Replacing your water heater when it quits working is usually a high priority, but a trip to the local home improvement store can leave you feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices available. You can make it easier by breaking the decision down into different considerations.
First, you will need to determine your energy source. Most traditional water heaters are either electric or gas, but you can also purchase one that is operated by a heat pump or powered by the sun. There are also tankless water heaters or indirect water heaters that operate with the home’s heating system. You should find out if you have another option other than the type of water heater you were already using and compare the costs and operating efficiency of the two.
Next, you will need to select the right size for your water heater. Each type of water heater will give you certain options, but you will need one large enough to keep you from running out of hot water during your peak usage. However, you don’t want to pay for a tank larger than you need. Besides the higher purchase cost, you will also have the continual cost of keeping that much water hot and ready for use.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you will want to find one that is energy efficient to save on operating costs. Your final decision will also be based on the different costs of the water heaters that match your criteria.
To make your decisions easier, you can call a plumber. They can advise you on the right size for your household and answer any questions you might have.
