What do you Want in a Standard Storage Tank Water Heater?
There are several different types of water heaters from storage tank Water Heaters, to tankless, to solar, to hybrid heat pump models. If you are looking to replace your existing water heater with a standard, storage tank water heater there are several features to consider. The saying “standard isn’t always standard” applies here.
When it comes to selecting a Water Heater, as any experienced plumbers, will tell you, your first instinct may be to go with the cheapest option or perhaps spend money on the water heater that has a bigger tank. Knowing what features are available and their benefits will help you choose the water heater that is right for your home.
It may also help to consult with local professionals who know the local geography and its characteristics. Relative humidity in your region, for instance, might affect what purchase you should make. For advice on all types of water heaters, call the local plumbers at A-1! Makes sense doesn’t it?
Tank Capacity
Tank capacity is one of the obvious features to consider when selecting a Water Heater . A larger tank will be able to hold a larger amount of water for you to use for showers, dishes, laundry, etc. However, just considering tank size is not enough all by itself. You want to make sure your water heater can provide enough hot water for your home at the busiest time of the day, but not in excess. A tank that is too large may be less efficient. The recovery rate of the water heater may be lower with a larger tank and this may lead to higher energy costs as well as a longer wait time to heat up those showers. So it is important to consider and balance all of your options. Our expert plumbers would be happy to offer advice and guidance on your water heater purchase or repair.
Recovery Rate
The recovery rate determines how many gallons of water are heated up per hour. Recovery rate is indicated in GPH’s (or gallons heated per hour). The higher the GPH, the more hot water will be available to you. Choosing a water heater with a high recovery rate will save energy and money.
Energy Efficiency
As with any home system, you will want to determine the energy efficiency of a water heater. According to energystar.gov, “Heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home’s energy use. High efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models, saving homeowners money on their utility bills.” Bottom line, if you want to save energy and money, make sure you are selecting an energy efficient model.
Self-Cleaning
Water heaters with the self-cleaning feature will cost more upfront, but it is something to keep in mind. The self-cleaning feature will prolong the life span of a water heater. Over time sediment builds up in a water heater and occasionally needs to be flushed out. The self-cleaning feature reduces sediment build-up, thereby making the water heater more efficient and effective.
Automatic Shut-Off Valve
Especially if your water heater is stored somewhere inside of your home, instead of in a garage, you may want to look into an automatic shut-off valve. Automatic shut off valves sense leaks from the water heater and automatically turn off the water supply to the water heater. Automatic shut-off valves can be installed onto your water heater so should a leak occur, your home will be protected from accidental damage.
Warranties
According to consumerreports.org, water heaters with “longer warranties tend to have larger heating elements, thicker insulation, and thicker or longer corrosion-fighting metal anodes.” In other words, Consumer Reports found in their study that longer warranties indicated a better quality water heater. Look for a water heater that has a decent warranty.
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A-1 American Services provides air conditioning, heating and plumbing services to homes and businesses in the Hampton Roads Virginia cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton and north into Williamsburg.
Call us today: Southside 757-425-2400 Peninsula 757-595-9900 Williamsburg 757-565-1900
