Benefits of Different Types of Water Heaters
Water heaters are valued appliances in the home, and they generally last long enough to require a big decision when it comes time to replace them. Unfortunately, the urgency of the situation usually dictates that homeowners make a fast decision rather than an informed one to restore hot water. In most cases, owners opt for a direct replacement without considering their options.
Taking time to prepare for the inevitable replacement of a water heater can allow homeowners to make better choices. Here are three options for water heater replacement, along with the pros and cons of each.
Gas Water Heaters
Gas storage water heaters are the most common type on the market. They generally use natural gas or propane, which is available wherever there is service.
A gas water heater with a storage tank uses a powerful burner to quickly heat water as it is being used, allowing for faster recovery times and greater overall volumes of hot water. Since fuel prices are generally cheaper than electricity, these units are cheaper to operate than their electrically powered counterparts, and most can operate during a power outage.
While gas water heaters are popular, they have several drawbacks. First, if a home doesn’t have gas plumbing, installing it can be very expensive. Second, burning fossil fuels can release carbon monoxide, harming people and pets in the home. The risk of fire is also elevated with any natural gas appliance. Finally, due to the extreme temperatures produced by the burner, most natural gas units fail sooner than an electrical unit.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters use a storage tank just like gas water heaters. However, instead of a burner, they use powerful heating elements to heat the water in the tank as it is used. These heaters operate more quietly than gas water heaters and are generally cheaper to install. Likewise, they last longer, so the savings can sometimes offset the higher operation cost.
The cost of wiring a home for a water heater can be high if the infrastructure isn’t already in place. Adding this to the cost of monthly power bills makes electric water heaters a less enticing choice in some circumstances. Finally, electric water heaters cannot operate during a power outage, making the inconvenience of losing power even harder to deal with.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters can be powered by gas or electricity. In both cases, the piping or wiring may need to be upgraded to accommodate the strain, but the cost can be offset by the greatly reduced bills generated by tankless water heaters.
Tankless water heaters only heat when necessary and keep heating until the demand is gone, which means they can provide endless hot water at a lower cost. While these units last longer than other water heaters and are more reliable, they also cost more upfront.
About All Clear Plumbing
All Clear Plumbing can help homeowners choose the best water heater for their families. They offer prompt, professional service and leave every home just as they found it. Call today for water heater services in Belleville, NJ.
