Purchasing a new water heater is a major investment that will affect your day-to-day life at home. We all use hot water daily for cooking meals, washing dishes, or taking a nice hot shower at the end of the day. However, your water heater has a finite lifespan. The average hot water tank lasts around 8 to 12 years, meaning most homeowners will need a replacement at some point.
It’s best not to ignore your water heater until it gives out on you. If your hot water tank is nearing the end of its useful life, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement now so you don’t end up in an emergency without hot water. Don’t choose a hot water tank solely based on the speed of delivery!
In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ll review everything you need to know to pick the best water heater for your home.
Types of Hot Water Tanks
There are a few different types of water heaters, including storage water tanks (gas or electric) or tankless. Each type has its advantages, and the right choice for your household depends on your budget and specific needs. Let’s quickly go over each type:
Storage Water Tanks
A conventional storage tank heater uses a large, insulated tank to hold water until needed. Storage hot water tanks are cheaper to buy and install and can heat a large amount of water; however, they are less energy-efficient than tankless water heaters.
Gas-Powered Hot Water Tank
When you picture a water heater, you are probably thinking about a gas-powered hot water tank – a large, bulky tank lit by a pilot light or small flame. This is the most common type of water heater. In a gas-powered hot water tank, the water is heated from the bottom and rises upward.
Electric-Powered Water Tank
An electric water heater uses electricity rather than gas to heat the water by heating rods that run vertically through the tank, heating water from the centre and radiating outward. Electric water heaters are lightweight, quiet, and more energy-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts. However, electricity prices are higher than natural gas in most places, making them more expensive to operate.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are also known as “on-demand” water heaters since they heat water only when you need it, eliminating the need for a storage tank. Tankless water heaters can be powered by either gas or electricity, and burners can heat the water quickly as it passes through your system, sending hot water straight to your taps. Tankless water heaters are pricey to purchase and install but are very energy efficient, resulting in long-term energy savings. Tankless water heaters could have up to double the lifespan of a traditional hot water tank.
Sizes of Hot Water Tanks
Hot water tanks come in different sizes, and you must choose one suitable for your household’s needs. Storage tank water heaters typically hold 40 gallons, 50 gallons, or more. The size you buy will depend on the number of people living in your home and your peak water usage. Consider the first-hour rating (FHR), which tells you the number of gallons a water heater can deliver in an hour, starting with a full tank. You can find this rating on the EnergyGuide label.
Tankless water heaters work differently since they don’t hold much water. The number you’ll want to look for is the gallons-per-minute rating (GPM). That number tells you how much hot water the heater can deliver over a period.
Some online calculators can help you determine the FHR or GPM that suits your household’s hot water demands.
Next, you need to take the tank’s physical size into account. Of course, you will need a water heater that fits in your basement or allotted location. Because of increased insulation and other efficiency improvements, some newer models may be wider or taller than your old water heater. Don’t just assume a water heater will fit! Tankless water heaters take up very little space compared to a storage water tank.
Energy Efficiency
Your water heater accounts for up to 20% of your monthly energy bills! This is why energy efficiency is critical when selecting a water heater, as your purchase will impact both your monthly utility bills and your environmental footprint. Look for a unit with a high Energy Star rating and Energy Factor (EF). An energy-efficient unit may have a higher initial cost but can offer significant long-term savings while being more eco-friendly.
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a new water heater for your home. Consulting a professional plumber can help determine which product is best for your household and ensure you choose the right size and type for your needs. If you need to install a new water heater, contact us at Lynn’s in Winnipeg. Satisfaction guaranteed!
