Water heaters use up a lot of energy. Even those that are
meant to be conservative can make up a hefty part of your utility bill—about
25% of it, in fact. Since all water heaters will have an impact on your monthly
bills in one way or another, it’s important that you choose the right heater
for you and your household.
If you’re
looking for the perfect heater for your home, gas heaters are great places to
start your search. They tend to be moderately inexpensive to run and maintain,
as the newer models use a type of condensing technology to increase efficiency.
They also cost less to install in a large majority of cases.
Most people
prefer gas since they’re more economical to maintain. Unlike electric water
heaters, which are susceptible to spontaneous power outages, a gas heater will
continue to run during those times when the electricity is out. It’s also more
affordable to run on a month-to-month basis since most gas companies will offer
you rebates or tax breaks (assuming certain conditions are met). Before you buy
gas though, you’ll need to assess your current money situation and decide
whether or not the benefits and savings down the road are worth the larger
installation cost and larger gas line the gas companies want in order to give
you their savings.
In recent
years, gas water heaters have seen a lot of improvement thanks to more reliable
technology. Heat loss, which was a huge factor in older models, has been
reduced thanks to motorized dampers and thicker insulation in the newer models.
This allows you not to worry about burning out irksome extra parts, such as
fans or pumps, that are needed to keep other water heaters hot.
Gas water
heaters are designed to last an average of ten years before any problems arise.
As so, they are great cost effective units which can power any location, from a
budget home to a large and populated home. Since newer gas water heaters now
come with the option of being tankless, you don’t have to worry about your
money being wasted as the heater heats and reheats the stored water all day
long. Whether you’re looking to run many different appliances at the same time
or just need to replace your current heater for something more affordable,
there are gas water heaters out there that can cater to your needs.
Before you
start scouting out a new gas water heater, you’ll want to consider the
dimensions of your home. Will the heater be placed in a basement, attic, or
garage? Gas heaters need more space as they often heat using a pilot light, so
cramming this heater in a tight space could result in a fire or explosion. To
make sure you save on the initial installation cost, double check to see if you
have the right plumbing and wiring in place.
Research
plenty of different models to find the one that will best fit in your budget
and in your home. Be a smart shopper and read the reviews before buying!
If you're looking to buy a new gas water heater but aren't sure where to start, click on the picture below to be redirected towards plumbersstock, my favorite trusted site for all things plumbing!
Until next
time,
Sam