I am thinking of replacing our gas hot water heater but not sure what a good price is for a 40 gallon tank including installation and removal of the existing tank. I have received one quote for around $1300 using an American (I think that is the brand) water heater. Is that high? Any advice / input appreciated.
Thanks for all the suggestions. We had considered a tankless hot water heater but the quote came in around $5000 due to required updates to gas line, etc. What I ended up doing was calling the home warranty - Old Republic -(we received it when we bought our town home and keep renewing it every year) and the company they designated had someone here in 30 minutes. Within an hour we had a quote on the replacement which ended up costing me less than $400 out of pocket for the new American brand gas hot water heater, labor, etc. I asked him to teach me how to empty the tank every 6 months, etc to prolong the life of this heater and he gave me a detailed tutorial of everything I would ever want to know about this thing!
Here's a report that was channel 7's news about a week ago. This is the latest trend in freeing up space by eliminating the large tanks. I have two family members who have installed these tankless water heaters and they love them (not to mention the space it opens up for them.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/media?id=6384650
just bought a water heater 2 mos. ago installed and cart away the old $1000
try this guy tell him penny referred you ###-###-####
David Denbaugh Plumbing
If you have a home warranty plan, check whether that covers replacement water heaters. We couldn't afford to go tankless when our 40-gallon water heater busted, but our home warranty covered a 40-gallon replacement. We wanted a 50-gallon water heater, so we had to pay the difference in price between the 40- and 50-gallon tank, but the labor was still included in the home warranty plan. At least for that year, the home warranty plan paid for itself!
Look into a tankless water heater for the same price or less. I've had one for the past 2 years and I think it's great!
Oooh look I'm first! Nobody wants to talk water heaters...
:) I don't know much about them but I did go to HomeDepot.com before I responded to you and the more expensive of the 2 40 gal. they offered was a 12 year for $578. That seems like you'd be paying too much for the installation and removal of yours based on that $1300 estimate you mentioned.
If you find yourself with a spare hour in your day, take your daughter for a nice little run at your local Lowes or Home Depot. Go look at the water heaters and talk to the customer service rep in that section. I bet you they can tell you what it should cost to have your job done. At the very least, you'll leave more educated than when you arrived. ...And your daughter will take a good nap after running you through all of the isles there!
Good luck!
Hi.
I feel the need to weigh in for a couple of reasons, though I don't have a specific answer for you...
1) find out who your gas and water companies are. Most companies are giving substantial rebates for purchasing water heaters (and other appliances & windows) that meet certain criteria. They list it on their websites, and have the forms required there for you to download.
2) From an energy efficiency (and environmental) perspective, the best option is a tankless (on-demand) water heater. Our contractor suggested we stick with our "tank-full" water heater and get a circulation pump instead to deliver hot water faster. Bad idea. We ended up having a shutoff switch installed on the pump, which saves us approx. $100 a month. We turn on the pump only when it is time for laundry.
3) I know it's hard to find the time to do the research, but it will save you money in the long run and potentially get you some rebates!!
Good luck!
