When your old water heater wears out, you'll probably be in a hurry to replace it since being without hot water is so inconvenient. If your water heater is only a few years old, call a plumber to look at it since repairs may be all you need. However, an old heater may not be worth repairing, so you'll need to choose the type of new heater you want to get. These are some things to consider.

Learn About The Costs

Getting a new hot water heater isn't as simple as buying one from a home improvement store and hooking it up yourself. You'll probably need a permit from your city to put in a new water heater, and you may be required to have the work done by a licensed plumber. So, when calculating the cost for your new water heater installation, consider the cost of the permit, the price of the new heater, and the cost of labor. You might also need to pay to have the old tank disposed of. Knowing the full cost upfront helps you use your budget to buy the right heater with the features you want at a price you can afford.

Decide If You Want A Tankless Heater

If you like to have modern appliances and the latest technology, then you may want to switch to a tankless water heater. A tankless heater has advantages, but it isn't always practical to make the switch. You might need to have your electrical panel updated, which would add to the expense. If you already have a modern panel, then a tankless heater might be nice to own if you have several people in your house who take showers one after the other. A plumber can explain the pros and cons of going tankless, considering the way your family uses water every day.

Get Help With Sizing

Before you have a new water heater installed, talk to your plumber about choosing the right size. Size is important since you don't want to heat more water than you need and waste electricity. However, you want enough hot water to meet your needs. If your family has grown since you got your last hot water heater, you might need a larger model, or if your kids have left the nest, a smaller heater might be better.

Other things you'll want to discuss with your plumber about the water heater installation is if the plumber will get rid of the old tank for you and what you need to do to maintain the tank so it has a long life. Also, learn about the warranty and how to keep from voiding it so you can get help with repairs if something goes wrong with your new heater once it's installed. Speak with a professional to learn more about water heater installation.