When it’s time for a new water heater most people just tell the installer “replace the old one, with the same kind.”\u00a0 But that’s missing an opportunity to make improvements, often at little added cost.\u00a0 And often you can grab considerable dollar savings in the long run by picking the water heater technology that’s best for you.<\/p>\n
Your first choice is whether or not you actually need a new water heater<\/a>.\u00a0 Pilot light problems, a leaky valve or fitting, or even a burned-out heating element can usually be economically repaired.\u00a0 But if the tank itself is leaking, corroded, or heavily scaled, a water heater replacement is necessary.<\/p>\n If your heater is old and well past its warranty period then it’s probably time to replace it, especially if it has needed other repairs in the last few years.\u00a0 As a bonus, newer units are typically more energy-efficient,\u00a0saving on your monthly utility bills, and may even include additional safety factors.\u00a0 Considering the several repair versus replace issues and the wide range of replacement options, it’s a good idea to consult a plumber who is experienced with a variety of makes, models, and technologies.<\/p>\n Here are a few things to consider when choosing a replacement water heater.<\/p>\n The type of fuel used affects the size, energy efficiency, installation cost, and operating cost of the water heater.\u00a0 Most water heaters are either natural gas or electric in the San Diego area, but propane-fueled heaters are common in the countryside and fuel oil is often used in the northeastern United States.<\/p>\n The original choice of fuel type is probably the right one.\u00a0 But if it’s electric and natural gas is now available it may be time to switch.\u00a0 If only electricity is available it’s worth considering a heat pump domestic hot water heater.\u00a0 A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from one place to another (that is, into your water) rather than directly converting electricity into heat energy (like a regular\u00a0electric heater).\u00a0 That drastically cuts down electricity bills, but these units have somewhat higher maintenance costs and significantly higher purchase and installation costs.<\/p>\n Nowadays you can also consider solar water heating.\u00a0 Solar-thermal systems have been fairly common for decades, and solar-electric (photovoltaic) systems are now cost effective.\u00a0 If you go solar you should keep a gas-fired heater as backup, and consider a heat-pump if you’re going photovoltaic<\/p>\n If you’ve been happy with your old heater and have been getting enough hot water, you’ll probably want to keep the same size tank and “firing rate.”\u00a0 But keep in mind that larger heaters cost more, and may not be as efficient in actual use.\u00a0 Proper sizing depends on total hot water usage and when it’s used.\u00a0 One rule of thumb suggests 20 gallons of tank capacity per\u00a0 person.\u00a0 But if, for example, you often run the clothes washer while people are showering you’ll need to add another 20 or more gallons.\u00a0 There are many more detailed sizing methods commonly used by the experts, and you can find many of them on the web.\u00a0 But it’s best to rely on a trustworthy plumber.<\/p>\n Once you have a fuel type and size, take a look at various makes and models and do a comparison of operation costs.\u00a0 The Energy Star<\/a> rating on the unit or store display should show typical annual fuel costs and you can use these to determine which will cost less in the long run.<\/p>\n Besides solar, there’s another technology to consider.<\/p>\n Standard storage water heaters use a large tank to hold hot water so that it can be delivered faster than the burner or heating element can provide.\u00a0 The tank loses heat to its surroundings, wasting a little energy as the water gradually cools down.\u00a0 Tankless water heaters<\/a> work on-demand, heating the water as it flows through the heater.\u00a0 They’re sized by firing rate, that is the gallons-per-minute of hot water they can supply, rather \u00a0than a tank size.\u00a0 With no standby losses they use significantly less energy, but are also significantly more expensive to purchase and install.\u00a0 They can often be located right where the hot water is used, say in the master bathroom, to provide instant hot water with no waiting.<\/p>\n In your final selection you should go with a major brand, considering the reputation of the manufacturer and consumer experience with a particular model.\u00a0 The length of the warranty is a good indication of quality, with coverage typically ranging from 3 to 12 years.\u00a0 Units with longer warranties, although more expensive, also tend to have faster heating recovery and be better insulated.\u00a0 High-end features such as electronic controls and displays may help save energy, but may also be simply a matter of personal preference.<\/p>\n Although there’s a chance you’ll end up choosing the same type and size of water heater, it’s well worth spending some time considering these various factors.\u00a0 You could greatly reduce the lifetime cost (purchase, installation, maintenance, and energy bills) while getting all the hot water you need and want.<\/p>\nFuel Type<\/h3>\n
Size<\/h3>\n
Efficiency<\/h3>\n
Tankless Water Heaters<\/h2>\n
Final Choice<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n