Many people never consider the importance of having a quality water heater that meets their needs until a plumbing emergency occurs. Amidst the ensuing stress is not the best time to undertake critical tasks such as deciding on the right water heater installation. Below are some helpful hints to guide you in the selection process.
Step 1: Gas or Electric?
Gas heaters tend to heat water much faster than electric heaters, meaning gas heaters allow you to get the hot water you need faster, without water waste. Gas water heaters also use less energy than electric water heaters and often cost as much as half the price of electric heaters.
The primary benefit of electric water heaters is their ability to be installed in any house that has electricity. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, electric heaters require no additional lines installed in the house.
Step 2: What Are Your Needs?
After deciding whether a gas or electric water heater is right for you, consider the following factors:
Size
Getting the appropriate size for your particular needs is very important. Water heaters with a capacity too low for your requirements will repeatedly run out of hot water.
Most modern U.S. homes have 40-gallon heaters. If you have a large family that requires heavy use of washers, dryers, and bathtubs, consider a larger size than this. Likewise, if you are a single person who does dishes once a week, think about a smaller unit to conserve energy.
Energy Rating
Higher energy ratings indicate higher fuel efficiency. Choosing a high efficiency unit that is slightly more expensive than one with a lower energy rating will often pay off in lower future energy bills.
Brand Name Quality
As with everything else in life, you get what you pay for in the world of water heaters. A less reputable model with a lower price may cost you much more in the end with frequent repair bills and lower energy efficiency.
Heater Warranty
Check out the manufacturer’s warranty and any other available warranty. Extended warranties may cost somewhat more, but the security of not having to worry if your unit is defective or breaks down is often worth it.
Step 3: Tankless or Conventional?
Tankless heaters are technology’s latest answer to age-old plumbing problems. Unlike conventional water heaters, tankless units have no storage device. Instead, cold water is only routed through a heating element inside the unit when there is a demand for hot water. Because heating energy is used only on demand, tankless water heaters are much more energy efficient than their tank counterparts, which consume energy continuously.
Saving space is another advantage of tankless water heating units: a tankless heater is about the size of the average briefcase. The major drawback of tankless units is their high initial price tags. Thus, you must weigh the benefits of long term savings against a substantially higher upfront cost.
Step 4: Who Should You Call?
When you’re ready to make the switch to newer, more efficient water heater unit, call Collins Comfort Masters Plumbing. We offer a level of expertise and care that is uncommon among other Phoenix plumbers.