A hot water heater is a section of the plumbing system which works alongside other systems to oversee a perfect water flow in a household. Not only is this heater important in a household, but also in industries where they have several purposes.
The water heater is always running, like other essential heat systems, but most people overlook its importance. Buying a new heater is not an activity we partake in often, and most people get stuck.
Below we discuss what every homeowner needs to know before buying a water heater.
1. Fuel Source
The most famous water heaters use electricity or gas as their primary energy source, and you should confirm this before buying. Of course, the decision is purely based on your preference, but you should pick one that will meet your needs.
Gas heaters are more expensive initially and require certain maintenance practices for improved longevity, but they are worth it. Gas heaters are common in most households despite their high initial cost since they offset these figures with their low operating cost.
On the other hand, electric water heaters are cheap initially but have high operating costs. Knowing which source is ideal for your home is advisable to ensure you buy the right equipment.
2. Storage Type
You are also advised to consider the heater’s storage type before you buy one. Tank storage heaters are among the most common globally. These heaters function by continuously storing and heating hot water before releasing it from the tank’s top.
Users should put cold water beneath the tank to replace hot water, which ensures the tank is always full. There are newer heater models today that lower heat loss and energy wastage in general.
Homeowners are advised to go for tankless heaters as they lower energy consumption and heat waste by forty percent. This option enables cold water to access the unit using a pipe.
3. Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is another top consideration when choosing a water heater. This unit can be the second-largest energy consumer in your house, no matter the fuel source you pick. It is advisable to go for the updated units since they have the highest energy efficiency that complies with the required energy standards.
A good heater has an Energy Factor rating to inform you more about its energy efficiency. This rating determines how efficient this unit is in turning energy into heat. Remember, a higher energy factor means the heater is more efficient.
4. Storage Capacity
Most water heater tanks are classified as per how many water gallons they can hold. Homeowners should consider this and the space required to make a more informed decision.
There are many options; suppose your space cannot host a standard-sized heater, and the best way to know them is by research.
Final Thoughts
Buying a water heater should not be as complicated as we make it seem. The above article has discussed the factors to consider when buying them, and more information is available online.