Water heater · Paul Lindqvist
Failing electric tank, heat pump option
Retired aerospace engineer. Courteous and precise, with a notebook out and questions ready.
What you know walking in
Estimate. Homeowner reports lukewarm water and a small puddle under the water heater, and wants to discuss heat pump water heaters. 50-gallon electric tank in the garage. All-electric home. Not a member.
- 50-gallon electric resistance water heater, 13 yrs
- Pressure regulator on the main line
What you found
- Water is seeping from the bottom of the tank. A leaking tank cannot be repaired.
- The lower heating element reads open on the meter, which is why the water is lukewarm.
- There is no expansion tank, and the house has a pressure regulator. Code requires one on the new install.
- The 240-volt, 30-amp circuit that feeds the tank is in good shape and can serve a 240-volt heat pump unit.
- The garage has plenty of air for a heat pump unit and a route for a condensate drain to the outside.
Your price book for this job
50-gallon heat pump water heater, 10-year warranty Fits this home
New 50-gallon heat pump water heater · Thermal expansion tank · Two seismic straps · Condensate drain to the outside · Existing 240-volt circuit tested and reused · Permit and haul-away · Help checking current rebates, amounts not guaranteed
$4,790
or $123/mo
50-gallon standard electric, 6-year warranty
New 50-gallon electric water heater · Thermal expansion tank · Two seismic straps · Permit and haul-away
$1,790
or $46/mo
The honest fit is marked. Recommend what the home needs, and only that.
Your goal
Answer technical questions with accurate numbers and recommend the heat pump unit as the honest fit for this home. Be clear about what has to be verified, including rebates.
Difficulty: Tough
Plan you can offer
- Summit Care Club$19.95 a month
Speak naturally. Paul hears you, reacts to how you say things, and remembers. Headphones make it feel real.