Water heaters are essential for any home, providing hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. However, how do you pick the best one for your house when so many different types and sizes are available?
The first step is to determine the capacity you need. The basis should be the number of people in your household and the peak hot water demand. For example, a family of four will need a different capacity than a single person.
The next step is to consider the type of water heater you want. The most common types are gas, electric, tankless, and solar. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to research before deciding.
Cost efficiency should be your final point of consideration. It's crucial to consider the power source along with its cost of installation and maintenance when choosing a water heater.
Continue reading to learn more about getting the best water heater for your home.
Factors to Consider in a Water Heater
Typically, a water heater accounts for 15% of the annual energy bill. You might lose hundreds of dollars annually if you're not utilizing the appropriate one for your home's requirements.
Another issue many individuals have is the tendency to replace their water heater only in an emergency, such as when it fails. They are compelled to decide quickly, which may drive consumers to buy a product that is inappropriate for their requirements.
Before calling for a water heater repair, conduct some simple research. You can use a few factors to figure out which water heater is ideal for your home.
Size or Capacity
You must establish the size of the water heater you require after choosing the style to employ with your energy source. Choosing the right size is one of the most crucial steps you can take to guarantee your water heater is operating at peak performance. You will be paying to heat more water than you need if, for instance, only one or two people reside in your home and you purchase a standard storage water heater with a bigger reserve of water than you require.
There are typically four sizes available for conventional storage water heaters:
30 gallons for 1-2 people
40–50 gallons for 2-3 people
50 gallons or more for four or more people.
Depending on the power source, storage capacity may vary; larger tanks may be available for electricity but not for natural gas or propane.
Sizing is more difficult for tankless and on-demand water heaters since they only produce hot water, when necessary, rather than maintaining a constant supply for your demands. A specialist can assist you in determining the appropriate size if you select one of those water heaters.
Types of Water Heaters
There are four types of water heaters.
Conventional water heater. These water heaters are the most popular ones. The reservoir can hold between 20 and 80 gallons of hot water and release that hot water every time you use a hot water tap somewhere in the house.
The heated cold water from the tank is then pumped into the reservoir to replace the used water. Its only drawback is that this water heater constantly consumes energy to heat the water, known as standby energy loss.
On-Demand or Tankless Water Heaters. This kind of water heater prevents energy loss during standby. It only heats water when a hot water tap is opened, as opposed to keeping a hot water supply on hand all the time. When the faucet is turned on, cold water enters the water heater through a pipe and is heated as it passes through the tank by a gas burner or electric heating element.
Indirect water heater. These water heaters use the heat from a house's heating system to warm the water. Indirect water heaters use the heat from a furnace or boiler to maintain hot water in a storage tank rather than using their own heat source. These water heaters can be very energy-efficient because they are connected to a home's heating system.
Power Source
The three most popular types of water heaters—conventional storage, tankless or on-demand, and indirect water heaters—can all be powered by the three most prevalent energy sources in the United States: electricity, natural gas, and propane. However, the energy source should not limit your choice of a water heater.
If you use solar energy to power your home or if you want to use solar energy to augment your energy requirements, it can run your solar water heater.
Energy Savings
Make sure the water heater you purchase is energy efficient, regardless of the brand. Modern water heaters are far more efficient than older ones, especially those produced in the early 1990s and before. There are several choices for energy-efficient water heaters on the market today. A water heater's energy factor is a gauge for its energy efficiency. The Energy Factor calculates how much hot water the appliance produces for every unit of fuel it uses. A more effective water heater has a greater energy factor.
Take your time selecting the new water heater for your home because it accounts for a large portion of your annual energy cost. Before your water heater breaks and you face an emergency, know about the types and sizes or get professional advice.
Wrapping It Up
The wise thing to do if you need a new water heater is to get advice from industry professionals. They can assist you in finding the ideal new water heater for your residence or business. Contact one today to learn more about the ideal water heater for your home or to arrange for maintenance, installation, or repair.
