The right water heater for your unique home might not prove ideal for your neighbor’s home, a co-worker’s home or another home. From size to type, cost, space, efficiency and beyond, there are plenty of factors to consider before committing to a water heater. Let’s take a quick look at what you should consider when attempting to pinpoint the perfect new water heater for your home.

Tankless or Tank? That is the Question

Opt for a traditional tank water heater and your water will warm up and remain stored within a large metal cylinder until you and your family need it. Most tank-based water heaters have a storage capacity between 40 gallons and 60 gallons of water. These tanks typically measure 24” in width and 60” tall so make sure you have enough space to accommodate them. The tankless variety warms water on command. There is no need to carve out a significant amount of space for the tankless type as there is no holding tank. Rather, this system typically measures a mere 28” in length, 20” in width and 10” in depth. However, the tankless variety typically costs more than traditional tank-based systems. An advantage of the tankless models is that they typically last longer than the tank type, providing a useful lifespan of 20 years versus 10 years provided by a tank.

Alternative Options to Consider: Solar and Heat Pumps

Solar water heating technology has made its way to the market. This approach circulates water from the tank by way of a solar collector, allowing the sun to heat it. However, if the water within the tank is not warmed to your selected temperature, a traditional water heater will be necessary to properly warm it. Heat pumps are also available, relying on electricity to transmit heat from one area to another. In fact, you can even add heat pumps to your current HVAC system if desired or simply opt for stand-alone heat pump water heating.

Consider the Fuel Type

The source of fuel used to heat your home’s water is a key component of selecting a new water heater. Natural gas water heaters generate hot water surprisingly quickly. Furthermore, natural gas water heaters are made in all sorts of different sizes and models. The only downside to this fuel type is it mandates venting through a wall or chimney. Opt for an electric water heater and you will find the installation process goes smoothly and quickly. There is no need to add any type of special venting when you opt for an electric heater. However, the electric variety requires more energy as compared to other units. Oil water heaters create hot water without delay yet there is a limited model selection. The liquid propane variety has the same venting needs as natural gas, require the use of a storage tank and also require ongoing fuel delivery.

Consider how Much hot Water You and Your Family Use

water heater to add to your home. In general, two people will be well-served by a water heater with a capacity of 50 gallons to 60 gallons. If your house has three to four people, you will likely need a water heater with a capacity of 80 gallons.

Mind the Energy Factor (EF) Rating

The water heater’s energy factor (EF) rating also matters a great deal. The United States Department of Energy created EF ratings to gauge each water heater’s energy efficiency. EF ratings measure between 0.5 to 2.0. The greater the EF rating, the more efficient the unit is. The EF rating considers the recovery efficiency, meaning the efficiency at which the heat is applied to water. The EF rating also considers cycling loss, meaning heat lost when water moves through the unit. This rating even considers standby loss, meaning the percentage of heat lost for each hour the water is stored.

Contact Excel Plumbing & Air Today

If you need a new water heater, do the smart thing by asking the industry experts for guidance. Our team is here to help you select the perfect new water heater for your home or business. Contact us today for more information about the best water heater for your property or to schedule maintenance, repair or installation. You can contact our water heater experts by phone at 847-416-2736. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form. YouTube: