Water heater technology has evolved so much in recent decades that for those outside of the industry, it can be hard to keep up. From the type of fuel used to the energy efficiency, choosing what’s right for your home can be confusing. This article will review what factors are most important to consider when buying a water heater for your home or business.
If you have further questions about what to look for when buying a water heater, you can always reach out to the residential plumbing professionals at Plumbing Squad. We would be happy to offer our expertise and help you feel confident in your investment!
What You Need To Know Before Buying Your Water Heater
Before purchasing a water heater, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure you select the right unit for your needs. Here are key points to know before buying a water heater:
What Type of Fuel?
Before you invest in a new water heater, it’s necessary to know what type of fuel your current one uses. Does it require electricity or natural gas? Or is it propane or solar-powered?
Knowing the type of fuel your current water heater uses will help you to determine what type of water heater you can install. While you can switch fuel sources, this can cost a lot more upfront, so you should always consider this factor in selecting a replacement.
How Big Should It Be?
To ensure that your water heater serves your needs without wasting energy, it’s important to determine what capacity you will need. It might not seem that big of a deal, but ideally, you want to strike that perfect balance of always having hot water while not wasting money unnecessarily on your monthly utility bills.
For example, if you live in a house with one bathroom, you’ll want a water tank that holds approximately 30-40 gallons. However, if you have two or three bathrooms, you may want to invest in a larger model of between 50-80 gallons.
Be sure you know how fast the water will be heated and replenished as this will also play a role in determining which water heater you should purchase.
Tank or Tankless Water Heater?
A tank water heater is the traditional choice, but if you’re a homeowner looking into water heaters, you’ve probably heard of the tankless option. So, how do you choose?
A tank water heater can cost less, but it’s less energy efficient than a tankless water heater. That means that over time, buying a tankless water heater will reduce the utility costs in your home since it only heats water when it’s needed. Tankless water heaters are more compact, but they can take longer to heat up water.
Before you decide, be sure that you know what will best benefit your family so you can make the right choice based on your household needs.
Is It Energy-Efficient?
In this day and age, it’s more important than ever to consider energy efficiency. Beyond the environmental concerns, maintaining an energy-efficient home also goes a long way to helping you save money on your monthly utility bills.
That’s why one of our best tips for buying a water heater is to choose one with a high energy-efficiency rating. To start with, you should look for the energy-star symbol to make sure you’re getting a water heater that offers improved performance.
If you’re investing in a gas or oil-fueled heater, you’ll want to look at the Energy Factor (EF). The higher this rating is, the more efficient it will be. Keep in mind that a higher EF may make your water heater more costly, but it will lead to lower bills over time. Like most significant home investments, you will need to consider whether it is worth spending more now to save more in the future.
We Can Help With Water Heater Installation!
Buying a water heater for your home is all about knowing your household needs and which capacity will satisfy them without costing you too much in energy costs. While you’ll want one that offers energy efficiency, you’ll also have to consider the fuel source and the size you’ll need so you never run out of hot water. The right water heater can impact the day-to-day functioning of your home so being aware of what you need is a necessity.
Do you need help finding the right water heater? Be sure to contact the residential and commercial plumbing experts at Plumbing Squad today at (866) 324-9553 or send us a message on our website.
