What Kind of Tank Water Heater Should I Get?
Are you in the market for a water heater and have narrowed your choice down to a tank water heater? Well, your job isn’t over just yet. Now you’ll need to understand what type of tank water heater will best suit your needs and the associated costs and installation requirements.
This article outlines the different types of tank water heaters on the market and explores their features, advantages, disadvantages, and installation requirements. Read on to find out which tank water heater is right for you.
But first, what is a tank water heater, and what are its functions?
What is a Tank Water Heater And What Does it Do?
A tank water heater is a type of water heating system that stores hot water in a large tank. It works by using either natural gas or electricity to heat the water and then keeps it at a certain temperature until it is ready for use. Tank water heaters generally have cold and hot water connections, temperature control, water pressure release valves, and drain valves.
Now that you understand the basics of tank water heaters, let’s explore the different types available.
Types of Tank Water Heaters
There are several types of tank water heaters on the market today, each with its own distinct features and benefits. Below are some of the most popular:
Electric Tank Water Heaters
Electric tank water heaters are a popular choice due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, they tend to be more expensive to operate and may require additional electrical wiring.
Electric Water Heaters: These water heaters use electricity to run two heating elements within the tank that are responsible for heating the water. Electric water heaters are loved for their availability in a range of sizes and their simplicity. Although they’re seen as being expensive to run, newer models have a high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), which means that they are more efficient than the older electric models.
Heat Pump Water Heaters: If you don’t already have a water heater or are looking to replace an electric model, a heat pump water heater might be the right choice for you. Heat pump water heaters are usually more expensive than electric models, but they’re much more efficient and can save you money in the long run. Because they have direct heating elements and a heat pump, they are also referred to as hybrid water heaters.
Natural Gas And Propane Tank Water Heaters
Among this category of water heaters are atmospheric water heaters and power vent water heaters. These are often seen as more efficient than electric models and can be powered by natural gas or propane. Natural gas water heaters tend to be cheaper to operate, but they emit carbon monoxide, so they need to be installed with a venting system in place.
Atmospheric Water Heaters: If your home was built before 2003 and uses a gas-powered tank water heater, chances are it is an atmospheric water heater. This type of water heater uses natural gas or propane to power a burner at the base of the water tank. The exhaust that results from the burning of the gas is sent upward through a chimney in the storage tank to heat the water before being vented out a metal chimney that leads outside your home. Atmospheric water heaters are not as energy efficient as other gas water heaters.
Power Vent Water Heaters: This type of water heater is similar to an atmospheric water heater, but instead of a chimney, it has a blower motor that draws exhaust fumes out of the tank. Power vent water heaters are more efficient than their atmospheric counterparts and can be used in homes. Another advantage of power vent heaters is that they do not need to be placed near a chimney stack. This means that you can place them anywhere in your home. With these water heaters, you can say goodbye to manually lighting a pilot light, as they have an automatic ignition.
How Many Gallons of Hot Water Do You Need?
When choosing a tank water heater, it is important to consider how much hot water you need on a daily basis. The size of the tank will determine how much hot water is available at any given time. A larger tank means more hot water and vice versa. To determine how much hot water you need, you have to calculate your peak hour estimate. With this value, you can determine the capacity of the tank water heater that is best for your home.
The expert team at Downey Plumbing can help you calculate your peak hour estimate and find the right tank water heater for your needs. Whether you are replacing an old model or getting a new one installed for the first time, we are here to help. Contact us today for more information.
What Type of Power Source Do You Need?
When it comes to tank water heaters, the most common fuel sources are electricity, natural gas, or propane. Before purchasing a new tank water heater, you need to consider what kind of power source is available in your home. If your home already has an electric set up then choosing an electric water heater would be ideal. However, if you want to switch from electric to gas, that is also possible. Natural gas and propane tank water heaters are more common than electric models, as they tend to be cheaper in terms of running costs.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Another important factor to consider when choosing a tank water heater is the amount of space you have available. If you are limited in space, it is important to be mindful of where you place your new water heater. Electric tank water heaters are typically smaller in size than gas models, making them a good choice for homes with limited space.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing the right tank water heater for your home. The expert team at Downey Plumbing can help you make the right decision based on your specific needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.
Now that you know all about the different types of tank water heaters available, it should be easier to decide which one is right for you. Make sure to do your research and choose a model that fits both your budget and hot water needs.
Get Your Tank Water Heater at Downey Plumbing
At Downey Plumbing, we have a wide selection of tank water heaters to choose from – whether you are looking for an electric, natural gas, or propane model. We also offer professional installation services so that you can rest assured that your new tank water heater will be installed correctly and safely. Contact us today at 562-646-1221 to find out more about our water heater solutions.
