Depending on what type of water heater you have, you’ll have to pay at least $250 for a replacement. If you choose the wrong hot water tank, then you increase the chances that you’ll have to buy a new one.
That is why you should know how to choose a water heater that will last you for decades.
Keep reading this ultimate hot water tank buying guide. You will find various factors that you will need to consider when buying a new boiler.
Tankless vs. Tank Water Heaters
The most common water heater types are tankless and tank styles. Tankless water heaters, or “on-demand,” only activate when you need hot water. Because of this feature, they are more efficient.
These heaters last around 20 years but cost way more.
Traditional tank-style boilers cost less, but they demand more space and are less efficient than their counterparts. They will also only last you between 10 to 13 years.
If you need a high-quality tankless water heater, Texaswaterheaters911.com has you covered.
Fuel Type
No matter what type of water heater you choose, you will also need to consider what fuel type you will need. Each fuel has distinct advantages and disadvantages that include:
- Electric: requires more energy, but does not require special venting
- Natural gas: they require venting; in return, they will heat water quick
- Oil: heats water the quickest in exchange for having fewer models to choose from
- Liquid propane: they will require regular fuel deliveries and have venting requirements similar to natural gas
To heat water quickly, you will want to go with natural gas or oil. When going for easy installation that does not have venting requirements, choose electric.
Indirect- vs. Direct-fired
Direct-fired water heaters will heat the water in your storage tank with oil, natural gas, or propane heating elements. The fuel is burned within a combustion chamber beneath your storage tank. These water heater types will produce hot water quicker.
Indirect-fired hot water tanks will pull hot water from a furnace or boiler. It performs this action by transferring the water through a heat exchanger that sits within the water heater’s storage tank. Since the furnace turns on less often, these heaters can save you more money and energy.
Whether you go with tankless or traditional water heaters, when figuring out how to choose a hot water tank, you will have to choose between these options.
Other Water Heater Buying Guide Criteria
Other factors that go into choosing an ideal hot water tank will depend on what your home can fit and what you can afford. Determine how big of a heater you will need to provide adequate hot water.
When deciding on how much you will want to pay for your boiler, estimate its annual operating costs. If you are considering an energy-efficient model, compare its costs to less-efficient variants.
Understand How To Choose a Water Heater To Delay Replacements
When figuring out how to choose a water heater, you will first need to weigh the pros and cons of various areas. Examples include deciding on tankless vs. having a tank or direct- vs. indirect fired.
Once you find a winner in those areas, you will need to figure out how big of a tank you will need and what you are willing to pay.
Keep exploring more of our posts to find guides on home improvement, technology, travel, and other subjects.