Pratt Plumbing: Your Amarillo, TX Area Plumbing Company
Selecting a water heater for a new home, or replacing or repairing an existing water heater, can be a very difficult decision. When purchasing a new hot water heater, it is important to research the various types of water heaters on the market. Each individual unit may have positive and negative characteristics, which need to be considered based on what you’re looking for. The important thing is finding the water heater for your home that best suits your family’s needs. Here at Pratt Plumbing, we value your comfort and convenience for your everyday life. Having hot water on demand when you need it the most is important, and we pride ourselves in our water heater services. Whether you are looking for an energy efficient unit or wish to pay more now in order to save in the long run, your trusted Amarillo area plumbing company, while also offering many other respected and recognized plumbing services to the community, is the company to assist you with all of your water heater installation and repair needs.
Types of Water Heaters:
- Tank Water Heaters
- Hybrid Electric Heaters
- Solar Water Heaters
- Tankless Water Heaters
There are two key points to consider when choosing a water heater: FHR (first-hour rate) and the unit’s fuel type. FHR is the number of gallons of hot water that can be produced in the first hour. This is important to know to avoid insufficient hot water in times when it is most needed. A major factor to consider when choosing a water heater unit is if you want gas or electric. There are many benefits offered by each option. Our experienced, licensed technicians at Pratt Plumbing want you to be aware of what each water heater offers to ensure you find the right one for your home. To learn about various customer oriented service agreements we offer, browse our Service Agreements.
Gas versus Electric:
There are benefits offered by both gas and electric water heaters:
|
GAS |
ELECTRIC |
| – natural gas rates are cheaper than electric rates | – less expensive to purchase and install |
| – they heat faster | – some gas heaters need to be plugged into electrical outlets |
| – can use a smaller tank, saving space | – more energy efficient |
| – save more on long-term utility bills |
IF YOU’RE REPLACING AN EXISTING WATER HEATER:
It is least expensive to choose a new model that uses the same fuel of your existing unit: natural gas, propane, oil or electricity. It minimizes installation costs and can make the entire process easier!
Tank Water Heaters
Storage tank water heaters are the most popular type. They heat water in a tank, where it is stored until needed. They are the least expensive unit to buy and install, with an average life-span of 10 years for electric models and 7 years for gas models; it is usually around this time that they begin to leak and are in need of repairs or replacement. Gas units are more expensive than electric units, based on installation and labor costs, but they are only about a third of the cost to operate. Tank size can vary based on the needs of your family and home. The ideal size for a 3-4 person family is a 50-gallon tank.
The biggest problem with both types of tank water heaters are tank leaks and flooding, but there are things you can do in your own home to prevent damages. By installing a flood pan or a flood-alerting device, you can actively minimize damages that can potentially occur from tank water heaters.
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Hybrid Electric Water Heaters
This is the newest and most energy efficient option, using less than half as much electricity as traditional models. It is innovative because of the conventional electric storage heater paired with a heat pump. Its purpose is to extract heat from the surrounding air and use that heat to help warm up your water, although the water does tend to heat slower. This electric-pump version is ideal for smaller homes, and when you are in need of more hot water, it shifts modes and runs on all-electric to ensure you that your water is the temperature needed. This water heater option will cost more than electric-only models; however, payback time is short and the installation is similar. It is a great choice for all-electric homes.
Some problems you may have with this type of unit is the amount of space it requires; up to seven feet from floor to ceiling and much more for all of its components. Hybrid heaters also tend to be noisier than tank heaters and may steal some of your heated air when temperatures are lower.
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Solar Water Heaters
Solar water heaters are extremely efficient and can be cost-effective when long-term operational costs are considered. While they are pricey to install and purchase initially, they offer many money-saving options to make up for the initial costs. Solar water heaters last much longer than traditional units and can always be repaired. They are great in the summer but have a tendency to struggle heating water over spans of cloudy days which is why they are often paired with another small water heater to use as a backup. A solar water heater’s purchase is based on what you are hoping to get out of it and what you are willing to put into to get it.
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Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless heaters are great at saving energy and space. They don’t heat water until it is needed (also called an on-demand water heater) and they don’t require a storage tank, which can save a significant amount of space your home. These units last longer than tank-style water heaters and consumers often receive longer warranties with this purchase. It is possible to replace an old water heater with a tankless unit, however, it is more cost-effective in new construction. Higher initial prices and installation should be expected but their long-life expectancy and ease of repair, if any problems arise, make it worth the extra money.
*Many water heaters also qualify for energy or tax credits. Ask Pratt Plumbing about money-saving ways to enjoy hot water today!
At Pratt Plumbing, Our Team ( link to: https://prattplumbing.net/plumbers.html ) values your needs as not only a client, but an individual family unit, which is why we understand the importance of knowing your options in order to make your home the best possible living environment. If you want to learn more about our Residential Plumbing Services, Commercial Plumbing Services, or would like to Schedule a Service Appointment, Contact Pratt Plumbing! Providing only the best prices, satisfaction and service for your local Water Heater and plumbing needs.
Contact Us: Your experienced, trusted Amarillo TX area plumbing experts today!
