Water Heater Replacement | Kingfisher & Central Oklahoma
Dave Hartzell has been replacing water heaters alongside HVAC systems in the Kingfisher area for 15+ years, and the calls follow a predictable pattern — either it failed overnight or the homeowner noticed rust-colored water months ago and kept putting it off. Both situations cost the same to fix, but one involves water damage. Beyond the swap itself, Hartzell’s checks what many contractors skip: the expansion tank (required by Oklahoma code on closed plumbing systems), the T&P relief valve condition, proper venting on gas units, and correct BTU sizing for the household. Same-week installation is realistic for standard tank water heaters in the Kingfisher area; tankless takes a bit longer if gas line sizing or venting upgrades are needed.
Over 271 central Oklahoma families trust Hartzell’s every year — and schedule slots go fast. Call 405-375-4822 before the rush, or chat with us in the corner right now.
See also: Water Heater Repair
✓ Licensed & Insured
✓ Same-Week Install Available
✓ Kingfisher for 15+ years
✓ Bradford White Authorized Dealer
Bradford White Authorized Dealer — professional-grade water heaters sold only through licensed contractors, not hardware stores.
Same-Week Installation Available · Upfront Pricing · Licensed & Insured · 405-375-4822
Same-week installation on most standard tank replacements
Water Heater Types We Install
GAS WATER HEATERS
Standard tank and high-efficiency gas water heaters. Most common in central Oklahoma homes. Fast recovery, lower operating cost than electric.
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
Standard electric tank water heaters. Simple installation, lower upfront cost, good for homes without gas service.
TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
On-demand hot water — heats only when you need it. Gas or electric. Longer lifespan (20+ years) and energy savings vs. tank models.
HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS
2–3x more efficient than standard electric. Most energy-efficient option. Best choice for energy-conscious homeowners with space for the unit.
Gas Water Heaters — What We Install
Hartzell’s installs GE Appliances RealMAX atmospheric gas water heaters — a purpose-built residential line that comes in three warranty tiers. The difference between tiers is primarily the warranty length and construction quality (anode rod, drain valve material, first-hour recovery rating). For most homes, the RealMAX Choice is a solid standard replacement; the Platinum makes sense if you want the longest warranty coverage available.
| Model | Warranty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RealMAX Choice | 8-Year | Tank & parts limited warranty. Standard residential replacement. |
| RealMAX Premium | 10-Year | Tank & parts limited warranty. Brass drain valve, longer recovery. |
| RealMAX Platinum | 12-Year | Tank & parts limited warranty. Brass drain valve, SmartShield™ safety system, highest first-hour rating in the lineup. |
All models are 40,000 BTU atmospheric vent natural gas (LP available). Dave recommends the right size and tier based on your household and installation. Call 405-375-4822 to discuss options.
GE RealMAX Installed Pricing
All prices are installed — equipment, labor, and standard connections. Low end = cash. High end = credit card + tech commission. Call for a firm quote: 405-375-4822.
