4 Types of Water Heaters for Your Home
Your water heater is a crucial part of your home’s plumbing. It can give you a hot shower on a cold night and hot water for your morning tea. That said, there are several types of water heaters to consider for your home, each with its own unique attributes.
When You Need a New Water Heater
Many common issues will be solvable with a repair from a trusted technician. But when your water heater reaches about ten years of age or more, some repairs just won’t do the trick. This is when you should consider investing in a brand new water heater. A new unit’s benefit is that it will be more efficient and cost-effective as time goes on — so your new system will most likely be a significant improvement compared to the one that is currently in use.
Additionally, you should watch out for discoloration in your water or any rust that comes through. Furthermore, make sure the tank doesn’t leak around the base and isn’t noisy.
Most Common Water Heater Options
There are a lot of choices when it comes to installing a new water heater. Here are some of the most common options you’ll have to consider:
1. Gas Water Heaters
Many homes across the country have a natural gas connection, which can often be connected to a gas-equipped water heater. Gas tends to be one of the most affordable fueling options in the United States, though it does vary by location.
Gas models are powered with a burner at the tank’s base and are vented outside the house. When looking for a gas water heater, consult with your local plumber to make sure you’re getting the most energy-efficient model available.
2. Oil Water Heaters
Oil is a less-available form of energy around the country but is another effective way to power your water heater. Oil has become much more efficient over the years and is now a viable alternative to other fuels.
Oil water heaters tend to have a higher installation cost but will cost less to operate over their lifespan. Another benefit is that oil can heat large amounts of water quickly when compared to other models. This cuts down on energy usage and will ensure you always have hot H2O at the ready.
3. Electric Water Heaters
Electricity is available virtually everywhere in the United States and is one of the most common ways people power their water heaters — since it is readily accessible, affordable, and reliable.
Electric systems are set up with large coils that can heat the water. Though it eliminates the use of fossil fuels, electric systems are less efficient to run. In fact, it takes more electric energy to heat water than it would gas or propane — benefits one can reap from this water heater is that it has a lower upfront cost and doesn’t require a vent to the outdoors.
4. Tankless Water Heaters
Though generally available to several fuel types, tankless water heaters are classified as their brand of water heaters. Conventional water heaters use a storage tank to hold hot water until used by a sink or shower. Tankless units heat water as it is used, therefore not requiring a tank for storage.
Tankless heaters take up much less space and are usually mounted on a wall. Without a tank, there is no need to keep water consistently hot, which helps cut down on wasted energy. Furthermore, you will never run out of hot water as there is no limit to how much the unit can provide.
Another thing to keep in mind about tankless water heaters: they tend to cost more to install than tank storage units, but they usually last almost double the time.
Water Heater Installation in Grand Rapids
Penning Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is the trusted expert in Grand Rapids for water heater repair and installation. Contact us today for help with your plumbing and water heater issues.
