Types of Water Heaters to Consider Before Purchasing One For Your Las Vegas Home
At some point, a homeowner will turn on their faucet, and only cold water will come out. When water heaters break, they can make a homeowner spin into a panic looking for a new one; this is particularly true in the middle of winter when hot water is most necessary.
Water heaters aren’t thought about until they stop functioning, which is ironic considering how much work they do for a typical family. These useful devices go unnoticed as they surge hot water throughout the home. Heating water is usually the second-largest bill a household will pay-- typically 14 to 18 percent of the total utility costs.
Considering its impact on a home’s budget, it’s critical to know how a water heater works and what goes into its maintenance. It will make it easier to pick a water heater that lines up with the home’s needs.
No idea where to start looking for a new one? Not to worry! We have compiled a guide of factors to think about when you go to buy one.
Types of water heaters available:
Heat Pump
Heat pump water heaters are essentially hybrid units made of an indoor air handler and an outdoor conditioner. They function because heat energy is always attending the air, even when it’s cold. A heat pump draws out that energy and channels it indoors when it’s cold. When it’s hot, it does the opposite and functions to cool the inside. They generally last for about ten to fifteen years and can save a tremendous amount of money each year since they don’t continuously heat water. The worst part about heat pumps is the condensation they can accumulate. They’re better for climates that don’t have too many temperature extremes.
Conventional
Conventional water heaters utilize a typical, pressurized storage tank. The water inside is heated with either electricity, oil, propane, or natural gas. They usually last around fifteen years and aren’t generally that expensive. There is always available hot water when it’s needed. These are better for homes with multiple bathrooms and can help avoid fights over who gets to use the hot water. The bad part is that they use a lot of energy to heat the water, resulting in higher bills.
Solar-Powered Heaters
These are the best for environmentally-minded individuals. They absorb heat from the sun and make it heat the water. It stores this water in a tank. A typical solar water heater might last for decades if maintained correctly. Because it utilizes renewable energy, solar-powered water heaters stand to save a typical homeowner hundreds of dollars each year, and eventually thousands of dollars throughout its life.
It’s important to consider how long you plan to stay at the residence you install a solar-powered water heater. It isn’t sensible to install it if you plan to leave in the next few years. It’s also advisable to get a backup water heater in cases of solar-power failure.
Tankless Water Heaters
These nifty water heaters will heat water by running it from a pipe into the appliance without using a tank, as the name implies. They usually last up to 20 years if correctly maintained. This system heats the water on an as-needed basis and is great for energy consumption. The biggest drawback is that they can be lackluster about running more than one stream of heated water.
Now that you’re aware of the different kinds of water heaters available, you will make a more informed decision when buying one.
If you have any questions or want us to come to install your chosen water heater, give us a call!
If you need honest and experienced professional plumbing services for residential and commercial plumbing needs in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Enterprise give us a call at 702-766-3320.
