Before you start shopping for new water heaters, make sure you do your homework well. There are several factors to consider while choosing the best water heater for your family’s requirements – gas or electric, tank or tankless also think about what size tank you’ll be needing? Your decision of choosing the right water heater will also depend on the size of your household & how many gallons of water are utilized at peak times? Do remember, size does matter. Note that your new 50-gallon water heater tank may take up more space than your old one, because of new regulations on insulation.
Tank Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Water heaters comprising a tank are the most popular in the market. Storage tank water heaters require little maintenance & are less expensive than tankless water heaters. On the downside, they utilize more energy. If you don’t use that stored hot water, it cools down & needs to continually be reheated.
Tankless water heaters are also known as instantaneous or on-demand water heaters. Just like the name suggests, there’s no tank, so it needs less space. A coil system heats the water as commanded, which saves on energy bills. Tankless gas water heaters & electric tankless water heaters are more expensive upfront & may require you to upgrade your electrical systems. Also, if you have a more spacious house, you may need more than one.
Energy Efficiency
One of the first things to consider while shopping for a water heaters is energy efficiency. The bottom line is: if it saves you energy, it saves you cash. According to the Department of Energy, heating water accounts for approximately 18 percent of our home energy usage. A more energy-efficient unit may cost you more at buying but will save you more money in the long run. It might also qualify you for a rebate.
Water Heater Capacity
Standard residential tank water heaters can vary in size & capacity. Tank water heaters range from 20 to 80-gallon capacities. But, you must also consider the first-hour rating. That’s exactly how much hot water you get from your water heater in its first hour of operation. Your tank’s first-hour rating or FHR will be printed on the tank. The FHR should be very close to how much water your family uses at its peak time, perhaps in the morning when the shower is running, along with the dishwasher & washing machine.
Water Heater Warranties
Find out what type of warranty is offered for your water heaters as you will surely want to take advantage of the longest warranty possible. The average lifespan of a domestic water heater is 10 to 15 years. A properly maintained commercial water heater should last 20+ years.
Whichever water heaters system you choose, make sure you have the right water heater parts & accessories before you get started, including water heater drain pans, water heater blankets, expansion tanks, pipes, fittings, & insulation.
Installing water heaters can be intimidating, so let our experts do it for you. Check Lonestarwaterservice.com for details on the delivery & installation of selected brands of water heaters. Because no one likes cold showers!
