Water Heaters Installation and Replacement
Choosing a Water Heaters for Installation in Delaware County
When it comes to hot water heater installation and replacement, many factors will play into deciding which type of water heater to install. Consider the main factors of the fuel type used, the water storage type, and the function of the water heater.
Water Heater Fuel Types
The first factor to look at is the water heater fuel type. Most water heaters are fueled by gas or electricity.
- Natural Gas hot water heaters have a slightly higher up–front cost, they must be vented to the outdoors, units with sealed combustion are safer, cost less to operate, and the gas powered standard tank type water heater is not affected by power outages.
- Electric hot water heaters cost less up–front than gas models, are easy to maintain, require neither combustion nor venting, they heat water quickly, and they have higher energy–efficiency ratings.
Water Storage Types for Water Heaters
The type of water storage used in hot water heaters is also a key factor in determining which unit to purchase for installs or replacements.
- Storage Tank Water Heaters are the more conventional type that store water that is continually heated. They are economical, can be placed inside a closet, basement or garage, their capacity ranges from 20 to 80 gallons, and energy–efficiency varies by brand and fuel type.
- Tankless Water Heaters heat cold water through a gas burner or an electric element as the water passes through the unit. They have a more expensive initial cost, they hang on a wall which frees up floor space, they reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, and they require ventilation.
Whole House versus Point of Use Water Heating Systems
The third main factor that will greatly influence your water heater choice is what the hot water heater will be used for.
- Whole House Water Heating is the traditional method that sends hot water to all areas of a home or office via an intricate piping system placed in the walls and below floorboards. They can provide hot water to more than one faucet or pipe at a single point in time, giving it great flexibility in water supply.
- Point of Use Water Heating is an individual unit which is installed directly under a sink or in a closet close to where the hot water will be used. It provides instant hot water to a specific location which is nearby, and it is typically used to augment a whole building system when additional hot water is needed in one particular part of the building.
Other Considerations for a Hot Water Heater Purchase for Installation or Replacement
Additionally, the hot water heater’s capacity, dimensions and amount of energy–efficiency should be taken into account.
- Capacity: The hot water heater should be large enough to supply hot water for the entire building. If the water heater is too small it will be overused, shortening its lifespan. If the water heater is too large then you waste money on heating water which is never used, as well as spend more initially on a unit which was not needed.
- Dimensions: There needs to be enough space in your home or office to accommodate the water heater appropriately. Ensure that the space it will be placed in offers a space that is clear of additional obstructions, with at the very least a half inch clearance on each side, a twelve inch clearance on the front, and an eighteen inch clearance off the floor.
- Energy Efficiency: Water heaters can be the third largest energy user in a home, so the more energy–efficient it is, the better. Look for the Energy Factor Rating on the unit to help determine whether it meets your criteria for energy–efficiency or not.
Professional Hot Water Heater Installation and Replacement Services Company in Delaware County
Once you have done a little research into each of these factors, it is important to contact knowledgeable hot water heater service professionals that can help you determine which option is right for your space. At Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning we are proud to work with customers in Media, Swarthmore, Boothwyn, Springfield, all over Delaware County and surrounding counties in Pennsylvania. Contact us today and get help with your next hot water heater installation or water heater replacement.
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