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Hot Water Tank Cost for Calgary Residents
A hot water tank heats water in your home using gas or electricity and stores it until you need it. Many Calgary residents rely on this piece of equipment to keep a constant supply of hot water on demand in their homes.
While a well-maintained hot water tank can last many years, you may need to replace your tank from time to time. It’s no fun facing midwinter with no hot water coming out of the faucets or showerhead.
If your tank starts leaking, stops working or you simply want to upgrade, you’ll want to know the costs of hot water tanks in Calgary.
This article tells you everything you need to know…
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What is the average price of a new hot water tank in Calgary in 2022?
Before we get started, it’s worth noting that inflation is at a 30-year high in Canada at the time of writing. All prices quoted in this post should be considered guidelines only and may increase.
Let’s start by providing some approximate pricing ranges without going into the complexities of hot water tank types, brands, sizes, and other factors that affect the overall cost (see details on these factors below).
Most homeowners looking for a new hot water tank need to set aside a rough budget for buying and installing their tank.
If you’re not sure where to start, you should consider a budget of between $1200 and $2000 as an average for a mid-range hot water tank with professional installation.
Yellowpages.ca estimated in 2017 that the cost of replacing a water heater can range from $105 to $8,300, with the average cost at $1,466. We can safely add 10-20 percent to those 2017 prices but please note the huge range of prices.
What factors influence hot water tank prices?
If you have decided to buy a new hot water tank, many factors will influence the price you will pay for buying and installing it. The main considerations are as follows:
- Hot water tank type
- The brand you choose
- The size of the tank
- Warranty provided
- Whether installation is included
- The installation company you use (if applicable)
What are the main types of hot water tanks?
There are three main types of hot water tanks. Your choice will affect the cost of your tank. Here’s a summary of the main differences:
Natural draft hot water tanks are traditional water heaters with draft hoods (cones over the top of the heater to collect exhaust gases). They are generally the most affordable — usually in the $1000-$1600 price range.
These hot water tanks require no electrical work during installation but there are some associated risks with backdrafts and carbon monoxide (CO), which is why they must be installed professionally and regularly maintained by an HVAC & plumbing technician. You should also install a CO detector in the room(s) where your furnace and hot water tank are located.
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Two other factors affecting hot water tank replacement costs in Calgary
Now you know the types of tanks available, let’s consider two of the other main factors affecting the cost of replacing your tank: the size of the tank and your choice of installation professionals.
One of the main variants when costing a new hot water tank is the installation in your home.
Smaller businesses with lower overheads can often provide a quality installation service at a lower price than the larger companies. Just make sure that you are, indeed, getting a professional service.
When you research the available options in the Calgary area, read the Alpha Plumbing reviews here to see what past clients have said about our service.
Is installation included when you buy your tank?
When you are costing your new hot water tank, bear in mind that some pricing includes installation and others exclude it. Be sure which one applies to your deal as it can make a big difference.
If installation and maintenance are included, it can save you hundreds of dollars. You may find a surprisingly low price for a hot water tank and think it’s a bargain but the lower price could be because it does not include installation or other services.
With a professional installation company, you have the peace of mind that your tank will be installed safely, according to the applicable codes, and with a warranty that can be backed up. If anything does go wrong, you can call the company back out to fix it and if there is a manufacturing issue, the installation company should be able to handle it for you.
Mistakes with hot water tank installations can be costly and most homeowners would rather pay a little more if it avoids the headaches involved with a sub-standard installation.
A note about DIY installation
Some homeowners choose DIY installations that could keep the cost of a new hot water tank below $1000.
However, beware! DIY is not advisable unless you have considerable experience in hot water tank installations as there are some important safety concerns to bear in mind.
Need help with installing a new hot water tank?
If you run into problems with your hot water tank and need to replace it, contact Alpha Plumbing in Calgary at 403-470-5785 for an honest assessment from a qualified technician.