Oh, No! Not another cold shower!
September 08, 2011
Sound familiar? Are you last in line for the shower every morning, or maybe your water heater just isn't keeping up with the demands anymore? When it's time to get a new water heater make sure you know all of your options.
Conventional “Storage” or Tank Style Water Heater
Conventional water heaters, also called storage or tank style water heaters, are by far the most common type of water heater in the U.S. today. They range in size from 6 to 100 gallons (or larger) – the typical tank size in most homes is 40-50 gallons - and are fueled by electricity, natural gas, propane or oil. These water heaters transfer heat from a burner or coil to water in an insulated tank. Conventional water heaters are generally more economically priced; however, they have the disadvantage of heat loss through their storage tanks. The standing water in the tank, which cools and must be heated and re-heated throughout the day to ensure hot water when you need it, causes heat loss. In addition, tank style heaters have a short life (oftentimes between 9 to 11 years) and can cause serious damage to your home when they rupture. However, when replacing older, inefficient tank water heaters with new higher efficient ones, you will realize energy and money savings.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank like conventional water heaters. A gas burner or electric element “instantly” heats the water only when there is a demand for hot water. By only heating the water as you need it you'll avoid the heat loss associated with storage tank water heaters, reducing energy usage and saving money on utilities. A fantastic benefit of tankless water heaters is they can provide endless hot water for your entire family – no more cold showers! Tankless water heaters are a higher initial investment than their storage tank counterparts, however, in the long run you'll save money, helping offset the original cost. In addition, tankless water heaters typically last 2-3 times longer than a conventional water heater.
Instant Hot Water
The average family of four wastes up to 17,000 gallons of water per year waiting for the hot water to arrive. Instant Hot Water is a hot water recirculation system that circulates hot water in your home (works along with your water heater). With a hot water recirculation system there is no need to run water down the drain waiting for hot water to arrive, when you open a fixture the warm water will be there within seconds. A hot water recirculation system saves water, energy, and money. It eliminates waste and provides the convenience of instant hot water and has the ability to be added to existing homes.
If you are in the market to replace your water heater or are in need to instant hot water, contact A.J. Perri. Our professional plumbers will be able to walk you through the various options and find the water heater to fit your needs and lifestyle!