You wake up in the morning, and the first thing on your mind is, “Am I the last one to take a shower?” Then you say to yourself, “Do I have enough time for the water to heat up?” Finally, you even consider, “Maybe I don’t need a shower today.” That’s just a couple of scenarios that might get you thinking about a brand new water heater, one that fits your family size. The last time you may have purchased a new water heater was many years ago, and since then, we’ve had two new additions to the family.
Out With The Old Heater And In With The New
Maybe your water heater is old, and you’re ready to replace it with a new water heater before it breaks. Most water heaters last 10 to 15 years before they need replacing. Next is choosing the right heater for your family size while deciding on a budget. You might want to consider financing for a short time if the right water heater makes sense. It may be worth the investment. For example, solar heaters can save up to 90% on utility costs, but they cost significantly more to purchase and install. Storage tank heaters are by far the most common, and they come in both gas and electric.
According To The DOE (Department of Energy), Tankless Water Heaters Are 24-34% More Energy Efficient
Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular. Without question, tankless on-demand water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional storage models. According to the Department of Energy, on-demand tankless water heaters are 24-34% more energy efficient than traditional storage water heaters for residences using less than 41 gallons of hot water daily. For homes that use a great deal of hot water, they can save anywhere from 8 to 14% on energy costs. Natural gas tankless heaters can save an estimated $108 a year, while electric tankless heaters save an average of $44 a year.
Consider A Tankless Water Heater As A Luxury
The purchase and installation of a tankless heater cost much more than a storage-tank water heater. In addition, the overall savings of a tankless heater are minimal compared to a storage tank heater, especially when the heater purchase and installation get considered. While your on-demand heater will save on overall energy costs, it won’t recognize the cost of the product along with installation for many years down the road. So consider your tankless water heater as a luxury. The calculations are provided by the Department of Energy. There are four good reasons to consider a tankless heater:
- On-demand hot water
- Unlimited hot water supply
- Better on the environment
- Uses less room in the garage
- Longer life expectancy 20 years or more
Tankless water heaters may promise lower energy costs, but that doesn’t always equate to saving money in the long run. Like so many other appliances in our home, the cost isn’t always the deciding factor.
Storage Tank Water Heater Advancements Will Blow Your Mind
The latest advancements in water heater technologies don’t stop with tankless heaters. Some of the latest energy enhancements in the newest storage heaters are mind-blowing. For example, the latest storage heaters can save as much as 20-30% in energy savings over models produced ten years ago. The new and improved technology includes foam insulated storage tanks, glass linings, porcelain lining, power-venting, self-cleaning tanks, and much more. Take a few extra minutes to educate yourself before making a heater purchase. Your heater will be with you for the next 10-15 years, so avoid buyer remorse and get the right heater for your home.
Calculate your New Water Heater Size
Once you have decided on the type of water heater, then you need to determine the size. You can calculate your storage tank size by the number of people living in your home. Since your water heater will be in your home for the next 10-15 years, consider what your family size is now and what it will look like in the future.
Number of people Storage tank size
1 – 2 30 – 40
2 – 4 40 – 50
3 – 5 50 – 60
5 or more 60 or higher
For calculating the right tankless heater, consult with a water heater specialist from Big B’s Plumbing.
New Water Heater Specialist
At Big B’s Plumbing, we have water heater specialists ready to educate you on the specific water heater that’s right for you and your family. We’re an A+ rated company with the Better Business Bureau and have over 1000 reviews on Facebook, Yelp!, and Google My Business.
