Selecting a New Water Heater

When you select a water heater, you would want to look for one that satisfies your family’s needs in terms of size and capacity. You also need to consider the fuel type that your home is set up to use as well as the energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is important because it will save you money on your energy bills.

Selecting a New Water HeaterThere are many factors to consider when selecting a new water heater. This guide will help you select the best water heater for your home.

At Robert B. Payne, we can help you select the perfect water heater for your home as well as install it correctly the first time. Our years of experience and our commitment to customer satisfaction are what set us apart from the competition.

Types Of Water Heaters

There are several types of water heaters. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks that you need to take into consideration before making your purchase.

Conventional Storage Water Heaters

This is the most common type of water heater. It uses a storage tank to hold the hot water until it is needed. The tanks come in a variety of sizes, and you need to select one that will meet the needs of your family.

Conventional storage water heaters are less expensive than other types of water heaters, but they are less energy efficient. The tanks can also rust over time, which will require replacement.

Tankless Water Heaters

A tankless water heater does not use a storage tank. Instead, it heats the water on demand. This makes them more energy-efficient than conventional storage water heaters.

The initial cost of a tankless water heater is higher than a conventional storage water heater, but you will save money on your energy bills in the long run.

Heat Pump Water Heaters

A heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. It takes heat from the air and transfers it to the water. This makes them more energy-efficient than other types of water heaters.

Heat pump water heaters are a good choice for people who care about the environment because they use less energy. The initial cost is higher than other types of water heaters, but you will save money on your energy bills in the long run.

Solar Water Heaters

Solar water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat the water. They are very environmentally friendly because they don’t use any fossil fuels. They are very efficient and can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.

Tankless Coil And Indirect Water Heaters

Tankless coil and indirect water heaters use your home’s space heating system to heat the water. As the name implies, they also don’t have a storage tank. This makes them more compact than other types of water heaters.

Selection Criteria

Once you have decided on the type of water heater that you want, there are a few other factors that you need to consider before making your purchase.

Fuel Type, Availability And Cost

The fuel type that you select will be based on what is available in your area and the cost of the fuel. The most common types of fuel are natural gas, propane, electricity, oil, and solar.

Your choice of fuel type will influence the yearly operating costs, energy efficiency, as well as the initial cost of the water heater.

Energy Efficiency

If you care about the environment and your monthly energy bills, you need to consider the energy efficiency of the water heater. The higher the energy efficiency, the less money you will spend on your energy bills. You should check the energy rating label before making your purchase.

Size

Once you’ve decided on the type of water heater, you need to select the right size. The size of the water heater is important because you need to select one that is big enough to meet the needs of your family. If you have a large family or if you like to take long showers, you need to select a water heater with a large tank.

Costs

The initial cost of the water heater is important, but you also need to consider the ongoing costs. The type of fuel that you use will influence the operating costs. Solar water heaters have very low operating costs because they don’t use any fossil fuels. You should consider and compare the annual operating costs of different models before making your purchase.

These are the most important factors that you need to consider when selecting a new water heater. If you’re in the market for a water heater, contact Robert B. Payne for help. To save money on your energy bills, you should also find ways to reduce your hot water use like installing low-flow showerheads and doing your laundry with cold water.

Fuel Types, Availability And Costs For Water Heating

Your choice of fuel type will have an impact on the yearly operating costs of the unit, its energy efficiency as well as the initial cost of the water heater. The most common types of fuel used to power these appliances include solar, electricity, natural gas, propane, and oil.

All these sources have their own unique pros and cons that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

Looking At Water Heater Options By Fuel Types

It is important that you look at the fuel type options available to you and select the one that would be most ideal for your needs. Here is a quick overview of the different types of fuel used in water heaters so you can make an informed decision:

Solar Power – Water heaters that are powered by solar energy are becoming increasingly popular due to the growing concern over our impact on the environment. These units are very efficient and can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. The only downside is that they can be quite expensive to install.

Electricity – Electric water heaters are the most common type in use today in the United States. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain but can be quite costly to operate due to the price of electricity.

Natural Gas – Natural gas is another popular option for powering water heaters. These units are typically less expensive to operate than electric models but can be more expensive to purchase.

Propane – Propane is often used as an alternative to natural gas in areas where it is not available. Available in several parts of the United States, it is a cheaper fuel source but can be more expensive to purchase and operate than electric models.

Oil – Oil-powered water heaters are not as common as they once were but can still be found in some homes. Oil can be used to fuel storage tank and indirect combination models.

Geothermal Energy – Ground source heat pumps can also be used to power water heaters. If you already have a geothermal heat pump system installed in your home, you may be able to use it to power your water heater as well.

Now that you know the different types of fuel used to power water heaters, you can begin looking at the models available to you. There are several factors that you need to consider when selecting a new water heater. These include:

Comparing Fuel Costs And Water Heater Types

The type of fuel that you use to power your water heater will have a big impact on the cost of operating the unit. In order to find the most cost-effective option for your needs, you need to compare the price of different fuels available in your area as well as the efficiency of the water heaters that use them.

If you’re replacing a water heater, changing the type of fuel you use is a great way to reduce your energy costs. For example, if you currently have an electric water heater, switching to a natural gas model can save you money on your energy bills.

If however, you’re changing the type of fuel that you use to power your water heater, you also need to consider the cost of installing any new equipment or making changes to your home’s existing plumbing.

Do You Need Help Selecting The Right Size Water Heater?

Robert B. Payne is a full-service plumbing, electrical, and HVAC company. Our team of certified professionals can help you select the right size water heater for your needs as well as install it properly.

If you’re in the market for a new water heater or need assistance with any other plumbing or HVAC needs, contact us today at 540-373-5876. We’ll be happy to help you find the perfect solution for your home or business.