How To Choose a New Water Heater
You turn on the shower and wait. It’s all cold water, and hot water never follows. Unless someone used all the hot water right before you, you might need a new water heater. However, figuring out which water heater is right for your home isn’t as simple as it sounds. While you could buy the same model, water heaters have become far more efficient and advanced over the past decade. If you need help choosing a new water heater, here are some tips and considerations that should lead you to the perfect option.
Choose the Power Source
A new water heater typically runs on one of two power sources: electricity or gas. Electric water heaters cost more to operate, but the effect on the environment isn’t as pronounced. Conversely, a gas water heater is cheaper to run, but it also releases waste into the environment. In addition, a gas water heater will still work during a power outage, which is an important aspect if you live in an area that has frequent extreme weather.
Compare your environmental and power concerns against your budget to determine which option is better for your family and home.
If you’re not sure, our residential plumbing team at Express Plumbing can provide you with all the options available to you and help you compare the value.
Select the Right Size
Water heaters come in many sizes to meet the demands of the homeowner. Generally speaking, the tank size corresponds to the number of people in your household. These are some guidelines that should help you select the appropriate size:
- 30 to 40 gallons for one or two people
- 40 to 60 gallons for three to four people
- 60 to 80 gallons for five or more people
If you have a large family or you want more convenience, consider a tankless water heater. These types of water heaters are more expensive, but they provide on-demand heated water when you need it.
Energy Efficiency
The average life span of a water heater is about 15 to 20 years, so your current model may not meet the energy efficiency standards from decades ago. However, it provides an opportunity to choose an energy-efficient model.
When buying a water heater, look for the Energy Star logo. This signifies that it’s met government-backed standards for efficiency. You’ll use less energy, plus you’ll save money on your monthly utility bill.
Cost Considerations
A new water heater isn’t necessarily cheap, but don’t look only at the purchase price when shopping. You also need to consider the long-term cost of running the water heater and installation expenses on top of the initial cost. This will help you choose the right option for your monthly budget and initial purchase.
Warranty
Before you buy a water heater, make sure a strong warranty backs it. Even if the water heater comes from a reputable company, faulty models or manufacturing mishaps happen. You’ll want to know that the manufacturer covers you against their defects. The industry standard is usually five to six years for warranties, so look for something in that time span.
Choose a Reputable Plumber
You can always choose to install a water heater on your own, but sometimes, it pays to hire a pro. Our water heater technicians in the Bay Area are experts in installations and repairs.
Homeowners have been relying on our plumbing company for multiple decades. We offer affordable water heater installations with peace of mind because every job is done right the first time.
Contact us as your trusted San Mateo plumber for all your residential plumbing needs.
