more energy-efficient and can save you money over time. They also take up less space, making them a good choice for people who live in small homes or apartments.

However, it’s important to note that tankless water heater installation may not be suitable for larger households and may require a higher upfront installation cost.

Fuel Source

Electric Water Heaters

Electric water heaters are becoming more and more popular among homeowners. Electric water heaters, as the name suggests, utilize electricity to heat the water. The electric heating element is submerged inside the water tank, and as electricity flows through the element, it heats up, therefore heating the water inside the tank.

One of the benefits of electric water heaters is their simplicity. They are easy to install and don’t require any special venting or piping. Furthermore, they are quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. However, electric water heaters can be more expensive to run, as electricity prices tend to fluctuate and can be more expensive than natural gas. The other downside to electric water heaters is when the power goes out, your hot water will also go off.

Gas Water Heaters

Gas water heaters, on the other hand, use natural gas or propane as the source of fuel to heat water. The gas burner sits under the tank and as the gas burns, it heats up the water inside the tank. One of the main advantages of gas water heaters is that they are more efficient than their electric counterparts.

Gas-powered heaters can heat water faster and maintain the temperature more effectively. Additionally, natural gas is often cheaper than electricity, resulting in lower operating costs. However, gas water heaters tend to be more complicated to install and require special venting and gas piping. Being powered by gas also means a higher risk of accidental gas leaks, which raises a safety concern.

Other Cost Factors

Energy Efficiency

There are a lot of options when it comes to water heater energy efficiency. Outside of the fuel source and type, there are a few different options to increase the energy efficiency of your hot water heater. This includes solar water tank heaters, indirect water heaters and hybrid water heaters. Each will increase efficiency, but they are also more expensive when it comes to the average cost of water heater installation in NJ.

Location

While most water heaters will be located in an easy to work area, like a garage or closet, if the water heater needs to be installed in a more difficult location, such as an attic, crawl space or very small area inside the home, the installation cost is likely to increase, as these locations will make the installation more complicated and will likely take longer.

Tank Size

The size of your home will dictate the size of your water heater. In most cases, you will be choosing from a 30-gallon to an 80-gallon tank based on your home size and needs. The larger the tank, the higher the cost for installation due to the actual water heater being more expensive and the installation being more complicated.