Choosing a New Water Heater: What Factors Should I Consider?
Most people don’t realize how important a water heater is in their lives until it either breaks or is about to. If this is your situation, you will want to find the best water heater for your needs.
Here are some factors to keep in mind that will help you.
Types of Water Heaters
Before making a purchase, it helps to know what kinds of water heaters there are out there. There are five basic types of water heaters.
1. Conventional storage. This type of water heater has a large reservoir designed to hold hot water.
2. Tankless water heaters. These heat the water directly as it is just about to go through the pipe. Water is heated on an as-needed basis.
3. Heat pump. The heat source is pumped to the water rather than the water being heated directlu.
4. Solar powered. These water heaters get their heat directly from the sun.
5. Tankless coil, indirect water heater. Uses the home’s space heater to heat the water. This type of heater is also tankless.
Factors in Choosing a Water Heater
How, exactly, do you choose a water heater for your home? The first factor to consider is the fuel type. If your existing water heater is gas-powered, for example, you should stick with a gas powered water heater for your next heater. Other heaters use other heat sources, such as solar energy or electric power. You will also want to consider how energy efficient it is.
Another factor is the size of the heater. Mostly, the size you choose will depend on how much hot water you tend to use in your household. If you are replacing an already existing water heater and the size of that tank was adequate, you may want to stick with the size you already had.
Assessing the cost of the water heater is something else to consider. This includes not only the initial costs, but also the yearly costs for operating it. For example, though a solar water heater has a high initial cost, the cost for operating it on a yearly basis is minimal.
Water Heater Maintenance
What do you need to do to maintain a water heater? Generally, you will want to contact your plumber for advice on what to do. Your strategy will depend on the type of water heater you choose.
Tactics such as flushing, adding insulation, and making sure all the parts are in working order can help extend the life and functioning of our heater.Buying a water heater doesn’t have to cause a headache. Use this advice to help you make the best purchase for your needs.
Doing some research on a new water heater for your Little Rock home? Call Arrow Plumbing at (501) 753-3838 today, and get the proper insight on your new water heater choice.
