What You Need to Consider before Installing a Water Heater

Water heaters are truly an essential part of any home, providing hot water for everything from cooking and cleaning to bathing and laundry. But before you decide to install a new water heater in your home, you must first consider a few important factors.

Type of Water Heater


The type of water heater you choose will be determined by many factors, including the size of your home, the number of people living in it, your climate, and your hot water needs.

The most common type of water heater is the storage tank water heater. Storage tank water heaters are available in a variety of sizes and can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane. Storage tank water heaters work by essentially heating water in a tank and then storing the hot water until it is needed.
 
If your home is a bit smaller or you live in a climate where you do not need a lot of hot water, a tankless water heater may be a good option for you. Tankless water heaters essentially heat water on demand and do not require a storage tank. This type of water heater is available in both electric and gas models.
 

Fuel Source

 
There are three fuel sources for water heaters: electricity, natural gas, and propane.
 
Electricity is probably the most common fuel source for water heaters. Electric water heaters are less expensive to operate than gas water heaters, but they cost more to purchase. Electric water heaters are available in both storage tank and tankless models.
 
Natural gas is the second most common fuel source for water heaters. Gas water heaters cost more to operate than electric water heaters, but they are less expensive to purchase. Gas water heaters are available in both storage tank and tankless models.
 
Propane is the least common fuel source for water heaters. Propane water heaters cost more to operate than electric and gas water heaters, but they are less expensive to purchase. Propane water heaters are available in both storage tank and tankless models.
 

Energy Efficiency

 
Water heaters are one of the biggest energy hogs in your home, so it's crucial to choose a water heater that is as energy-efficient as possible. The most energy-efficient water heaters are tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, so they don't have to keep a large tank of water hot all the time. This can save a lot of energy since water heaters only account for about 20 per cent of your home's energy use.
 
If you're not ready to switch to a tankless water heater, there are still ways to make your current water heater more energy-efficient. One way is to install a water heater blanket. A water heater blanket is an insulating blanket that goes around your water heater. This helps to keep the heat in, which can save you money on your energy bills.
 
You should also make sure your water heater is the right size for your home. If your water heater is too small, it will have to work harder to heat your water, using more energy. If your water heater is too big, it will waste energy by heating more water than you need.
 

Final Thoughts

 
Installing a water heater is a big investment, so it's important to do your research and choose the model that's right for your home. By considering the type of water heater, fuel source, and energy efficiency, you can ensure you're making the right decision.

Enjoy hot water in your home with the help of Mid Coast Plumbing and Fire. We are plumbing and heating experts that offer hot water installation in Port Macquarie. From blocked drains to bathroom and kitchen renovations, we are ready to sort out your plumbing solutions. Get in touch with us today!

What You Need to Consider before Installing a Water Heater