To live comfortably at home during the winter, you'll need your water heater. But, it's susceptible to wear. Once that happens, you'll end up with a faulty unit that doesn't produce warm water. Calling for a heating furnace repair in Pittsburgh, PA, is the best thing to do, but sometimes it has to be replaced.
When this happens, you might be tempted to cut costs by buying a generic unit from the store and installing it yourself, but this can lead to serious problems. If not done right, it can leak carbon monoxide. This isn't just a nuisance because it causes serious health problems when inhaled.
To avoid this, consider hiring a professional for installation. Here are some factors that help you calculate the cost:
Water Heater Type
The replacement you'll buy affects the cost. Think whether you're getting a tank or tankless model. The latter has a smaller build that lets you save space. But, it comes at a higher price.
You'll also have to choose if you want an electric, gas, or solar-powered unit. This usually depends on what you used previously. You can always have it changed, but this will increase the cost of replacement.
Unit Size
You'll want a unit that caters to all bathrooms. If you have more than a couple, then you'll have to be ready to buy a larger model.
Most appliances in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area use hot water. If you're planning to have all of them connected to the heater, this will cost you more as well.
Location of the Unit
The space where the heater will be placed increases the cost of installation since it affects the labor needed from a heating repair company. Usually, those in accessible areas will incur a smaller fee than those that have to be brought into tight spaces. Similarly, the price will go up if you want the unit somewhere far from the main waterlines, like a barn or shed.
Where you place it changes how a unit should be positioned. A gas-powered heater in the garage must be raised at least 18 inches, which means you'll need a higher base. This shows that as the number of processes increase, so does the cost.
Cost of Permit
Normally, replacing a residential heater requires a permit from the local government. The cost will depend on the on-site inspection and any changes or upgrades needed for your water and electrical lines.
When you ask for an estimate, check if it includes the permit. If it does, you don't have to think about it anymore because the papers will be managed by the service provider.
Disposal of the Old Heater
Disposing of your old unit may not be included in the estimate, so you have to look for someone who can haul out the appliance. You can contact a service provider of junk disposal to get it for you. This will add extra expenses.
Having a functional water heater at home is crucial. When you're planning to have one installed, do your research first. It's a hefty investment, after all. This way, you'll be aware of how much you have to spend and whether it fits your budget. Call Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more. They're professionals who do heating and furnace repair from Pittsburgh, PA.