Ever jumped in the shower just to realize you’ve run out of hot water? There’s nothing worse!
If you’re in the market for a new water heater, it’s a good idea to do your research in order to select the best type for your home, considering the many options that are available to you. Here’s a quick rundown of what to consider in your new water heater.
Types of Water Heaters
Standard or conventional water heaters store your hot water in a tank so it’s ready to use when needed. Standard water heaters tend to have the lowest purchase cost and last about 10-15 years. The downside is that they waste more energy than other water heaters, as they’re constantly working to maintain a heated temperature.
Tankless water heaters do a great job of heating water as you need it, rather than storing large amounts of water in a tank. They are a little pricier but the life expectancy is about 20+ years and they are more energy efficient than a storage water heater.
Heat pump water heaters are a type of storage water heater, but they are much more efficient than your traditional tanks because of their ability to generate heat with minimal energy consumption. They are able to transfer heat from one place to another, using electricity instead of generating the heat directly. Because of this, it can be 2-3 times more energy efficient than a storage water heater. While the initial cost is more, it will lower your operating costs and utility bills.
Fuel Types
There are quite a few fuel types to explore when choosing your water heater. Availability in your area might narrow your choices, so the first step is to determine what options are actually available to you. Different fuel types include electric, natural gas, propane, oil, geothermal energy, and solar energy. If you have a number of options available to you, you’ll want to consider which fuel source will save you more money in the long run. We always recommend staying away from electric water heaters if you can, due to the high operating costs.
Water Heater Size
Choosing the right size water heater for your home is crucial to ensure you will have enough hot water when you need it. The average shower consumes roughly 17 gallons of water while your typical bath will use 24 gallons. Keep this in mind when sizing your tank. You will also want to look at the tank’s recovery time to ensure it can handle your water requirements. Having an HVAC professional come and measure your home properly is the best way to ensure the accurate size is installed to maximize the efficiency of your new water heater.
Choosing a Manufacturer and Brand
We always recommend buying a “professional” series rather than a basic series, because those products are typically built to be more durable and come with a better warranty. At Taylor, we particularly love the Rheem Professional Series products.
In addition to the purchase cost, it’s important to look at the installation, operating and maintenance costs to determine the best fitting water heating system for your situation.
At Taylor Heating & A/C, we have access to many different water heater brands and options and our experienced technicians will be able to determine exactly what your water heating needs are and will help you find the perfect fit for your home. Contact us today if you’re in the Tacoma, Puyallup, or the South Sound region and ready to discuss your new water heater
