Choosing the Right Water Heater for Your Home
With proper care and maintenance, water heaters can deliver reliable service for a decade or more. You won’t need to consider replacing your water heater until it begins to leak or no longer produces a sufficient amount of hot water.
There are several factors that you must take into consideration when choosing a water heater for your home.
Determine the Correct Capacity
Before selecting a water heater, you will need to determine the amount of hot water your family uses. Take the total number of people living in your residence and add 1 to that number. Then take that sum and multiply it by 12.
The result is the first-hour rating or the amount of hot water that the appliance should make during the first hour that a faucet is open.
A tankless (or on-demand) water heater is rated based on the gallons per minute (GPM) that flow from a single faucet. Determine the number of hot water faucets that typically operate simultaneously in your household, and multiply this number by three, the average GPM flow rate of a tap. The result is the heating capacity rating of the tankless unit.
Traditional or Tankless
Traditional water heaters come with a large tank that stores heated water, which requires ample space. Gas models also need additional space for air to circulate around the burner unit. If you do not have the space to install a traditional model with the correct size storage tank, consider a tankless unit.
This appliance requires less space because it does not store water. Tankless heaters warm water only when a hot water faucet is open. Although more expensive than standard water heaters, tankless units are more energy efficient as they do not continually heat and reheat water in a storage tank.
Fuel Source
Whether you select a water heater with a storage tank or a tankless unit, you will have to decide what energy source it will use to heat the water. Both water heaters can run on electricity, propane, or natural gas. The power sources available to you depend on the public utilities available in your area.
Electric models are less expensive to purchase and install. Gas models contain a burner unit that needs proper ventilation. They may also be more efficient and cost less to operate.
Check the energy rating on the water heaters to determine the most energy and cost-efficient design for your particular application.
Not sure what water heater works for your San Jose, CA home? Call Genmor Plumbing Inc. at 408-215-4612, and get the best advice from the professionals.
For excellent water heater service in Southern California, we recommend General Service Plumbing. They are known for being trusted and reliable Whittier tankless water heater repair experts and we are proud to help direct you to only the best services!
