There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they must select a brand-new hot water heater to install. It’s a tough choice, often quite challenging and perhaps frustrating, too. If you do not have the proper assistance from an expert, then you’re in for copious amounts of research, long discussions, and more than a few mishaps. Let’s cut out the tough stuff and get right to the best hot water heaters for your home. Making the decision doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and we’re here to help.
Types of Water Heaters
First of all, before even looking at a brand name or efficiency ratings, let’s take a look at the various types of hot water heaters currently on the market. You’ve got a few options – each with their own advantages and drawbacks. Take a look:
- Traditional – A traditional hot water heater comes with a storage tank for storing large amounts of hot water for the entire house.
- Tankless – A tankless hot water heater, or on-demand system, does away with the storage tank in favor of heating the water immediately and distributing it quickly.
- Heat Pump – A heat pump hot water heater moves the necessary amount of heat from one spot to another instead of directly heating the water.
- Tankless Coil – A tankless coil water heater uses your home’s space heating system to properly heat the water for quick distribution.
Choosing a Hot Water Heater
When the time comes to choose a hot water heater, you must examine a few factors. It is critical that you explore fuel type or energy source, availability, cost, and size. Size is likely the most significant factor for a hot water heater. If you choose the wrong size, you’ll ultimately spend more money per month on hot water, and endure a lack of hot water when you need it most.
Fuel Types:
- Electricity
- Fuel oil
- Geothermal energy
- Natural gas
- Propane
Other key factors to consider:
- Size
- Efficiency ratings
- Cost
- Lifespan
- Maintenance requirements
- Manufacturer’s warranty
- Brand name
- Type
Currently, some of the best hot water heaters come from the likes of Rheem, Rinnai, Takagi, and AO Smith. You can find such brand names in most major plumbing supply and home improvement stores. Do not make your decision based on name alone, though. Always consider the above-mentioned factors when choosing a hot water heater.
If you are having trouble selecting the right model for your needs, consider scheduling an assessment with a professional. An expert plumber can help you properly size a hot water heater for your home, determine energy efficiency requirements, and provide a quote for the unit and installation costs.
For hot water heater installation, maintenance, and repair, make Robert B. Payne, Inc. your number one source for plumbing services. Give us a call at any time at 540-373-5876. We provide the region’s top hot water heater services to homeowners like yourself when you need an expert helping hand.