| Size | Description | Warranty | Installed Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Gallon Water Heaters | |||
| 30 GAL | Short Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,756–$1,963 |
| 30 GAL | Tall Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,776–$1,985 |
| 30 GAL | Short Profile — Electric | 8-Year | $1,544–$1,726 |
| 30 GAL | Tall Profile — Electric | 8-Year | $1,584–$1,771 |
| 30 GAL | Short Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,853–$2,071 |
| 30 GAL | Tall Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,890–$2,113 |
| 40-Gallon Water Heaters | |||
| 40 GAL | Short Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,927–$2,154 |
| 40 GAL | Tall Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,951–$2,181 |
| 40 GAL | Short Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 12-Year | $2,010–$2,247 |
| 40 GAL | Tall Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 12-Year | $2,025–$2,264 |
| 40 GAL | Short Profile — Electric | 8-Year | $1,601–$1,789 |
| 40 GAL | Tall Profile — Electric | 8-Year | $1,641–$1,834 |
| 40 GAL | Short Profile — Electric | 10-Year | $1,737–$1,941 |
| 40 GAL | Tall Profile — Electric | 10-Year | $1,776–$1,985 |
| 40 GAL | Short Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,971–$2,203 |
| 40 GAL | Tall Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 8-Year | $1,986–$2,220 |
| 40 GAL | Short Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 12-Year | $2,167–$2,422 |
| 40 GAL | Tall Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 12-Year | $2,182–$2,439 |
| 50-Gallon Water Heaters | |||
| 50 GAL | Short Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 8-Year | $2,025–$2,264 |
| 50 GAL | Tall Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 8-Year | $2,047–$2,288 |
| 50 GAL | Short Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 12-Year | $2,110–$2,359 |
| 50 GAL | Tall Profile — Natural Gas Atmospheric | 12-Year | $2,123–$2,374 |
| 50 GAL | Short Profile — Electric | 8-Year | $1,737–$1,941 |
| 50 GAL | Tall Profile — Electric | 8-Year | $1,778–$1,987 |
| 50 GAL | Short Profile — Electric | 10-Year | $1,855–$2,074 |
| 50 GAL | Tall Profile — Electric | 10-Year | $1,894–$2,117 |
| 50 GAL | Tall Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 8-Year | $2,108–$2,356 |
| 50 GAL | Tall Profile — Propane/LP Atmospheric | 12-Year | $2,226–$2,488 |
Prices include equipment, standard labor, and disposal of old unit. Does not include expansion tank if required by code, non-standard venting modifications, or gas line upgrades. Prices subject to change without notice.
Tankless Water Heater Installed Cost
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters heat water only when a tap is open — no standby heat loss, 20+ year lifespan, and unlimited hot water. Higher upfront cost than tank units; installation often requires gas line upsizing and dedicated venting.
| Unit | Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bradford White Infiniti Powerfly Contractor-only; authorized dealer |
$3,000 – $4,800 | Whole-home gas condensing; high-efficiency; includes standard venting and gas connection |
| Navien NPE Series Condensing; ComfortFlow recirculation |
$3,500 – $5,500 | Built-in buffer tank reduces cold-water sandwich; strong warranty; popular upgrade choice |
| Rinnai RU / RL Series Condensing; Wi-Fi control available |
$3,200 – $5,200 | Industry-leading reliability; 12-year heat exchanger warranty; excellent for whole-home demand |
Prices include unit, standard labor, and venting. Dedicated gas line upgrade or structural venting changes billed separately if required. Expansion tank not needed on tankless systems.
When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?
Most tank water heaters last 8–12 years. Look for these warning signs:
- Age over 10 years — Risk of failure increases significantly after 10 years
- Rusty or discolored hot water — Sign of internal corrosion; the tank is failing
- Rumbling or popping noises — Sediment buildup is reducing efficiency and heating element life
- Water around the base of the unit — Tank is leaking; replace immediately
- Inconsistent hot water — Could be heating element, thermostat, or end-of-life unit
- Rising energy bills — As water heaters age, they become less efficient
Don’t wait for a catastrophic failure — a leaking tank can cause significant water damage to your home. Proactive replacement on your schedule, before a failure, costs the same as emergency replacement but without the damage and stress.
Heat Pump Water Heaters & Energy Savings
For homeowners looking to reduce energy costs, heat pump water heaters are one of the most cost-effective upgrades available. They use the same technology as a mini-split heat pump to extract heat from ambient air and transfer it to your water — making them 2–3x more efficient than a standard electric water heater.
Federal Tax Credit: Note (2026 update): The federal heat pump water heater tax credit (Section 25C) expired on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. New installations in 2026 do not qualify. If you installed in 2025, you can still claim it on your 2025 return. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Note: heat pump water heaters work best in unconditioned or semi-conditioned spaces (garages, basements, utility rooms) where they have room to draw ambient heat. They’re not ideal in very tight, fully conditioned closets. Ask Dave if your space is a good fit.
| Unit | Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rheem ProTerra Hybrid 50 or 65 gal; UEF 3.75–4.0 |
$2,200 – $3,200 | Hybrid mode uses heat pump first; falls back to electric resistance in high demand; 10-year warranty |
| A.O. Smith Voltex / Signature 900 50 gal; UEF 3.45–3.75 |
$2,200 – $3,200 | Energy Star certified; 240V dedicated circuit required; payback vs. standard electric ~3–5 years |
240V dedicated circuit required (often already present). Electrical panel upgrade billed separately if needed. The 25C federal tax credit for HPWHs expired December 31, 2025 — no federal credit for 2026 installations.
