If you have never shopped for a water heater, when you first start looking for one, you might be surprised by the many options available to today’s homeowner. Trying to balance all your options can be confusing and overwhelming. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pomona Valley’s water heater installers are here to help you understand your options. We will work with you, explaining the differences and giving recommendations based on your preferences, plumbing system, and hot water usage. Below, you can find a brief rundown of three of the most popular types of water heaters.
Gas Water Heaters
The first residential water heaters were gas-powered, making gas water heaters a tried-and-true option for many homeowners. Gas water heaters tend to have lower operating costs over the course of their lives when compared to electric units. However, they do require an exhaust system to safely ventilate gases out of the home. Many homeowners prefer gas units because they will still provide hot water to the home in the event of a power outage.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters are a favorite of many homeowners for their competitive set-up costs and uncomplicated design. First, electric units are known for having lower upfront costs. However, the cost will ultimately depend on the specific unit you choose. Additionally, a gas water heater needs a flue to safely expel gases, and an electric water heater does not. This reduces the potential complications and allows for a wider range of possible installation locations within the home.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters have taken the industry by storm, outperforming other units in many ways. Traditional gas or electric water heaters store water in a tank, keeping it hot and ready for use. When the hot water in the tank is used, you need to wait for the water to get warm again. In the meantime, you won’t have hot water coming from your faucets. This can lead to fights over shower time and other hot water usage. A tankless unit will heat water on demand, meaning it will never run out of hot water. The upfront costs of installing can exceed those of traditional units, but the convenience of plentiful hot water will pay you back for the lifetime of the unit.
