The State of California is funding homeowners to replace their gas furnace and gas water heater with a fully electric heat pump systems! With applicable rebates and eligible equipment — the cost of the replacement can be as low as 0$!
San Mateo and Santa Clara residents are eligible for:
— up to $9,000 in rebates for the heat pump water heater
— up to $5,500 in rebates for the heat pump (HVAC)
— $10,000 0% APR Loan for 5 years (paid through PGE bills)
CALL Irbis today to learn more and see if you qualify for these new water heat pump rebates!
Water Heater Installation
IRBIS provides water heater installation services in the Bay Area. Homeowners in Alameda County, San Mateo County, and Santa Clara County can depend on our licensed professionals for high-quality service and equipment. We also install the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market. Our team manages the entire installation process, from helping you choose the right unit for your home to installing a water heater to testing it to ensure it’s working properly.
Choosing the Right Water Heater
Our technicians are fully licensed and trained to work with the latest equipment and provide the best service possible. There are many water heater options available. The first step to installing one is to pick a model suited for your household. At IRBIS, we’ll help you consider the following:
- Type of Water Heater: Tank-based water heaters are the most common. They store water in tanks and maintain it at a steady temperature. Tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand and run only when needed, so they can save energy. Heat pump water heaters work by transferring heat from the outside air; in doing so, they use less electricity.
- Fuel Source: When connected to a utility line, a water heater can use natural gas. Other types use fuel oil or geothermal energy. Electric water heaters use heating elements instead of combustion to provide hot water. Hybrid units switch between using electricity and hot air to save on long-term costs.
- Size: Home water heaters often have capacities of 40, 50, or 60 gallons. An 80-gallon tank is better suited for families with kids or larger households with five to seven people. A water heater that is too large for a household will use more energy than necessary, and a unit that is too small will run out of hot water too quickly.
- Energy Efficiency Rating: Look for Energy Star-certified water heaters and units with Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings between 0.65 and 0.95. Use the ratings on the product’s label to compare it with others when shopping around.
Preparing for Water Heater Installation
The preparation phase is an important part of installing a water heater. First, turn off the power or gas supply. Once the water is cool, drain the tank by attaching a hose to the drain valve at the base of the water heater and running the hose to a floor drain or outside. Turn on a hot water tap to relieve pressure and open the drain valve. Wait until the tank is empty before closing the valve.
Before the water heater installer arrives, you should also clear the space around the unit. Any clutter in the area will make it harder for them to work. Create a clear path for the installer from the front door to where the heater will be. Also, make sure the area is properly ventilated so hot air can escape. If a vent is not installed, the contractor will install one for you.
Water Heater Installation Process
Once the old water heater is disconnected and removed, the technician will:
- Inspect existing plumbing and gas or electrical connections
- Perform any repairs or updates as needed
- Move the new water heater into place
- Install the temperature and pressure relief valve
- Install the discharge pipe
- Connect the unit to your water lines
- Fill the tank and flush it of any debris
- Connect the water heater’s wiring
- Turn the power on and set the water temperature
- Test the new water heater
Questions About Installing a Water Heater
What Are the Benefits of Professional Water Heater Installation?
Letting a professional install your water heater is the safer option and some places may require a licensed technician to do the work. Their training and experience help avoid costly mistakes and injuries. Installation guarantees protect your investment should anything go wrong. Over the long run, you’ll benefit from improved energy efficiency and performance and a reduced likelihood of future repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Water Heater?
An average tank water heater can cost up to $1,000. The equipment price depends on its size, brand, and other factors. Labor, additional installation requirements, and permitting factor into the water heater cost as well. But if you’re replacing an old water heater with a more energy-efficient model, you may be eligible to save with a home improvement tax credit.
With available rebates in CA, installing a new water heater may be virtually free! You may be eligible to receive up to $9,000 in rebates for installing a new heat pump water heater, up to $5,500 in rebates for installing a new heat pump (HVAC) and you may be eligible for a 0% APR Loan for 5 years (paid through PGE bills) of up to $10,000! Call Irbis HVAC TODAY to see if you qualify for these rebates!
How Long Should Water Heater Installation Take?
It takes two to three hours to replace a tank water heater with a similar model. This includes 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect, and remove an old unit. Positioning, fully connecting, and testing the new water heater can take up to an hour and a half. Tankless to tankless installation takes one to three hours. However, switching from a tank to a tankless water heater can take a bit longer.
