Are you considering a new water heater installation? Perhaps you have been advised that your current appliance has reached the end of its lifespan. Older water heaters may show a variety of signs of decline such as frequent repair needs or changes in performance. Before you rush to get a new water heater, it is worth taking the time to know what is available. Arming yourself with knowledge about your options can help you to select a unit that will meet your needs for many years. The following points can be used as a guideline to help you with your selection.

Size

It is important to select the right size water heater for your home. Some homeowners are tempted to select a different size than their existing unit. They may assume that if their household size is smaller than it used to be, a smaller unit is ideal. However, it is important to consider what an inconvenience it would be when there are visitors. Selecting a unit that is too large can also be problematic because it could lead to unnecessary higher energy costs. 

Cost Comparisons

It is common to want the most affordable solution as fast as possible if a unit is on the verge of malfunctioning or already has. A cheaper unit might mean that energy efficiency will be affected. Energy-efficient water heaters are clearly marked for consumers. They may cost more upfront, but the years of saved money on energy costs make it worth the time to consider them. A well-maintained energy-efficient unit may make up for its additional cost after a few years.

Alternatives to Traditional Water Heating

Perhaps you are thinking that you must choose from the common energy sources. Today's homeowners can choose alternative heating options such as solar or tankless water heaters. Solar units are powered by energy from the sun. This makes them a good choice because the energy needed to power them is derived from the sun, which means it is free and can equate to energy savings over the years. Tankless water heaters do not require tanks to store heated water. They are compact and can be installed virtually anywhere, including outdoors. These units also offer on-demand hot water, which means homeowners do not have the worries of running out of hot water even if their needs fluctuate and require more heated water.

A plumber is a good resource to use to compare water heater units. They can provide detailed information about units and complete the water heater installation.

For more information, contact a local company, like First Class Plumbing of Florida, Inc.

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