Water heaters are responsible for supplying the hot water we all know and love. Water heaters can last quite a long time without having any problems. Most manufacturers state that their water heaters will be suitable for up to 15 years, sometimes more. What this means for homeowners is that they don't have to worry quite often about this appliance. It operates quietly in the background—sometimes quietly.
However, they do have a lifespan and can develop problems over time. The most common issue to arise is broken heating elements. These are what heats the water and keep it toasty for use. There are two heating elements per unit for traditional water heaters setups—one at the top and one at the bottom. Should either one of these have problems, the hot water will no longer heat up as it should. What homeowners will experience is cold water when they least expect it, usually in the shower. To avoid complications such as these, replacing a water heater may be necessary.
If you've had more than one problem with your water heater in the past, or you keep having to make repairs, it may be time to consider over replacement. The good news is water heater shopping doesn't have to be a chore. To make the process easier, you can also ask a plumber Durham for help in selecting the perfect unit to meet your home's needs. To get a better idea and to know what to expect when talking to a contractor, you should have a small understanding of water heaters and what to look for. Check out these top features you should be aware of when shopping for a new water heater.
Capacity Matters
The capacity simply means how much water your heater can hold. Though the capacity of the water heater you choose will matter differently from one household to another. for those that have more people, you may need a larger tank to support the increased usage. On the other hand, if you only have a one-bedroom home, a smaller unit would be more than enough. The average water heater size is between 40 and 60 gallons.
Electric Vs. Gas
Depending on how your home is wired will determine which electric or gas is right for you. Each has its own set of benefits. About the best advantage to having a gas water heater is you don't have to worry about it going out during a storm. However, gas water heaters can develop their own set of problems and can be somewhat expensive to repair.
Perhaps Switch To Tankless?
If you're really wanting a water heater that goes for the gusto, switching to a tankless unit might be the best choice. Tankless water heaters offer tremendous benefits, including the elusive unlimited hot water. For those that enjoy taking long showers, you can't be a tankless unit.
Tankless water heaters work by heating water as it's requested. Because there's no storage tank, and water is heated as it's needed, you'll be spending less money on your energy expenses too. This is one reason many homeowners make the switch. High water heaters contribute a vast majority to energy bills and can be reduced greatly with the switch to tankless. This is largely due in part to tank units needing to heat up water throughout the day even when no hot water is requested.
Price is probably going to be something most property owners will look at when comparing units or when considering the switch. Traditional tanks can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000, while the tankless range from $650 to $4000.
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