Why Choose IRBIS HVAC for Water Heater Installation
IRBIS is a leading Bay Area water heater installation company because our team is experienced and receives continual training. We install the highest-quality products at competitive prices. Our clients also benefit from exceptional customer service. Whether you need help with gas or electric water heater installation or tankless water heater installation, we’ll ensure your investment is worthwhile and that the unit works safely and flawlessly. Get in touch with us online or call 669-266-5464 to learn more.
Water Heater Replacement
IRBIS is a leading water heater replacement company in the Bay Area. As your water heater ages, it will require repairs and become less reliable. You may suddenly have a cold shower or a ruptured tank that causes a flood. At the very least, the unit will lose efficiency and cost you more in service and energy costs.
Our professionals are fully certified and licensed to handle every technical aspect of installing your replacement water heater. We use the highest quality products and guarantee excellent customer service. You’ll know exactly when our technicians will arrive, and they’ll explain the entire process in detail, from completing a home inspection to the final installation. Expertise in how to replace a water heater correctly and safely ensures you have years of trouble-free hot water service.
Signs It’s Time for Water Heater Replacement
Water heater issues often develop over time. Regular use, corrosion, and general wear and tear can cause underlying problems to add up, leading to issues such as:
- Decrease in Hot Water Supply: If you have no hot water or it runs out quickly, a gas water heater may have a faulty pilot light or an electric unit may have a failed heating element.
- Rusty or Discolored Water: Rust-colored water from the faucet often means the water heater tank is corroding, or the supply lines are rusted and deteriorated.
- Leaks and Pooling Water: Whether you see water dripping down the side of the tank or pooling on the floor around it, serious damage must be addressed by a professional.
- Strange and Unusual Noises: Cracking and popping from the tank can mean mineral or sediment buildup. The heating elements may be failing as well.
- Strange and Undesirable Odors and Tastes: A breakdown of the material in the tank can cause water to smell and taste metallic.
The age of your water heater is a factor as well. Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. If you have a unit on the upper end of this range or beyond that develops serious problems, it’s likely time to replace it.
Why IRBIS is the best:
Types of Water Heaters IRBIS Installs
At IRBIS, our technicians install different types of water heaters in San Jose, Fremont, Menlo Park, Mountain View, and other communities across the Bay Area. These include:
- Tank Water Heaters: We can install a conventional unit whether you require a 75-, 50-, or 40-gallon water heater replacement. Our technicians specialize in installing natural gas-, propane-, fuel oil-, and electric-powered water heaters.
- Tankless Water Heaters: A tankless system is on only when a hot water tap is running, saving a great deal of energy. These on-demand water heaters are more compact than their traditional counterparts, so they save a lot of space.
- Heat Pump Water Heaters: Hybrid water heaters use a fan, evaporator, compressor, and refrigerant to use ambient air to heat water. Electric resistance elements serve as a backup should the demand exceed the supply.
Water Heater Replacement Process
Whether we are replacing a tankless water heater or a traditional unit in San Jose, IRBIS follows a tried and tested process to ensure it goes right. Our technicians will first evaluate your current system. They’ll quickly determine when to replace the water heater or repair the existing one.
If replacement is necessary, our team will assess your hot water needs and help select a unit suited for your home. Your old water heater will be removed and your home will be prepared for the new equipment. Once we install the new unit, we’ll test it to ensure the system meets all performance, safety, and efficiency requirements.
Benefits of Water Heater Replacement
By replacing a water heater, you can see benefits such as:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Reduced energy bills
- Improved reliability
- More hot water
- Quieter performance
- Fewer repair costs
Questions About Water Heaters
How Often Should I Replace My Water Heater?
After a water heater replacement, you should have reliable hot water for at least 10 years. Electric water heaters tend to last longer than gas units, and tankless units can last 20 years or more. Proper use and maintenance can increase the lifespan of your water heater.
What Does It Cost to Install a Water Heater?
Tank water heaters vary in cost depending on the size of the tank. A tankless model generally costs more to install, but its efficiency can make up the difference over time. Factoring in equipment costs, labor fees, and home improvements if needed, the project can cost a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
What Time of the Year Should I Buy a Water Heater?
If you can wait until January, clearance sales after the holidays can help you save. However, early fall is when the latest models typically come out. You can take advantage of turnover during September or October and save on earlier models.
Why Choose IRBIS HVAC for Water Heater Replacement
Experienced professionals, high-quality products and materials, and competitive pricing make us the best water heater replacement company in the Bay Area. We also provide exceptional customer service, special offers, and financing to help you budget for a new water heater. You can receive your next replacement water heater hassle-free. Our team will ensure you have a reliable hot water supply and an energy-efficient unit that runs safely and reliably for many years.
Schedule your consultation or service appointment today by calling 669-266-5464.