Water heating can account for nearly 20% of a household’s annual energy expenses. It’s also integral to your family’s comfort and health. That makes buying a new water heater a big decision. Let’s explore everything you should know before making that choice.
Tank Water Heaters
Tank water heaters, which heat and store water in a tank, are the traditional solution for American homes. The most important considerations when choosing a conventional water heater are the tank size and recovery rate. If the tank is too small for the household, you’ll be more prone to running out of hot water. A tank that’s too big will cost you unnecessarily. That’s because the water heater will continue using energy to heat water you don’t need.
The industry measures the recovery rate of tank water heaters with the First Hour Rating (FHR). It indicates how much hot water the system can provide in an hour. The higher the FHR, the faster the system can recover. Generally, you want to target an FHR that’s 1-2 gallons greater than your household’s peak hot water usage in an hour.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless or on-demand water heaters are an increasingly popular alternative to conventional systems. These models don’t store hot water but rather heat it as you need it. There are several advantages to this approach, including longer equipment lifespans. You can enjoy a virtually unlimited hot water supply and won’t ever really run out. You can also size your system beyond your daily needs without paying for that added capacity unless you’re actually using it. Sizing is a crucial consideration as it is with tank water heaters, but it’s often more complex. In large homes, for instance, location is much more important, and finding the perfect spot can be difficult.
Electric Water Heaters
About half of all U.S. homes have an electric water heater. Electric water heaters are highly efficient and operate cleanly. There’s no concern about carbon monoxide or other toxic gases. Electric water heaters are less complex in their designs, which makes them cheaper to purchase and install. The downside is that electric water heaters are more expensive to run. That’s because the cost of electricity is high relative to alternatives like natural gas.
High-Efficiency Configurations
Heat pump water heaters are a type of electric tank water heater. They are the most efficient available and often less expensive to run than even gas tankless water heaters. That’s because they don’t generate heat but rather move it from the ambient air to the tank.
Gas Water Heaters
About half of U.S. homes have a fuel-burning water heater. Natural gas is by far the most popular choice, with liquid propane (LP) being the main alternative. Gas water heaters cost more initially but typically cost less over the life of the equipment. That’s because natural gas and even LP are significantly cheaper than electricity. With fuel-burning systems, there are ventilation concerns. These systems must vent toxic gases outside the home. Annual service for the combustion, gas valve, and exhaust is highly important.
High-Efficiency Configurations
Traditional gas water heaters lose heat through their exhaust systems. Condensing water heaters limit those losses by using a second heat exchanger. They cost more initially because of the added components but will often save money over time. Some of these systems also have modulating gas valves for increased energy savings.
Capacity
Sizing a water heater accurately is crucial. A well-sized water heater will last longer, cost less to run, and result in a smaller carbon footprint.
Tank
The typical tank size is between 40 and 50 gallons. There are smaller tanks for couples and individuals who live alone. Homeowners with large households can opt for 75 gallons, 100 gallons, or even more. The most important factors are the number of people and bathrooms in the home. An installer will also account for high-demand water-using appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers.
Tankless
The industry measures on-demand water heaters in flow rate or gallons per minute (GPM). Every fixture and water-using appliance in your home has a flow rate requirement. Your water heater’s flow rate must exceed the combined GPM of all the fixtures and appliances you want to run concurrently. Otherwise, you’ll experience low water pressure and other issues. It’s also important to assess the water heater’s flow rate within the context of temperature rise. Rise is the difference between the groundwater temperature and your target hot water temperature.
Professional Installation
Professional installation is important to ensure the optimal capacity and configuration. Many manufacturer warranties often require it to receive the full benefits. With a professional install, you’ll also get post-installation support, which gives you peace of mind.
Uniform Energy Factor
The industry uses the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) to measure water heater efficiency. The UEF is useful once you’ve determined your water heater type and size. You can then use the UEF to compare the efficiency of models within that class. A water heater with a higher UEF is more efficient and cheaper to run. It may have a price premium as well. Your installer will help you strike a balance between added upfront costs and long-term savings.
Rebates and Other Energy Incentives
The U.S. EPA certifies energy-efficient water heaters through the ENERGY STAR program. It generally reserves certification for condensing fuel models. Water heaters with certification may make you eligible for rebates, tax credits, and other energy incentives.
Maintenance
Consider a water heater’s maintenance requirements pre-purchase. Be mindful that many warranties will have maintenance requirements as a condition of coverage. Your system’s maintenance needs may be higher if you have hard water. In that scenario, you may want to discuss anti-scale devices and water softeners with your installer. Whichever water heater type you decide to get, our Buddy Benefits Club membership makes maintenance easy, with scheduling reminders and perks including discounts on repairs.
Warranty
Read the warranty fine print in advance. Warranties can vary greatly from one model to the next. Know exactly what’s covered and for how long. Explore extended warranties, their maintenance requirements, and whether they’re worth paying extra for.
Installation Costs
It will typically be cheaper to stick with what you have. That’s because an installer can reuse much of the infrastructure already in place. If you have an electric water heater, converting to fuel requires a gas hookup and ventilation installation. Switching to an on-demand water heater may require an electric panel upgrade. It can also require a plumbing upgrade in older homes. You may be able to circumvent that with an outdoor installation if you live in a warmer climate.
Total Costs
Paying conversion costs may be worthwhile for long-term savings. Consider that a tankless water heater can last 20 years or even more. That’s a lot of extra time to recoup your added investment through lower month-to-month water heating costs. This is a reason incentives are so important. They can help you recoup that added investment much sooner.
Water Heater Installation in Las Vegas
Loyalty Plumbing is a residential plumbing contractor based in Las Vegas, NV. Our licensed plumbers install all water heater brands and technologies. Our company offers a wide selection of the top models from the leading manufacturers. To schedule a free in-person consultation and quote, call today.
