In Eugene, a hot shower is a great way to ease yourself into your morning routine. Your water heater is the wonderful appliance that delivers that warm water to your shower every morning. If you’re looking to replace your water heater or if you’re buying a new water heater for a new home, it’s an important choice to make. We’ve put together some of important factors that people should consider as they start the process of buying a new water heater.
Fuel
This is one of the most important factors in choosing a water heater. Water heaters typically use electricity or gas, although there are solar options as well. The easiest option is get a water heater that uses the same fuel as the one before it. But if you’re interested in switching fuels, either for price reasons or environmental, you should definitely consult with a Eugene heating or plumbing company about the availability of certain fuels and the conversion cost. Here are some considerations for each fuel.
- Electricity – Generally cheaper up front than gas. Requires no combustion or ventilation. Is energy efficient and heats water very quickly.
- Gas – Cost less to operate but larger up front cost. Must have a flue to vent fumes. If you have a large propane tank, you won’t be affected by power outages.
Water Storage
There are tank and tankless water heaters and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Consult your heating contractor or plumber for advice on which is right for your home in Eugene.
- Tank water heater – A large concern with these models is that you can run out of hot water. Below we discuss capacity issues. They can be economical depending on which brand you get.
- Tankless – Requires large up-front cost. Hangs on wall to increase available floor space. Requires venting. Reduces energy consumption by up to 30%. Good option for part-time residences.
Tank Capacity
Regardless of whether you choose a tank or tankless model, you’ll have to choose which size you need for your home. For tankless water heaters the size is based on a flow rate which is measured in gallons per minute. For tank water heaters, the capacity is measured in gallons. Consult with your local plumber or contractor to determine which size will accommodate your needs.
Water Heater Dimensions
One final consideration is the physical size of your water heater. Use a measuring tape to determine the size of your current system. If you’re replacing it because it’s too small, make sure you have enough space for your new, larger water heater. If you’re going tankless, make sure the wall location has easy access to ventilation.
If you have any questions about your water heater or replacing it with a new one, call the experts at Comfort Flow. We have years of experience working with customers in Eugene and can do the same for you.
