Identify the Fuel Source

Water heaters can operate on electricity, gas, fuel oil, liquid petroleum gas, solar energy, propane, and geothermal energy. The type of fuel source available and its cost will dictate what type of water heater you can install. Water heaters powered by natural gas cost less to operate than electric water heaters.

Should You Choose A Conventional Storage Water Heater Or Tankless Unit?

There are two main types of water heaters to choose from: conventional storage water heaters and tankless water heaters. Understanding the differences between these types of water heaters can help you make the right choice.

Conventional Storage Water Heaters

Conventional or traditional storage-tank water heaters are by far the most common type of water heater in most households in the U.S. They are designed with a heating element and an insulated tank where hot water is stored until it’s needed. Conventional storage water heaters can either be electric-powered or gas-powered. These water heaters are less expensive to install than tankless water heaters, but they can waste up to 15% of energy through radiant heat loss.

Tankless Water Heaters

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. They don’t make use of a storage tank and provide hot water only as it is needed. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than conventional storage water heaters, as they do not produce standby energy losses. These water heaters can reduce energy use by up to 34 percent. Apart from energy efficiency, tankless water heaters save space and boast an extended life span.

Size and Capacity

When choosing a water heater, you should consider the capacity your household needs. The size you buy will depend on the size of your home, the number of people living in your home, how many appliances use hot water, peak water usage, and more. The bigger the household, the higher the hot water consumption. For a house with two bedrooms, you’ll probably be looking at a hot water heater with a capacity of 40 to 48 gallons. If your house is bigger with five or more bedrooms, you’ll be looking for a unit with a capacity of 80 gallons and above. You’ll also want to consider the recovery rate and first-hour rating of a water heater. With so many factors to consider, choosing the right size water heater can be overwhelming. So it’s a good idea to consult with a trusted plumber that specializes in water heater installation.

Reach Out To Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All of Your Water Heater Needs

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we pride ourselves on providing reliable and budget-friendly water heater services for residential and commercial customers. From tankless water heater installation to water heater repair, water heater replacement, and water heater maintenance, we’ve got you covered.