I need to replace a 50 gallon gas water heater. Should I gogas again, electric, or tankless?

Question

I wanted to stick to the amount of the stimulus check that we received if possible. Is it better to buy from a store such as Home Depot or from a plumber?

Answer 1

Well...Gas continues to go up so that's probably not a wise investment.

Electric doesn't seem to heat as well in my opinion.

If you have the money, tankless is the best and most energy efficent way to go.

I would call a plumber and just ask, How much is a new install, heater and all...and how much woulf labor be on installing a unit if I bought it.

Then subtract the difference and you will know how much the heater through him is and you can see if you can find one cheaper.

Answer 2

Swapping out with a similar water heater would be the least expensive.  If you change to electric you will have to run a 240 volt line.  Plumbers probably buy from HD or Lowe's and add a mark up.

Answer 3

Call a local plumbing supply house and see if they'll sell to the general public.Try to stay with Rehm, Bradford White, or State water heaters and go with gas tankless water heaters are a maintenance nightmare and electric will require alot of electrical work to change over.The vent and gas are allready there.

Answer 4

Tankless require more maint, but you always have hot water. I went with another gas one because of my finances. Home depot

Answer 5

It will be lots easier and cheaper to just replace with replacement for the unit you have now.  Gas is very efficient for heating water.

Good Luck