Written on: March 22, 2021
If you’re in the market for a new water heater, you probably know that there are lots of options available to you. Making a smart choice is important since heating water can account for nearly 20 percent of your home energy bill.
So what matters when shopping for a water heater? Here are some water heater basics that will help you ask smart questions to narrow your field of options.
While there are several broad categories of water heating appliances, the two most common are:
In general, conventional water heaters cost less upfront but are less efficient than tankless heaters, so your monthly bills will be higher. Tankless heaters are extremely efficient, offer unlimited hot water on demand, and are much smaller, which means you have more options for placement. They do cost more than conventional water heaters (in many cases double or more), but they will also last longer (about 18 years on average, compared to 10-12 for conventional water heaters).
The fuel you use to heat your water will affect how much it costs – sometimes dramatically. Williams Energy sells and installs both gas- and oil-fired water heaters –both of which offer next-level performance compared to an electric water heater. Contact us to learn more about what we offer.
You need enough heating capacity to meet your family’s need for hot water at peak demand, but not so much that you’re heating (and re-heating) water you won’t use. Matching the capacity of a water heater to your home’s water heating load can get a little tricky – contact us for some expert guidance.
The factory efficiency of a water heater is important, but it doesn’t tell the whole story: proper size matching, installation, and maintenance will have just as much of an impact on your water heating bills. Always have your equipment installed and maintained by pros!
Make sure you compare all factors that influence the true cost of a water heater – including the cost of fuel, the life expectancy of the unit, and more. Need help? Contact us.
Ready for a water heater upgrade? We can help! Contact Williams Energy today for a FREE estimate on high-efficiency water heating installation in Plymouth and Hingham, MA.