How To Choose a Water Heater: 12 Factors to Consider For Your Best Options
Before buying a hot water heater, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose the right unit for your home:
- Type of Water Heater
- Fuel Type
- Capacity
- Energy Efficiency
- Cost
- Space and Location
- Lifespan
- Warranty
- Maintenance
- Local Codes and Permits
- Recovery Rate (for Tank Water Heaters)
- Smart Features
Type of Water Heater
- Tank Water Heater: Stores hot water in a large tank, available in gas or electric models. These are typically more affordable upfront but less energy-efficient than tankless models.
- Tankless Water Heater: Heats water on demand, so you never run out. They are more energy-efficient and take up less space, but they come with a higher initial cost.
- Heat Pump Water Heater: Uses heat from the air or ground to heat the water, making them very energy-efficient, but they are also more expensive upfront.
- Solar Water Heater: Uses energy from the sun to heat water, ideal for eco-friendly homes but can be expensive and may need a backup system in less sunny regions.
Fuel Type
- Electric: Easier to install and generally less expensive upfront but may have higher operational costs depending on electricity rates.
- Gas: Often more energy-efficient and cheaper to operate than electric, but they require a gas line and proper venting.
- Propane: Similar to gas heaters, but you’ll need access to a propane supply.
- Solar or Hybrid: Highly energy-efficient but come with higher upfront costs.
Capacity
- Tank Water Heaters: Choose a tank size based on your household size and hot water usage. For example, a 40-50 gallon tank is typically enough for a family of 4.
- Tankless Water Heaters: These are sized based on flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM) and temperature rise. Ensure the unit can handle the simultaneous demand of your household (e.g., running a shower and dishwasher at the same time).
Energy Efficiency
- Look for the Energy Factor (EF) or Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings, which indicate how efficiently the water heater converts energy into hot water. Higher numbers mean greater efficiency.
- Energy Star-rated models are a good choice for reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
Cost
- Consider both the initial cost of the unit and the long-term operating costs. While tankless and energy-efficient models are more expensive upfront, they can save money in the long run through reduced energy use.
- Don’t forget to factor in installation costs, which can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and whether you’re switching between fuel types.
Space and Location
- Ensure the water heater will fit in the intended space. Tankless water heaters are compact and can be installed in small spaces, whereas tank heaters require more room.
- Consider ventilation requirements if choosing a gas-powered unit.
Lifespan
- Tank water heaters typically last 8-12 years
- Tankless models can last up to 20 years. A longer lifespan may justify a higher initial cost.
Warranty
- Check the manufacturer’s warranty for both the unit and its parts. Longer warranties typically indicate a more durable and reliable product.
Maintenance
- Some types of water heaters, like tank models, need regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment. Tankless heaters also need periodic descaling if you have hard water.
Local Codes and Permits
- Make sure your new water heater complies with local building codes. You may also need permits for installation, especially for gas and solar water heaters.
Recovery Rate (for Tank Water Heaters)
- The recovery rate for tank water heaters measures how quickly the heater can reheat water after it has been depleted. A higher recovery rate is better for larger families who use a lot of hot water.
Smart Features
- Some modern water heaters come with smart controls that allow you to monitor and control the water heater via a smartphone app, helping you adjust temperatures and maximize energy savings.
By considering these factors, you can select the best hot water heater that fits your household’s needs, budget, and energy goals.
From traditional gas and electric water heaters to modern tankless and high-efficiency models, we’ll help you choose and install the perfect system for your home. At Plumbing Express we offer the latest Rinnai® tankless water heater technology and the most reliable Rheem® tank water heaters.
Prevalent Class Action Lawsuits Against PEX Piping
A comprehensive overview of the
Pex Piping ERA
Legal experts possess compelling evidence suggesting that PEX pipe manufacturers might be culpable for the widespread pipe failures reported by consumers. The crux of their argument is that these PEX pipes exhibit pinhole leaks in a disappointingly short span of time.
To bolster their case, attorneys are enlisting scientific specialists who aim to demonstrate that the chemicals typically used to ensure potable public water inadvertently induce corrosion in PEX pipes. Essentially, PEX materials and these chemicals are incompatible.
For these class action suits to gain traction, lawyers are identifying homeowners with consistent PEX pipe issues. These individuals serve as the “representative plaintiffs”, embodying the grievances of numerous others facing analogous predicaments.
PEX pipes have become a focal point for class action litigations largely because of the substantial financial setbacks many are encountering, stemming from the pipes’ inadequate design.
What Makes CPVC a great pipe for Homes?
CPVC made in America by Lubrizol, is the ideal material for home water pipes, supported by stringent production standards that guarantee exceptional quality. In contrast, imported pipes often prioritize cost-cutting measures, resulting in substandard manufacturing tolerances.
One of the key advantages of CPVC pipe lies in its purposeful design to facilitate the transportation of chlorine. As we know, chlorine is an essential and effective element used for water sanitization. However, many other pipe materials, such as PEX, copper, and gray polybutylene, suffer from chlorine incompatibility, leading to their eventual failure. This crucial drawback renders them unreliable for maintaining water safety. On the other hand, CPVC pipe boasts unparalleled resistance to chlorine, making it the optimal choice for conveying chemically treated water.
It is worth noting that the presence of chlorine is ubiquitous in the chemicals utilized to ensure the safety of our drinking water. This reality further solidifies the significance of CPVC pipes, as they are specifically engineered to handle the corrosive nature of chlorine, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for water transport.
In summary, the United States’ adherence to rigorous production standards for CPVC pipes guarantees an exceptional product. Its unique ability to withstand chlorine, a vital component in water sanitation, sets it apart from other pipe materials prone to failure. By choosing CPVC, you can have the utmost confidence in maintaining water safety and reliability.
4 of the Reasons to Watch Out for Pex Pipe
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping has become a popular alternative to traditional copper and CPVC pipes in plumbing applications. It has several advantages, such as flexibility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for many homeowners and plumbers. However, it is important to note that PEX is a relatively new material compared to copper and CPVC pipes, and its long-term durability and reliability are being questioned as more homeowners experience leaks in homes built as recently as 5 years prior to the first leaks. Here are some of the drawbacks of using PEX:
Longevity concerns: While PEX piping is relatively new compared to copper pipes, its long-term durability and reliability are still unknown. Some experts have concerns about the potential for PEX pipes to degrade over time and cause leaks or other problems.
Potential for chemical leaching: Some studies have suggested that PEX piping may leach chemicals into the water supply, which could be a concern for those with chemical sensitivities or other health concerns.
Reactions to chlorine: PEX piping can be sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly used in water treatment, which can cause the piping to degrade and become brittle over time. This can lead to leaks and other issues, particularly in areas with high chlorine levels in the water supply.
Susceptibility to damage: PEX piping can be easily damaged by rodents or other animals that may chew through the piping, causing leaks and other issues.
Water pressure limitations: PEX piping has lower water pressure limitations compared to traditional water pipes, making it less suitable for certain high-pressure applications.
Reactions to chlorine: PEX piping can be sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly used in water treatment, which can cause the piping to degrade and become brittle over time. This can lead to leaks and other issues, particularly in areas with high chlorine levels in the water supply.