Many factors contribute to determining which will be the best tank water heater for your home. We have all kinds of water heaters, but this page is specifically about tank water heaters. If you are looking for tankless, we have those too. There are usually three main factors that will help you decide which water heater will be best for your application:
Tankless and conventional gas water heaters are both whole-house systems. This means they can adequately provide hot water simultaneously to more than one fixture and typically throughout the entire home. Point of use systems is individual units that install directly under the sink or in a closet. These units only provide hot water to one specific fixture.
Though a gas water heater typically requires a more significant up-front investment, you save in the long run. For additional savings high-efficiency, gas water heaters are a customer favorite. Something else to keep in mind is whether or not the unit must be vented outdoors for safety. For increased safety, we recommend sealed combustion or power venting.
One last thing to consider with regard to your gas hot water heater is whether or not you live at a high altitude. In high altitudes, there is less oxygen for the water heater to function correctly with the pilot and main burner. The only time you would need to worry about using a high altitude water heater is if you are installing the unit at an altitude level of 2,000 feet or higher. Most units are made for locations at sea level. By purchasing a high altitude water heater, the mechanism of the unit makes up for the missing oxygen in the air and still provides the right fuel mixture to run the machine properly.
We’ve grown so accustomed to modern conveniences. It’s hard to remember there was a time when hot water was only available to homeowners with the use of their stove. Natural gas tank hot water heaters are one of today’s most efficient solution to yesterday’s problem. Though a gas water heater may be a more costly upfront investment, you save in the long run with usage.
Having a natural gas tank water heater can do a ton for your home as well as your wallet. Here are just a few of the ways that purchasing a natural gas water heater can benefit you.
In summary:
Natural gas is the way to go for most. The question then comes down to which model would best serve my household? There are several options to consider.
The first thing to do is to choose the size that will best fit your needs. Water heaters are sold on the basis of how many gallons they can hold. The best way to determine the size of the equipment you need is the water heater’s "first-hour rating" or “recovery rate". This is the maximum amount of hot water that can be heated and supplied in one hour, starting with a cold tank. First-hour ratings for natural gas storage water heaters range from 41 to over 131.
The tank allows for water to be stored hot and ready for use at any time. Storage tank water heaters are also known for rapid recovery and can supply high water flow rates over short periods. These units require a space to be stored. The insulated storage tanks are usually made of steel and are lined inside with glass or other material to prevent corrosion. The tanks also contain an "anode" rod, composed of one or more metals, which attracts corrosion away from the rest of the tank’s components.
The natural gas burner produces some combustion, which includes water vapor and carbon dioxide. The burners are vented out through chimney or vent pipes, and the burner is lit by standing pilot light. Storage tank heaters are free-standing, and their wide variety of venting configurations gives homeowners many choices for location and installation.
Propane-fueled tank water heaters work the same offers many of the same benefits as natural gas. When picking out a propane unit for your home, there are a few essential things to consider before you make your purchase:
Electric heaters use large coils that extend horizontally into the tank and heat the water. The coils in the water heaters are very similar to the ones in an electric oven. There are either one or two coils in the tank. If there is one coil in the tank then it heats the whole tank up at once. If there are two coils in one tank, then it has the quick or fast recovery option available.
We are the plumbing leaders online. If you have any trouble finding the best water heater for your home, then contact one of our friendly professional agents. Our staff is knowledgeable and ready and willing to offer you help with your purchase. With great prices and excellent service, it’s no wonder we are the top consumer choice. We also carry a huge selection of water heater parts.
Related resources:
How to Replace a Thermocouple
How to Replace a Water Heater
Tank vs. Tankless