What You Need To Know About Choosing The Right Water Heater
Choosing the right water heater for your home is essential for ensuring a consistent and reliable source of hot water for your daily needs. However, with a variety of options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best fit for your household.
Interested in knowing what fuel type, size, and type of water heater to choose for your home? Keep on reading, as we talked to one of the most reliable water heater installation companies in Riverside to get your questions answered.
Should I choose a tank or tankless water heater?
When deciding between a tank and tankless water heater, consider the following factors:
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Capacity
Tank water heaters store a large volume of heated water, while tankless units heat water on demand, providing a continuous supply. Then again, a tank water heater may be more suitable if your household requires a significant amount of hot water simultaneously. For smaller households with less simultaneous hot water usage, a tankless unit might be a better choice.
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Energy efficiency
Tankless water heaters are generally more energy-efficient than tank models, as they only heat water when needed. This can result in lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
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Installation & maintenance
Tank water heaters are typically easier and less expensive to install but may require more frequent maintenance due to sediment buildup. Tankless units can have a higher upfront cost but often have lower long-term maintenance costs.
What are the different energy types?
Water heaters can be powered by various energy sources, including:
- Electricity: Electric units are widely available, easy to install, and generally have lower upfront costs. However, they may have higher operating costs compared to gas-powered units.
- Natural gas or propane: Gas-powered units typically heat water more quickly and have lower operating costs than electric models. However, they may require a more complex installation process, especially if your home doesn’t already have a gas line.
- Solar: Solar water heaters harness the sun’s energy to heat water, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. However, they have higher upfront costs and may require a backup energy source for cloudy days or high hot water demand.
- Heat pump: Heat pump units use heat from the air or ground to heat water, making them highly energy-efficient. While they have a higher initial cost, they can result in significant long-term energy savings.
How to size your water heater?
You should base the size and power of a water heater on the following factors:
- Household size: The number of people in your home affects your hot water demand. Larger households typically require a higher capacity or more powerful water heater to meet their needs.
- Peak-hour demand: Estimate the amount of hot water your household uses during the busiest hour of the day. For example, consider the number of showers, dishwasher cycles, and laundry loads that occur simultaneously.
- First-hour rating (FHR): For tank water heaters, the FHR indicates the amount of hot water the unit can provide in the first hour of use. Choose one with an FHR that meets or exceeds your household’s peak hour demand.
- Flow rate: For tankless water heaters, consider the flow rate, which measures the gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water the unit can deliver. Ensure the flow rate meets your household’s simultaneous hot water needs.
Who provides expert water heater installation in Riverside and surrounding areas?
Wondering if it’s time for a new water heater? Are you looking for expert advice before you go shopping? You’re in the right place! With the OneStop Plumbers team by your side, all your water heater questions will be answered!
Count on us to walk you through the key differences and help you choose a heater that’s right for you. You don’t have to worry if you live near Fairmount Park or elsewhere in the area – we’re at your disposal for all your household needs!