0% intro APR for 6 months on purchases Discover it Student Cash Back Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Pay for a New Gas Water Heater

How to · Home

How to Pay for a New Gas Water Heater

Get ahead of the winter freeze by replacing your water heater now and spreading the $1400 cost over 18 months without interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $77.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,400 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A new water heater means no more lukewarm showers or worrying about a flood in the utility room. Most swaps take about three to four hours from start to finish. Booking in the early fall is usually cheaper since plumbers aren't yet buried in emergency freeze calls.

We want to avoid the rush of an emergency repair. Getting three quotes is the only way to know you aren't overpaying for labor. You have more leverage when your current heater is still technically working.

The 0% window is a firm deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance after the 18 months are up, the standard interest rate will apply to whatever is left, which adds up quickly.

The steps

  1. 01

    Gather three local quotes

    Call local plumbers before the first freeze hits. Ask for an all-in price that includes the tank, labor, and hauling away the old unit. Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars just based on how busy the shop is that week.

  2. 02

    Check for energy rebates

    Many gas companies and state programs give you money back for installing energy-efficient models. This can knock a few hundred dollars off that $1400 total. Look up your local utility website before you buy.

  3. 03

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi)

    This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If your heater costs $1400, you can pay $77.78 a month to clear the balance before the interest starts.

  4. 04

    Clear the work area

    Move any boxes or storage away from the old heater. Plumbers charge for their time, and you don't want to pay their hourly rate for them to move your holiday decorations. Make sure there is a clear path to the door.

  5. 05

    Schedule for mid-week

    Avoid Mondays and Fridays if you can. Mid-week is usually less hectic for trades, which means the plumber is more likely to show up on time and won't be rushing to get to their next emergency call.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is a tankless heater better?

Tankless units give you endless hot water but cost significantly more to install. For a standard $1400 budget, a traditional tank is the faster and more realistic choice.

How long do gas water heaters last?

Most tanks last about 10 to 12 years. If your unit is over a decade old and making knocking sounds, it is better to replace it now than to wait for a leak.

Do I need a permit for this?

Yes, most cities require a plumbing permit for a water heater swap. A professional plumber will usually handle the paperwork and include the fee in your total quote.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can void your 0% offer and lead to late fees. Set up autopay for $78 a month to make sure the balance is gone within the 18-month window.