From handling your hot showers to providing water to appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, hot water heaters perform a vital role in your home comfort and convenience. But many homeowners don’t think too much about the specific features of their heaters, so long as the hot water keeps flowing. If you plan to purchase a water heater in the near future, make sure you’re getting the best model for your household by considering these tips:
- Consider what type of water heater you want. A conventional tank water heater keeps a resevoir of heated water on hand, and is the system found in most homes. A tankless water heater heats water as it’s needed, meaning a generally higher operating efficiency and less waste heat.
- What fuel source does your water heater use? If you have a choice between electric and gas water heaters, for example, you should consider the fuel hookups and wiring in your home, and which fuel source is less expensive in your area and purchase a water heater using the most economic option. Solar water heating (often used in conjunction with a backup source of power for cloudy Pacific Northwest days) is also an option, and can cut down on the carbon footprint of your home.
- Size your water heater correctly for your home’s average water use. If your heater is too small, even if it’s a tankless heater, you won’t get the hot water delivery to faucets and appliances that you need. But if the heater is too large, you’ll end up spending more money than you need to on heating, and some models (especially tankless ones) can overheat.
- Ask your contractor about total system cost, taking into account not only the initial installation cost but also the estimated annual operating cost. A more-expensive but more-efficient model may be the cheapest purchase in the long run.
If you’re planning to purchase a water heater and would like more expert advice, contact us today at Roth Heating & Cooling.
