Choosing a New Water Heater (water heaters)
Whether you are building a new home, remodeling or simply need to replace an old, worn out unit, you might be in the market for a new water heater. At one time, your options were limited to the water capacity of a unit but now you have other options. The two most common are the standard storage tank units and the tankless, on demand units to heat water for household use.
Both types of units are available in gas or electric. It is highly recommended that a qualified plumber install new water heaters, especially those that operate using gas. It can be dangerous to try to install gas appliances yourself. Talking to a plumber before choosing a new unit can also help you decide which type and capacity of unit is best for your needs.
Storage tank water heaters come in storage capacities ranging from 20 to 80 gallons with the most common for residential use being 40 gallons. They work by heating the water in the full storage tank to the preset temperature, which is typically 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the water reaches this temperature, the heat shuts off until the heated water is either used or the temperature drops below a certain point. As hot water is used, the tank refills and the heat comes back on. It is not able to heat the water in the tank fast enough to prevent running out of hot water, though. It will still need some time for the tank to recover and reheat the water adequately.
Tankless heaters have grown in popularity since they don’t run until hot water is needed. It does take a few minutes for the water coming out of the faucet to be hot but once it does, it does not run out of hot water like the standard tank units do. Choosing the capacity you need will depend on the amount of hot water you may need to use at one time. Large families should opt for a unit able to heat enough water at once to operate two major appliances at one time such as a dishwasher and washing machine.
To help you choose the right water heater, call C-IT-ALL at 918-251-3155 and talk to a plumbing specialist.
