Your Water Heater Options
If you’re shopping for a water heater, you need an idea of what types of water heaters are available. To ensure you make the right decision for your home, consider:
- Fuel type
- Storage type
- Capacity
- And other features
Gas vs. Electric
While water heaters can be powered by propane and oil, most run on either natural gas or electricity. A gas water heater requires a slightly higher upfront investment than an electric version, but it typically costs less to operate, saving you money in the long run. Natural gas units must be vented to the outside for safety and are not affected by power outages.
Electric water heaters are low-maintenance and heat water quickly with an electric element at the bottom of the tank. The higher cost of electricity makes it a less-popular choice for homes connected to gas lines.
Conventional vs. Tankless
Even though tank water heaters are the less efficient choice, most homes still have this conventional option. Tank water heaters are affordable and range in size from 20 to 80 gallons. Operational efficiency varies by model, brand and fuel source.
Tankless water heaters are growing in popularity because of their energy-saving abilities. They require a larger upfront investment, but they can reduce your water heating bills by 30 percent. The downside is tankless units may have trouble keeping up with hot water demand during heavy use.
Capacity
Choosing the right size is important for economical reasons. An undersized tank works harder, fails to deliver the hot water you need, and has a shorter lifespan. An oversized tank costs more to purchase and operate.
When sizing a conventional water heater, you need to consider the number of bathrooms, bedrooms and people who live in your home. For a tankless unit, you must calculate the flow rates of hot-water appliances and faucets to determine the peak flow rate you require at any given time. A heating and cooling contractor can help you select a properly sized water heater.
Other Features
For peak efficiency, look for a water heater with the ENERGY STAR® label. The upfront investment is greater, but the payback can be significant. Other features to look for include:
- Self-cleaning feature
- High recovery speed
- An automatic shutoff valve
These all help make the water heater run better.
Water Heater Installers in Central NJ
At Arctic Air Conditioning, we offer gas and electric conventional and tankless water heater services for homeowners throughout Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, and Ocean counties.
For help choosing between different types of water heaters, contact us today!
