A Guide for Choosing the Right Water Heater
Homeowners must decide about what type of water heater to install once water heater replacement is needed since they don’t last forever. Different types of water heaters have different pros and cons. Here is a quick guide about different types of water heaters to help homeowners explore the options available when it comes time for water heater installation.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas water heaters are a popular choice for many households. These storage water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat water stored in a tank. Some of their pros and cons are:
Pros:
- Energy Efficient: Gas water heaters are generally more energy efficient than their electric counterparts, especially for larger households that use a significant amount of hot water.
- Lower Operating Costs: They typically cost less to run than electric water heaters due to the lower cost of natural gas.
- Power Needs: Gas water heaters don’t need power to run, so hot water is maintained during a power outage.
Cons:
- Safety Concerns: Gas water heaters pose a risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly maintained or ventilated.
- Higher Upfront Cost: Gas water heaters typically cost more upfront than electric models.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are another common option for water heating, relying on electricity to heat water stored in a tank. Some of their pros and cons are:
Pros:
- Lower Upfront Cost: Electric water heaters are usually cheaper to purchase and install than gas models.
- Safer Operation: With no risk of gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure, they have fewer safety concerns associated with them than gas water heaters.
Cons:
- Higher Operating Costs: Electricity tends to be more expensive than natural gas, making these water heaters more costly to run over time compared to gas water heaters.
- Power Dependency: Electric water heaters won’t operate during a power outage, leaving the home without hot water until power is restored.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters, also known as demand-type water heaters, heat water only when needed, eliminating the need for a large storage tank. Both gas and electric tankless water heaters are available.
Benefits:
- Energy Efficiency: By heating water only as it’s needed, tankless water heaters use less energy compared to storage water heaters.
- Lower Operating Costs: Their energy efficiency translates to reduced utility bills over time.
- Longer Lifespan: Tankless models last longer than storage water heaters, so water heater replacement won’t be needed as often.
- Near Endless Hot Water Supply: Without the limitations of a storage tank, tankless water heaters can supply continuous hot water, making them ideal for households with high water usage.
One potential drawback of a tankless water heater is that it is more expensive to install than a storage water heater. Additionally, while tankless water heaters are not limited by how much hot water a storage tank can hold, so they won’t run out of hot water when a tank does, hot water may fluctuate if a tankless water heater is providing hot water for multiple things simultaneously, like if someone is taking a shower while running the dishes and laundry at the same time.
About PHD Mechanical Inc
PHD Mechanical Inc has over forty years of experience serving Denville and the surrounding areas. They offer great value, no mess, and extended warranties. Call them for water heater services in Denville, NJ.
