If you have discovered signs that your water heater is on its last legs, it’s advised to replace it before serious damage occurs. If you are uncertain whether it’s time to repair or replace, contact the experts at Metro Rooter. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and determine if all you need is a water heater repair. If it’s beyond repair, the good news is there are many exceptional options on the market, many of which are more energy-efficient than the one you are replacing. However, if you don’t know where to begin, making a purchase may not only be tedious, but complicated.
We will explain what factors to consider so your decision is less daunting. For starters, we recommend purchasing a tank water heater if your original was a tank. Switching to tankless is a more energy-efficient option but it is more expensive and you will also need to add to your plumbing and possibly your electrical system, as well. Another factor that can make the process less difficult is to stick with the same fuel. For example, if your current water heater runs on natural gas and you were satisfied with its performance, choose another that runs on natural gas.
How Much Water Can It Hold?
It is important to know the capacity of the tank to ensure it meets the needs of your home. Some residential tank water heaters can hold 40 gallons or as much as 80 gallons of water. What size you buy depends on how many people live in your household. However, instead of looking at the gallons that the water heater holds, look at the first-hour rating (FHR), which is the gallons of hot water it can supply every hour.
Residential tankless heaters don’t hold as much water, so to determine whether they will meet the needs of your household, look at the gallons-per-minute (GPM) rating. As you may have guessed, the higher the GPM, the more water it can deliver.
You may still have trouble making the necessary calculations for your household. A licensed plumber can help you determine if the water heater you choose will meet the needs of everyone who lives with you.
How Big Is the Water Heater?
Newer models tend to be taller and wider than older water heaters, largely because of new regulations in place to ensure improved efficiency. As a result, you should always check the size of your water heater so you know it will fit in the same location as the original.
What Features Does It Have?
There are many accessories that go with your water heater that can improve the efficiency and safety of your home and equipment. However, some are more advantageous than others. If you don’t want all the bells and whistles, we recommend:
- Hot water recirculation system which instantly provides hot water throughout the home. It’s a convenient accessory that can save you money and is easy to install.
- A FloodStop system, will detect a leak, sound an alarm, and turn off the water supply to your water heater to prevent further damage.
- Water and gas safety (WAGS) valves to prevent serious flooding to your residential property. If there is a water heater leak, the WAGS valve cuts off the water (and gas) supply.
If you are interested in extra bells and whistles, in addition to these features, we recommend:
- Purchasing a model with a longer warranty
- Anti-scale devices
- Water heater timers
- Insulation blankets
- Water heater stands
- Water heater pans
These accessories are not necessary, but are also essential, as they can improve efficiency and better guarantee a safer home.
Contact Metro Rooter
No one ever said buying a new water heater was easy, so if you’re stuck, reach out to one of our licensed plumbers. When we provide installations, we can also provide assistance to help you make the right decision. Our residential water heater services in Jacksonville include water heater repair, maintenance, and installation. Contact us today or call (904) 567-3775