When your Wi-Fi cuts out—you instantly do something about it. Now, most times, we don’t think about our water heaters; that is until we encounter a problem that persists. We have all had bouts of cold water during a long shower, so why is it that we just accept this chilling fate?
If you are experiencing intermittent hot water or are losing your hot water supply quickly, it is time to do something about it! Not only for your comforts’ sake but for your wallets. Your hot water heater accounts for about 18% of your overall energy consumption. So, if your system is not functioning at optimum efficiency, is in need of maintenance or repairs, or is improperly sized for your home, it is demanding more energy than it should and is costing you each month, causing your utility bills to skyrocket.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of water heater systems so you can better optimize your home hot water supply:
Your Water Heating Options
There are two main types of water heater appliances that are widely installed in households today: storage tank water heaters and tankless water heaters.
Traditional, Storage-Tank Water Heaters
The most popular water heater installed in the United States is the storage-tank water heating system. How does this network supply hot water? By continuously heating your water, this classic water heater stores your temperature-controlled water in an insulated tank for safe-keeping until you need it. Although this tank is manufactured to sustain temperatures, heat loss is inevitable. However, as soon as your system detects a temperature change, your water will be reheated to your desired temperature.
As you can imagine, this process does require a lot of energy, as your water heater is consistently running warming cycles to keep temperatures stable. However, the low installation cost does offset this energy demand. So, if you are in a temporary home, this is the better option for you in regards to financial savings. With its low upfront costs, this will prove beneficial to your current situation.
Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters came about as an adaptation of the traditional systems to address the heat loss issue. With a tankless system, your water is only heated once you turn on a plumbing fixture, i.e., your faucet or showerhead. If you and your family are consistently running out of hot water, this system is a great option for you, as you will never run out of hot water when you switch to this alternative.
Additionally, tankless water heaters can be installed as point-of-use systems or whole-home networks. If you just need to address one shower that is frequented, install a point-of-use system and that specific fixture will have its own hot water supply, resolving your problem.
These systems are also more energy-efficient, as consecutive heating cycles are not occurring, decreasing your operational costs. However, this comes with a higher upfront, installation price. These systems are better for those in their forever homes, as the energy savings over time will offset the cost of installation.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your System
If your water heater is experiencing any of the following, it is time to contact your local plumbing team for repairs:
- Your water is consistently cold throughout your home.
- Your water pressure is low.
- You see pooling water around your system.
- Your water is discolored.
- Your water heater is making strange sounds.
Your water heater requires replacing if:
- Your water heater is over ten years old.
- It is not the right size for your home.
For your water heater services, contact Gibson’s Heating & Plumbing, Inc. at (260) 667-9919 . We are here to ensure your hot water heater is working efficiently and effectively for you and your family. We will find the right water heater fit for your home.