Common Questions
How long does water heater installation take?
A standard tank swap takes 2–3 hours. Tankless takes 4–6 hours if gas line sizing or venting needs work — Hartzell’s gives you a time estimate before work begins.
A standard tank water heater replacement typically takes 2–3 hours. Tankless installation can take longer — 4–6 hours — especially if gas line sizing or venting upgrades are needed. We give you a time estimate before work begins.
Do you haul away the old water heater?
Yes — old unit removal and disposal is included with every installation. No trip to the dump for you.
Yes — we remove and dispose of your old water heater as part of the installation. No extra trip to the dump for you.
What size water heater do I need?
30–40 gallon for 1–2 people, 40–50 gallon for 3–4 people, 50–80 gallon for larger households. Tankless is sized by flow rate, not gallons — Dave recommends the right size when you call.
For a standard tank, the general rule: 30–40 gallon for 1–2 people, 40–50 gallon for 3–4 people, 50–80 gallon for 5+ people. Tankless sizing is based on flow rate demand rather than tank size. Dave will recommend the right size for your household when you call.
Upfront price before any work starts. Old unit disposal included.
Why Homeowners Call Us
The two photos below show what we typically find when a water heater has been put off too long — corroded connections, deteriorated shut-offs, and a unit well past its service life. We diagnose the full picture before recommending repair or replacement.
Existing unit — full diagnostic before recommending replacement
Corroded supply connections — reason for replacement
Before & After: Water Heater Replacement
Corroded connections, failing fittings, sediment-clogged tanks — Hartzell’s has seen every version of a water heater at end of life. Old unit removal is included with every installation. New equipment set up, tested, and running before we leave.
Before: corroded tank and failing fittings
Corroded connections — a common finding on 10+ year old units
After: Bradford White installed, organized, and tested
Our Job Isn’t Done Until
- ✓Your system is running properly and fully tested before we pack up
- ✓Every question you have is answered — we don’t leave you guessing
- ✓Your home is left clean — we clean up after ourselves, every time
- ✓You understand your warranty and exactly what it covers
That’s the standard Dave Hartzell has kept for 45 years. Every technician. Every call.
Meet the Owner
GE RealMAX water heaters, professionally installed with upfront pricing. Same-day diagnosis on most calls. Old unit removal included. Dave Hartzell and team have served central Oklahoma for 15+ years — same standards whether it’s a $99 repair or a full replacement.
Call 405-375-4822 or book online to get started.
Already Have a Water Heater That’s Working Fine?
Not every water heater needs replacing. If yours is still running but hasn’t been inspected recently, annual maintenance can add years to its life and catch problems before they turn into a flooded utility room. Oklahoma’s hard water accelerates sediment buildup, corrodes anode rods, and scales tankless heat exchangers — all preventable with a yearly inspection.
- ✓Annual safety & efficiency inspection
- ✓T&P valve, anode rod, gas/electrical check
- ✓10% off repairs & replacement
- ✓Desuperheater inspection (geo homes)
- ✓Everything in Tune-Up, plus:
- ✓Full tank flush included
- ✓Tankless descaling included
- ✓15% off repairs & replacement
Nearby Communities We Serve
Related Reading
Need a Water Heater Replaced?
Hartzell’s provides same-week installation in most cases. Upfront pricing, licensed and insured.
Content reviewed by Dave Hartzell — Oklahoma Master HVAC License #00115936, IGSHPA Accredited Geothermal Installer, Mitsubishi Diamond Dealer, Trane Comfort Specialist TCS SELECT. Hartzell’s Heat & Air, Kingfisher OK, for 15+ years.
✓ $111 diagnostic fee — credited toward your repair if you accept an estimate within 14 days.