Indirect water heater replacement

[racerboy]

This isn’t really a garage/shop question, but I always get good information to think about from GJ members so figured I’d ask here. I am thinking about buying a small horse property about 40 miles south of where I am now, and then putting this house on the market. The realtor we are working with suggested replacing the water heater (indirect) in my basement. Even though it works fine, she said that was something buyers looked for when shopping homes. I’m not sure how old the water heater is, but my house was built in 2001, so I’m assuming it’s probably the original.

My questions are:
1. I don’t think the realtor is trying to make me spend money needlessly, but was curious what others thought about replacing a function HW heater for purposes of selling the house.
2. The water heater works fine, but I always thought that if I ever did replace it, I might go with a larger one. With me, the wife and her two teenage daughters, we sometimes run short on hot water. I’m not 100% sure we are going to find the horse property we want right away, so could wind up staying in this house for another year or so. If I were to replace it, would you suggest going with a larger heater?

Thanks.

 

[Adk Mike]

Indirect water heaters last a long time. No burner. If it’s not leaking I’d grin and just leave it.
most people when swapping out a boiler. Will use the original indirect water heater.

 

[mike93lx]

If it works fine and looks fine, leave it.

The realtor loses nothing by having you replace it and it is something that they can highlight. You wont get a penny more for the house. You will be out the cost and with how thin inventory is, it won't make a difference at all in the sale.

Prep and staging are what matters. Focus on the kitchen first

 

[Jackfre]

20 yrs on an indirect? Yes, you are on borrowed time, but I wouldn’t replace it. Clean it really well and let the new, homeowner make the decision as to what they want to replace it with. Your realtor suggesting a new water heater is fine, but a tank water heater and an indriect are in different price categories.

 

[AP514]

I would say if in Good Condition then let it be....

I have had a plain old 50 Gal. GE electric in my Rental from 1998...I drain it every year and have replaced the Anode (along with several heating elements)..still passes my Boroscope inspections of the inside.

 

[yeldogt]

My guess is the "Realtor" hears "water heater" and has no idea that an "indirect" is something different. Inspectors love to point out the ages of water heaters and HVAC systems ... because they can. Makes them all sound smart.

What type/ make of indirect? If SS -- they can last way past 20 years. What is the BTU output of the boiler? Does the indirect have a direct loop off the boiler w/proper flow.

You size the indirect based on initial load. Bigger is not often better -- remember, once you draw down the tank you have to reheat it. What is faster to heat ..............40 gallons or 60? Raising the temp is often the solution.

 

[jmiller_2308]

I'm surprised you run out of hot water. I have a 30 gallon indirect fired by a 96,000 BTU boiler and for all intents and purposes it can supply me water all day long. In any event, unless it is leaking I wouldn't touch it. You won't get your money back and I doubt it would sell that much faster if replaced. Besides, the housing market is still very strong for sellers so don't bend over looking for buyers.