What’s the Best Water Heater for Your Needs?

If your traditional water heater is nearing the end of its life cycle, you may be considering whether the time is right to replace it with a tankless version or whether you should stick with a conventional model.

But there are several other factors you should take into consideration when it’s time to replace your family’s source of hot water.

Your house size and family size, as well as your energy goals, are all things you should think about when making your selection. Read on to learn more, or reach out to our Brooklyn plumbers for help!

Size

To determine the right size you’ll need for your home, calculate how many people will be using the hot water. A tankless water heater can deliver seven gallons of hot water per minute while a 50-gallon conventional tank heater is usually sufficient for a family of four.

Fuel

Gas or electric models are two options you can consider. Both conventional and tankless water heaters can be powered by either of these fuel types. But, you can also consider a solar heater that uses the sun to warm the water.

Energy efficiency

While both tankless and traditional water heaters have improved throughout the years to provide more energy efficiency, those that are approved by ENERGY STAR can save up to 50% in annual energy use. The Department of Energy estimates that a tankless water heater can be 24% to 34% more efficient than their conventional cousins.

Cost

Finally, you should consider how much you want to spend a year operating your new water heater. An electric water heater costs about $450 a year to operate while a gas-powered model costs about $250 a year.

There are other things you should consider when selecting a new water heater and both traditional and tankless have their pros and cons. If you want lower installation costs but don’t mind a less energy-efficient water heater, a conventional model may be right for you. But, if you prefer a longer lifespan and additional space, you may need to look at the tankless versions.

Either way, your Brooklyn plumbing experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning can help you make the right selection for your home, family size and objectives. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.