Smart Tips You Need to Consider When Buying a Water Heater for your Shower

The whole world is using technology to become more efficient and reverse some of the damage that has begotten our environment. Home appliances are no exception. The water heating industry has been going in the direction of increasing efficiency while conserving as much energy as possible. Water heaters are usually one of the last things you think about when you’re going about your normal day. It’s when there is a problem that you start acknowledging the importance of such a system. Whether you’re taking a hot bath, washing dishes, or even washing your hands, your water heater carries a lot of importance. Water heaters have long life spans and they’re not cheap, this is why most people are reluctant to upgrade their heaters unless it’s the only option. Once you decide to throw away your old heater and purchase a new one, you’ll probably be amazed by the number of options and new features available. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the last time you thought about getting a water heater was probably many years ago. The path the whole industry is treading toward being the smart one, and it’s the same one you should adopt. We’ll be giving you our smart tips that can help you find the best water heater for you that can maximize the number of benefits you get out of it.

 Know What Type of Fuel is Used

The first thing to consider before going shopping for a new water heater is the fuel source. It doesn’t only determine the power and size of your new heater, but it also determines its compatibility. If the source of fuel is propane-based, you need to make sure that the heater is of high energy-efficiency as propane is more expensive than gas. Natural gas and electricity are the most common fuels in households with natural gas being the cheapest and most recommended. Changing the fuel source to either electric or natural gas can save you a lot in the long run; it can be expensive but it’s still an investment. Switching from electric to natural can cost you a lot with no significant return on investment.

Tank and Tankless Water Heaters Costs

There is no definite answer that would suit everyone in the market for a water heater. If you’re using an old water heater, chances that it’s probably a tank water heater. They were the most common in the last few decades before tankless water heaters managed to decrease the gap over time. The main selling point of tank water heaters is their considerably lower upfront costs for the price unit and its installation. The problem, it drags with it is the amount of energy required to keep it operational. Tank water heaters keep all the water in a tank and use the fuel source to heat it constantly so it would provide you with hot water instantly without any wait. This means that your water is going to be using a source of energy 24/7 to stay operational. If the water stays running for too long, the tank is depleted and it will take a while to re-heat it again for it to be usable.

Tankless Water heaters are the most energy-efficient models of water heaters in the market. Since there is no reservoir to store water in, water is heated on-demand once you turn your shower knob on. The cost of maintaining the temperature of water flowing out of your water heater for the shower is dependent on how long it’s going to be on for. This translates to a pretty nice splash of your heating bill. The initial cost of the unit is substantially more than its tank counterpart in addition to the extra costs of converting your piping system to accommodate the tank. The capacity of the tankless water heater is dependent on the model and source of fuel, but the most common downsides include taking too long to heat water and the inability to keep up with big households.

Temporary VS Permanent

After you have locked down the type of fuel you’d use, you should consider the pros and cons of both buying and renting. While it may boil down to preferences, some key considerations can make purchases or rentals more practical for you. Like anything rented, you don’t need to worry about routine maintenance and major repairs; just making sure to pay the monthly fee should be enough. The renting fee of a water heater depends on your location, but it’s always cheaper than purchasing one. This can make all the difference if you’re not planning to stay in one place long enough. Buying a water heater is initially quite expensive in comparison, but it does pay off in the long run and within 6 to 7 years it would practically be free compared to a rental.

 Considering Groundwater Temperature

One of the most important factors that affect the performance of tankless water heaters is the groundwater temperature. If you decide to go with a tankless water heater, you’ll need to factor in the temperature of the water that is fed into the heater, known as starting temperature. Naturally, the colder the water is, the more time it needs to reach the level needed for a hot shower. If you live in a warm climate, you’ll have the advantage of having a good starting temperature that doesn’t need a lot of power to reach the shower-level. If you live in a colder climate, you can either install breakers in the panel to feed more power to the heater or look for more powerful tankless water heater models. It’s best to test the groundwater temperature using temperature maps for your area or you can consult a professional to test it for you.

Nowadays, purchasing a water heater has become a matter that requires some research and preparation. Whichever model you decide on—tank, tankless, or even a hybrid— you should gauge your needs properly. The financial aspect is important, but you also need to consider your convenience and how investing in energy-efficiency can benefit you in the long run.