As a homeowner, you know how important water heaters are – after all, you use them every day. Chances are, your home already has a water heater, but you may be wondering if it’s time to replace your current model. Before you rush out and buy a new one, though, make sure that the model you’re buying is right for your home. There are many types of water heaters on the market today, and some of them might not be the best choice for your particular needs. So which type of water heater is right for you?
There are several things you should know about water heaters before purchasing one for your home. Below are a few things to consider when you are in the market for a new water heater.
How Much Hot Water Does Your Household Need?
The first step in choosing the right water heater is determining how much hot water you will need. The easiest way to do this is to figure out how many people live in your household and when they use the most hot water. For example, if you have four people in your home who always take showers at night, then a 7-gallon per minute (gpm) tank would be appropriate for your household. However, if you have two people who are only taking showers during the afternoon, then it would be better for you to go with a 6-gpm tank instead. If you have more than six people living in your home, then it might be best for you to install two water heaters so that everyone has enough hot water available at all times.
Will my Climate Affect the Type of Water Heater I Should Install
If you live in an area that does not experience extreme temperatures, then you can probably get away with using any type of unit. However, if you do have extreme weather conditions, it may be worthwhile investing in a more expensive unit that will last longer and perform better under these conditions.
For instance, if you live in a cold climate and use propane or natural gas fuel, a tankless water heater may not be the best option for you. In this case, a standard storage tank may be better because it will not freeze up during the winter months. However, if you live in a warm climate with no plans to switch fuels, then tankless heaters are likely to save more money on energy than regular models.
When Shopping for a New Water heater, What Options are Available
There are several types of water heaters to choose from when you’re looking to buy a new unit. Each type is different in its own way and has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s an overview of the most common types available:
Conventional Water Heater
Conventional water heaters are the most common type of heater. They’re usually made of steel and have an electric resistance element that transfers energy to the water through heating coils. They are available in a variety of sizes and are very affordable. Conventional water heaters have the lowest energy efficiency rating, so it is best to have them replaced by an ENERGY STAR certified model if possible.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters (also called instantaneous or on-demand) use electricity to heat water on demand as it comes out of the faucet. There are two types of tankless heaters: gas-fired and electric. Both types deliver hot water as needed, but they do not store hot water in a tank like conventional models do. The advantage to tankless models is that they save energy by only heating water when someone needs it. The disadvantage is that they require more maintenance than conventional models because they do not have a storage tank to hold extra hot water in case there is an interruption in the electricity. Tankless water heater installation typically takes between one to three hours.
Heat Pump Water Heater
This is the most efficient type of water heater for homes in mild climates, such as the South and West. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from the outside air into your home. Under normal circumstances, they use half as much energy as an electric tankless hot water heater, but they’re more expensive to install than other types. If you live in a place that gets cold in winter, you may want to consider another option.
Solar Water Heater
These systems use the sun’s energy to heat tap water by circulating it through a solar collector (a flat panel) and storing it in a tank until it’s needed. In some cases, the hot water is stored in an outdoor tank; in others, it’s stored inside your home on an interior wall or floor near where you’ll need it. The tanks must be placed where they receive plenty of sunlight — typically on south-facing walls or roofs — but because no fossil fuels are used, they’re very environmentally friendly and cost little to run once installed properly.
Condensing Water Heater
A condensing water heater uses less energy than an electric or gas model because it produces more hot water from the same amount of energy used by non-condensing models. In addition to being more efficient, condensing models can save homeowners money on home heating costs since they use hot water as part of their heating process (rather than requiring separate heating).
Hire a Plumber in Broken Arrow for Water Heater Installation
When you’re ready to invest in a new water heater, the best thing you can do to ensure that you’re making a good investment is to get help from a professional plumber.
At Mullin Plumbing, Inc. in Broken Arrow, we offer 24/7 plumber services . Some services include emergency water heater repair and installations of all types of water heaters. Give us a call at (918) 209-3133 for professional water heater installation. Let us help you choose the right water heater for your home!
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