Transform Your Home’s Hot Water System: The Ultimate Guide to Propane Water Heaters
When it comes to efficient and reliable hot water solutions, propane water heaters have emerged as a superior choice for homeowners seeking cost-effective performance and environmental benefits. Whether you’re replacing an aging electric unit or building a new home, understanding the advantages, costs, and installation process of propane water heaters will help you make an informed decision that could save you thousands of dollars over the system’s lifetime.
Why Choose Propane Water Heaters?
Propane water heaters offer significant advantages over their electric counterparts. According to the Propane Energy and Research Council (PERC), an ENERGY STAR storage tank propane water heater can save a household 13 to 16% on heating costs over a year. In a 2,400-square-foot home, an electric water heater would cost the homeowner about $645 a year, whereas a propane heater would cost only $290 a year. This translates to annual savings of about $355 a year.
Beyond cost savings, propane water heaters provide superior performance. While electric water heaters can take hours to heat your entire tank and the hot water eventually runs out, propane heaters are constantly keeping the water hot. This uses less energy and results in lower fuel consumption and costs. Additionally, propane is vastly more efficient, so propane water heaters can be more compact — a typical 40-gallon storage tank propane water heater provides the same amount of hot water as a standard 50-gallon electric storage tank water heater.
From an environmental perspective, a tank propane water heater produces 46% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, while a propane tankless water heater sends about 70% fewer emissions into the atmosphere. This makes propane an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Understanding the Costs
The initial investment in a propane water heater varies depending on the type and size you choose. Propane water heaters cost more up front than electric water heaters. A gas water heater unit is about $850 on average, but more efficient models can cost up to $1,400. Electric water heaters cost about $650.
For installation costs, both types of gas water heater installation types have similar upfront costs, with propane models priced a little higher than their natural gas counterparts. On average, gas water heater installation costs around $2,607. However, propane systems begin at $700 before tank installation, and costs of installing a propane storage tank drive up costs for propane water heaters.
Despite higher upfront costs, the long-term savings are substantial. Your monthly bills generally end up affecting your budget more than the one-time purchase and installation price of a water heater. So in a few years, your propane heater will have paid for itself in reduced monthly bills. For homeowners in Suffolk County seeking reliable propane services in Babylon, NY, professional installation ensures optimal performance and safety compliance.
Types of Propane Water Heaters
The conventional storage water heaters, which feature a tank, and tankless propane water heaters are the two most common types of propane water heaters. There are benefits to both choices.
Tank-Style Propane Water Heaters
Tank-style water heaters are less expensive to purchase and install. Their straightforward operation makes maintenance and repair simple and affordable. One benefit of these water heaters is their simplicity and ease of repair, making models with a tank the most economical upfront choice. Installation for these units runs between $1,000 and $2,500.
Tankless Propane Water Heaters
While tankless water heaters cost more upfront to purchase and install, they can last twice as long, or even longer, than tank-style water heaters. When you need a lot of hot water, a tankless water heater delivers. You won’t have to wait for hot water after taking a shower, and the dishwasher can operate at the same time. Because a tankless water heater provides hot water only when you need it, installing one may save you 35% or more on your water heating expenses.
For tankless units, a tankless water heater costs $1,400 to $5,600 installed or $600 to $2,600 for the unit alone. The price depends on the heater size in gallons per minute (GPM), the brand, and whether you choose electric, propane, or natural gas as your fuel source.
The Installation Process
Installing a propane water heater is a complex process that requires professional expertise. Installing a propane water heater is a difficult task involving an advanced level of skill. Those unfamiliar with the plumbing installation should reach out to experts in this field. The installation process involves several critical steps:
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before installing a propane water heater, prioritize safety. Ensure all gas appliances in your home are turned off and the gas supply is shut off at the main valve. If you are uncertain about handling gas lines, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure a safe environment during the installation process.
Familiarize yourself with local regulations and building codes governing the installation of propane water heaters. Compliance with these standards is crucial to avoid potential legal issues and ensures the safety and efficiency of your water heating system.
Removal of Old Unit
The first step involves safely removing your existing water heater. Before you can remove the existing water heater, you’ll have to drain the tank. Turn off the water supply, the gas supply, and the control valve on the heater. Then turn on a hot water faucet and let it run until the water runs cold. This will drain the existing hot water from the tank. Attach a hose to the drain valve and let the excess water flow into a bucket or floor drain.
Installation Steps
The installation process includes several technical steps:
- Set the new heater in place, leaving six inches of clearance on each side for proper ventilation.
- Connect to propane tank using threaded iron pipes, set up a connection between your outdoor propane tank and the new water heater. Make sure to tighten all connections with your pipe wrench.
- Connect heater to water supply by connecting the existing water supply line to the new heater using copper pipes. Solder all of the connections to ensure a proper seal.
- Turn on the water for an initial test. To make sure that everything is properly affixed, open the main water valve and see if there are any leaks. Adjust as needed.
Professional Installation Requirements
Installation requirements include a suitable gas supply, an electrical connection, an air intake ventilation system, and plumbing. Consider these key points for a gas tankless water heater installation. For tankless units, since they heat water on demand, tankless water heaters require more gas when they fire on than a water heater equipped with a storage tank. They may require more gas than large home furnaces. This energy is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. A water heater tank might have a 30k BTU/H input, whereas a tankless may need 90k to 130k BTU/H. For this reason, it is likely that you will have to run a newer, larger gas pipe from your gas meter to feed your new tankless gas water heater. In most cases, you’ll have to jump up two sizes – from 1/2-inch to a 1-inch line.
Choosing Professional Installation
Given the complexity and safety considerations involved, professional installation is strongly recommended. While some homeowners may be adept at DIY projects, propane water heater installation is best left to professionals. Improper installation of gas water heaters can lead to gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, or explosions. Electrical water heaters, on the other hand, can pose risks of electrical shock or fire if wiring isn’t handled correctly.
Liberty Gas Service has been serving Suffolk County since 2010, providing comprehensive propane solutions with a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. Choosing Liberty Gas Service means opting for a provider who values safety, quality, and customer satisfaction above all else. As a leading propane company, we are committed to delivering services that exceed industry standards. Our team is highly trained and knowledgeable, equipped to provide expert advice and support whenever needed.
Liberty Gas values honesty and reliability as a cornerstone of our business and we feel you should expect no less. We take pride in taking care of our valued customers and we work very hard to develop long-lasting relationships. Our friendly and courteous staff promises to provide top-notch customer service in every interaction with you.
Conclusion
Propane water heaters represent an excellent investment for homeowners seeking efficient, reliable, and cost-effective hot water solutions. While the initial investment may be higher than electric alternatives, the long-term savings, superior performance, and environmental benefits make propane water heaters an intelligent choice. With proper professional installation and regular maintenance, a propane water heater can provide decades of reliable service while significantly reducing your energy costs.
Whether you choose a traditional tank-style unit or a modern tankless system, working with experienced professionals ensures safe installation and optimal performance. The investment in a quality propane water heater, combined with expert installation, will provide your family with reliable hot water while contributing to long-term energy savings and environmental sustainability.