Selecting Your Water Heater
December 8th, 2010
Winter is upon us, and as the Charlotte weather cools down, you’ve discovered through a most unpleasant experience in a cold shower that your water heater is no longer up to par with the demands of your household. It’s time to replace the old hot water heater tank with a newer, more efficient, functional model, but you aren’t sure how to determine the best unit for the job. The real problem is that there is no single answer, as various applications and needs require a different size, type, and method of water heating capabilities. Here are some factors to consider when contacting your Charlotte plumbing contractor about purchasing and installing a new water heater.
Longevity
Hot water heaters come with various warranties, but don’t be fooled by the longer promise factor. While you may have a choice between a 6-year warranty and a 12-year warranty, there is little difference between the two, with the exception of perhaps an extra anode or an extra half-length outlet rod in the hot port. Rather than paying the premium for the longer warranty, consider extending the longevity of your water heater tank by purchasing a full-length rod, which is as simple as screwing it into the hot port, and you’ll see the life and effectiveness of your unit improve.
Efficiency
While tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency, they are also typically more costly than standard tank-style water heaters. When considering the cost versus the efficiency, look at the thickness of the insulation in the traditional water heaters. If you can purchase one with enough insulation, you can equal the efficiency of a tankless water heater easily. You can measure the insulation yourself on gas water heaters by removing the combustion chamber and measuring the jacket thickness. It’s more complex with electric water heaters, but you may be able to find the specifications. One to two inches of insulation is necessary to justify the purchase.
Personal Needs
One way to determine what you need is to think about how well your old water heater worked for you. Aside from size in gallons, you want to also think about Btu input or first-hour recovery. These tell you how quickly the tank will heat your water. First-hour recovery looks at both the amount of hot water the tank can store and how much more it can heat in one hour. Sometimes, a smaller unit with a series of copper tubes and a very hot fire will offer greater results than a large storage tank.
Quality Parts
Buy a tank with a magnesium anode, and add a second outlet rod. You can also purchase a hot water heater with an aluminum hex anode and replace it with magnesium. The aluminum is much softer and more bendable, meaning it is more easily damaged. Choosing longer lasting materials will help you maintain your water heater for longer. If you aren’t sure what manufacturers offer the higher quality parts, contact your local Charlotte plumbing contractors for more information. These professionals will also have information on rebates and other ways to save money on water heater installation and maintenance that will help you determine the best water heater to purchase.
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Categories: Plumbing