Domestic water heaters - the options
Getting the right water heater for your home means
immersion in hot water!
Tips For Buying A Water Heater by :
Gray Rollins
A water heater is a device that is installed in your home to store and heat
water. These generally run on either electricity or gas, depending on what type
of fuel source is prevalent in your area. Both versions run similarly and come
in sizes from twenty to over one hundred gallons. Before purchasing a new water
heater, there are a few things that should be considered.
The type of fuel to be used is a determining factor in which unit to choose. If
you already have gas hook ups, a gas generated water heater will be your best
bet. These generally save on energy costs. However, electric units can be run
anywhere and if this is your primary fuel source, an electric water heater
should be purchased. Costs to convert the fuel source from electric to gas may
be prohibitive so it is best to use whichever fuel source is already installed.
Before determining the capacity of the water heater, look at your family’s
needs. Also, think about the future and whether your family will increase.
Purchasing a water heater is an investment and future growth should be looked at
to get one that will suit you for many years. Determine how often hot water is
used in your home to decide whether you have high or regular demand for hot
water. For a family of two, choose a water heater that has at least a thirty
gallon capacity or up to a fifty gallon capacity if hot water is used often.
Families of up to four should consider a fifty to eighty gallon tank, and
families with five or more should start at fifty gallons and may go to one
hundred twenty if there is a high demand.
The number of gallons the water heater can heat per hour is called the recovery
rate. This is also a consideration in buying a water heater. If you have several
people in your home who use hot water at the same time, a higher recovery will
be beneficial. However, if you have a more typical hot water use pattern, a
lower recover rate can be chosen. Water heaters with lower capacities and lower
recovery rates will be less expensive.
Water heaters come in a variety of dimensions. Ensure you have the proper space
available to physically install it in the designated area. You will not usually
have to sacrifice capacity to get a water heater with smaller dimensions. Every
water heater is tagged with an energy efficiency rating. Choose the most
efficient rating you can afford as this will help save on energy costs.
Water heaters are not difficult to purchase but there are a few things that need
to be considered. Determine the capacity, size, fuel source, and energy
efficiency needed for your home. Compare prices to determine the model that will
best suit you and your family for years to come.
About The Author
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for WaterHeatersInfo.com. To learn about
commercial water heaters and
on demand water heaters, visit us.
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