Water Heater Basics for First-Time Homeowners

Moving into your first home can be exciting and daunting at the same time. As you spruce up the space you can finally call your own, you also need to familiarize yourself with the technical side of things. This includes looking after the most important appliances in your home, such as your water heater.

Your water heater works hard to meet your hot water needs, be it for showering, cleaning the dishes, and running the washing machine. To help you get up to speed, Barron Plumbing and Heating covers some of the basics about water heater installation below.

Maintenance

Just like any appliance in your home, water heaters need regular maintenance to last long and remain efficient. If you have a traditional water heater, be sure to replace the anode rod once it gets corroded, and flush the tank at least once a year. If you have a tankless unit, have it serviced by a professional if you notice sediment buildup. Getting regular water heater service in Ventnor City, NJ will allow you to get ahead of any problems and avoid premature failure.

Types of Water Heaters

Traditional tank-type and tankless water heaters are the two most common options available today. Tank-type units store gallons of heated water at a time. Meanwhile, tankless units heat water on demand, providing a continuous supply of hot water. If you’re unsure whether to get a traditional or tankless water heater installation, our experts can help you make an informed decision.

Gas or Electric

Most heaters run on natural gas or electricity. Unlike other fuel options, they’re easier to maintain and fix in case something goes wrong. They are also an economical choice for many homeowners. Gas water heaters tend to come with a higher upfront cost than electric units, but their operating costs are much lower, which can save you money in the long term. Our team can give you an idea about projected costs during your water heater replacement.

Heating Efficiency Factors

A great way to measure a water heater’s efficiency is with its efficiency factor (EF). This indicates the unit’s overall ability to convert energy to heated water. The higher the EF, the lower the energy usage will be.

Gas water heater EFs are typically around 0.5 to 0.7, while electric water heaters can go further around 0.9 EF. A heater with an ENERGY STAR® rating needs to have an EF of 0.67 or better.

While most electric water heaters have higher EFs, take note that the cost of electricity is around three times as much as gas and will ultimately cost more. Consult with a reliable plumber in Ventnor City, NJ about options in your area.

If you have any questions or concerns about your water heater, Barron Plumbing and Heating is always ready to help. We also offer a full suite of services, including water heater repair and replacement. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.