Water heaters are essential appliances that provide hot water for your home. Whether you need to replace an old water heater or install a new one, you have two options: do it yourself (DIY) or get professional water heater installation services from a certified HVAC contractor.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your budget, skills, and preferences.
In this blog post, we will compare DIY and professional water heater installation services and help you decide which one is right for you.
DIY Water Heater Installation: Pros And Cons
DIY water heater installation means that you buy the water heater yourself and install it without the help of a professional.
This option can appeal to you if you are confident in your plumbing and electrical skills or want to save some money on labour costs.
However, DIY water heater installation has some drawbacks you should consider before attempting it.
Pros
Cost savings
One of the main benefits of DIY water heater installation is that you can save money on labour costs.
Depending on the type and size of the water heater, the average cost of professional water heater installation service can range from $900 to $1500.
By doing it yourself, you only have to pay for the water heater and the materials needed for the installation, which can reduce the total cost by up to 50%.
Flexibility
Another advantage of DIY water heater installation is that you can choose the water heater that suits your needs and preferences.
You can shop around for the best deals, compare different brands and models, and select your desired features.
You can also decide when and how to install the water heater according to your schedule and convenience.
Cons
Safety Risks
One of the main drawbacks of DIY water heater installation is that it can pose safety risks for you and your home.
Water heaters are complex appliances that involve plumbing, electrical, and gas connections. If you make a mistake or overlook a detail, you can cause water leaks, gas leaks, electrical shocks, fires, or explosions.
You can also injure yourself during installation, especially if you are dealing with heavy or bulky water heaters.
Quality Issues
Another disadvantage of DIY water heater installation is that it can compromise the quality and performance of the water heater.
Water heaters have specific installation requirements and instructions that must be followed carefully to ensure optimal operation and efficiency.
If you install the water heater incorrectly or improperly, you can damage the water heater, void the warranty, reduce the lifespan, or increase the energy consumption.
You can also face code violations or insurance issues if you do not comply with the local regulations and standards for water heater installation.
Professional Water Heater Installation Service: Pros And Cons
Professional water heater installation service means that you hire a licensed and certified HVAC contractor to install the water heater for you.
This option can be appealing if you are not comfortable or experienced with plumbing and electrical work or if you want to ensure the quality and safety of the installation.
Pros
Safety Assurance
One of the main benefits of a professional water heater installation service is that it can provide safety assurance for you and your home.
Certified HVAC contractors have the training, experience, and equipment to install water heaters safely and correctly. They can handle any type of water heater, including electric, gas, tankless, or hybrid models.
Moreover, they can also follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the local codes and standards for water heater installation.
By hiring a professional, you can avoid the risks of water leaks, gas leaks, electrical shocks, fires, or explosions that can result from DIY water heater installation.
Quality Guarantee
Another advantage of a professional water heater installation service is that it can guarantee the quality and performance of the water heater.
Accredited HVAC contractors can install the water heater properly and efficiently, ensuring optimal operation and longevity.
They can also offer warranty and service plans that can cover any repairs or maintenance issues that may arise in the future.
Hiring a professional HVAC contractor can protect the water heater, maintain the warranty, extend the lifespan, or lower the energy consumption.
Cons
Cost Implications
One of the main drawbacks of professional water heater installation service is that it can have cost implications for you.
As mentioned earlier, the average cost of professional water heater installation service can range from $500 to $1500, depending on the type and size of the water heater.
This can be a significant expense, especially if you are on a tight budget or if you have other home improvement projects to complete. You may also have to pay extra fees for permits, inspections, or disposal of the old water heater.
But all this cost will give you mental peace because when you hire a certified HVAC contractor for your water heater installation, you won’t have to worry about anything.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable professional water heater installation service, look no further than Main Heating & Cooling. We are a certified HVAC contractor that offers high-quality water heater installation, repair, and maintenance services in Coquitlam and surrounding areas. We have the expertise and experience to handle any type of water heater, including electric, gas, tankless, or hybrid models. We also offer competitive pricing and 24/7 emergency service. Contact us today to get a free quote or to schedule an appointment.