The Perfect Guide: How to Choose the Right Water Heater
Water heaters are a necessary appliance in any household. Not only do they provide hot water for your daily needs, but they also consume a considerable amount of energy. Therefore, choosing the right water heater for your home is vital to ensure not only efficient operation but also cost-effective usage. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of selecting the perfect water heater that meets your needs while keeping your budget in mind.
Type
The very first thing you need to determine is which type of water heater would be best for your home. There are three main types to choose from: storage tank, tankless, and hybrid. Storage tank water heaters are the most common and have a large tank to store hot water. Tankless water heaters don't store any hot water and provide continuous hot water on demand. Hybrid or heat pump water heaters work by transferring heat from the air or ground to water. Therefore, you need to choose the one that meets your household needs based on hot water usage, available space, and efficiency.
Efficiency
Water heaters consume a significant amount of energy, and therefore, energy efficiency is an essential factor when selecting a water heater. A water heater's efficiency is measured by the Energy Factor (EF), which is indicated on the product label. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater is. Therefore, it's always a wise decision to choose a water heater with a higher EF to save energy, resources, and money.
Capacity
The storage tank water heater capacity depends on the number of people residing in the household and the hot water usage. If your household has high hot water demand, consider getting a larger water heater tank. On the other hand, tankless water heaters have minimum GPM (gallons per minute) flow rates that indicate the hot water output rate, which depends on your hot water usage.
Fuel
Water heaters are powered by gas, electricity, or oil. If you have access to natural gas, it's an economical and environmentally friendly option for powering your water heater. If natural gas isn't available, you can opt for electricity to power the water heater. Electricity-powered water heaters are energy-intensive and have higher operational costs. Oil-powered water heaters are the least efficient and costliest to operate, but they're an excellent option for rural areas without access to electricity or natural gas.
Cost
The cost of a water heater depends on several factors, such as type, size, efficiency, and fuel source. Storage tank water heaters are inexpensive and have lower installation costs than other water heater types. Tankless water heaters are initially costlier but have lower operating costs, lower energy bills, and longer lifespans. Hybrid tank water heaters are comparable in cost and offer reduced energy bills. Select the one that fits your budget and provides long-term savings.
For more info about water heaters, contact a local company.