Water Heater Essentials: What You Need to Know
When buying a brand new water heater there a several factors that you need to take into consideration such as the square footage in your home, number of fixtures, size of family, and specific uses for hot water. The guiding principle needs to be efficiency and cost over the long run. If you own an older home or have been in your house for a long time, then purchasing a new water heater is inevitable at some point. So it’s important to get the facts so that you can make an educated decision when the time comes.
Square One: When To Buy a New Water Heater
Although all Memphis water heaters have problems from time to time, there are specific indicators that a new water heater may be imminent. Some examples may be:
- Water leaks could reveal a cracked tank.
- Water is slowly heating up
- Unit is more than a decade old and cannot accommodate all appliances and faucets
- Utility bills are higher than normal
- Repairs are more expensive than the worth of the water heater
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then a comprehensive professional inspection is recommended. An experienced, licensed technician can identify all the issues with your water heater and then give you professional advice as to which course of action is most appropriate. In some cases, simple repairs might need to be made. In other instances, however, you may need to replace your current water heater.
Features and Benefits of Modern Water Heaters
With all the technological advances and state of the art equipment available on the market today, today’s water heaters are a sound investment. The greatest benefit to homeowners is energy efficiency. Compared to older models, new water heaters consume 10-50% less energy. In fact many of today’s water heaters in Memphis have an approved ENERGY STAR rating, which is now the standard for energy savings. There are other great features as such as improved burners, heat pumps and insulation, and control options. You’ll also notice that newer systems now contain self-cleaning abilities in order to reduce sediment build-up. With all of these advanced upgrades it’s easy to see why investing in a new water heater would be a smart choice.
Water Heater Options
Before you purchase a Memphis water heater, you may want consider the different types of water heaters available to you. Some options will be limited depending on the type of home and hook-ups you have. Although it’s possible to accommodate any water heater, it’s not always advisable as it may not be cost-effective. Check with a Precision Air Conditioning & Heating specialist to find out which type of water heater is most suitable for your home. Among the most popular water heaters are electric water heaters, natural gas water heaters, liquid propane heaters, and hybrid water heaters. Each has their own distinctive features and advantages.
Tankless Water Heaters
Of all the water heaters available today, tankless may be your best bet. Although tankless units are generally more expensive than their tank counterparts, they’re a far better investment in the long run. There are several reasons for this. First, tankless water heaters run more efficiently. Rather than storing heated water in a tank (which inevitably runs out), they instantly heat water as it passes through the unit. The results is no longer waiting for water to heat or longer intervals between showers. You get instant how water when you need it. Tankless water heaters are a 1/4 of the size of standard heaters so they save space. It’s worth your time to find out more tankless water heaters.
