Your water heater is responsible for providing hot water for washing dishes and clothing, as well as for your bathing needs. However, the average water heater only lasts between 10 and 15 years. You’ll eventually need to replace it and it’s important that you can make an informed decision when that time comes.
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a water heater is the fuel type the new model uses. You have a few choices. First, there are electric models. These use electricity to warm immersion heaters that increase water temp. Second, there’s gas, and these models use gas burners to heat water. You can also choose solar, which is a variation on electric models.
So-called “instant” or tankless water heaters also use electricity, but they only heat the water you need while you’re using it and lack a storage tank. Heat pump water heaters use electricity but use less because of their design.
You’ll want to choose the right capacity for your family’s usage needs. Note that this also affects fuel usage and other factors. For instance, the larger your tank, the more water it will hold. That’s good news if you have a big family with everyone needing to get showers around the same time, plus lots of dishes to wash. However, it will cost more to heat the water in the tank because you’ll use more energy/gas to do so.
No matter what type of water heater you choose, you’ll pay to use it. It makes sense to choose one with a high energy efficiency rating. You’ll find this listed from the manufacturer. You can also find information from the federal Department of Energy. Your tank should have a label on it that spells out how much energy the unit uses over time.
Note that the most energy-efficient options are either solar water heaters or instant water heaters. You’ll also find heat pump water heaters. These are more efficient than conventional options and often come with tax incentives and rebates.
Not sure which type of water heater is best for your needs? We’d be happy to help you decide based on your budget, the size of your family, and your water usage needs. Get in touch with Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing and one of our experts can explain the many choices out there and which would be best for you.
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