Water heaters consume a large portion of your energy bill, so choosing the right model is a major decision. Take your time to research options and consult a plumbing professional to ensure you make the best choice for your household.
Using a worksheet, estimate your peak hour demand for hot water in your household. This will help you determine what size tank to purchase. For more details, contact Hot Water Heaters Denver.
Traditional tank water heaters have an insulated tank that stores hot water. They are a good option for people who don’t have space for a tankless or hybrid water heater, or who want to install an electric or gas unit that’s compatible with their existing system and home. Tank-type heaters are available in a variety of sizes, from 20 to 80 gallons. The amount of water they store depends on the number of people in the household and their peak-use times, so it’s important to pick a size that will cover your average usage. A standard 40- to 50-gallon tank is adequate for most households. If you have a larger household, you might want to consider adding an additional tank or upgrading to a higher-capacity model.
Conventional gas and electric tanks are available with high efficiencies, which can result in significant savings on utility bills. If you’re replacing an old, less-efficient water heater, look for one with an Energy Star rating to ensure that it’s as efficient as possible.
Tank-type water heaters require annual maintenance, including draining and flushing to prevent sediment from building up inside. They also require regular checking for leaks and rusting. Depending on the type of water heater and fuel source, they can also be a source of carbon monoxide and other health hazards.
Unlike conventional storage tank water heaters, which hold and reheat water until it’s used, tankless or demand-type units heat the water as it passes through your pipes. This results in a constant supply of hot water without the cost and energy loss associated with heating and storing unused water. Tankless units also have a lower risk of scalding, since they only produce as much hot water as is needed.
While tankless units are more energy-efficient than conventional tanks, they can be less so for large families who use a lot of hot water at once. They can also be sensitive to hard water and need annual service, which will cut into the energy savings they provide. In general, a hybrid unit is the most efficient choice, since it uses both a traditional tank and a tankless element to produce hot water.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than storage tank units because they only heat water on demand when you use a hot water fixture or appliance. They also eliminate the need to reheat a pre-set amount of water as they do in a conventional storage tank unit. However, if you’re considering installing a tankless unit in your home, make sure your plumbing fixtures and appliances are designed to match the unit. You’ll want to look at flow rate, temperature rise, sizing charts and gallons per minute (GPM) requirements to ensure you get the right unit for your household needs.
Tankless systems can be installed at multiple point of use locations within a household or used as a supplement to centralized whole house models in new construction. Smaller point of use gas tankless units – like the Takagi TKJr2OSNG or Rinnai RL94eN — can efficiently serve one to two bathrooms, while larger units like the Rinnai RT94eN or the Bosch Nexus Pro 6.6 can easily handle multiple simultaneous showers and dishwashers.
Depending on the model, you may be able to save up to 20% on your energy bills thanks to their higher efficiency. The elimination of a water heater tank also reduces energy consumption and emissions. However, if you have electric heating elements and use time-of-use metering, a tankless system could increase your electricity costs due to short spikes in demand during peak times.
The main drawbacks of a tankless water heater are that the system may have some limitations when it comes to heating capacity and the length of piping required to bring hot water to a faucet. If you live in an area that experiences cold winter temperatures, it’s important to consider whether the piping will be able to accommodate the extra heating requirement.
Additionally, if your home has a high demand for hot water, you’ll experience delays between turning on the faucet and receiving a full supply of water, because the heater takes a little while to kick on and start heating the water. A built-in recirculation pump can help to alleviate this problem, but if your water heater is not located close to the source of demand, this solution might be ineffective.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are available in conventional tank models as well as point-of-use options. They do not require gas line hookups, and their installation is usually quicker and less expensive than that of a gas model. This type of heater also has more size options, especially when considering point-of-use products.
Like their gas counterparts, electric water heaters operate on electricity, but they do not generate any of the byproducts associated with the combustion process. As a result, they are generally less hazardous and tend to cost less to run than gas heaters. In addition, when powered by solar energy, they can be significantly more environmentally friendly than gas models.
Both types of water heaters require regular maintenance to ensure they work properly. However, because electric heaters do not produce byproducts that can pose health or safety risks, they typically require less regular care and inspections than their gas-powered counterparts.
In order to function correctly, an electric water heater must contain metal heating elements. These elements are a series of metal loops that extend into the water heater’s tank. Upon contact with electricity, the heating elements heat up and start to boil the water. If the water temperature in the tank exceeds a safe limit, a thermostat and high-limit switch will cut off the power to the heating elements.
If you are thinking about switching to an electric water heater, it is important to make sure the appliance is ENERGY STAR-certified. The ENERGY STAR designation is a way to help consumers find products that are designed to work more efficiently than others. The higher the ENERGY STAR rating, the greater the efficiency.
When inspecting an electric water heater, it is important to look for any signs of corrosion or damage on the heating elements. Corrosion or damage can cause the heating element to lose its resistance, which will result in a reduction in the heating capacity of the water heater. In addition, if you notice any sediment build-up on the bottom of the water heater, this may indicate that the elements need to be replaced.
Gas Water Heaters
A gas water heater uses natural or liquid propane to heat up the water inside its insulated tank. The thermostat monitors the water temperature in the storage tank and, when it drops below a set point, the gas burner ignites and brings the water back up to the desired level. A venting system removes combustion gases from the unit, which also helps keep the water warm and reduces energy use. This is a great option for homes with existing gas lines and may be more affordable to install than an electric model, as it doesn’t require a separate electrical circuit or special venting. A gas heater can also function during a power outage, which is an advantage in areas with unreliable electricity.
Gas models tend to operate at a higher cost than their electric counterparts, but they can provide more hot water over a longer period of time because of their faster heating capabilities. They also have a lower risk of water leaks because they are typically located outdoors, and their venting systems prevent water from building up in the home’s basement.
These are a good choice for people with high water usage who want to minimize the chance of running out of hot water, and because they’re available in different sizes to suit a range of family needs. They have a larger storage capacity, but this is offset by their higher energy consumption and shorter warranty periods.
Rheem is an American manufacturer of residential and commercial water heaters, boilers, and HVAC equipment, and the brand’s tagline “A Greater Degree of Good” highlights its focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Its water heaters are available in both gas and electric versions, with a variety of capacities to choose from. Its cheapest model has a 40-gallon tank with an impressive 65-gallon first-hour delivery rate and can accommodate three- to four-person households. Its electronic gas valve allows for easy temperature adjustments, and a vacation mode helps conserve energy while you’re away.
Gas and electric models are both suitable for outdoor installation, but they’ll require a permit and inspection in some jurisdictions before construction begins. Whether you’re considering an electric or gas unit, be sure to talk with a licensed professional who can help guide you through the permitting process and make all the necessary connections.