Temperatures in areas like Damascus can drop to -3 during winters, and a functioning water heater is a necessity. But, which water heater is the best for you?
The answer to that question is different depending on your home’s needs, gas availability in your area, and what type of fuel you believe is more economical.
This article will discuss some factors which may influence your decision, but keep in mind there are many other factors specific to your situation.
Once you have found an appropriate model, consider how much space you have available. Most units in 40 gallons, 50 gallons, and 75-gallon sizes are suitable for most homes, but it is best to do the calculations so you can have enough hot water without having too much.
Water heating accounts for nearly 17% of your annual energy bill on average. Expert plumbers in Damascus MD, can help you choose and install the right water heater.
There are Some Important Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Water Heater
1. Efficiency
A standard storage tank electric water heater with an 80% or higher thermal efficiency rating is approximately 50% efficient. In comparison, a standard gas-fired or oil-fired indirect fired unit with an AFUE rating of 0.90 will heat your water 80% more efficiently, which would save you around $100 per year on average.
At this point, consider how long it takes the two types of units to heat up by estimating how many gallons they hold times two and multiplying that by the difference in wattage between them.
For example, if they both heat 50 gallons of water to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, but one uses 150 watts, and the other uses 540 watts (150/540 = .2857), then it would take 28.57 minutes for the first unit and 14.29 minutes for the second unit (14.29/.2857=48 minutes). That is a difference of almost an hour per day or more than 12 hours per month.
2. Installation Costs
A standard storage tank electric water heater (costs around $400-500 total or $250-$300 with tax credits) generally does not require any special equipment besides electric hook-up.
However, four types of gas-fired or oil-fired water heaters require a gas line hook-up, oil tank connection, venting installation, or a combination of the three, which can cost from $1,000-$5,000 depending on local availability.
3. Heating Costs
According to recent reports, the national average price for heating fuel is 13 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For example, a 50-gallon gas-fired indirect-fired water heater with an 80% thermal efficiency will cost around $44 per month at this rate.
4. Water Heater Size Considerations
Standard-sized units are usually 40 gallons or 50 gallons. Still, larger units include tank-less systems, which can supply many homes with endless hot water. The storage tank is only used to heat the home’s hot water rather than store it after being boiled.
The primary drawback of these systems is that they are designed for continuous use and could fail if they are not correctly maintained or your hot water usage changes suddenly. Consider getting into an annual maintenance contract with a plumbing service that has experienced plumbers in Damascus, MD. There are several reasons why an individual or business would prefer to hire a plumbing service rather than a freelance plumber. Their staff is licensed, bonded, and insured with all required training to ensure that you are receiving the highest quality work possible. Also, they work diligently to provide you with the personalized service that you deserve.
