Is your water heater old and pushing your home’s energy bills skywards? Are you thinking of upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit? What are the available options for homeowners in Westmont, IL? What factors should you consider before making your final choice?
This step-by-step guide noted by Mainlander Property Management Inc. will show you how to upgrade your water heater.
A complete guide to safe and efficient water heater upgrades in Westmont, IL
Your water heater is a huge factor in your home’s energy consumption. Ensuring that the unit remains energy-efficient should be one of your main strategies for minimizing your energy spending. An old water heater will naturally use more energy as it loses efficiency.
But before buying a new water heater to replace the aging one, know the options available to you. Understand how the water heater’s fuel type affects its efficiency, as well as how your initial acquisition costs and installation costs impact your overall ownership costs.
Types of water heaters
Based on fuel type and energy efficiency, below are the different types of water heaters, with their pros and cons.
Traditional (Storage) water heaters
These units store hot water in a large tank for whenever it is needed. They have the ability to provide enough water to meet your family’s demand, but because the stored water must be heated frequently to maintain the desired temperature (due to standby heat loss), they come with serious energy-efficiency weaknesses.
Tankless water heaters
These are more energy-efficient than traditional units, because they heat just enough water to meet your family’s immediate demand. But if demand for hot water is very high, on-demand systems may struggle to keep up. To solve this problem, more than one of these units may be needed in the home, which is an added cost.
In terms of the kind of fuel they use, here are the different types of water heaters:
Electric water heaters
Buying and installing an electric water heater is not very expensive because they do not require gas lines or venting. With these units, there is no risk of gas leakage, although they are affected by power outages. They heat water more slowly than gas-fired systems and have a higher operating cost.
Gas water heaters
These systems heat water efficiently and cost less to operate than electric systems. Since they need more space and require venting and gas lines, buying and installing one costs more than buying an electric unit (unless you have existing gas lines). They are not affected by power outages.
Solar water heaters
Because they draw their energy from sunlight, these are the most energy-efficient water heaters. However, they have a high initial cost and are only suitable for areas that receive adequate sunlight. Also, since they are not very efficient during winter and on cloudy days, they may need a backup system.
Heat pump water heaters
Heat pump water heaters are more efficient than electric water heaters, but the upfront cost of installing one in your home is high (they can cost twice as much, depending on the specs). They need even more space than gas water heaters. Additionally, they are not suitable for every kind of climate.
Factors to consider when upgrading your water heater
Family size
How much hot water your family needs should be the major concern when deciding which type of water heater to buy. Assess your home’s peak hot water needs (or your water usage habits). The chosen system must be able to handle that demand easily.
Space
This is not an issue if you plan to install a tankless water heater or a solar water heater. But for traditional or heat pump water heaters, space can be a major constraint. When installing a storage tank water heater, ensure your entryways can accommodate the tank if the new unit has a larger tank than your old one. You also need enough space around the tank for maintenance, operation, and ventilation.
Fuel availability
Solar water heaters are best for homes in the Southwest USA. Heat pumps work well in areas with the kind of mild to moderate climate found in California. Gas water heaters may have limited gas availability, depending on the type of gas, but they will work in most parts of the US. Electric water heaters do not have a problem with fuel availability.
Installing your water heater
New water heater installations should be done by a qualified installer. This is important for maintaining your warranty, preserving the safety of your household, and ensuring your new appliance functions properly. The first thing to consider when installing a new water heater is the local building codes.
Requirements differ according to the location and type of water heater. To prevent gas leaks and the associated risks, installation requirements for gas systems are very strict. Electrical systems also have specific wiring demands. Ignoring these requirements can lead to legal/safety issues and fines.
After installation, your new water heater needs regular maintenance to retain its efficiency. How you do this depends on the type of water heater you bought and how your family uses the system. To maximize the operation of your water heater throughout its lifespan, always work with a licensed Westmont, IL plumber.
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Need assistance with a new water heater installation in Westmont, IL? Our plumbers in Westmont can help! Call us today at 630-801-6530!
