Gone are the days when water heaters were simple appliances that heated water and stored it in a tank until you needed it. Some of the new systems on the market, on-demand or tankless water heaters, do not even require a tank. With all the bells and whistles, selecting a new water heater may seem like a daunting task. Three of the main considerations when purchasing you new system should include:

How do you prefer to power your new water heater? A gas unit will cost you slightly more upfront but usually costs less to operate. Electric systems do not require additional venting and are relatively easy to maintain. These factors apply to both tank and tankless water heaters, which both have electric and gas options.

Do you prefer a traditional tank heater or do you want to go tankless? Conventional tank units are economical and store between 20 and 80 gallons. Though tankless systems require more investment upfront, they fit easily on a wall and free up space. A tankless water heater can also reduce your energy consumption by as much as 30 percent.

How will you use your new system? If you only need to a heat water for a small area of your home, you may consider opting for a “point of use” tankless system. These units can be easily fitted under a sink or cabinet and deliver heated water exactly where you need it.

Other important considerations for your new water heater include dimensions and efficiency. Once you have decided on the capacity, you’ll need to make sure your new system will fit into the space where it will be installed. This is a bit easier if you are selecting a tankless system. Water heaters can use quite a bit of energy, so you’ll also need to make sure you select the most efficient system possible by checking out the Energy Factor (EF) rating of the unit.

Other features you might consider when purchasing your new water heater include whether the unit is self-cleaning, its recovery speed, and whether it includes an auto shut-off valve.

If you need help selecting or installing a new water heater for your home, make sure you give our experts at Powers Heating and Air a call with all your questions and concerns. We provide top-quality services to Peachtree City and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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