Did you know that your water heater plays a huge role in your home energy costs? A quality water heater is not just because you need hot water in your home, but because it can be a real drain on your energy bill if you don’t have one that is efficient and working properly.
Many factors go into what makes one “high quality”, which we’ll discuss below.
What are the types of water heaters available?
There are several kinds of water heaters on the market today, with the most traditional one being a conventional storage water heater, which has a reservoir of hot water. There are also a variety of efficient electric water heaters that tap into your home’s electricity.
If you need an electric water heater, it’s important to choose one that has good Energy Star ratings. An efficient water heater can save you thousands of dollars over the lifespan of the unit. If you need a gas water heater, there are tankless as well as storage water heaters available.
How do you pick the best water heater?
Consider first what type of fuel or energy source that your home currently uses. Then, look at how much your household generally uses in water each month. Soaking tubs and high flow shower heads play a big role in the selection.
- Standard tanks (40-50 gallons) usually work well for households with 1-3 people.
- A medium-sized tank that is 80 gallons or a high recovery 50-gallon tank can work well for 3-4 people.
- If you have more than that 4 people in your household, you may need to consider a second tank to make sure you have enough hot water when you need it.
When should you replace your water heater?
Experts suggest that your water heater should be replaced every 8-12 years. It’s common for homeowners to not even think about their water heater until it starts to fail. You may notice that your water is not getting hot or that there is a leak coming from the unit. These are signs that there is something wrong with the water heater and that it needs to be looked at right away. Don’t be left without warm water in your house!
There are a variety of brands that make quality water heaters including Whirlpool, Kenmore, Rheem, Bradford White, U.S. Craftmaster and more. Not sure which one will fit your home’s specific needs? Contact our team at Meticulous Plumbing for top-rated water heater options that are within your budget.
