Replacing my old water heater was a bigger project than I anticipated! I chose a Rheem tankless model, figuring it would save money long-term. Finding a qualified installer was surprisingly difficult; I called three before settling on one, Bob from “Bob’s Plumbing.” His quote included the heater itself, plus labor and permits. The total cost was significantly higher than I initially budgeted, but Bob assured me the higher upfront cost would pay off over time with the tankless system’s efficiency.
Choosing the Right Heater
Choosing a gas water heater felt overwhelming! I spent weeks researching online, comparing features, and reading countless reviews. Initially, I was drawn to the lower upfront cost of a standard tank-style heater. However, I learned about the potential long-term energy savings of tankless systems. My old tank heater was constantly running, and I knew replacing it was crucial for both efficiency and reducing my energy bill. I considered the size of my family – just my wife, Sarah, and me – and our hot water usage patterns. A smaller tankless unit seemed ideal for our needs, eliminating the standby heat loss associated with traditional tanks. I also looked into energy efficiency ratings, specifically the Energy Factor (EF) and Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) to compare models. Rheem and AO Smith were brands that consistently received high marks; Ultimately, I decided a Rheem tankless model, the model number escapes me now, was the best fit for our home and budget, even though the initial cost was higher than a standard tank heater. The decision was driven by the projected long-term savings and the reduced environmental impact. The research was time consuming but essential for making an informed decision.
The Installation Process
The installation itself took about half a day. Bob, my plumber, arrived promptly at 8 AM. He first inspected the existing gas line and water connections, pointing out some minor issues with the existing pipes that needed addressing. He explained everything clearly, showing me the new unit and its components. He carefully disconnected the old water heater, ensuring no leaks occurred during the process. The removal of the old tank was surprisingly straightforward; it was much lighter than I expected. Next, he began installing the new tankless unit. This involved connecting the gas line, ensuring proper ventilation, and connecting the water supply and drain lines. He meticulously checked for leaks at every connection, using soapy water to detect any escaping gas. The process was precise and methodical; I was impressed by his attention to detail. He then tested the unit, ensuring hot water flowed freely and the gas burner ignited correctly. Finally, he walked me through the operation of the new heater, explaining how to adjust the temperature and how to troubleshoot potential problems. He even tidied up the area, leaving everything clean and organized. The entire process was professional and efficient, exceeding my expectations.
Unexpected Challenges
While the installation went smoothly overall, I did encounter a few unexpected challenges. Firstly, the original quote didn’t account for the necessary upgrades to my existing gas line. Bob discovered that the line was undersized for the new, higher-output tankless heater. This required an additional expense for upgrading the line to meet code, pushing the overall cost higher than initially projected. It was frustrating, but Bob explained the necessity of the upgrade clearly, assuring me it was a safety precaution. Secondly, accessing the area where the water heater was located proved more difficult than anticipated. The space was cramped and cluttered, making maneuvering the new unit and connecting the pipes a bit of a puzzle. Bob had to carefully navigate around existing plumbing and electrical wiring, which slowed down the process somewhat. Finally, obtaining the necessary permits took longer than expected. There was a slight delay in the city processing the application, causing a minor postponement of the installation date. These unforeseen issues added to the overall project timeline and cost, highlighting the importance of thoroughly investigating all potential issues beforehand. Despite these setbacks, Bob handled them professionally and kept me informed every step of the way.
Testing and Initial Impressions
After Bob completed the installation, he thoroughly tested the new gas water heater. He checked for gas leaks using a specialized tool, ensuring everything was properly sealed and safe. He then ran hot water through all the faucets in the house, checking for consistent hot water temperature and pressure. Everything seemed to function perfectly. My initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The hot water arrived almost instantaneously, a stark contrast to the frustrating delays I experienced with my old tank heater. The temperature was consistently hot and remained constant, even with multiple showers running simultaneously. No more lukewarm showers! The unit itself is compact and aesthetically pleasing, fitting seamlessly into the space. I also appreciated the digital display, which provides clear and easy-to-understand information about the water temperature and system status. The quiet operation was another pleasant surprise. I barely hear the unit running, a significant improvement over the loud rumbling of my old tank heater. Overall, the initial experience was incredibly positive, and I felt confident that my investment would pay off in the long run. The convenience and efficiency of the new system far outweighed any initial concerns about the cost.
Long-Term Cost Savings?
It’s still early to definitively assess the long-term cost savings, but I’m optimistic. My gas bills for the first three months after installation were noticeably lower than the same period the previous year. While this could be partially attributed to seasonal changes in weather, I suspect the new tankless heater is playing a significant role. The efficiency of the on-demand system is supposed to drastically reduce energy waste compared to a traditional tank heater which constantly heats and reheats water. I meticulously tracked my gas usage before and after the installation, noting the differences in consumption patterns. I also compared my monthly bills to those of my neighbor, Patricia, who still uses a conventional tank water heater of a similar size. Her bills remain consistently higher than mine, even factoring in the higher initial investment I made for the installation. Of course, I understand that various factors can influence gas consumption, including household size and water usage habits. However, the preliminary data strongly suggests that my investment in the tankless water heater will indeed lead to substantial long-term cost savings. I plan to continue monitoring my gas bills closely over the next year to get a clearer picture of the overall cost-effectiveness. But based on my initial observations, I am confident that the higher upfront cost will be offset by lower energy bills in the years to come, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run. My hope is to see a significant return on my investment within the next few years.