If your water heater has stopped working and it makes more sense to replace it rather having your water heater repaired or if you need water heater installation for new construction, then you might be surprised to learn that not all hot water heaters are created equal. What works for one household may not work for the next. Heating up a home’s water is but one of several important aspects to consider for water heater installation in Springfield Missouri.
Water Capacity
If you live in a large household, chances are your family uses a lot of hot water. Your storage tank water heater will need to have a larger tank depending on how much water your family uses during your busiest hot water usage hour or the last person getting ready in the morning might end up taking a cold shower. A good rule of thumb is that a two-person household would need a 30-40 gallon tank, with an additional 10 gallons added for each additional member of the home. These numbers may be lower or higher depending on your family’s typical water usage.
Fuel Type
Water heaters run on various fuel types, from electricity to natural gas to propane. Different types of fuel have different costs. At the same time, a more expensive fuel type may be more efficient, leading to lower costs overall. For example, electric water heaters may be less expensive than propane, but they are also less efficient. Your local utility service can provide you with fuel costs to help you make an educated decision.
Location
Recent laws require that water heater tanks needed better insulation to be more efficient and keep heat loss at a minimum. So newer water heaters are required to be several inches longer and wider than those in the past to account for this extra insulation.
You’ll want to make sure that the location of your current hot water heater, if it was not made with these newer dimensions in mind, can accommodate that extra space. If not, then a tankless hot water heater may be your best option. You may also consider moving your new hot water heater to a different location entirely. For example, choosing a location closer to your water fixtures so you don’t have to wait as long for hot water to reach you could make the most sense.
Tank or Tankless?
Water heaters with storage tanks are the most common, storing already-heated water. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, don’t store water, instead heating it on demand with coils as it flows to your fixtures. There are pros and cons that need to be considered for both systems. Water heaters with tanks use more energy, but also transport more hot water per minute. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient and will never run out of hot water, but can't deliver as much hot water at one time.
Whatever sort of hot water heater suits your fancy, the highly trained professionals at United Plumbing would be happy to answer any questions you may have to help you choose the best type of water heater for your family. Whether you need water heater repairs or water heater installation, we’re well equipped to provide safe and secure water heater service. Call us today.