What to Look for When Buying a New Hot Water Heater
Most people do not shop for a new hot water heater until theirs breaks and they are really desperate for some hot water for their morning shower! But, whether your hot water heater is just getting old, or you need a new hot water heater STAT it is important to do your research and weigh your options carefully. There are many different hot water heater options today and they boast a variety of features and price points. If you need assistance determining which hot water heater is best for your home, it is always a good idea to consult an experienced plumbing professional who can offer their experience and knowledge in the decision making process.
Hot Water Heater Energy Efficiency
Most people that are looking to buy a new hot water heater either have an old hot water heater that is no longer efficiently working or that has stopped working altogether. Today, there are many different energy efficient hot water heaters that are not just good for the environment, they will save you money in the long run without sacrificing hot water quality. ConsumerSearch describes the energy efficient hot water heater options available today, “Natural gas is more affordable in most areas of the country than electricity, and because it’s more efficient, gas water heaters cost less to run. Among electric water heaters, those that use heat pump capacity offer considerable energy savings — certainly enough to offset their higher cost in just a few years. Tankless water heaters are another energy efficient choice, but they have some minuses that might not make them a perfect fit for every situation. Regardless of the type or fuel source, all new water heaters are subject to the current NACEA energy efficiency regulations, which went into effect in April 2015.”
Hot Water Heater Tank Size
To go tankless or not, that is the question! Well, there is actually more to the question than that. Tankless water heaters work by heating water quickly on demand. This can save energy by not continually heating a tank of water and keeping it warm until someone needs it. But, if you have a large family or a lot of people living with you, you may run out of hot water more quickly than you would like. If that is the case you may be wondering what hot water heater tank size is best. While you do not want to have too large of a water heater tank because it will waste energy, you certainly do not want a tank that is too small. do it yourself helps consumers determine the best way to estimate appropriate tank size, “Although some consumers base their purchase on the size of the storage tank, the peak hour demand capacity, referred to as the first hour rating (FHR) on the Energy Guide label, is actually the more important figure. The FHR is a measure of how much hot water the heater will deliver during a busy hour, and it is required by law to appear on the unit’s Energy Guide label. Therefore, before you shop, estimate your household’s peak hour demand and look for a unit with an FHR in that range.Gas water heaters have higher FHRs than electric water heaters of the same storage capacity. Therefore, it may be possible to meet your water heating needs with a gas unit that has a smaller storage tank than an electric unit with the same FHR.
