Selecting the Right Water Heater

Either you are looking to save money on your energy bill or are thinking there is not much time left on the old heater. Regardless of what the reason, there are important things to consider when deciding on a replacement water heater. You have to make sure to choose the right solution that not only provides enough hot water but is also energy efficient to save you money. This breaks down water heaters into three distinct categories for consideration: the type of hot water heater, the size of the water heater, and the best fuel source in your area.

In case you were thinking there was only one type of hot water heater, you may be in for a shock to know there are several options for how to heat the water in your home. What you may be more familiar with is known as the conventional storage tank water heater. If you go into your basement and see a large, cylindrical tank that radiates heat, you have one of these storage tank units. This type of hot water heater makes sure there is a reservoir of hot water ready at all times in your home. Another type is known as the tankless or on-demand water heater. This unit does not have a tank. It is solely a heater and uses energy to heat the water only when there is a need for hot water in the house. In the same vein, there is also the tankless coil and indirect water heater. These units also lack a tank and use your home’s space heating system to heat the water. Then there is the heat pump water heater. The heat pump moves heat from one area to another instead of directly generating heat only for hot water usage. Lastly, there is the method that utilizes one of our greatest energy resources, the sun. Solar water heaters use the heat collected from the sun to make hot water.

Another criterion is size. Whether you opt for a tank or a tankless unit, determining the size of the water heater depends upon your daily consumption and household size. This way, you can make sure to get a hot water tank that will not waste energy heating up more water than your house would use on a daily basis or ensure there will be enough water for everyone including that one person who takes an hour in the shower! That is not you, is it?

Finally, you ought to consider what fuel types are most available and cost effective in your area. There are several types of energy fuel sources. Electricity is widely available and is used by storage tank, tankless, and heat pump water heaters. Fuel oil is available in some areas of the United States and is used for storage tank water heaters. Geothermal energy is available most everywhere in the country providing that you have a geothermal heat pump system installed. Natural gas and propane are also widely available fuel types and are used by all water heater systems with the exception of solar. That leaves us with solar energy which is available wherever the sun shines, sorry Seattle.
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Guest post is provided by Payless Water Heaters. We can provide you with the right kind of water heater for your particular need. Find out more at Paylesswaterheaters.net.