Finding the most energy-efficient water heaters for your home or business can be challenging. Working with a trusted plumbing company like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can allow you to find the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions for reliable hot water in Gainesville, Florida. Our team is committed to the highest standards of excellence and integrity, which allows you to call us with confidence for all your plumbing needs. Here are some key points to keep in mind when deciding on a new energy-efficient water heater for your home or business.
Understanding Your Water Heater Options
Water heaters generally fall into two basic categories:
- Storage tank systems offer a ready supply of hot water that is stored in a large tank in a utility room or basement area. These tank water heaters hold a finite amount of hot water. Once that has been expended, the tank will refill with water that must be heated before it can be used. Additionally, over time, the water in storage tank systems will cool down and will require additional energy to reheat to the desired temperature. Tank water heaters are available in a variety of sizes that are measured by the number of gallons of water they can contain.
- Tankless water heater systems are also known as on-demand water heaters because they heat water as it is needed rather than storing it in a tank for future use. The capacity of these systems is determined by how many gallons per minute of hot water they can produce. Because no energy is wasted on reheating water in a tank, an on-demand tankless water heater is usually much more efficient than comparably sized tank water heaters.
When selecting a new water heater for your home, you can typically choose from a number of different fuel types and efficiency levels. Gas and electric water heaters use these power sources to produce hot water directly. Solar water heaters are also an option for homeowners and businesses in Florida and can use direct circulation to deliver plenty of hot water for a variety of needs. The most efficient option for many homes and businesses, however, is a heat pump water heater. Rather than applying heat directly to water, your heat pump system extracts heat from outdoor air and concentrates it to heat water inside your home. This can save you money and can allow you to enjoy energy-efficient performance from your new water heating system.
Finding the Most Energy-Efficient and Practical Water Heater for Your Gainesville Home
Our friendly and knowledgeable plumbers can provide you with guidance and support in finding the right water heater for your needs. Some of the things to consider when choosing a new water heater include the following:
- The right size for the job: Selecting a water heater that is appropriately sized for your needs can ensure a steady supply of hot water for you and your family. Depending on the size of your household, you may need a 50 to 75-gallon tank system or a tankless system that can produce 8 to 10 gallons of hot water per minute. Our team will work with you to determine what size is most practical for you and your family.
- The right power source: If you already have electrical or gas hookups for a water heater, your plumber may recommend using the same fuel source to power your new water heater. Installing solar panels or a heat pump system can sometimes be an expensive proposition. If you are interested in long-term savings on energy costs, however, these types of water heaters could be a great investment in your home and your family’s future.
- The right savings on energy costs: Upgrading to an energy-efficient water heating system can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the life of your new water heater by lowering your utility costs month after month. ENERGY STAR offers ratings for water heaters that can allow you to compare your options and make the right decisions for your Gainesville home. Especially if you are currently experiencing high electrical or gas bills, an investment in solar-powered water heating systems or a new heat pump water heater could be a good financial decision for you and your family. Utility costs are generally going up. Taking steps now to reduce your energy use can save you money while ensuring that you have plenty of hot water for yourself and your family.
Balancing Cost With Efficiency and Performance
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we understand water heaters and can recommend reliable and practical solutions for you. If space is an issue, for instance, a tankless water heating system requires little or no floor space and can sometimes be mounted on a wall, inside a pantry, in a closet or even under a sink. This can be a real advantage for families living in cramped quarters or those without a basement or dedicated utility room. By contrast, tank heaters usually must be installed somewhere with reliable drainage and on level flooring. Gas water heaters must usually be installed close to the gas line. In some cases, however, a gas line can be installed to serve the area in which you want to place your water heater. While attic installations are sometimes performed for tank water heaters, this poses serious risks if a leak should occur. In general, basements and ground-floor installations are preferred for these water heating systems.
Trust the Professionals With Your Plumbing Needs
The friendly and knowledgeable plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offer the right solutions for your Gainesville, FL home or business. Whether you need a full replacement for the pipes in your home, a sump pump repair, an inspection for hidden leaks or a brand-new water heater, our team is here to help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our team of professional plumbers. We’re always here to help when you need us most.