What Type of Water Heater Is Right for Me?
There are several different types and sizes of water heaters, and a licensed plumber can help you make the right buying decision.
Here's some general guidelines:
There are 4 Main Types of Water Heaters
Water Heaters are classified by their energy source, unit size, and how much water their internal tank can hold. Electric models come in tall, medium and short. This is not necessarily indicative of the amount of water they can hold, but how they fit best into your home. The different unit sizes allow you to pick a size that will fit best in your closet inside the house (usually short), or in the garage or other exterior area of the home. The internal tank configurations range between 30 and 100 gallons.
Gas water heaters usually come in a tall configuration only, with water tanks ranging from 30-100 gallons. If you have gas service in your area, there are many advantages to gas. These include moderate savings over electricity and the ability to keep hot water--even if the power goes out.
Tankless water heaters have become popular lately. These primarily use electric to heat water instantly for either the whole house, or at the point of use. There are cost benefits to using a tankless water heater, however, they require a significantly larger investment up front.
Solar water heaters have become popluar due to the a sharp rise in fuel costs that power companies are passing along to consumers. While expensive, solar heaters are fairly simple. They use a photovoltaic system, usually configured in panels that are put on the roof. Water is then passed through pipes adjacent to the panels, which heats the water. The water is then stored in a tank until ready to use. Solar water heaters became very popular from 2009-2010 while the government was providing tax credits for such energy-saving installations. However, new installations have dropped sharply since the tax credits have expired.
How will I Know When I Need a New Water Heater?
There are several ways to determine when your water heater needs to be replaced. Here's just a few. Note: a St. Pete plumbing contractor like Petrovic Plumbing can help you decide if your water heater needs to be replaced.
How Old Is It?
If your water heater is approaching 10 years in age, then you may want to consider replacing it--especially if it is located inside your home.
Is It Operating Correctly?
If no hot water comes out
or if hot water runs out quickly, it could be one of two problems. An element/thermostat issue or a dip tube malfunction. The water heater can be repaired if it's just an element that has gone bad and the unit is less than 6 years old. It would be more cost effective to replace the water heater if the unit is ,more than 6 years old. If a qualified plumbing contractor has determined that your dip tube is bad, you will need to replace the whole water heater.
Additional Water Heater Info for Homes & Businesses in St. Pete
- What is the cost benefit of a tankless water heater?
- Can I (or should I) install a tankless water heater by myself?