How To Choose The Right Water Heater For Your Home
While people typically take a bath or a hot shower for granted, it’s essential to note that part of your annual energy expenditures come from heating hot water. That’s why it’s the biggest utility expense in your home. So, if you’re looking for a water heater, your chosen unit can have a big impact on its long-term savings and performance.
Whether tankless or tank, water heaters may impact the costs and comfort of your home. If you want to replace an existing unit, the efficiency, size, and type of the one you choose are crucial. In this article, you’ll know how to choose the right and best water heater for your home.
- Know Your Budget
Before you shop around for a water heater, it’s always good to have an idea of the estimated annual maintenance and operating cost. Compare the different water heaters you prefer as per budget, quality, and features to choose the best one.
For instance, tankless water heaters cost more than regular storage tanks. They often need electrical outlets for their electronics, a fan, a new ventilation system, and upgrade gas pipes. Therefore, there’s a huge difference when it comes to the price tag. However, tankless water heaters do save money because they only activate as needed.
- Determine Which Type Of Water Heater To Consider
There are various kinds of water heaters available in the market. In finding the best water filter to use at home, the most ideal water heater may depend on your needs and preferences. If you’re confused with the options, below are some of the common types of water heaters these days:
- Tankless Water Heater – It’s convenient, comfortable, and energy-efficient. It can provide an endless supply of hot water, regardless of your needs.
- Tank Water Heater – Typically, it comes in two variants, which include electric or gas. The tank is insulated, which helps keep the inner water warm and a thermostat to control the water’s overall temperature.
- Don’t Forget The Size
When you know the kind of water heater to consider, you should determine the size you prefer. Selecting the right size is the key to ensuring you’re maximizing your water heater’s efficiency. For instance, if there are only two people in your home and you purchase a conventional storage water heater with a bigger water reserve than you need, you may end up paying more than what you need.
Generally, a conventional storage water heater comes in several sizes. There can be variations in terms of storage capacity depending on the power source. For instance, bigger tanks may only work on electricity and not on propane or natural gas.
For on-demand and tankless water heaters, it can be complicated to determine the size. The reason behind it is that it isn’t about water heaters providing a steady reserve of hot water for your needs, but producing a certain amount of hot water when necessary. If you prefer this kind of water heater, an expert may help you choose the right size for your home.
- Consider Your Space
Conventional water heaters are bulky in size, which may take up a good amount of space on your property. The unit requires a huge space for installation. On the contrary, tankless water heaters contribute toward saving space. They’re compact and may take up less space than conventional tanks.
- Opt For Energy-Efficient Units
Today’s tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional ones. They heat water only at the time they’re being used. So, the energy is consumed when the heater is turned on.
On the contrary, when it comes to the traditional water heater setup, the water is often stored in a big tank. Once the water in the tank cools off, the fuel may kick in and heat it again, consuming more energy.
With energy-efficient water heaters, you can save money on your electricity bill monthly. Therefore, before purchasing a water heater, find the unit with a high energy factor. The price of tankless water heaters is a bit higher than their non-energy efficient counterparts. However, the savings could make up for the initial upfront cost.
- Keep Warranty In Mind
A longer warranty will give you peace of mind. Usually, an entry-level model is guaranteed for six years against leaks and a year for certain parts. For high-end models, the warranties may last up to 12 years.
If you’re not sure about the warranty of your preferred unit, ask your dealer or search online. If you’re not satisfied with the warranty, you can always look for other units with a better warranty period to protect your investment in the future.
Conclusion
Choosing the right water heater for your home can be confusing. However, before you make a choice, always consider your lifestyle and specific home needs. Go for the one that suits your unique needs, provides value for your money, and maintains peak efficiency for a long time. To choose the best and right one effectively, never hesitate to ask for help from professionals.
