How to Select a New Water Heater | Tips from Your Trusted Tomball, TX Water Heater Repair Service Provider

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So, you called a plumber for water heater repair and found out you need a replacement instead. Having to select a new water heater is actually a great problem. Sure, it's not going to be the cheapest expense ever. However, modern water heaters are often more compact and can save you money on your utility bill compared to their old counterparts. Additionally, a new unit can also reduce the need for frequent water heater repair when taken care of correctly. The crucial step is to understand how to select the right water heater unit for your needs.

Electric vs Gas Water Heaters

The first question to answer is the type of energy source you have for your water heater. A gas water heater uses natural gas or propane to heat the unit. Alternatively, an electric water heater is plugged into an outlet and uses your home's electricity. However, just because your old water heater used one type of energy source, doesn't mean you can't choose a different kind for your new unit.

Gas Water Heaters

There are advantages to each choice. A gas water heater is a higher upfront cost but is more affordable to operate long-term. Gas water heaters also have a faster turnaround time after hot water is depleted, so your home is always supplied with warm water. However, a gas water heater may not be an option for some households as the unit must be vented outside. It also can cost more when it comes to hot water repair for gas units.

Electric Water Heaters

Most homes have electric water heaters. They are straightforward to install and maintain. Additionally, hot water repair for electrical units is more affordable most of the time. When looking at the big picture, though, the electric water heater can be more expensive overall due to the cost of the electricity used.

In general, you should choose what matches the majority of your major appliances. If most things are gas-operated, then you should consider selecting a gas water heater.

Choosing the Size of Your Water Heater

Next, you'll want to analyze the size of the water heater you'll need. Typically, you select the size depending on the number of people in the house. Also, think about the amount of water your entire household uses during "heavy water use" seasons.

When considering units, most manufacturers include recommendations on their labels. For example, a family of four would look at a 50-60-gallon water heater or larger. However, this is just an estimate and can vary quite a bit from family to family. For example, a family that uses three or more water appliances in a single hour will require a larger tank than a family that is more water-conservative.

Choosing the right size for the water heater is crucial. Selecting a unit that is too small can result in never having enough hot water for the household. Or, the system will be overworked due to the significant demand and will require constant calls to the plumber for water heater repair. Alternatively, a water heater that's too big means you will have more massive utility bills than necessary as the unit keeps heating water that you're not even using.

Lastly, when choosing a model, consider the unit's FHR (first-hour rating). This rating tells you how much water the unit will heat in a set amount of time. FHR, combined with the unit's size, can give you a more accurate idea of what your household will need.

Types of Water Heaters

After deciding on the energy source and the sizing, you will have to determine the type of water heater you want.

Traditional Water Heater

A traditional water heater is the most popular choice found in many homes. Ranging in sizes between 20-80 gallons, this type of water heater holds the water inside its tank. As hot water releases from the top of the tank, it's replaced with cold water at the bottom. As these units are so standard, they are also the cheapest for future instances when you require water heater repair. However, as the system keeps a reservoir of hot water always available, there is energy wasted through constant heating.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are modern and compact, making them a perfect option for smaller homes. They also save homeowners money as they're not continually heating a tank full of water to be on standby. Tankless water heaters provide a constant stream of hot water and are available in both gas or electric models. In general, tankless units require less frequent calls for water heater repair.

 Hybrid Water Heater

A hybrid water heater has the tank of a traditional water heater but uses a heat pump to heat the water on demand. This type of unit is a more costly option. Along with high upfront costs, hybrid water heaters are complicated to install and require frequent maintenance. If homeowners don't keep up with regular filter cleaning, they will be up for numerous water heater repair calls to their local plumber. Hybrid water heaters require a lot of space and a drain (as they produce compensation). This option is best for people who don't mind the investment and live in warmer climates, as this type of unit can't handle extreme cold.

Point-of-Use Water Heater

A point-of-use water heater delivers hot water exclusively to one faucet or sink. They are often added to existing systems, utility rooms, or tiny homes.

Professional Installation

Always hire a professional plumber for water heater repair or installation. Before you assume you need to replace your unit, a professional may be able to save it. If it is time for a replacement, a plumber can make recommendations on which system to purchase and can install it risk-free.

bluefrog Plumbing Tomball, TX Offers Water Heater Repair & Installation

bluefrog Plumbing + Drain has been serving the community of Tomball, TX, for years. bluefrog offers its clients the expertise they need for everything about water heaters, from water heater repair to installations and unit recommendations. Serving both commercial and residential customers, bluefrog Plumbing in the Tomball, TX offers free diagnostic and no overtime charges. Call today for water heater repair or installation.