Water Heaters in Pensacola, FL

Information for Water heaters

Need a new water heater in Pensacola, FL? There’s a lot of information on water heaters, and most of it is sales pitches or marketing campaigns.

We’ll cover all the basic water heater styles and codes for each one. But a word of caution! Every jurisdiction is different, and every manufacturer has their recommendations.

We’ll be focusing on Escambia County and Pensacola City plumbing requirements here.

How much does a water heater cost?

If you’re considering replacing your water heater, your first question might be “How much does a water heater cost?“

Between $1,500 and $5,200 is the average cost for residential water heaters. The price can vary based on the type of heater, its capacity, and the installation specifics.

For electric water heaters, prices typically range from $1,500 for a basic 40-gallon model to $4,500 for a high-efficiency 50-gallon heat pump unit. Gas water heaters are slightly more expensive, with 40-gallon models starting at $2,000 and tankless options reaching up to $5,200. These prices generally include the unit, installation, permits, and removal of the old heater.

Visit our website page “Plumbing Prices: Water Heaters” for pricing.

Hot Water Heater

Storage tank water heaters are the original and most widely available heaters in the world. They come in many sizes and offer reliable use for many years.

Although gas and electric water heaters have different fuel sources, they share many of the same components. The difference would be the method of heating. Gas water heaters have a burner assembly that heats water from an open flame at the bottom of the heater. Electric water heaters have two elements, one at the top and one at the bottom, that heat the surrounding water.

Design Features of a Gas Water Heater

A. The Tank: Where water is stored and heated.

B. Vent: This removes the exhaust, which contains carbon monoxide, from the water heater.

C. T&P: The temperature and pressure relief valve is a safety valve that will open when temperatures or pressure reaches dangerous levels.

D. Control Valve: This regulates temperature and can give you troubleshooting codes on modern digital valves.

E. Drain Valve: This is where you can connect a water hose to drain your tank. It’s recommended that you drain your tank at least once a year.

Heat Pump Water Heater

Heat pumps pull heat from the air and transfer it to the water stored in the tank. It essentially works as a reverse refrigerator! It’s a great idea that has gained a lot of popularity in southern states, such as Florida. This is because it requires a rather stable climate, lots of space to source air from, and it will cool the air around it. Unlike northern states, heat pumps are perfect for garages.

Heat pumps are very energy efficient and typically have longer lifespans than storage tank water heaters. Most come with a 10-year warranty.

They’re more expensive than storage tank water heaters and installation is a bit more pricey because they require additional piping as well as a second plumber due to their weight. A heat pump water heater can weigh double your standard water heater!

In summary, heat pumps are a great choice in Pensacola, FL if you don’t mind paying a little more now to save money in the long run.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are a popular choice due to their space-saving, energy efficiency, and local rebates! Tankless water heaters typically cost more to install but rebates and the money you save on your power bill can quickly offset this burden.

When it comes to electric or gas, we always recommend gas! An electric tankless water heater will require an electrical contractor as well as a plumbing contractor.

Most tankless electric water heaters require 4 x 40 AMP double pole breakers and draw 25,000 watts. A standard tank-style water heater draws 5,000 watts. This can range between $1,500-$3,200 in our area.

A Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater will cost less after the rebates and provide lower out-of-pocket costs over the long run.

Information on gas rebates can be found HERE.

When to replace a water heater?

In Florida, many homeowners’ insurance policies have specific requirements when it comes to water heaters. Most insurers expect water heaters to be replaced every 8 to 12 years—regardless of whether the unit is still functioning—because older units pose a higher risk of leaks and water damage. If a claim is filed due to a failed water heater and the unit is past its expected lifespan, the insurance company may deny coverage, especially if proper maintenance or replacement wasn’t documented.

How Long Does Replacing a water heater take?

Electric storage tank water heaters are the fastest to install. Some plumbers can install these in under 2 hours. Gas storage tanks take a little longer due to the venting and gas connections, typically 3 hours. Heat pump water heaters can take 4-5 hours due to condensation considerations and the size of the unit. Tankless can take a whole day if you’re converting from a tank to tankless or need gas services upgraded.

Who can replace a water heater?

Florida building codes require that all water heater installations be performed by a licensed plumber and properly permitted. DIY installations can void your insurance coverage and create liability if something goes wrong. To stay compliant and protected, it’s best to have your water heater inspected regularly and replaced by a certified plumbing professional when it nears the end of its service life.