Are You Looking for a New Hot Water Heater?
Are you looking to install a new water heater in your home or business? If so, consider whether a tankless or conventional water heater will work best. A few months ago, we explained the difference between these water heater types. This month we want to explore the many benefits that both have to offer, and how to tell which will work for you.
Whether you own a home or a business, plumbing is probably the last thing on your mind. It can be a frustrating time when you wash your hands or try to clean dishes and only cold water comes out. Once you check on the water heater, you may find that it’s no longer running, or worse has a leak. When it comes time to explore new options, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of conventional and tankless water heaters.
How to Tell It’s Time for a New Hot Water Heater
Before we get too far into water heater replacement options, first make sure that yours is completely faulty. In some cases, you may be able to enlist a Childers Air Plumbing & Electric technician to fix the water heater and move on. In other cases, it is time to go with a replacement option. Some of these signs may include:
- The tank is more than 10 years old
- Frequent leaks
- Hearing banging or knocking noises
- Lack of regular maintenance
- Rusty or discolored water
Home Depot recommends replacing the hot water tank if you notice these problems listed above. While some problems may be a small fix, an older tank may not be able to undergo many repairs.
Benefits of Conventional Water Heaters
After checking off that it’s time for a hot water tank replacement, the moment has come to explore your options. When you think of a hot water tank, a conventional water heater is what most likely comes to mind. You may imagine a large white or gray tank that sits in the basement undisturbed. While this is basically what they are, water heaters are an essential part of your plumbing system.
Conventional models have withstood the test of time, becoming savvier and savvier as the years go on. Some benefits of conventional water heaters include:
- Affordable equipment
- Can last upwards of 10 years
- Easy install
If you’re looking to install a new conventional water heater in the Beckley, WV, area, talk to a technician at Childers Air Plumbing & Electric. We will be happy to go over your options.
Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters
Over the last few years, tankless water heaters have become more and more popular in homes and businesses. These water heaters are small but mighty and can keep the hot water flowing whenever you need it. Unlike hot water tanks, tankless water heaters provide hot water on demand. Some additional benefits of these include:
- More energy-efficient
- Can last over 20 years
- Less chance of leaks
- Easy maintenance and repairs
Due to the lack of storage tanks, tankless options do not have any standing water that will waste energy. Energy.gov states that tankless options can be up to 34 percent more efficient for those who use 41 gallons or less water daily. This can be beneficial for small businesses or households looking to save on water and energy costs.
When a Tankless or Conventional Water Heater Will Not Work
Now that you know the benefits of tankless and conventional water heaters, it’s time to explore a few disadvantages. Like all plumbing equipment, there will be some models that will not suit every home or business.
For example, tankless water heaters may not work well for large households. As the Energy.gov resource above states, a tankless heater will only provide about two to five gallons per minute. Those trying to shower, do dishes, or use water simultaneously will find trouble. To combat this issue, a home or business owner may need to install more than one tankless water heater. Households of five or more people could rely on 80 or more gallons of water to complete daily activities. A conventional water heater could work best in this case.
Those in a smaller home or that do not have adequate space for a water storage tank may choose tankless. They anchor to the wall and are much smaller than the average conventional model. This can help to maximize space, especially if other necessary plumbing or HVAC equipment is in the same area.
Trust Childers Air Plumbing & Electric for Quality Hot Water Heaters in the Mid-Ohio Valley
Are you ready to replace a water heater in Beckley, WV, or elsewhere in the Mid-Ohio Valley? Childers Air Plumbing & Electric is here to help. We work with residential and commercial customers throughout the region to keep their hot water flowing. We offer both tankless and conventional water heater models to our customers. Childers Air Plumbing & Electric offers hot water tanks from Rinnai, giving customers high-quality equipment to last for years. Ask about maintenance agreements, too.
Are you in need of HVAC maintenance, installation, or repair in the Mid-Ohio Valley? Call Childers Air Plumbing & Electric in Beckley, WV, at 304-407-6880, or follow us on Facebook. Check out our site for more information on how to choose the right water heater.
