A water heater is one of the most important appliances in our homes. Keeping in mind the undisputed role that it plays in our daily lives, it is important that homeowners should know exactly when to install a new one before the existing unit decides to take its last breath. Home remodeling also provides an obvious reason for water heater replacement to ensure that the new unit fits well with the overall design. In this super dynamic era, everything is changing fast, and considering the changes water heaters have gone through over time, it won’t be surprising if most homeowners are uncertain about what type of heater suits them well.
The following are some tips on how to choose the best heaters for your home.
Selecting the Type and Brand of Water Heater
Homeowners have an endless variety of water heaters to choose from, and the variations start with different sizes, purposes, cost, fuel sources, and efficiency.
Commonly available heater types include tank water heaters, tankless water heaters, and solar-powered water heaters. Let’s take a look at how they are different from each other.
Tank Water Heaters
A tank-based water heater is an ideal choice for many homes because of its relatively low initial cost, large water capacity, and power. It stores around 30 to 50 gallons of water in a huge tank and keeps it heated at all times. Once the hot water from the tank is emptied, it refills itself and starts heating again.
We recommend Rheem Performance Platinum and A.O. Smith XCG-50 ProMax to the homeowners who opt to have a water heater with a storage tank.
Here are some pros and cons of tank-based water heaters:
Pros
- Lower Initial Cost
- Low Maintenance Costs
- Relatively Inexpensive to Replace
Cons
- High Utility Bills
- A Shorter Lifespan
- Run out of Hot Water
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are energy-efficient heaters that warm water on demand. Unlike traditional water heaters, they lack a storage tank and instead use a gas or electric source to heat water when you want to use it. They are slightly expensive but can help you save substantially on your monthly energy bills.
The top three most popular tankless water heater models in the Los Angeles area include Rinnai RUC98iN, Takagi T-KJr2-IN-NG, and Rheem RTGH-95DVLN Tankless Water Heater.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of tankless water heaters.
Pros
- Instant Hot Water
- Longer Lifespan
- More Energy Efficient
- No Risk of “Standby Loss”
- Never Run out of Hot Water
Cons
- Inconsistent Temperatures
- Higher Initial Cost
- Limited Supply of Hot Water
- Expensive Installation
- Require Regular Maintenance
Make Energy-Efficient Choice
Energy prices are skyrocketing, and it is no surprise that more and more people are adopting an energy-efficient lifestyle. Almost all types of water heaters come with the energy efficient stamp, so check out the EF of (Energy Factor) of the model you intend to purchase. Higher the EF rating, the better the energy-saving capacity it would possess.
If you are still not sure as to which water heater will better serve your needs, you can trust the knowledge and experience of Local Pro for choosing the right unit. We have several years of experience in the industry and can help you choose a water heater of the best size, type, make, and model.
