Are you getting less and less hot water every time you take a shower? Is the hot water not as hot as it felt some years ago?
There are many possible causes as to why your quality time alone in the tub or shower is not lasting as long as it was before. One of these is a faulty water heating system.
Gas hot water installation is considered an investment. It’s a home feature you and your family will enjoy for many years to come. And, should you decide to sell your house in the future, it will surely add up to the property’s value.
But before you go ahead and call a plumber to get this sort out, it’s important to identify the real reason behind this bathroom dilemma. Replacing an old heating system needs to be thought out carefully as it costs a fortune. The amount of time needed to install your new service is no joke either.
Consider having your water heater system checked by a licensed plumber. Ask for a possible cause of this hot water supply issue and request recommendations. A very simple problem won’t require an overall replacement of the water heating system to fix.
There are different types of gas water heating system:
- Tankless water heaters
- Standard storage tank
- High-efficiency storage tank models
Regardless of the type, gas heater models offer benefits, which makes them good option, but for a price.
Before we do cost comparisons between water heater systems, let’s discuss some probable causes as to why you need a replacement.
Reasons Behind Low Hot Water Supply
Check if any of the following are the culprit behind colder showers. Identifying the exact cause will help you determine the most appropriate course of actions to take:
A Broken Dip Tube
When the dip tube is broken, the cold water that’s supposed to be forced to the bottom of the tank for the quick-heating process remains at the top. As a result, cold water comes out of the showerhead together with a bit of slightly warm water which is not good enough for the cold season showers.
An Undersize Water Tank
A growing household requires a bigger tank. If you noticed that the water heater is giving out les hot water than you need, it’s time to upgrade to a bigger and better heater.
The Water Heater is Too Far
During the winter season, the hot water coming in the pipes will cool down if the source is too far from where it’s needed. A good solution to this problem is insulating the pipes so they won’t be as affected by the icy temperatures.
The Bottom of The Heater Is Filled with Sediment
Over time, minerals may build up at the bottom of the tank where water is being heated. Due to this, the cold water remaining on the top is what reaches the faucets. Flush the tank annually to avoid the build-up of sediments.
A Malfunctioning Heating System
Identify the part of the heating system that is not working properly. It could be the thermal switch, the thermostat, or the heating element. In worst cases, the whole system may have been damaged and need replacement. Contact a licensed plumber to inspect your water heater and repair it as needed.
How a Gas Water Heater Works
This type of heating system is powered by natural gas or propane coming from a gas furnace. A gas heater tank not only heats water, but it also stores hot water until it’s ready for use.
In a gas water heating system, cold water gets routed to the bottom of the tank through a dip tube. This is where it gets heated and moves to the top of the tank where it stays before it’s distributed to the tap or shower head that needs it.
Is Gas Heating Safe?
Home improvement forums often have members expressing their doubts about the gas water heating system’s safety. If you’re one of those who are looking for a straight “yes” or “no” answer to this, it’s definitely a “yes,” especially if it was installed by a professional plumber.
To further explain why it’s a safe option, all gas water heaters have a temperature-and-pressure relief valve, which opens if either temperature or pressure levels exceed a safe level, relieving the pressure before an accident can happen.
Benefits of a Gas Heating Water System
People switch to a gas-powered heating system for their homes for numerous benefits, making it one of the best heating systems to consider. Any type of gas heater system offers the following advantages:
Faster Heating
Compared to the electric water heating system, gas heats and recovers twice as fast. This means that the heated water supply is easily replenished, making it a better option for a household with high demand for hot water.
Low Energy Costs
Natural gas and propane gas are much cheaper than electricity. In the long run, you’ll save more money with gas water heaters than other systems.
Easy to Install
It won’t take days for a gas water heating system to be installed, especially if you already have a gas line in place.
Cleaner Water with Tankless Gas Water Heaters
Tankless gas heaters don’t store water. As such, your household will receive cleaner water for a very long time. If you choose a gas heater with a tank, there’s really no big issue here. Quality of water declines as the water tanks grow old, but proper maintenance easily fixes the issue.
Factors Affecting Total Project Cost
Installation of gas water heating system costs $2,400 – $4,400. This includes the cost of the unit, labour, and materials. On the other hand, the installation of electric heaters can amount to $1,000 to $2,300.
For replacement of a tankless gas heater, it should be around $370 – $1,000 if you use the same type at the same spot. If you currently own an electric water heating system and you would like to switch to gas, the project can cost $1,700 – $3,700; which is almost the same as installing a new gas water heater.
Although the upfront price can be off-putting, a household will save and benefit more with the use of a gas water heating system. In an average year, the money spent on energy consumption of an electric water heater will be greater than that of a gas water heating system.
The range of $2,400 – $4,400 may seem too great for people who are keen on having a gas water heating system installed in their home. For a better estimate and to avoid stratospherically high invoices, it’s crucial to identify the factors that affect the total gas water heating system project cost:
- Type of installation
- Materials used
- Amount of labour
- Location
- Complexity of the installation
Gas hot water system installation and replacement are considered investments as they are cost-effective home solutions. While the possible expense of getting started can seem overwhelming, it will surely pay off over time.