What To Look For When Buying A Water Heater LINK

Electric water heaters are lightweight, quiet, and boast the highest efficiency of any storage water heater. But the price of electricity is so high in most places that relatively inefficient fuel-fired heaters cost less to operate.

what to look for when buying a water heater

Tankless water heaters can be either gas-burning or electric tankless; however, gas tanks typically last longer. These heaters are compact and ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. This means you could save a considerable amount of money annually.

Ultimately, the water heater you choose should work within your household needs and your budget. At Crystal Heating & Cooling, two brands we recommend are Navien for a tankless system, and Rheem for water storage.

In simple terms, when a hot water tap is opened, cold water runs into the tankless water heater. As the water flows into the unit, an electric element (or a gas burner, depending on the tank type) heats up the water. When the water exits the unit, it is hot and ready to be used. When the hot water tap is closed, the cold water entering the tankless system is shut off, and the electric element (or gas burner) shuts down. Because the system idly waits for another hot water tap to open, it does not consume endless energy keeping a large tank full of hot water.

Tankless water heaters require significant cost and labour to install and set up, but the energy savings, in the long run, can be well worth the expense. An ENERGY STAR certified tankless water heater can use 30% less energy than the average storage tank. This is because a tankless hot water heater only heats and delivers hot water when it is needed and, since they are not limited by the size of their tank, their system allows them to provide a constant stream of hot water. Plus, their water never sits in a tank which may pool or contain rust or sediment build-up.

Figuring out the best water heater to buy may be more complicated than first meets the eye. Although a water heater has a very simple function, there are a number of factors that will affect your decision.

As a water heater ages, it loses efficiency, so replacing an older model can be a wise choice. Water heaters wear out with normal use, but you can slow down the aging process. Here are the most common conditions to watch for.

The first-hour rating is listed on the EnergyGuide label, which the Federal Trade Commission requires on all new storage tank water heaters. The Department of Energy offers a simple worksheet to help estimate the best water heater size for you. Gas water heaters heat water faster than electric ones, so you may need a bigger size if you choose electric.

Tankless Water Heater: Gallons-per-minute flow rate is the key to properly sizing a tankless water heater. Gas-fueled tankless systems are typically more efficient than electric ones, and they also heat the water faster. For a home with only one or two people, an electric system might suffice, but for a home with a family of four or more, a gas-fueled tankless heater will handle the demands far better.

Like with a water heater with a tank, calculating the peak hot-water demand in your home is a good first step toward finding the right tankless unit. A licensed plumber can also help you weigh the options.

Regardless of what you decide is the best water heater for you, proper water heater maintenance is important to make sure your system is operating at maximum efficiency. Proper maintenance also prolongs the life of your water heater, getting you more return on your investment.

The number of home improvement stores and online retailers out there give homeowners a wide range of water heater systems to choose from and compare. Advertised discounts and low prices seem like this route helps you save on your water heater installation project, but is the low price worth it?

Ensuring the right selection when buying a new water heater depends on specialized knowledge, which average homeowners do not have themselves. Well, neither do retail employees, in most cases. Retail employees typically do not have the detailed knowledge of plumbing systems and water heating equipment that a licensed plumber does, so you have no professional to consult when making your choice. Usually, the only information you have to go off is the product details printed on the display or online.

Because retail employees rarely have professional plumbing experience, they also are not knowledgeable regarding the process involved to install a new water heater bought from the store. Homes may require additional work beyond hooking up the new unit to facilitate proper use, such as plumbing system upgrades, rerouting plumbing or gas pipes, and more. Such work is often necessary when buying a new water heater to upgrade capacity, switch fuel sources, or go from tank to tankless systems.

Licensed plumbers possess years of industry experience along with dedicated training. A local plumber knows the specifics of the water heater models that are suitable for your home, and is a great resource to consult as you evaluate features and potential energy savings.

Hot water heater installation costs depend on the type of hot water heater getting installed. Tank-style water heaters come in various sizes from 20 gallons to 60 or more gallons. Tank-style water heaters can come as gas-powered, electric, propane-fueled or solar-powered. Tankless water heaters vary by their gallons per minute rate.

Small tank-style water heaters can get installed for as low as $500 while bigger tanks can cost as much as $3,000 installed. A 50-gallon tank water heater can cost around $1,000 installed. Tankless water heaters have similar costs, though a tankless style water heater will cost more than a tank-style water heater, the installation can cost less, however. Gas-powered tankless water heaters can cost more to install than electric-powered units.

Storage tank water heaters are most common and homes and have a distinct tall, cylindrical shape. Tankless water heaters typically come in a rectangular shape and can get installed in several areas. Both types of water heaters can use different fuel sources to run.

Storage tank water heaters can cost around $500 to $800, but costs vary on the size of the tank. Installing a tank-style hot water heater averages between $650 and $2,100.

Tankless water heaters have pros and cons and they have gained popularity as people strive to make their homes energy efficient. Tankless water heaters cost vary depending on the type because you can choose from a whole-house tankless water heater or multiple single point units Also, the type of fuel you use can change the price. Tankless water heaters can cost between $500 to $1,500. The cost to install a tankless water heater is between $1,000 and $3,500.

When choosing electric vs. gas tank-style water heaters, the installation costs can vary slightly. Installing an electric tank-style water heater can range between $800 and $1,500. A gas-powered storage tank water heater can cost between $400 and $800 installed. Installation costs depend on the size of the tank and any additional work needed.

Gas tankless water heater installation typically costs between $900 and $1,500. Electric tankless water heater installation costs between $150 and $1,000. Find the best gas tankless water heater for your home or choose the best electric tankless water heater, depending on your preference.

Tank-style water heaters have either a direct vent or a power vent to push the exhaust from the heater out of the home through a vent flue. If you switch from an electric direct vent tank-style water heater to a direct vent gas model, it usually costs between $500 and $1,000 to install the vent pipe.

Labor costs to install a hot water heater will depend on the length of time it takes, along with other considerations. Switching from one type of water heater to another will have more costs than replacing one with the same kind. Any electrical work or additional plumbing work can add to the installation costs.

A local plumber can typically install gas or electric water heaters and charge between $45 and $150 an hour. If you need additional electrical work, like a new outlet, circuit or wiring, a local electrician can charge $50 to $100 an hour.

Opinions vary on whether you should buy a water heater from a plumber or from a retailer. You might find better prices at a retailer, but it puts the onus on you to find the best water heater for your home by doing thorough research. A plumber can provide expertise and help you find the right water heater for your home.

Water heaters can fail if they spring a leak, which can happen if corrosion occurs. Most water heaters will leak around the drain pipe, T&P relief valve or the drain return. Heating elements can also fail over time, potentially leading to a replacement hot water heater

A 40-gallon water heater unit can cost from $400 to $7,000 and installation can cost $1,000 on average, bringing the project total to between $1,400 and $8,000. Costs can rise depending on the amount of labor needed, whether any additional water or gas lines are needed or extra plumbing or electric work.

Are you looking to buy a new hot water heater? With an overwhelming number of options to choose from and factors to consider, it can be difficult to determine which water heater is right for your home.

There are traditional hot water heaters, tankless water heaters, different sizes and efficiency ratings. In Edmonton, the cold winter weather also adds an additional aspect that must be considered. Therefore, with so many options, you must be familiar with what to know when buying a hot water heater.

Have more questions? We can help. Our experienced team will assist you in determining which solution is best for your home. Our technicians are familiar with local conditions and requirements and will ensure that you select the perfect water heater. 041b061a72