Picking out a new water heater is not quite the same as picking out a new car. You probably won’t have a color preference for your new hot water heater, for example, but we do see some similarities. Your family’s safety comes first and foremost, so safety is a concern with a new installation just as it is with a new vehicle. Efficiencies vary from model to model, as with most cars, and different fuel sources can be used to power them (electric or gas).
Just as you wouldn’t pick the first car you saw on the lot, we think it’s worth putting some thought into which water heater you pick out for your family. Check out our guide to some of the latest technologies, and some of the classics, and talk to your plumber to find the water heater that’s right for your home!
Gas Tank Water Heaters
It’s a classic installation which, today, is safer and more efficient than ever before. Gas tank water heaters connect to the natural gas lines in your home and keep a large tank of water heated at all times. While this may waste some fuel, there are many benefits to gas tank water heaters.
- Hot water is available right when you need it, as long as the tank is sized properly.
- Natural gas typically costs less to use than electric heat.
Electric Tank Water Heaters
We often recommend gas tank water heaters over electric water heaters, simply because you’ll save more money over the years. Still, electric water heaters certainly have their advantages.
- Without the need for natural gas, electric water heaters may be desired as a safer alternative.
- They may last longer than gas tank water heaters.
- Electric water heaters typically cost less to install.
Tankless Water Heaters
A tankless water heater is an energy-efficient alternative to a tank water heater, which wastes energy throughout the day heating water you’re not using. Tankless water heaters heat up water on demand—only when you turn on a hot water tap in the home.
- Tankless water heaters cost less to run.
- They save space.
- They may last longer than tank water heaters.
However, there are disadvantages to this technology. One problem is that hot water output can be sporadic, especially if more than one fixture needs hot water at once, and many people opt to install a second or even third tankless water heater at a much higher cost.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
A heat pump is a system that moves heat from place to place. Typically used for cooling and heating air, this technology is perfect for bring heat into a water heater without having to generate heat throughout the day.
- It’s an efficient alternative to electric water heaters.
- You can typically find larger tank capacities with heat pump water heaters than with electric tank water heaters.
Solar Water Heaters
So many people would love to get solar panels installed on the home—if only they could afford it. What if you started with only one fixture in your home that can be a major energy waster throughout the year? Solar water heaters are available from select installers in your area.
Call Evans Plumbing Inc for more information about finding the right water heater in Sun Valley, ID.
