Is it time to replace your old water heater? There’s more to water heaters than just hot water. Choosing the right unit can lower your energy bill and ensure that you get a consistent supply of hot water whenever you need it throughout your home.
The plumbing experts at Central Heating Cooling Plumbing and Electrical have put together a step-by-step guide outlining the important factors you will need to consider to ensure that you get the right water heater for your needs.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
Evaluate Your Daily Hot Water Usage
No one likes running out of hot water during their morning shower. By estimating how much hot water your household uses daily, you can ensure your new water heater has the capacity to handle peak demand with ease.
First, you will need to consider the number of people in the home, daily routines, and peak times for water usage. Your plumber will have the expertise to guild your through the process to ensure you get the right size water heater for your needs by calculating the flow required by appliances and kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
Gas or Electric?
Is your home set up for gas, electric, or both? The energy source will dictate the type of heater you can install in your home. If you are considering upgrading from an electric water heater to a natural gas or propane unit, you plumber will need to run a gas line to the installation location.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Water Heater
Storage Tank Heaters
The most common type. They consist of an insulated tank where water is heated and stored continually until needed.
Tankless Heaters
Also referred to as “one-demand” water heaters, these employ a newer technology that heats water directly without using a storage tank. Tankless Water Heaters are typically more expensive to install, but are far more energy-efficient and can significantly lower energy costs.
Step 3: Look at Energy Efficiency Ratings
Higher energy efficiency means lower monthly utility bills. Check the Energy Guide label on the unit or the manufacturer’s website. It will outline the estimated yearly operational costs and compare its efficiency with other models.
While the initial cost of a more efficient water heater may be higher, the annual savings on your utility bill can offset the initial investment.
Step 4: Decide on the Right Size
For Storage Tank Heaters
Your plumber will help you select a unit based on the number of gallons the tank holds and how quickly it heats the water.
For Tankless Heaters
The gallons-per-minute (GPM) rate must be calculate to ensure the unit can handle your household’s hot water needs peak demand.
Step 5: Consider the Warranty
Most water heaters come with warranties. While a longer warranty is better, it might also mean a slightly higher price. Choosing a reputable brand that stands behind its products is also important.
Step 6: Factor in Installation Costs
Remember, the purchase price of your heater isn’t the only cost. Installation can vary depending on the complexity of the job. Installing a tankless water heater is usually more time consuming and complex than a conventional water heater, and therefore will increase the cost.
Step 7: Choose An Experienced Plumber
Choosing a new water heater might feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Armed with this knowledge, you’re well-equipped to make a decision that suits your home’s needs. Having an experienced partner can make all the difference.
Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical has been helping homeowners in the Flathead Vally of Montana with custom-tailored hot water solutions for over 30 years. Call us today for service.
