The Two Types Of Water Heaters And Things To Think About When Choosing Your New Appliance
If your water heater is old or malfunctioning and you're facing a large repair bill, your plumber might suggest buying a new heater. New water heaters have better energy efficiency than old models, so you might even enjoy lower power bills. Here's a look at options in new water heaters, things to consider when buying a new water heater, and how to help your new appliance have a long life.
Two Basic Options In Water Heaters
These appliances come in two styles. One is a tankless model and the other is a heater in a reservoir of water that has to be kept hot at all times. The tankless model heats water as the water is being used, so it's more efficient. The tankless appliances are also smaller, so they are easier to install indoors.
Considerations When Purchasing A New Heater
You may want a plumber's help when you buy your new appliance because there are a few things to think about. First, decide if you'll choose a heater that is powered by natural gas, propane, or electricity. You may want to choose the same power source your old heater has so you can avoid the extra expense of installing a new electrical circuit or gas line.
Another important thing to consider is the size of your new heater. Reservoir tanks come in different sizes, and the larger they are, the more they cost. However, you'll want a tank that's big enough to supply enough hot water for all of your family's morning showers. The tankless models come in different sizes too, but these are based on flow rate rather than the volume of water stored.
If multiple showers are running at once while you're also doing laundry, a small tankless heater may not be able to keep up with the large demand for hot water. A plumber can analyze how you normally use your water and calculate the right size for your heater.
Energy efficiency is also important. New appliances are rated for efficiency, so you'll have an idea of how much it will cost to operate the heater over the year. You can find a balance between energy efficiency and cost to find the right new appliance for you.
Maintenance Helps Your Heater Have A Long Life
The key to a long life for a water heater is regular maintenance. Both the tankless and reservoir heaters require periodic flushing to get rid of sediment and scale. You may also want to install a water softener if you don't have one so you can keep as much mineral scale out of your appliance as possible.
Water heaters can develop a number of problems, so quick repairs are also important. A new heater should last a long time without the need for repairs, but if you notice your hot water having an odd odor, a drop in shower pressure, or erratic heating, call a plumber and have your appliance repaired so the malfunction won't cause harm to the heater.
Reach out to a company like Mack Plumbing & Hydronics Inc to learn more.
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