Modern households need an efficient heating system for comfort and convenience. But how do you choose an efficient water heater? Here are the three factors to consider.
1. Type of Water Heater
Before choosing a water heater, you should understand the different types available and their benefits. Conventional heaters have a storage tank that stores hot water and releases it when you run the water.
The advantage of traditional water heaters is that they’re easy to maintain. Besides flushing the tank to remove mineral sediments, they have low maintenance requirements.
However, traditional heaters must be heavily insulated to minimize heat loss from the tank. The tank may also require a lot of space in your home.
Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand and do not require a tank. The tankless system also means there are minimal heat losses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they can reduce your utility bills by 24 to 34%.
2. Water Heater Size
You should also consider the capacity of the water heater before installation. Proper sizing will ensure your hot water is available even when running multiple fixtures.
Sizing typically involves calculating the flow rate of all the shower heads and hot water faucets. On-demand water heaters have a minimum flow rate of 3.25 gallons per minute.
Another factor is the temperature rise. This ensures the water is hot enough when running the faucet. The temperature rise describes the difference between incoming temperature and the desired temperature.
The desired temperature will depend on your preferences. A temperature of 120 Fahrenheit is ideal for most household applications. The desired temperature can be 140 Fahrenheit, but it comes with an increased risk of scalding. A certified plumber in Bastrop County can help you size your water heater for optimum performance.
3. The Water Heater’s Energy Efficiency
Traditional water heaters have high standby losses, which means they lose a lot of heat energy per hour. Inefficient systems can also lose heat as the water circulates through the inlet and outlet pipe.
The overall efficiency of a water heater is measured by the Energy Factor (EF). EF indicates the amount of hot water your system can produce per minute.
Heat pump water heaters are amongst the most efficient heating systems available today. They consume low energy compared to traditional models. Heat pumps use a refrigeration system to absorb heat energy from the atmosphere.
Heat pumps are ideal for Bastrop’s mild winter weather. The refrigeration system can produce heat even when temperatures are below freezing. But for the best results, consider consulting a professional for an assessment.
It is worth noting that an energy-efficient water heater may not always reduce your energy costs. Sizing is critical during the installation process. Call Parobek Plumbing & Air Conditioning for for our top-rated plumbing services in Bastrop.
