Buying A Storage Water Heater? Look For These Features
Posted on: 23 March 2020
Storage water heaters are pretty simple appliances. They consist of a big tank, plus either an electric or gas heating element that warms that water. But as simple as these appliances may seem, there are a surprising number of options, which you'll soon realize once you start shopping for a water heater. What options should you be paying attention to as you shop? Take a look.
Height
The height of a hot water heater does not really affect how it works, but it does affect how the water heater fits into your space. You don't want a unit that is so tall there's no space for the plumbing on top of it. Measure the height of your current water heater, and look for one with a similar height. Of course, if you have really tall ceilings in the closet or basement where your water heater is located, you can disregard this tip.
Capacity
The smallest water heater tanks hold about 40 gallons. There are also 50-, 60-, 80-, and even 100-gallon models. Which is right for you? That depends on your family size. If you have one to two people in your home, a 40-gallon tank should serve you well enough. For a family of 3 - 4, you want a 50- or 60-gallon tank. For a really large home or a multi-family home that shares a water tank, you may want an 80- or 100-gallon model.
Efficiency Rating
Gas water heaters typically use less energy than electric ones. However, not every home has a gas connection. An electric water heater can work perfectly fine in this scenario, but you should pay attention to the efficiency ratings. Try to find a water heater that has the Energy Star certification, which means it meets certain efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Safety Features
Make sure the water heater has a safety valve. This valve is designed to let pressure out of the tank if the temperature and pressure grow to high. It's essential. Without such a valve, you run the risk of having your water tank explore. Stay away from cheaper models that may not have this valve or have a cheap and less-functional version of this valve.
If you keep the features above in mind when shopping for a water heater, you should end up with one that really meets your needs. Talk to a plumber to learn more.
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