When it's time to buy a new water heater, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed with all the options that are on the market today.
Also, because this is an appliance that shouldn't need to be replaced for years, often decades, the decision probably won't come easy.
Here are some options in water heaters for a better understanding of what's available and what they can do for your home.
Standard water heater
The standard water heater is probably what most people think of when the term is mentioned. These are the storage tank water heaters, the most common type available. It consists of an insulated tank containing water, which it stores and keeps hot.
When you turn on the faucet, the water emerges from a pipe that sits on the top of the standard water heater. With a traditional water heater, there are two types of fuel sources.
Gas
Gas is one of the most popular options for homeowners. It's usually the most affordable, as well. Natural gas is an energy-efficient fuel, and these types of water heaters are an overall long-lasting choice.
Electricity
An electric water heater costs less initially than gas tanks, but the operational costs may be higher. They are an excellent option for people who don't have gas pipes installed in their homes.
Tankless water heater
Another name for this type is an on-demand water heater. In terms of efficiency, it's likely the best option out there. You don't have to wait for the water to heats, it's always available and can provide a near-constant supply of hot water.
These heaters provide approximately 3.5 gallons of hot water per minute, so it's not the large supply of water you might get from a storage tank. Still, for a busy household that needs a constant supply of hot water, a tankless water heater is an excellent option.
Solar water heater
A solar water heater is a water heating solution that has come into high demand in recent years. Water heaters can be a significant burden on the gas or electric bill. Switching to a solar heater could save many homeowners in excess utility costs.
The solar panel is usually mounted on the roof. It absorbs sunlight and transfers it to a closed-loop system into the water tank. While this can be a fantastic long-term solution, some disadvantages should be considered.
First, solar water heaters work best in places where there's plenty of sunlight. They also require more maintenance than other water heaters. And finally, they are much more expensive upfront. But they can be an excellent investment in the long term.
Choosing the right water heater for your home
What matters most is choosing a water heater that works well and reliably provides hot water to your home. But choosing the type of water heater that works best for your household's needs depends on many factors.
Some homeowners might focus on the upfront prices, while others might care more about the effect on their monthly utility bills. Finally, the solar water heater can be an excellent choice but may require more attention overall.
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
